Útel Log Houses
Útel log houses are the most common element of traditional architecture of the Útels of Ela'k Forest in western Dragonía. They have changed relatively little through millennia, and most closely resemble those used by the ancient Alalaríans and early Útels before the Útel Alliance was established.
The main difference is the materials used; Alalarían homes were mostly made of clay and wood with thatched roofs, while modern homes are constructed mostly out of wood and stone and feature tiled roofs.
Entrances are covered with heavy curtains rather than doors, and windows are rather small and often feature one- or double sided exterior shutters. The floor is either made of rammed earth or, more commonly, stone.
Decorations vary between countries, with wooden floral carvings being popular in Malónat and painted geometric patterns in Kanot, while in Kaiqonon such things are generally shunned in favor of hanging shields on walls and placing spears against columns.
Larger houses sometimes have a second floor in the form of a loft at the back, accessed via ladder, where acorns, almonds, honey and other foodstuff is stored to deter vermin.
Most homes have a walled garden behind the house, used for various purposes such as growing flowers, herbs and almonds or holding parties.
Carved pillars are sometimes located in front of homes, especially rural ones. They were once used to show which city-state the house belonged to, but nowadays are decorative elements, though some believe the pillars also keep evil spirits at bay.
A typical Útel log house. 1. Decorative pillar. 2. Ancestral shrine. 3. Garden.
The main difference is the materials used; Alalarían homes were mostly made of clay and wood with thatched roofs, while modern homes are constructed mostly out of wood and stone and feature tiled roofs.
Construction
As with most other buildings, construction of these houses is a joint effort of three castes1, namely the kagú-naa (stonemasons' caste), lynóp-naa (potters' caste) and yl-naa (carpenters' caste), with members of each caste using methods passed down for generations to make sure the house is structurally sound.Entrances are covered with heavy curtains rather than doors, and windows are rather small and often feature one- or double sided exterior shutters. The floor is either made of rammed earth or, more commonly, stone.
Decorations vary between countries, with wooden floral carvings being popular in Malónat and painted geometric patterns in Kanot, while in Kaiqonon such things are generally shunned in favor of hanging shields on walls and placing spears against columns.
Layout
Although the exact layout varies somewhat between regions and which caste the owners belong to, most houses are divided into three rooms: a main room centered around a fireplace, used for cooking, eating and most indoor tasks; a small ancestral shrine; and a small bedroom for the eldest family members. This is because other family members sleep on the same mats they use to eat on at the fireplace, while elders sit on narrow, wooden benches which are less suited to sleep on.Larger houses sometimes have a second floor in the form of a loft at the back, accessed via ladder, where acorns, almonds, honey and other foodstuff is stored to deter vermin.
Most homes have a walled garden behind the house, used for various purposes such as growing flowers, herbs and almonds or holding parties.
Carved pillars are sometimes located in front of homes, especially rural ones. They were once used to show which city-state the house belonged to, but nowadays are decorative elements, though some believe the pillars also keep evil spirits at bay.
Furniture
Útel log houses are usually sparsely furnished aside from mats to eat or sleep on, shelves to store kitchen utensils and other tools, and chests containing personal belongings, and ancestral shrines have special shelves holding spherical jars, each containing remains of a dead family member. Flower vases are not uncommon, as are statuettes depicting culture heroes, famous locals, or animals. by Lappalingur
1Main article: Útel caste system.
Type
House
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