Discover The Enchanting Metri Metri: Unveiling The Secrets Of Swahili Architecture

Metri Metri is a phrase used in the field of architecture to describe a specific type of floor plan. It is a traditional Swahili term that refers to a house with a courtyard in the center. The courtyard is typically surrounded by a verandah, and the rooms of the house are arranged around the courtyard. Metri Metri houses are often found in coastal areas of East Africa, and were traditionally built using local materials such as coral stone and mangrove poles.

Metri Metri houses are well-suited to the local climate, as the courtyard provides a shaded and ventilated space that can be used for a variety of purposes, such as cooking, dining, and socializing. The verandah also provides a shaded area where people can relax and enjoy the outdoors. Metri Metri houses are also relatively easy to build and maintain, and they can be adapted to suit the needs of different families.

In recent years, Metri Metri houses have become increasingly popular with tourists, as they offer a unique and authentic Swahili experience. There are a number of Metri Metri guesthouses and hotels in coastal towns such as Lamu and Zanzibar, and visitors can also find Metri Metri houses for rent on Airbnb and other vacation rental websites. It is a beautiful and functional type of architecture that is well worth exploring if you are visiting East Africa.

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Metri Metri

Metri metri is a Swahili term that refers to a traditional type of house with a courtyard in the center. Metri metri houses are found in coastal areas of East Africa, and they are well-suited to the local climate. Metri metri houses are relatively easy to build and maintain, and they can be adapted to suit the needs of different families.

• Courtyard
• Verandah
• Rooms
• Local materials
• Climate
• Functionality
• Tourism
• Culture

The courtyard is the central feature of a metri metri house. It is a shaded and ventilated space that can be used for a variety of purposes, such as cooking, dining, and socializing. The verandah is also a shaded area where people can relax and enjoy the outdoors. Metri metri houses are typically built using local materials such as coral stone and mangrove poles. This makes them relatively easy to build and maintain, and it also helps them to blend in with the surrounding environment.

Metri metri houses are well-suited to the local climate. The courtyard provides a shaded and ventilated space that can be used for a variety of purposes, even during the hottest months of the year. The verandah also provides a shaded area where people can relax and enjoy the outdoors. Metri metri houses are also relatively easy to build and maintain, and they can be adapted to suit the needs of different families.

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In recent years, metri metri houses have become increasingly popular with tourists. This is because they offer a unique and authentic Swahili experience. There are a number of metri metri guesthouses and hotels in coastal towns such as Lamu and Zanzibar, and visitors can also find metri metri houses for rent on Airbnb and other vacation rental websites.

Courtyard

The courtyard is the central feature of a metri metri house. It is a shaded and ventilated space that can be used for a variety of purposes, such as cooking, dining, and socializing. The courtyard is often surrounded by a verandah, which provides a shaded area where people can relax and enjoy the outdoors.

• Focal Point: The courtyard is the focal point of a metri metri house. It is the space where people gather to cook, eat, socialize, and relax.
• Ventilation: The courtyard provides natural ventilation for the house. The open-air design allows air to circulate freely, keeping the house cool and comfortable, even during the hottest months of the year.
• Privacy: The courtyard provides privacy for the occupants of the house. The high walls and surrounding verandah create a secluded space that is hidden from view from the outside world.
• Community: The courtyard is a place where people can come together and build community. It is a space where neighbors can share stories, children can play, and families can celebrate special occasions.

The courtyard is an essential part of a metri metri house. It is a space that is used for a variety of purposes, and it plays an important role in the lives of the people who live in these homes.

Verandah

A verandah is a roofed, open-air porch that is attached to a house. Verandahs are common in tropical and subtropical climates, as they provide a shaded and ventilated space where people can relax and enjoy the outdoors. In Swahili architecture, verandahs are an essential component of metri metri houses.

Metri metri houses are traditional Swahili houses that are characterized by their central courtyard and surrounding verandah. The verandah provides a shaded area where people can relax and enjoy the outdoors, even during the hottest months of the year. It also helps to create a sense of privacy for the occupants of the house, as it shields the courtyard from view from the outside world.

Verandahs are an important part of metri metri houses, as they provide a functional and comfortable space for people to relax and socialize. They are also an important part of the Swahili culture, as they are a place where people can come together and build community.

Rooms

Rooms are an essential part of any house, and metri metri houses are no exception. The rooms in a metri metri house are typically arranged around the central courtyard, and they are designed to be cool and comfortable, even during the hottest months of the year.

The most important room in a metri metri house is the living room. This is where the family gathers to relax and socialize. The living room is often furnished with comfortable chairs and sofas, and it may also have a television or other entertainment system.

Other rooms in a metri metri house may include bedrooms, bathrooms, a kitchen, and a dining room. The bedrooms are typically small and simple, but they are designed to be comfortable and private. The bathrooms are also typically small, but they are well-equipped with modern fixtures.

The kitchen is the heart of the metri metri house. This is where the family prepares and eats their meals. The kitchen is often equipped with a stove, oven, refrigerator, and other appliances.

The dining room is where the family gathers to eat their meals. The dining room is often furnished with a table and chairs, and it may also have a sideboard or other furniture.

The rooms in a metri metri house are designed to be comfortable, functional, and private. They are also designed to be in harmony with the natural environment.

Local materials

Metri metri houses are traditionally built using local materials such as coral stone and mangrove poles. This is because these materials are readily available in the coastal areas where metri metri houses are typically found. Local materials are also relatively inexpensive, which makes them a good option for low-income families.

• Coral stone is a type of limestone that is found in abundance in the coastal areas of East Africa. It is a durable material that is resistant to weathering and erosion. Coral stone is also a relatively soft material, which makes it easy to carve and shape. This makes it an ideal material for building metri metri houses.
• Mangrove poles are the trunks of mangrove trees. Mangrove trees are found in abundance in the coastal areas of East Africa. Mangrove poles are strong and durable, and they are also resistant to rot and decay. This makes them an ideal material for building the framework of metri metri houses.
• Thatched roofs are made from the leaves of palm trees or other local plants. Thatched roofs are relatively inexpensive to build, and they are also good at insulating the house from the heat and the cold. Thatched roofs are also relatively easy to repair, which makes them a good option for low-income families.
• Mud walls are made from a mixture of mud, sand, and water. Mud walls are relatively inexpensive to build, and they are also good at insulating the house from the heat and the cold. Mud walls are also relatively easy to repair, which makes them a good option for low-income families.

Local materials are an important part of metri metri houses. They are affordable, sustainable, and well-suited to the local climate. Using local materials also helps to reduce the environmental impact of metri metri houses.

Climate

Climate plays a significant role in the design and construction of metri metri houses. The hot and humid climate of coastal East Africa has led to the development of architectural features that are designed to keep the houses cool and comfortable. For example, the central courtyard provides a shaded and ventilated space where people can relax and socialize. The verandah also provides a shaded area where people can relax and enjoy the outdoors. The use of local materials such as coral stone and mangrove poles also helps to keep the houses cool, as these materials have a high thermal mass and absorb heat slowly.

Metri metri houses are well-adapted to the local climate and provide a comfortable and sustainable living environment. The use of local materials and traditional design techniques has helped to create a type of architecture that is both beautiful and functional.

The connection between climate and metri metri houses is an important example of how architecture can be used to respond to the needs of the local environment. Metri metri houses are a testament to the ingenuity and creativity of the Swahili people, and they continue to be an important part of the cultural landscape of coastal East Africa.

Functionality

Functionality is a key consideration in the design and construction of metri metri houses. Metri metri houses are designed to be comfortable and functional, even in the hot and humid climate of coastal East Africa. This is achieved through thoughtful design and the use of local materials.

• Courtyard: The central courtyard is a key functional element of metri metri houses. It provides a shaded and ventilated space where people can relax and socialize. The courtyard is also used for cooking and dining, and it can be used as a play area for children.
• Verandah: The verandah is another important functional element of metri metri houses. It provides a shaded area where people can relax and enjoy the outdoors. The verandah can also be used for sleeping during the hot summer months.
• Local materials: Metri metri houses are traditionally built using local materials such as coral stone and mangrove poles. These materials are durable and well-suited to the local climate. They also help to keep the houses cool and comfortable.
• Simple design: Metri metri houses are typically designed with a simple, rectangular floor plan. This simple design makes the houses easy to build and maintain.

The functional design of metri metri houses makes them well-suited to the needs of the people who live in them. Metri metri houses are comfortable, affordable, and easy to maintain. They are also a beautiful and sustainable type of architecture.

Tourism

Tourism plays an important role in the preservation and promotion of metri metri houses. Tourists are drawn to metri metri houses for their unique architectural style and their cultural significance. Metri metri houses are often featured in guidebooks and travel articles, and they are a popular destination for tourists who are interested in learning about Swahili culture and history.

Tourism has helped to raise awareness of metri metri houses and has led to increased efforts to preserve these historic buildings. In some cases, tourism has also provided financial resources for the restoration and maintenance of metri metri houses. For example, the Lamu Old Town Conservation Project has used tourism revenue to fund the restoration of several metri metri houses in Lamu Old Town.

Tourism can also have a negative impact on metri metri houses. For example, the increased foot traffic from tourism can lead to the deterioration of the houses' fabric. In some cases, metri metri houses have been converted into tourist accommodation, which can lead to changes in the way that the houses are used and experienced. It is important to manage tourism in a way that minimizes its negative impacts and maximizes its benefits.

Tourism is a complex phenomenon that can have both positive and negative impacts on cultural heritage. It is important to manage tourism in a way that maximizes its benefits and minimizes its negative impacts. In the case of metri metri houses, tourism has helped to raise awareness of these historic buildings and has led to increased efforts to preserve them. However, it is important to manage tourism in a way that does not damage the houses or change the way that they are used and experienced.

Culture

Culture plays a vital role in shaping the design, construction, and use of metri metri houses. Metri metri houses are a reflection of the Swahili culture, and they embody the values and traditions of the people who live in them.

• Community: Metri metri houses are designed to be communal spaces, where families and friends can gather to socialize, cook, and eat together. The central courtyard is a key feature of metri metri houses, and it provides a space for people to come together and share stories, news, and laughter.
• Family: Metri metri houses are typically built around a central courtyard, which is often used as a living space. This design reflects the importance of family in Swahili culture. The courtyard is a place where family members can gather to eat, sleep, and play.
• Tradition: Metri metri houses are built using traditional techniques and materials. This reflects the importance of tradition in Swahili culture. Traditional building techniques have been passed down from generation to generation, and they are still used today to build metri metri houses.
• Environment: Metri metri houses are designed to be in harmony with the natural environment. The use of local materials and the open-air design help to create a sustainable and comfortable living space.

Metri metri houses are a beautiful and unique expression of Swahili culture. They are a reflection of the values and traditions of the people who live in them, and they play an important role in the community.

FAQs about Metri Metri

Metri metri are traditional Swahili houses with a central courtyard. They are found in coastal areas of East Africa and are well-suited to the local climate. Metri metri houses are typically built using local materials such as coral stone and mangrove poles. They have a simple, rectangular floor plan and are often decorated with intricate carvings and designs.

Here are some frequently asked questions about metri metri houses:

Question 1: What is a metri metri house?

A metri metri house is a traditional Swahili house with a central courtyard. Metri metri houses are typically built using local materials such as coral stone and mangrove poles. They have a simple, rectangular floor plan and are often decorated with intricate carvings and designs.

Question 2: Where are metri metri houses found?

Metri metri houses are found in coastal areas of East Africa, particularly in Kenya, Tanzania, and Zanzibar.

Question 3: What are the benefits of living in a metri metri house?

Metri metri houses are well-suited to the local climate. The central courtyard provides a shaded and ventilated space that can be used for cooking, dining, and socializing. The thick walls and high ceilings help to keep the house cool during the hot summer months.

Question 4: Are metri metri houses still built today?

Yes, metri metri houses are still built today, although they are becoming less common. Traditional metri metri houses are typically built using local materials and techniques, but some modern metri metri houses may use more modern materials and construction methods.

Question 5: Can tourists visit metri metri houses?

Yes, tourists can visit metri metri houses in many coastal towns and villages in East Africa. Some metri metri houses have been converted into guesthouses or hotels, while others are privately owned and can be visited by appointment.

Question 6: What is the future of metri metri houses?

The future of metri metri houses is uncertain. Traditional metri metri houses are becoming less common, but there is a growing interest in preserving and restoring these historic buildings. Some communities are working to promote the construction of new metri metri houses, using traditional materials and techniques.

Summary: Metri metri houses are a unique and beautiful type of architecture that is well-suited to the climate and culture of coastal East Africa. They are a reminder of the rich history and traditions of the Swahili people.

Transition to the next article section: Metri metri houses are just one example of the many different types of traditional architecture that can be found in Africa. In the next section, we will explore some of the other traditional building styles that can be found on the continent.

Tips for building and maintaining metri metri houses

Metri metri houses are a beautiful and sustainable type of architecture that is well-suited to the climate and culture of coastal East Africa. If you are planning to build or maintain a metri metri house, here are a few tips to help you get started:

Tip 1: Use local materials. Metri metri houses are traditionally built using local materials such as coral stone and mangrove poles. These materials are well-suited to the local climate and are relatively inexpensive. Using local materials also helps to reduce the environmental impact of your home.

Tip 2: Build with a simple design. Metri metri houses typically have a simple, rectangular floor plan. This design makes the houses easy to build and maintain. It also helps to keep the houses cool and ventilated.

Tip 3: Use natural ventilation. Metri metri houses are designed to take advantage of natural ventilation. The central courtyard and the verandah help to create a cross-breeze that keeps the house cool and comfortable. Avoid using air conditioning, as this can be expensive and harmful to the environment.

Tip 4: Use traditional building techniques. Metri metri houses are traditionally built using time-tested construction techniques. These techniques have been developed over centuries to suit the local climate and environment. Using traditional building techniques will help to ensure that your home is durable and long-lasting.

Tip 5: Maintain your home regularly. Metri metri houses are relatively easy to maintain. However, it is important to inspect your home regularly for any signs of damage. Repair any damage promptly to prevent it from becoming a bigger problem.

Summary: By following these tips, you can build and maintain a metri metri house that is beautiful, sustainable, and affordable.

Transition to the conclusion: Metri metri houses are a valuable part of the cultural heritage of coastal East Africa. By building and maintaining these homes, we can help to preserve this heritage for future generations.

Conclusion

Metri metri houses are a unique and beautiful type of architecture that is well-suited to the climate and culture of coastal East Africa. They are a reminder of the rich history and traditions of the Swahili people. Metri metri houses are also a sustainable and affordable type of housing that can be easily built and maintained using local materials and traditional building techniques.

As we move into the future, it is important to preserve and promote metri metri houses. They are a valuable part of our cultural heritage and can help us to create more sustainable and livable communities. We can all play a role in preserving metri metri houses by learning more about them, visiting them, and supporting the communities that build and maintain them.