Frederick the Architect

Vernacular architecture

The documentation and preservation of vernacular architecture has been a focus of my career as an Architect.  My practice in New England included both the restortion of high style buildings and the adaptation of more utilitarian structures for new uses.  This interest has now been transfered to Italy and initially the region of Le Marche where I have recently completed the restoration of a simple farm house ( " casa colonica" ).  My attention was initially drawn to the beautiful hay barns ( "i fianili" ) located in the countryside bordering the Monti Sibilini.

Many of these barns are found on white roads ( "strade bianche" ) in isolated rural locations  although a few are located on the fringes of small villages and towns.  Most are not used for their original purpose since bailing techniques and larger farm sizes have rendered them obsolete.  

The buildings are generally constructed of local stone and located so the open end faces due south to facilitate drying.  A central stone pier supports a wood ridge beam ( "la trave" ) on which rest secondary beams which in turn support smaller beams ( "i braccioli " ) which  support the roof tiles ( "le tegole" ) .

My objective will be to document these buildings and to encourage their appropriate restoration and reuse.