Mediterranean Architectural Heritage - RIPAM10 Materials Research Forum LLC

Materials Research Proceedings 40 (2024) 33-40 https://doi.org/10.21741/9781644903117-4

Adaptation of Traditional Construction Methods for a Sustainable

Transition of the Dwelling (Case of Riads in Fez and Hanoks in Seoul)
Rime EL HARROUNI1,3,a *, Iman BENKIRANE2,b , Vincent BECUE3,c
Euro-Mediterranean School of Architecture, Design and Urbanism, Euro-Mediterranean
1

University of Fez Institution, Morocco

Ecole Nationale d’Architecture de Rabat, BP 6372, Rabat Instituts, Rabat, Morocco
2

3
Faculty of Architecture and Urbanism, University of Mons, Belgium
a
[email protected], [email protected], [email protected]

Keywords: Riad, Fez, Hanok, Seoul, Socio-Cultural Transition, Patio, Space Quality,
Sustainable Transformation

Abstract. Significant initiatives have been carried out by certain Moroccan organizations
regarding safeguarding the Riads and Dars in Fez. Nevertheless, prior studies on the
rehabilitation and restoration of traditional houses have only addressed the structural elements and
thermal properties of the traditional environment, ignoring the spatial arrangement of the home
and how it might be modified to better suit the needs and practices of modern residents. In reality,
the production of newly effective technology involving structures and construction taking into
account qualitative performances of the traditional dwelling has yet to be satisfactory specifically,
as it is sparking a social discourse over the legitimacy of the traditional built design. This study
aims to investigate the dissolution of the traditional dwelling in the medina of Fez to the
degradation of the construction materials, and the safeguarding and rehabilitation Process of said
dwelling. The main problem would be to answer: How to find the balance between the old and
the new to provide a better quality of space? The defined method will take the form of a systemic
comparative approach with the Korean model of dwelling called Hanok, to identify the similarities
in terms of traditional methods of construction and the developed techniques used to transform
said dwelling. For the sustainable development of these traditional habitat models, we need to
establish specialized tools and a response plan for future Riads technology by comprehending
consumer needs through: ongoing research on green technology to assess the usefulness of
activities-oriented design in traditional homes and the improvement of natural materials in the
rehabilitation process. Overall, this research aims to develop a specific scientific approach to
transformation and adaptive reuse for sustainable habitability based on classifications of
behavioral factors, technical factors, and contextual factors.
Introduction
The act of demolishing and rebuilding is carried out for the sake of efficiency, safety, and
modernization. We might feel the need to reconstruct a building after a natural disaster or because
of its insalubrity and contextual localization in an endangered area or on lands deemed obsolete,
and inappropriate for modern life and the automobile. This demolition-reconstruction approach is
still used today by the National Agency for Urban Renewal (ANRU), the Agency for the
Development and Rehabilitation of the Medina of Fez (ADER), the Seoul Urban Solutions
Agency (SUSA), and other national governmental institutions to significantly modify
neighborhoods with a high concentration of low-income households and to upgrade and revitalize
them.
If the reasons for destroying are not lacking, simultaneously the act of transforming invites us
not to demolish but to think of sustainable ways to reuse and transform the traditional dwelling to

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Mediterranean Architectural Heritage - RIPAM10 Materials Research Forum LLC
Materials Research Proceedings 40 (2024) 33-40 https://doi.org/10.21741/9781644903117-4

accommodate new activities and answers to consumer’s current needs. Housing demands originate
from a combination of biological necessities/opportunities/restraints and complicated contextual
contexts in which the meaning and function of housing, and thus the notion of what quality living
is and what the essential conditions for quality living are, might change. This is due not only to the
fact that quality standards can differ (for example, in terms of the degree of insulation), but also to
the fact that housing has various uses and meanings, and thus quality can be judged using quite
different parameters [1].
In this research, we will be focusing on the Hanoks in Seoul and the Riads in Fez as two
examples of institutions from Korea and Morocco that have taken crucial initiatives to preserve
ancient dwellings. These days, the new lifestyles and altered household structures have caused the
traditional dwelling to lose its identity and significance, which has resulted in the abandonment of
Riads and Hanoks in favor of apartments and the degradation of those dwellings due to a lack of a
comprehensive plan for appropriate rehabilitation and revitalization. Therefore, before advancing
in an optic of transformation and reuse we have to tackle the traditional dwelling in terms of
prospection of the restoration materials and identifying the old ingenious ways of constructions
and new technologies that can be used to develop these models of habitat.
The method used is a comparative systemic approach based on the objective mode: The
reflection here is turned towards the composition of forms, construction materials, orders, the
topology of structures, spatial juxtaposition…
We will be focusing on the quality of space and comfort (thermal), sensorial perception…
This will help us identify the static physical and sensorial parameters of each model in their
traditional state such as natural materials and sustainable traditional techniques that reflect an
ingenious way of life and that we can upgrade with new technologies to solve thermal and
structural problems of today.
Joined Parameters between the traditional Riads and Hanoks:
Physical Parameters:
-In Fez, the craftsmen used two types of earth, one yellowish, taken from near the neighborhood,
in the place called 'Aïn Nuqbi, brought on the back of a donkey in baskets (Gwari), in dwarf palm,
the other in compact gray blocks, is bluish and comes from the neighboring hills of the city in the
direction of Sïdï Harazem. Once these large blocks of clay (Ndra) are transported, and crushed into
small blocks (tuba), the mixing is done following a natural process1 and after being impregnated
with water, the artisans can move on to kneading and mixing in the workshop [2].
After the molding and smoothing operations, the Mzehrya tiles are shaped on the surface and
polished and reworked to receive their final shape and are ready to be baked for the first firing
(Zellige).
The rectangular pieces of Bejmât are 14,5cm long by 5 cm wide and 2,5 cm thick, and used
mainly for paving patios following a process similar to the manufacture of Zellige. The difference
here lies in the mold that affects the rectangular truncated pyramid shape of the Bejmât.
To summarize, construction ceramics abound in traditional Dars and Riads from the Merinid
period, and they continue to play an important role in Fez today.

1
The crushed blocks of clay are discharged into a circular pit (zaba) dug into the ground in the shape of a cup with
the edges reinforced with large round pebbles as well as the bottom which is paved with pebbles. Water is then brought
in by means of metal pipes. On the wall opposite the water inlet and at ground level, a small channel leads the liquid
to this special pit of 2.20 m in diameter and 0.60 m in depth. While the water fills the basin, the mixture will stay like
this for one to two days, the time necessary for the pieces to disintegrate by themselves and be ready for kneading.

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Mediterranean Architectural Heritage - RIPAM10 Materials Research Forum LLC
Materials Research Proceedings 40 (2024) 33-40 https://doi.org/10.21741/9781644903117-4

The walls are either in Pisé, less than a meter wide, or in earthen-baked bricks, and 40cm thick.
The thickness and height of these walls provide good thermal inertia, which is important given the
temperature and weather properties of the region.
To reinforce these walls, Wooden chaining could be used the stringers are sometimes coated
with plaster to prevent crumbling due to humidity. Fig. 1 shows a section of Dar Lezrak with all
the decorative and structural elements found in a typical Riad in Fez.

Figure 1: Section of Riad Lezrak in Fez

In a similar way, the transformation of the natural soil using traditional techniques also becomes
part of the Hanoks construction process and depends on the condition of the soil. For sandy ground,
the existing soil is compacted with water, and in the case of clay soil, steel ash is sprinkled and
then compacted. If the distribution of soil particles or the proper input ratio of steel ash is quantified
and standardized using the plate-breaking technique, which is a Hanok foundation method, it
becomes possible to construct a foundation that is both nature-friendly and as strong as a concrete
foundation [3]
Soil is an ideal building material for Hanok construction because it has excellent humidity
control and ventilation, and is easily available.
Clay kiln-baked tiles were commonly utilized as roofing materials. For walls, Jeondol (전돌은)
was manufactured by baking easily accessible soil at a high temperature, making it robust and
resistant to fire and cold, thus compensating for a variety of drawbacks and inadequacies of the
primary building materials, wood, and stone. That way we could find two types of walls in Hanok,
simbyeok, and stone brick walls (Fig. 2). Other than aggregates, plastering the walls involves
raising lattices and applying fodder, chopped straw, combined with mud to prevent the mud wall
from splitting and makes it more adhesive [4].

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Mediterranean Architectural Heritage - RIPAM10 Materials Research Forum LLC
Materials Research Proceedings 40 (2024) 33-40 https://doi.org/10.21741/9781644903117-4

Figure 2: Types of walls in Hanoks

As for woodwork, in Hanoks, Cornerstones and flags receive almost all of the internal load,
while walls play the role of partitions receiving only a slight load. Roof tiles are a common
structural method. Three layers of flat roof tiles are laid, and round roof tiles are placed on top
followed by the one placed for the curved ridge. Two types of purlins are used: Square purlins
were used in lower-class homes and round ones were used in upper-class homes. As for round
columns, they were restricted from being used in common residences and were typically used in
royal palaces [5]. So here, we can see that there is a cultural and social significance even to the
materials and structural elements used.
Both models of dwellings also present an architectural design that has remained mostly
unchanged in terms of core shapes for several centuries and that responds to ornamentation
reflecting nature, using mostly geometric and floral repertory.
Overall, wood is responsible for structural resistance and holding the house's shape but is also
used in both models as a decorative element to emphasize the cultural aspect of each historical
context. Soil is reported to be used for roofs, walls, and floors to suit the needs of the living
environment. The roof soil is in charge of insulation and heat storage, the wall soil controls
humidity and deodorizes to create a pleasant and healthy living place, and the floor soil is mixed
with spheres to act as a heating function via thermal radiation. Stones and bricks are used as a
means to prevent fires from spreading from one residence to another [6].
Table 1 concludes all the natural materials used in both dwellings.
Table 1: Material and their area of use in both Riads and Hanoks

In both traditional dwelling models, the wooden structure defines the galleries and a hierarchical
organization of spaces that express sequence, rhythm, and openness traits.

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Mediterranean Architectural Heritage - RIPAM10 Materials Research Forum LLC
Materials Research Proceedings 40 (2024) 33-40 https://doi.org/10.21741/9781644903117-4

For Hanoks there is a specific unit for length and width called Kan of 간(間) that considers
human behavior and sensibility as a measure. The size of the 간(間), which is the basic concept
for all spatial arrangements in a Traditional Hanok, is 3x5=15 cheok (≒4.5m), and there are rules
of 3x6, 3x7, 3x8, depending on the status ( Fig. 3).

Figure 3: Concept of Kan간(間)

Here, the number 3 represents the number of heaven, earth, and human universes, and 5 is the
average human height. The cosmic number 3 and the human number 5 meet and become the basis
for building a house set as the middle universe. The basic module of the 간(間) is functional and
comfortable for human life and by juxtaposition to other modules it becomes a room and a house.
Unlike the Western spatial perception system, which perceives objects in space and the remaining
part is perceived as space, this concept of emptiness as a space is a traditional concept of dimension
that perceives space centered on humans.
In the Buddhist culture and following the idea of Lao-tzu (157–141 BC), space is not defined
only by walls that remain in a simple state of matter, nor is it defined by emptying that lacks
axiomatic benefits. By studying emptiness rather than filling the space, it can be made into a more
experiential and diverse space [7].
We find this rhythmic succession in the arcades composing the galleries of the riads, each time
defining a space around the patio (iwan, loggia…) (Fig. 4). Most of the time the arcade constitutes
an odd number but we can’t take this observation as a generality to see if there is deeper cultural
meaning behind it. But the resemblance with the Hanoks would reside in the balance between the
void and the matter, and the modularity of the spaces generated by the structure.

Figure 4: Type of Spatial organization around the Patio

The difference would be in the height and the number of floors constituting each dwelling.
The traditional Hanoks mostly have one floor because there was no solution in the past to
replicate the andol (natural floor heating) system in a second story.
Whereas Moroccan Riads could go up to three stories, each one usually accommodating a
generation of family.

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Mediterranean Architectural Heritage - RIPAM10 Materials Research Forum LLC
Materials Research Proceedings 40 (2024) 33-40 https://doi.org/10.21741/9781644903117-4

Sensorial Parameters:
For sensorial parameters, we will focus here on comparing the techniques in each model of
dwelling to provide thermal quality. In Moroccan Riads and especially during winter, walls and
roof ceilings should be coated with an additional thermal insulation layer of 50-30 mm using for
example wood wool or mineral wool [8]. Air penetration is another crucial component of comfort,
particularly day ventilation, which helps to enhance the interior temperature in the winter. The
Patio transforms a one or two-facade building into a four-solar orientation architecture. It provides
natural light, creates an open private space, and helps control the building's thermal behavior
(Fig.5)

Figure 5: Thermal properties of the Patio inside a Riad

Like in the Riads, the patio helps for cooling the space inside the Hanoks, but the additional
feature here would be the Ondol, This Korean floor heating system transfer the heat from the fire
of the furnace through the flue channel and warms the stone prop above, so that the heat reaches
the floor of the room (Fig. 6).

Figure 6: Traditional Korean Heating System (Ondol)

Current Rehabilitation and Revitalization Techniques for Riads and Hanoks:
Morocco has developed over the last decades a great experience in the field of the rehabilitation
and Reconversion of traditional architecture. Its experiences were, in most cases, initiated by the
Ministry of Culture within the framework of projects relating to World Heritage sites, and
monuments or buildings classified at the national level. However, it is generally more a heritage
approach of monumental restoration than a real revitalization [9]. That mostly involves restoring
the waterproofing of the roof terraces, changing the coating of the walls, replacing the floors and
certain load-bearing logs for the structure, and expanding some rooms to accommodate new
activities.
Among the architectural systems conceived to adapt to new ways of living, we can find some
new technologies added to the original traditional framework of the Hanok, to improve air

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Mediterranean Architectural Heritage - RIPAM10 Materials Research Forum LLC
Materials Research Proceedings 40 (2024) 33-40 https://doi.org/10.21741/9781644903117-4

ventilation, and entry of light while providing thermal insulation thanks to smart windows, roof
skylights, trusses, roof lightweight body [10]. Reinforcement of the wooden structure, as well as
creation of built-in wardrobes and variable wall alcoves as well as built-in storage in Maru
(wooden floor) to provide flexible use of space and storage as the family grows.
Table 2 shows the new techniques developed in the Korean Hanoks, which can serve as models
to implement in the Moroccan Riads.

Table 2: Necessary functions and new technologies developed in Hanoks.

Discussion of the Results and Conclusion:

While taking into account the different modes of comparative evaluation and the specific
characteristics of each traditional dwelling such as physical, behavioral, and sensorial parameters,
we find the common settings for Riads and Hanoks :
Riads are located in the historic medina of Fez, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Typically found in narrow, winding alleys and streets that are inaccessible to vehicles.
• Often located close to important landmarks, such as mosques, madrasas, and markets.
• Designed to be inward-facing, with a central courtyard and rooms surrounding it.
• Often feature geometric and floral decorative elements such as mosaics, intricate tile work,
and carved wood.
• Associated with Islamic cultural tradition.
Hanoks are Located in traditional Korean neighborhoods in Seoul, such as Bukchon Hanok
Village and Namsangol Hanok Village.
• Often located on hillside locations with views of the surrounding landscape.
• Typically designed with an inward-facing courtyard or garden.
• Built using natural materials such as wood, stone, and soil, and often feature a tiled roof.
• Often feature geometric and floral decorative elements such as roof tile, woodwork, and
furniture.
• Associated with Confucian and Buddhist traditions.

Although there are some variations in construction methods and structural design, Hanoks in
Seoul and Riads in Fez Medina both aim to create a quiet, private area in the middle of a busy
metropolitan setting, and they frequently include natural and mineral features like gardens and

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Mediterranean Architectural Heritage - RIPAM10 Materials Research Forum LLC
Materials Research Proceedings 40 (2024) 33-40 https://doi.org/10.21741/9781644903117-4

fountains/streams. Additionally, they both place a high priority on maintaining traditional

architectural designs and cultural traditions.
Both housing styles have multipurpose rooms that allow the space to adapt to changing demands
and activities as well as the inhabitant's future needs.
Both have an inward-facing layout with open spaces like the patio and Daecheong that offer
cover during the hot summer months to keep the house cool while using natural heating sources
during winter.
The two habitat models honor the idea of intimacy and gender segregation by restricting the
Riad's external apertures and offering a wing specifically for women (Anchae/안채), which is
located far from the Hanok's main entrance.
The following measures were taken to enhance the traditional homes' sensory quality:
-Lengthening the structure along the axis that runs parallel to the north and south façades.
-North-south orientation, or the long axis from east to west, is advised for buildings.
-Moderating the openings' size to a medium range, 25–40% of the total wall surface.
-Upgrading the insulation in the walls and roof and suggesting lightweight or low-temperature
alternatives for these building components.
To improve the physical aspect of the traditional dwellings observed:
-Improved construction techniques, including seismic reinforcement and bracing elements
-Develop a modular structure for flexible spatial composition and activities
-Innovative use of architectural elements of the dwelling for storage
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