Understanding Traditional Spanish Village House Construction

Traditional Spanish village houses in Axarquía were built using centuries-old methods and local materials. Understanding this construction helps you appreciate both their charm and their challenges when renovating.

Timeline and Evolution

Most village houses in Axarquía date from 1800s-1950s, with some earlier examples. Construction methods remained remarkably consistent until the mid-20th century when modern materials and techniques appeared.

Pre-1900: Traditional Methods

Stone walls, lime mortar, wooden beams, terracotta tiles. Every material sourced locally. No damp-proofing, minimal insulation, small windows.

1900-1950: Gradual Modernization

Some use of cement, introduction of larger windows, occasional use of steel reinforcement. But fundamentally still traditional construction.

1950s-1970s: Transition Period

Cement becomes standard, concrete lintels replace wooden ones, some properties get basic damp-proofing. Mix of traditional and modern techniques.

Post-1980: Modern Construction

Modern materials, building codes, damp-proofing, insulation. These properties renovate more like UK houses.

Traditional Materials and Methods

Foundations

Traditional approach: Often minimal or non-existent. Houses built directly on bedrock or compacted earth. Some properties have shallow stone foundations, but many simply start with ground floor walls.

Why this matters: No damp-proof membrane between ground and structure. Ground moisture rises directly into walls – the cause of most damp problems.

External Walls

Materials: Locally quarried stone (varies by area – schist in some villages, sandstone in others) or adobe (sun-dried mud bricks)

Thickness: Typically 40-60cm (16-24 inches). Thick walls provide thermal mass – cool in summer, retain warmth in winter.

Mortar: Lime-based traditional mortar. This is "breathable" – allows moisture to evaporate. Modern cement mortar can trap moisture and damage traditional walls.

Why this matters: When repointing or repairing, using appropriate lime mortar is essential. Cement mortar looks fine initially but causes long-term problems.

Internal Walls

Load-bearing: Often single-thickness stone or thick adobe

Partition walls: Sometimes thin adobe or even reed and plaster construction

Why this matters: Not all walls can be removed. Load-bearing walls need proper structural assessment and support if being altered.

Floors

Ground floor: Traditionally earth or stone flags, later simple concrete slabs. Often laid directly on earth with no damp-proof membrane.

Upper floors: Wooden joists (usually chestnut or pine) spanning between walls, topped with boards or terracotta tiles set in mortar.

Why this matters: Wooden floor structures need inspection for rot, woodworm, and structural soundness. Ground floor slabs without damp-proofing contribute to overall moisture problems.

Roofs

Structure: Wooden beams (usually large chestnut or pine logs, roughly finished) supporting smaller wooden joists

Covering: Traditional curved terracotta tiles (tejas) laid in two layers – under-tiles and over-tiles

Insulation: None originally. Some later properties have reed matting under tiles

Why this matters: Roof structures need regular inspection. Terracotta tiles last decades but crack with age or shift with structural movement. Minimal insulation means significant heat gain in summer.

Windows and Doors

Windows: Originally small (to keep interiors cool) with simple wooden frames and shutters. No double glazing, often single-glazed until recently.

Doors: Heavy wooden construction, often locally made

Why this matters: Small windows limit natural light. Enlarging them requires structural considerations and may need permits in historic villages.

Plaster and Finishes

Internal plaster: Lime-based, often quite rough by modern standards

External render: Lime render, traditionally whitewashed annually

Why this matters: Traditional lime finishes are breathable. Covering with modern waterproof paints can trap moisture. Lime-based paints are preferable for traditional properties.

Why Houses Were Built This Way

Climate Adaptation

Thick walls: Thermal mass keeps interiors cool in summer
Small windows: Reduce solar heat gain
Whitewash: Reflects heat
High ceilings: Heat rises away from living level (where present)

Material Availability

Everything used was sourced within walking distance. Stone from local quarries, timber from nearby forests, lime from local kilns, terracotta made in regional workshops.

Building Skills

Construction was skilled labor, but not specialized professions in modern sense. Knowledge passed through generations. Quality varied based on builder skill and property owner wealth.

Common Features of Traditional Houses

Thick External Walls Tapering Upward

Ground floor walls are thickest, upper floors slightly thinner. This provides stability and was economical with materials.

Exposed Beams

Internal beams often left exposed – partly aesthetic, partly practical (easier than ceiling construction).

Irregular Room Shapes

Houses built incrementally or following hillside topography have quirky layouts. Few rooms are perfectly rectangular.

Multiple Floor Levels

Village houses on slopes often have half-levels or split-levels following the terrain.

Minimal Services

Plumbing and electricity added later, often routed externally or in surface conduits. Original houses had no bathrooms – added as extensions or converted from storage.

Strengths of Traditional Construction

Durability: Many houses are 150+ years old and structurally sound
Climate performance: Thick walls and ventilation work well for Mediterranean climate
Character: Exposed beams, thick walls, traditional materials create authentic atmosphere
Repairable: Traditional materials can be repaired using traditional techniques

Challenges of Traditional Construction

Damp problems: No damp-proofing means moisture issues are almost inevitable
Limited natural light: Small windows make interiors dark
Structural unknowns: Hidden timber condition, concealed cracks, unknown foundation quality
Modern services difficult: Thick walls complicate plumbing, electrical, heating installation
Energy efficiency: No insulation, single glazing, air leakage mean high heating costs
Maintenance needs: Traditional materials require appropriate maintenance techniques

What This Means for Renovation

Damp Treatment Is Usually Essential

Without original damp-proofing, retrofitting moisture control is typically necessary for comfortable year-round living.

Structural Changes Need Expertise

Thick load-bearing walls can't be altered without proper assessment and support.

Services Routing Requires Planning

Modern bathrooms and kitchens need plumbing and electrics. Routing through thick stone walls requires careful planning.

Appropriate Materials Matter

Using modern materials inappropriately (cement mortar on lime walls, non-breathable paints) causes problems. Traditional materials need traditional repairs where possible.

Character Preservation vs Modernization

The challenge is modernizing functionality while preserving features that make these houses special.

Hidden Surprises During Renovation

Traditional construction hides issues until renovation begins:

Wattle and daub internal walls discovered when removing plaster
Wooden beam ends rotted from damp, though beams look fine
Rubble fill in thick walls (stone exterior/interior with loose rubble between)
Previous repairs using inappropriate modern materials
Structural movement causing cracks concealed by multiple plaster/paint layers

Working With Traditional Construction

Respect What's There

Traditional methods survived because they work. Don't dismiss them as "old-fashioned" – they're climate-adapted and proven.

Use Appropriate Materials

Lime mortar for lime-built walls. Breathable paints for traditional finishes. Don't trap moisture with modern waterproof layers.

Expect the Unexpected

Traditional buildings hide secrets. Budget contingency for discoveries during renovation.

Work With Experienced Builders

Renovating traditional properties requires understanding their construction. Not all builders have this knowledge.

Traditional Spanish village houses are marvels of vernacular architecture – built with local materials using time-tested methods. Understanding their construction helps you appreciate their strengths, anticipate their challenges, and renovate them sympathetically. They're not "just old houses" – they're climate-adapted, durable structures that, with appropriate care, will last centuries more.