DEPARTMENT OF ARCHITECTURE

FACULTY OF CIVIL ENGINEERING

ETHIOPIAN HISTORY OF ARCHITECTURE
HIDMO HOUSE

ELSHADAY MAREGA 0929\13

MELAT ALEMAYEHU 1695\13
TATENUF KEBEDE 2352\13

SUBMITTED TO MR KONNO
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2016 E.C
Contents
1. Background study .............................................................................................. 1
1.1 Introduction ...................................................................................................... 1
1.2 Problem statement .......................................................................................... 2
1.3 Objective of the study ...................................................................................... 2
2. Theoretical framework....................................................................................... 3
2.1. Operational Definitions .......................................................................................3
2.2. Theoretical Debates ........................................................................................ 4
3. Study method .................................................................................................... 6
3.1. Description of Study Area ............................................................................... 6
3.2. Choice of Study Method .....................................................................................7
4. Data presentation....................................................................................................7
4.1. Type and characteristics of hidmo house............................................................7
4.2. The construction Techniques of the hidmo house ............................................10
The Transformation of the hidmo house.............................................................. 14
Conclusion ........................................................................................................ 16
REFERENCES ..................................................................................................... 17

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1.Background study

1.1 Introduction
In Tigray, Ethiopia, there are two major types of traditional house. One is a conically
roofed circular house, and the other is a flat-roofed rectangular house; specifically, the roof is
slightly sloped, and a circular shaped plan is sometimes found as discussed below. The focus of
this paper is the latter building type referred to as hidmo, which consists of masonry walls,
timber pillar(s) and beams, ceilings of wooden planks between the beams, and a roof-top
structure of hard- packed muds. From the archaeological survey in Hawelti, approximately 10km
southeast of Aksum, it is estimated that hidmo had already appeared in the late first millennium
B.C.

Hidmo houses are distributed through Southeastern, Eastern and several parts of Central
Tigray, and the adjacent area of the Eritrean highlands. There is a typical hidmo house plan in
each province, though it differs depending on the provincial areas.

Although the studies on hidmo have not advanced much since the explanatory
description by Naigzy (1971), there are several important studies in the literature. For
example, Lyons analyzed the role of hidmo as active political locales in the local community
(2007) and the gendered division of labor in constructing hidmo (2009). Bauer (1977) discussed
the hidmo house in relation to household organization. The author also recently analyzed the
process of material collection and planning of hidmo (Shimizu et al in press-1), and the
traditional techniques and local knowledge on hidmo from the perspective of the construction
process (Shimizu et al evaluating review3 l). However, the basic issues of hidmo house such as
typical parcel layout, house plan, and building elements have not been adequately discussed.

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 1.2 Problem statement
There are several potential problems associated with Tigray hidmo house these may
include Lack of durability because the buildings are often constructed using local and easily
accessible materials, which may not be as durable or long- lasting as modern construction
materials. This can lead to issues such as structural instability, decay, and vulnerability to natural
disasters. Most hidmo houses are made of wood and mud, have cracked walls, leaking roofs and
dirt floors. Other problems could include inadequate insulation resulting in poor energy
efficiency and increased heating or cooling costs, or limited functionality could also be a
challenge by restricting the functionality of the building for modern lifestyle. Apart from the
above problems stated we have also observed other problems like lack of standardization, limited
adaptability, cultural preservation challenges and accessibility issues.

1.3 Objective of the study

The objective of this paper is to clarify the typical parcel layout, spatial components of
typical hidmo house, and building elements of hidmo house in Inderta, based on the basic
knowledge of the local building materials, concretely stones and woods. On the basis of that, the
hierarchy of the traditional house is discussed in association with building construction methods,
plans, and materials. Clarification of the typical parcel layout and spatial components of typical
hidmo house is concerned with the understanding of local lifestyle. Making glossary of each
building and space in the parcel and each space in the building is helpful to understand the role
or function of each building and space, and spatial needs of the local daily life. On the other
hand, clarification of building elements of hidmo house is concerned with more technical issues.
By resolving building structure into its constituent elements and making glossary of each of them,
the way to use and assemble materials is clarified. Availability of building materials is a key
background of the traditional house. Therefore, the status of principal materials of hidmo house,
namely stones and woods, is firstly reviewed in this paper. This basic knowledge is helpful to
understand building elements of hidmo house and hierarchy of the traditional house in the
targeted area. The resulted outcomes are the fundamentals to understand hidmo house in Inderta.
They provide the essential and basic information to protect and promote the hidmo house as the
cultural heritage. Furthermore, they give hints to search for the potentials to design locally
desirable living environment and to consider local building culture in the future.

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2. Theoretical framework
In this research we have taken cultural context, environmental sustainability, socio economic
implications, design principles and construction techniques, andaccessibility and preservation.

Cultural context: in this component it focuses on understanding the cultural, historical, and social
factors that shape the hidmo house. It explores how local traditions, customs, and beliefs
influence the design and construction of the tigrian traditional house.

Design principles and construction techniques: This component explores the design principles,
construction techniques, and materials used in the hidmo house. It examines how these elements
are influenced by local resources, climate, and cultural practices.

Preservation and adaptive reuse: This component focuses on the preservation, restoration, and
adaptive reuse of the hidmo house. It considers strategies for maintaining the historical and
cultural significance of these houses while accommodating contemporary needs and functions.

Accessibility and inclusivity: This component addresses the accessibility and inclusivity of the
hidmo houses. It examines how these houses can be designed to accommodate people with
diverse abilities and promote social equity.

2.1. Operational Definitions

Tigray: The Tigray Region, officially the Tigray National Regional State, is thenorthernmost
regional state in Ethiopia

Eucalyptus: Eucalyptus is a genus of more than 700 species of flowering plants inthe family
Myrtaceae.

Inderta: Enderta (Tigrinya: እንደርታ) is one of the Districts of Ethiopia or woredasin the Tigray
Region of Ethiopia.

Af-gebela: AF meaning "mouth" and gebera meaning "parcel of land"

Bet-meadi: bit meaning "house" and meadi meaning "the state that food is ready".Endifti ; poles

that support the wooden bar ceilings and the soil roof.

Medhe bench :

midri-bet : some parts of Tigray, the central apsce of the floor with entrance doorof the house
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Tsebidi: Junipers

awli'i:olive

2.2. Theoretical Debates

The theoretical debate surrounding hidamo house encompasses various aspects, including its
cultural significance, sustainability, adaptation to modern needs, and the preservation of
traditional techniques and aesthetics. Let's delve into some of these debates:

 Cultural Significance: hidamo house hold immense cultural significance as it represents the
identity, values, and traditions of the diverse ethnic groups and regions within Ethiopia.
Some scholars argue that preserving and promoting vernacular architecture is essential for
maintaining cultural heritage and fostering a sense of community pride and belonging.
They emphasize the unique architectural elements, construction techniques, and decorative
motifs that contribute to the distinctiveness of Ethiopian vernacular houses.

 Adaptation to Modern Needs: The transformation of hidamo house raises questions about
how traditional architectural forms and techniques can be adapted to meet contemporary
needs. Some argue for a balance between preserving cultural heritage and introducing
modern amenities, functionality, and spatial requirements. This adaptation can involve
incorporating modern materials, technology, and infrastructure into the construction
process while still maintaining the essence of traditional design principles.

 Sustainability and Environmental Considerations: With the growing focus on

sustainability and environmental consciousness, there is a debate about the role of
Ethiopian vernacular architecture in promoting sustainable practices. Advocates for
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 vernacular architecture argue that the use of locally sourced and renewable materials,
passive design strategies, and vernacular construction techniques can contribute to energy
efficiency, natural resource conservation, and reduced carbon footprint. They believe that
vernacular architecture can be a model for sustainable and climate-responsive building
practices.

 Preservation and Documentation: The preservation and documentation of Ethiopian

vernacular architecture are central to the debate. As modernization accelerates, there is
a risk of losing traditional construction techniques, architectural styles, and
knowledge associated with vernacular houses. Some argue for the urgent need to
document and preserve traditional practices before they disappear. Additionally, efforts
to restore and conserve historic vernacular buildings are important for maintaining
cultural continuity and promoting tourism.

Community Involvement and Empowerment: An important aspect of the debate concerns

the involvement of local communities in the design, construction, and maintenance of
vernacular houses. Advocates argue that empowering communities to actively participate
in decision-making enhances social cohesion, ownership, and sustainability. Community-
led approaches can ensure that vernacular architecture remains relevant, and regions
within Ethiopia. Some scholars argue that preserving and promoting vernacular
architecture is essential for maintaining cultural heritage and fostering a sense of
community pride and belonging. They emphasize the unique architectural elements,
construction techniques, and decorative motifs that contribute to the distinctiveness of
Ethiopian vernacular houses.

 Adaptation to Modern Needs: The transformation of hidamo house raises questions about
how traditional architectural forms and techniques can be adapted to meet contemporary
needs. Some argue for a balance between preserving cultural heritage and introducing
modern amenities, functionality, and spatial requirements. This adaptation can involve
incorporating modern materials, technology, and infrastructure into the construction
process while still maintaining the essence of traditional design principles.

 Sustainability and Environmental Considerations: With the growing focus on

sustainability and environmental consciousness, there is a debate about the role of
Ethiopian vernacular architecture in promoting sustainable practices. Advocates for
vernacular architecture argue that the use of locally sourced and renewable materials,
passive design strategies, and vernacular construction techniques can contribute to energy
efficiency, natural resource conservation, and reduced carbon footprint. They believe that
vernacular architecture can be a model for sustainable and climate-responsive building
practices.

 Preservation and Documentation: The preservation and documentation of Ethiopian

vernacular architecture are central to the debate. As modernization accelerates, there is
a risk of losing traditional construction techniques, architectural styles, and
knowledge associated with vernacular houses. Some argue for the urgent need to
document and preserve traditional practices before they disappear. Additionally, efforts
to restore and conserve historic vernacular buildings are important for maintaining
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 cultural continuity and promoting tourism.

Community Involvement and Empowerment: An important aspect of the debate concerns the involvement of
local communities in the design, construction, and maintenance of vernacular houses. Advocates argue that
empowering communities to actively participate in decision-making enhances social cohesion, ownership,
and sustainability. Community-led approaches can ensure that vernacular architecture remains relevant,
adaptive, and reflective of the needs and aspirations of local inhabitants.

It is worth noting that this theoretical debate is not specific to Ethiopian vernacular architecture
alone. Similar discussions can be found in other cultural contexts, where the tension between
tradition and modernization, heritage preservation, and sustainable development is
present.

In conclusion, the theoretical debate surrounding hidamo house revolves around its cultural
significance, adaptation to modern needs, sustainability, preservation, and community
involvement. Balancing tradition and modernity, while considering environmental and social
aspects, is critical for ensuring the continued relevance and appreciation of Ethiopia's rich architect
and regions within Ethiopia. Some scholars argue that preserving and promoting vernacular
architecture is essential for maintaining cultural heritage and fostering a sense of community pride
and belonging. They emphasize the unique architectural elements, construction techniques, and
decorative motifs that contribute to the distinctiveness of Ethiopian vernacular houses.

3. Study method
3.1 Description of Study Area
Hidmo, a traditional house type seen in Tigray Region, Ethiopia, and the adjacent area of the
Eritrean highlands, mainly consists of masonry walls, wooden ceilings, and a soil roof. This paper
specifically focuses on the hidmo found in the former Inderta province, Southeastern Zone of the
present Tigray Region. The objective of this paper is to clarify the typical parcel layout, spatial
components of typical hidmo house and building elements of hidmo house, based on the basic
knowledge of the local building materials. On that basis, the hierarchy of the traditional house is
discussed. Making glossary of each building and space in the parcel, each space in the hidmo
house, and each building element of the hidmo house is helpful to understand the themes clearly.

Hidmo applies to the main house built in the parcel, and is where the vast majority of
daily indoor activities are carried out. The central space with entrance door of the house is named
midri-bit. In addition, a two-storied part for cereal storage and housing small domestic animals,
and one-storied part for sleeping and storing equipment are often attached. The indoor
environment of the hidmo house
is stabilized because of the thick walls, ceiling and roof, and the limited number of openings.
Stones and woods are the principal building materials of hidmo. While stone materials that are
easy to deal with could be collected from the neighborhood or nearby, wooden materials were
scarce in Inderta province. Therefore, the use of more wooden materials contributed to increasing
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the prestige of the house.

3.2 Choice of Study Method

Qualitative research involves collecting and analyzing non-numerical data to understand
concepts, opinions, or experiences. It can be used to gather in-depth insights into a problem or
generate new ideas for research. So this research was conducted through collecting qualitative
information from different sources.

The hidmo house of Tigray has offered cultural and architectural importance’s for the
tigrian community as well as the Ethiopian culture and that is why the study is mainly based on
qualitative data through expressing cultural aspects.

4. Data presentation

4.1. Type and characteristics of hidmo house

Hidmo houses are distributed through Southeastern, Eastern and several parts of Central
Tigray, and the adjacent area of the Eritrean highlands. There is a typical hidmo house plan in
each province, though it differs depending on the provincial areas who introduced several
traditional housing across Ethiopia raised two types of hidmo named the "Eritrean type" and
the "Addigrat type," although the ''.Addigrat type" should be called "'.A.game type" because
Addigrat is the name of a town, and this type is found all over '.A.game province. However, he
did not list the hidmo seen in Inderta province, the specific targeted area of this study located in
Southeastern Tigray. Inderta is located in the highlands at approximately 2,000 m altitude
adjoining the eastern lowlands.In Inderta, the present regional capital-Mekelle city-is located.
However, the basic issues of hidmo house such as

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typical parcel layout, house plan, and building elements have not been adequatelydiscussed.

Hidmo are the traditional house of Tigray peasants of the highlands of Akkale Guzay and
Hamasen. The house, sometimes also called nasi, are rectangular and have a flat roof. Similar
house also exist in Tigray. Trunks of big trees are used as pillars for the main construction and
the ceiling enforcement. The side walls can be filled with layers of stones and mud or with
branches, straw and mud. The trunks on the roof are covered with soil on which grass may grow.
The inside walls and the floor are covered with a mixture of animal dung and soil and painted
white. Their sizes and aesthetic differ from each other within one village and also within the
region. There are several regional types of hidmo which vary as to floor plan, size and functional
areas.
Hidmo is often built by the man of the house and his countrymen. The country men do
not get paid, but when the major work is completed, the man of the house throws a party to
thank his country me. The finishing touches are done bythe members of the family.
Hidmo applies to the main house built in the parcel, and is where the vast majority of
daily indoor activities are carried out. There could be small variations as to how many rooms a
Hidmo may have and its layouts.
In some parts of Tigray, the central apsce of the floor with entrance door of the house is
named midri-bet. In addition, a two-storied part for cereal storage and housing small domestic
animals, and one-storied part for sleeping and storing equipment are often attached. The indoor
environment of the hidmo house is stabilized because of the thick walls, ceiling and roof, and the
limited number of openings.
Stones for the walls, woods for the ceilings and soil for the roof are the principal building
materials of hidmo. The masonry walls on which the beams are placed are usually made from
hewn stone and mud. The beams are then overlaid with rods and branches of trees before they
are covered with soil, which serves as the roof. Inside, huge timber poles are erected to carry the
heavy roof joists. The number of timber poles depends on the size of the house.
These poles that support the wooden bar ceilings and the soil roof are known as ‘Andi’ or
‘Endifti’. Thick and strong woods are selected to serve his important purpose.

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 The making of hidmo requires plenty of wood to support the concrete made of soil. For
this reason, the gathering of wood is one of the biggest tasks in the building process.
At the entrance to the hidmo there is a porch which is called gebela, a hangout for the
family where the yoke often hangs from the ceiling. This something similar to what we call
‘salon’ in modern house.
Inside, there is midri-bet where most of the daily activities happen. The wall is plastered
with mud and decorated using colors made from leaves. The midri-bet is multifunctional; it
serves as a living, dining and bed room. The bed (medeb or ni’edi), bench (medhe) and shelf
(seregela) in midri-bet are all made using stone and mud. In addition, there are big barns made of
mud that are erected in the houseand help separate the midri-bet and wushate.

Wushate, which is adjacent to the midri-bet, is reserved for women and serves as the
kitchen. It has a met’han (grinder) at the very entrance, mogogo (a traditional oven for making
bread — injera and qicha), moqlo (mogogo-like but made of metal instead of earth), which is
used for roasting grains and baking meteka (bread used in brewing the traditional drink siwa),
gulisha (a traditional stove), and Tush or gubitish (used as a steam bath for women).
Each parcel of land in lnderta is usually enclosed by a curvilinear wall of piled stones or
sometimes Wattle, while parcels in 'Agame are often rectilinear. The curvilinear shape in a
hillside location is not Surprising because the shape of the terrain is always curvilinear in nature.
Such a technique or method of parcel forming is applied even in flatland settlements.
Furthermore, even at the initial phase of Mekelle's urban development, this method was applied
by identifying the micro Terrain. In each parcel, several buildings and spaces are dispersed in the
courtyard (mereba). The existence of an open and uncovered courtyard is an essential
characteristic of the traditional domestic layout of Tigray. One can enter the courtyard through
the parcel's entrance. This entrance is locally called beri or af-gebela (af meaning "mouth" and
gebera meaning "parcel of land"), although the interview research with builders could not clarify
the distinction In the entrance, a door(s) is often installed.
In the parcel, the following buildings or spaces are installed:
(a) The main house(s), where the vast majority of daily indoor activities are conducted.
Although only one residential house exists in this example, instances

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with more than one main House for the owner's children or relatives are normally found.
(b) Damigogo is the space where injera, the traditional dish of the Ethiopian and Eritrean
highlands, is prepared. A conically roofed building is usually apparent, because its better
ventilation makes it more suitable for cooking.
(c) Bet-meadi (bit meaning "house" and meadi meaning "the state that food is ready") is a
space where other foods are prepared. It is often combined with damigogo. A conically roofed
building is usually applied here as well.
(d) This is a space for cattle and other large domestic animals .Cattle are used for plowing and
paying tribute as well as for food and drink. Therefore, they have a high value and are connected
with the household's wealth. The space is often covered with a roof in this example; the animals
are unconfined within the courtyard. This is one of the essential reasons why each parcel is
enclosed by walls. According to the interview research with builders, the space where domestic
animals, especially larger ones such as cattle, cows, or oxen, exist is called dembe or ger.
(e) An unroofed space with walls for smaller domestic animals. This space is often omitted
because these animals are usually kept within the main house.

4.2. The construction Techniques of the hidmo house

1. Digging Stones from Quarry

Geologically, Mekelle and its surroundings are on a wide plain buildings are “constructed
mainly from various types of limestone sites at Kwiha and Debri, both near Mekelle, through
the series of field surveys.

Previously a house owner had to take command to transport material stones without
wheels in the past however in the recent cobblestone project stones are collected by vendors who
come to the quarry site by truck. d malakino (iron bar with pointed tip), binïto (iron stake) and
several tools named malakino(heavier hammer),medesha binïto is driven into the ground by

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medesha and then, the rock is split by using malakino. Next the collected stone block is smashed
by medesha into pieces and loaded into the truck.

However the tools were not commonly used in the past according to local builders
malakino started to be used due to Italian influence, and binto started to be used in the past few
decades or so. In regard to medesha the builders said it was also started to be used due to foreign
influence.

2. Shaping each stone

Presently, stone materials transported to the construction site are shaped to desired size before
piling up. At first an outline of stone is scraped with chisel to make the stone surface smooth.
When each stone sixe was smaller before the tool introduction there was no need to use such
tools because there was no stonesurface to scrape.

3. Foundation work
Builders at first draw the first the full scale plan to make it precise proper length of rope are
prepared by the anthropometric unit named imet (the length betweenelbow and fingertip)

Next the ground is dug to connect marked shekel to construct the foundation. The depth is
variable because the work begins to the end when it reaches firm ground

To dig the ground the tool named biko is used. The foundation work comes to an end by filling
ditches with stones. According to larger sixed stones than the Ines for the walls construction are
used here.

4. Masonry wall construction

After the foundation is finished the masonry wall is constructed. Due to difficulty to gather
material stones onsite at the time in advance of building construction. the wall thickness is
according to the builder 50 to 60 cm. builders gradually pile up stones piece by piece paying
attention to avoiding vertically straight joint lines. The corner part of the wall needs more
careful construction and suitable stones are kept for this part. Bigger stones are laced in the lower
part of the wall.

In the wall hidmo several holes lined in the same height are often found. This holeslocally called
bukko is used to set up a scaffold.

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STONE AND WOODEN MATERIALS IN INDERTA

In Inderta, stone materials to erect masonry walls are collected from the neighborhood or
nearby 20 Nile-Ethiopian Studies places. Therefore, the masonry walls of Mekelle and its
environs are usually made from various types of local limestone, a type of sedimentary rocks,
with the colors of black, white, yellowish- white and so on .Geologically, this limestone is
known as Ant'alo limestone . Around 180 million years ago in the Mesozoic era, the eastern part
ofGondwana began to separate and the water gradually extended and basins including the
present Mekelle Basin were flooded and overflown. Ant'alo limestone was formed due to the
deposition of the thick layers of limestone, some by chemical precipitation of carbonate minerals
dissolved in the seawater, and some from the shells of organisms living in the sea (Williams
2016). This Ant'alo limestone is in places overlaid by fine-grained and thinly bedded Agula'
shale, which comprises variegated shale, marl, and clay interlaminated with fine crystalline
black limestone and some thin beds of gypsum and dolomite (Asfawossen et al. 2008). The sea
began to retreat in approximately 150 million years ago (Williams 2016). These sedimentary
rocks are easier to deal with than basalt, a type of igneous rocks that is dominant in the area
where hidmo is not found.

In other areas where hidmo houses are located, stone materials such as sandstone and
granite, which are also easy to deal with, are exposed. However, the typical settlement location,
parcel layout, and building plans are different than those oflnderta. Interestingly, the area where
the common parcel layout and building plans, which are analyzed in this paper, are found
corresponds approximately to the area of the Mekelle Basin where predominantly limestone is
exposed. Although the reason for the correspondence cannot be determined conclusively, some
speculation can be offered. According to Asfawossen et al. (2008), the Ant'alo limestone area is
characterized by the existence of gradually terraced slopes geomorphologic ally. In lnderta, local
settlements are often located on such a slopes. According to Corbeels et al. (2000), the hillside
settlement location is preferable for local farmers, who can reserve the bottom of the
crystalline black limestone slope where the most fertile soil with high water- holding capacity is
available. Therefore, people tended to find level pockets of land on the slope, and settle there.
This type of parcel formation is similar to terraced agriculture, therefore the authors called this
type of enclosure "terraced- enclosure" in the previous paper (Shimizu et al. 2018). On the other
hand, the geomorphology of the adjoining Enticho Sandstone area in 'Agame province is likely
to be low hills dissected by deep canyons and buttes . That is to say, it is more difficult to find
the same geomorphological location in 'Agame.

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 Hillside settlements can be often seen in the Eritrean highlands, too. As compared with
stone, wood is a scarcer material. In Inderta, where bare rock is often exposed, little natural
vegetation remains. Indigenous species, such as Junipers (tsebidi) and olive (awli'i), are currently
rare. In Tigray, a few remnants of indigenous rests are found in scattered remote locations, such
as Des'a (approx. 40km away northeast of Mekelle) and Hugumburda (approx. 100km away
south of Mekelle). To address the deforestation that had become a serious problem as early as the
19th century, eucalyptus was imported from Australia at the beginning of 20th century.
Currently, this is the dominant construction material commercially available in Tigray because
other indigenous species are prohibited from being logged. Nevertheless, plenty of wood is
required to build a hidmo house. Therefore, collecting wooden materials was a serious task that
consumed time and manpower (Shimizu et al. in press-1). The reasons why such a type of
housing became popular in Inderta are highly contested. Nevertheless, a survey of the pollen
and charcoal analysis that was carried out in Lake Hayq (approximately 240km away south of
Mekelle) and Lake Ardibbo concluded that Junipers forest with Oleo and Celtis expanded from
AD 1400 to 1700, possibly because of drought-induced depopulation followed by increased
rainfall. Indeed, whether this was also the case in Tigray is not clear, however, it is safe to say
that deforestation has intensified during the last three centuries in either case.

The widespread absence of forest in northern Ethiopia at that time was confirmed by a
series of foreign explorers . Although it is not clear in which period the hidmo house was the
most actively constructed, the extensive use of wood for building construction as well as for fuel
would have accelerated the deforestation.
The lack of a proper forest management system was often reported by a series of foreign
explorers

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The Transformation of the hidmo house
Ethiopia has a rich architectural heritage, and its vernacular houses showcase the diversity and
cultural identity of the various regions within the country. The transformation of hidmo
vernacular houses over time has been influenced by a variety of factors, including economic
development, social changes, and the introduction of modern materials and construction
techniques.

Historically, hidmo houses were constructed using local materials such as wood, mud, stone, and
thatch. These houses were designed to suit the local climate, taking into consideration factors
such as temperature, rainfall, and the availability of building materials. Different regions of
Ethiopia have distinct architectural styles and building techniques, reflecting the unique cultural
practices and environmental conditions of each area.

In recent years, there has been a shift towards modernization in Tigray’s housing sector.
Urbanization, population growth, and increased connectivity have contributed to the changing
landscape of Tigray architecture. Modern construction materials such as concrete, steel, and
bricks are now commonly used, replacing traditional materials in many cases.

The transformation of hidamo houses can be seen in several ways:

Construction Techniques: hidamo houses were built using labor-intensive techniques like cob
construction, wattle and daub, or stone masonry. As modernization has taken hold, these
traditional techniques have been supplemented or replaced by more efficient and time-saving
methods such as reinforced concrete construction or prefabricated housing systems.

Infrastructure and Services: With the expansion of urban areas, there has been a growing need
for improved infrastructure and access to services. This has led to the construction of
apartment buildings, high-rise structures, and gated communities in urban centers. These
modern housing solutions often incorporate
amenities like water and electricity supply, paved roads, and waste management systems.

Sustainability and Environmental Considerations: As awareness about environmental

sustainability increases, there is a growing interest in incorporating eco-friendly elements in
construction. This includes the use of renewable energy sources, efficient insulation materials,
rainwater harvesting systems, and passive design techniques to optimize energy consumption and
minimize environmental impact.

It is important to note that while modernization brings about changes in architectural styles and
construction techniques, efforts are being made to preserve and promote Ethiopia's rich cultural
heritage. Organizations and institutions are working towards the documentation, restoration, and
conservation of traditional Ethiopian houses to ensure that they are not lost to the passage of
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time.

In conclusion, the transformation of hidmo houses reflects the evolving needs, influences, and
aspirations of its society. While modernization has brought about changes in architectural styles
and construction techniques, efforts to preserve tigray cultural heritage are vital in maintaining
the country's identity and celebrating its architectural legacy.

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Conclusion
In this paper, typical parcel layout, spatial components of typical hidmo house, and
building elements of typical hidmo house were examined through creation of a glossary. In each
parcel, people made buildings and spaces for sleeping, eating, inviting others to visit, storing
cereals and equipment, cooking, keeping domestic animals, and performing other daily activities.
Hidmo is the name of a traditional type of house that is applied to the main house of each parcel.
The vast majority of daily indoor activities are done in the main house.

The midri-bet is a central space of the main house with an

entrance door. In addition, a two-storied part for cereal storage and housingsmall domestic
animals, and one-storied part for sleeping and storingequipment are often attached. Owing to
the limited number of openings, theinside of the room is not well lit; however, the thick walls,
ceiling, and roof contribute to stabilizing the indoor environment. Although each spatialcomponent
and building element has a name of some sort, it often variesdepending on the builders. The
principal materials of hidmo house are stonesand woods. While stone materials are used for
walls, wood is for ceilings.Stone materials are collected from the neighborhood or nearby places.
InInderta, the sedimentary rocks, such as limestones that are easy to deal with,are available in
many places. On the other hand, wood is a scarce material.Therefore, the use of more wooden
materials increased the prestige of thehouse.
That is, not only building construction method and size, but also building material
applied was a factor in determining the house's place in the hierarchy in a local context.
Establishing a proper forest management system is now an urgent issue. In this paper, the
fundamentals of the traditional hidmo house are discussed. To consider how to protect the
heritage of the local building culture, and how to design locally desirable living environments in
the future, this fundamental knowledge should be re-evaluated now.

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REFERENCES
https://tigray.nl/articles/hidmo.html#:~:text=Hidmo%20is%20a%20traditional%2
0house,ceilings%2C%20and%20a%20soil%20roof.

https://www.janestudies.org/wp-
content/uploads/2020/06/NES_no242019_Shimizu.et_.al_.pdf

https://www.academia.edu/53321939/_Traditional_Technique_and_Local_Knowl
edge_on_Hïdmo_House_Construction_in_Tigray_Ethiopia

https://archiabyssniya.wordpress.com/art-
architecture/artthought/artarchitectureafrican-art/traditional-house-tigray/

https://www.scribd.com/document/450852614/Paper-on-hidmo-houses-pdf

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