The examination of construction techniques of Muğla historic houses

Abstract

The aim of the study is to make contribution for better restorations by providing reliable and detailed information about their construction techniques and materials in traditional houses of historic urban site of Muğla. For this aim, the houses damaged and abandoned and therefore easily accessed, have been determined due to that they give way for a thorough examination of construction details which can not be observed when they are in sound conditions since they are covered with rendering materials.In addition to geographic and historic background of Muğla, architectural features of the houses and former efforts for the preservation of historic urban part are also evaluated in the light of previous studies. The examination has been carried out in terms of the details of constructional components such as, foundations, walls, floors, projections and the roofs of the houses. In addition, the properties of masonry materials which form the major portion of houses have also been determined through laboratory analyses.The evaluations, done in the light of survey results and previous studies, proved that the walls enclosed the houses in the north, east and west are built of stone masonry and combined use of infilled wood-frame which is called .hımış,. and stone masonry. It is seen that bağdadi technique is also employed beside hımış and composite systems.It can be deduced that, careful consideration of the topography of the land, the choice of proper construction techniques and materials accordingly yielded in earthquake resistant buildings and a unique historic environment in Muğla.