PROJECT SUMMARY
Project title: Traditional facade renewal through community engagement
Focus area/objective: Culture and Common Identity,Establishing and fostering cooperation among municipalities, regions, and local groups through common cultural activities
IMPLEMENTATION PERIOD: 01/06/2025–31/10/2026
Short description of the project:
The project unites NGO-s, local communities, construction professionals and volunteers to renovate village facades using traditional techniques. It organizes annual events focused on earthen and architecture, fostering cultural exchange in V4 countries. Project participants will contribute to the success of the Save The Barns Festival and present at the Healthy Houses Conferences in 2025 and 2026.
PROJECT RELEVANCE AND CONTEXT
2.1 What is the main issue that your project would like to focus on? What is the current situation that you wish to change?
The traditional architecture of Slovakia, Hungary, and the Czech Rep. shares numerous similarities, particularly within rural areas where vernacular and folk architecture have developed in response to local climate, materials, and social conditions. These countries, located in Central Europe, have a long history of shared cultural and historical influences, leading to common architectural features that reflect their connected pasts. When we focus on folk architecture specifically, several key similarities emerge, including the use of natural materials, craftsmanship techniques, and the adaptation to local environments. In all three countries, traditional folk architecture faces challenges from modernization and urbanization. The condition of rural facades in the Visegrad countries varies, with many traditional buildings in poor condition due to aging, neglect, and environmental factors. Rural areas face depopulation, leading to abandoned houses and the replacement of traditional materials with modern ones. There is a lack of expertise in traditional construction techniques like clay and straw bale building. The renovation of traditional buildings in the Visegrad countries faces several challenges: 1) Lack of funding, as restoration can be costly and local communities often cannot afford it. 2) Technical difficulties in meeting modern energy efficiency standards. 3) Lack of skilled workers and expertise in traditional construction techniques like clay and straw bale building. 4) Low public awareness about the value of sustainable building practices and traditional houses.
2.2 What should be done to address this issue/problem? How does your project contribute to the solution?
To tackle neglected traditional buildings and rural depopulation, our project focuses on restoring vernacular facades through community-driven efforts, fostering local pride and reviving traditional craftsmanship. We will organize or co-organise annual events in the 3 partnering countries in Cenral-Europe, where teams of 4-6 participants, including construction professionals, students, and volunteers, restore 5-7 facades over 3-5 days using sustainable techniques. Participants will learn traditional construction methods like clay and straw bale building, addressing the shortage of skilled workers and increasing public awareness about the value of preserving cultural heritage. By offering training and encouraging the revival of nearly forgotten building techniques, the project empowers local residents and strengthens community cohesion. This initiative aligns with our commitment to sustainable construction and promotes collaboration among local governments, property owners, and villagers. Project partners contribute to the Save The Barns Festivals, focused on restoring barns using traditional methods, and will be presenting at the Healthy Houses Conferences in 2025 and 2026. These events offer platforms to share knowledge, promote sustainable practices, and foster international cooperation. Through these efforts, the project aims to create positive change, revitalize cultural heritage, encourage sustainable practices, and contribute to the social and economic development of rural areas, ensuring that traditional techniques are preserved and applied for future generations.
2.3. What added value does your project bring to the already existing practices? What is the innovative element in your proposal?
The project adds value by addressing the preservation of cultural heritage, community revitalization, and sustainable development. It focuses on renovating traditional village facades in the Visegrad countries, highlighting the importance of traditional buildings as vital elements of national heritage. By restoring these structures, the project preserves local identities and cultural legacies for future generations. The renovation also revitalizes rural communities, attracting tourists, young families, and new residents, fostering social cohesion, and supporting sustainable tourism. It integrates energy-efficient solutions with traditional materials, promoting environmentally sustainable construction practices. The project further revitalizes traditional craftsmanship, offering personal growth and creativity, while preserving nearly forgotten trades. This approach combines cultural preservation with sustainability, making the proposal innovative by blending the necessary restoration with traditonal, eco-friendly practices. It stands out by connecting heritage conservation with community building and environmental sustainability.
