Research Information System
Eight Annual Construction History Society Conference, Cambridge, England, 27 - 28 August 2021, pp.339-346
As with any other
architectural characteristic of the Turkish house, the structural system was also
transformed throughout the years. In accordance with the effects of western
styles on residential buildings, special importance was devoted to exterior decoration after the 19th century. The visual meaning of the
structural system lost its significance especially in Istanbul because they
were enveloped and became non-visible to the users. Gradually, the system
became lighter. During the last period of the Ottoman Empire, timber frame without
any infill was the preferred construction method for the wooden houses of
Istanbul. This system provides the possibility to build light, economic, practical, and speedy solutions. Open areas and windows increased in size and number. Traditional
knowledge about the material for ages, easiness of supply, earthquake threats and cultural habits contributed to the intense popularity of the usage of timber structures in residential buildings. Generally, timber frames are
erected above a brick masonry basement and/or ground floor. Main load-bearing
elements usually have square-alike sections and they were supported by diagonal braces
to provide rigidity. Additionally, thinner horizontal and vertical elements are
placed at the gaps between load-bearing posts to keep the balance. Wooden
joints were always strengthened with metal nails.
In this presentation, the timber
frame structure of the houses, which were built in Istanbul during the last period
of the Ottoman Empire will be explained in detail. Moreover, their fixing and
joint techniques, as well as the exterior and interior surfaces, and claddings,
will briefly be mentioned. The statements are mainly based on the site
investigations and measurements of numerous authentic elements from the timber
houses built between the late 19th century and early 20th
century, but also the published data, mainly school books or lecture notes of
the related period, are used to support the findings. Sizes of the structural
elements and the gaps will be given to provide an objective comparison. The
relationship between the developments in the structural system with westernization will be discussed.