Traditional Architecture in the Central-Northern Mediterranean Region: Tectonics and Typological Analysis of Traditional Mut Houses

Abstract

Architectural tectonics is a crucial starting point for comprehending traditional houses in terms of their form and usage. The components of land use, material use and construction technique, and plan layout, which reveal "tectonic integrity," are the criteria that are considered. This study employs the typology method to question the tectonics of traditional housing architecture located in the central northern part of the Mediterranean Region, specifically through the example of Mut Houses in Mersin province. The typology study has facilitated the identification and quantification of the diverse array of architectural solutions and details that are characteristic of the region. Mut is a medium-sized district situated in the mountainous parts of the Central Taurus Mountains, with a settlement history dating back to the Roman Period. The fact that microclimatic conditions impact the supply of materials and construction techniques, and the cultural context influences the use of land, garden, and space, ensures that traditional Mut houses possess a distinct appearance in this region. Regrettably, these houses, which contain important details of the region, are at risk of extinction. This article documents the tectonic values of traditional Mut houses and conducts a typological analysis of them.