An overview of traditional Georgian architecture - Part 1, Introduction + Adjaran architecture

Introduction

Traditional architecture is passed down by people who have lived in an area isolated for a long time. Throughout their existence in this land, these people would have learnt how to build most efficiently in accordance with their lifestyle and the climate they inhabit. They would have also picked up the skills to make buildings that are beautiful as well as practical and developed a unique sense of aesthetics. This is an architectural style that incorporates the local resources, culture and lifestyle. There are a great many different forms of traditional architecture in Georgia. 

Adjaran architecture

This style of building is common in the SW of Georgia. It is spread across all of Adjara, parts of West Samtskhe and parts of Southern Guria. The Adjaran house can be further subdivided into smaller groups. These being the Lazi group, The Northwestern group and the Adjaran group. I have gathered these classification terms from the book called "ადამია, ილია - ქართული ხალხური ხუროთმოძღვრება : აჭარა" (Georgian folk architecture: Adjara by Ilia Adamia).

1) "Lazi group" (Batumi, Keda and Kobuleti districts of Adjara)

The Lazi subgroup is named after the Lazi people (A closely related ethnic group to the Georgians) who live in SW Adjara and NE Turkey. However, this way of building is also found in Adjaran (Georgian) areas of Adjara as well. This form of building bears a resemblance to the different forms of vernacular architecture in NE Turkey. Particularly those found in the coastal parts of the Artvin, Rize and Trabzon regions. 

A house from Chakvistavi village built using a wooden frame filled with stones.

A house from Zundagi village built using the stone "cell" technique

A house from Zundagi village built using the stone "cell" technique.

A house in an unknown location made with a wooden frame filled with bricks.

A house from Dzentsmani village, Adjara

A house from Dandalo village, Adjara

The construction of these houses generally follows this formula. A thick stone foundation, basement and sometimes first floor. The first floor and second floor is made using wooden planks or is constructed of a wooden frame made of small "cells" filled with individual stone blocks or a wooden frame filled with bricks or stones. The roof is made using clay tiles. The layout of the house consists of a basement used for general storage, as a wine cellar or space for drying fruits etc. The first and second floors consist of residential spaces. The planning of the residential areas of the house usually centres around the main living area (family hall) or connecting hallway. The outer buildings on the farmsteads are not particularly notable other than the Serenti. The Serenti is a small wooden storage space made on tall, thick wooden pillars with large stone or wooden top pieces that prevent rodents from climbing up. Similar structures are found in Northern Turkey and in other parts of Georgia.

Plan of a house from Sarpi village, Adjara

Plan of a house from Sarpi village, Adjara

A house from Gonio village, Adjara

Plan of a "Serenti" storage unit from Gonio village, Adjara

Plan of a house from Vaio village, Adjara

2) "Adjaran group"  (Keda and Khulo districts of Adjara, West Meskheti and the Chkhakoura valley in Guria)

The Adjaran subgroup is named after the geographical area of Georgia in which this style of architecture is most common. Similar styles of building are found in neighbouring Artvin, Turkey. The Adjaran house, compared to the Lazi-type house, uses a lot more wood. These houses are sometimes constructed nearly wholly with wood. The Adjaran-type house is generally constructed with a fully stone foundation or partially wooden and stone foundation. A basement constructed with stone, wooden plank or log walls. The first and second floors are constructed with wooden plank or log walls. And the roof is made with wooden shingles. The basement is used to shelter animals or as general storage. The upper floors are used as residential areas and have a plan that is centred around a cross-shaped hallway. Unlike the Lazi-type house, there is a much more common use of balconies that wrap around the first floor of Adjaran-type houses.

Houses from Ghorjomi village, Adjara

A house from Chechla village, Samtskhe

Plan of a house from Kedlebi village, Adjara

Plan of a house from Didachara village, Adjara

Fireplace details from Didachara village, Adjara

Ceiling details from Didachara village, Adjara

Plan of a house from Pachkha village, Adjara

Plan of a barn from Pachkha village, Adjara

A food storage structure from Pachkha village, Adjara

A house from Chkhakhoura village, Guria

Food storage structures from Zoti village, Guria

3) "North Western group" (Kobuleti district)

The northwestern subgroup of Adjaran architecture is a transitional type between the Lazi subgroup and the oda house (The oda house is the predominant house type in Guria, Abkhazia, Samegrelo and Imereti) . Sometimes these houses verge nearer to the oda house whilst other times they look more like the Lazi house. However, they never fit perfectly into either of the categories. NW Adjaran houses are usually constructed on a stone foundation or stone/wooden supports. Sometimes there is a stone basement. The first floor is constructed using wooden planks. The roof is constructed with clay tiles. 

A house from Leghva village, Adjara

A house from Kakuti village, Adjara

A house from Achkvistavi village, Adjara

A house from Achkvistavi village, Adjara

Sources:

Illustrations - From the book "ქართული ხალხური ხუროთმოძღვრება : აჭარა"

Photos - Various posts on websites. Some of the watermarks show the source. I do not take credit for any of these photos. All credit goes to the websites and authors.