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Chattel House
Chattel House is a Barbadian slang for small wooden houses that can be moved from one place to another. The word “Chattel” means movable properties, so the houses are seen as a sign of mobility. They are usually painted bright colors and often feature simple, practical designs such as open layouts and outdoor and indoor kitchens to maximize space and make them extremely efficient homes. The term is commonly used in other Caribbean islands, such as Jamaica, Trinidad, and Guyana. The term is believed to have originated with the immigration of African slaves to the island in the late 1700s. The slave owners would provide the slaves with small wooden structures in which to live, and these houses, being movable, were classified as the slaves’ chattel. This style of housing is still popular in Barbados and other Caribbean countries, particularly among the poorer members of the population who want to own their own home without incurring the burden of a mortgage.
Chattel houses are occupied by the working class people in Jamaica. They are small, mostly wooden housing units located in densely populated urban areas, on former sugar or banana plantations, or on the outskirts of cities. They typically lack proper sanitation, electricity, running water, and other amenities. Residents of chattel houses in Jamaica are often extremely poor. Chattel house residents in Jamaica are disproportionately affected by poverty and low-quality health services due to an inability to pay for or access higher-quality healthcare. In addition, many chattel house residents face significant environmental health risks due to their proximity to industrial zones, agricultural pollutants, and sewage overflow. Furthermore, many chattel house residents are at greater risk of being victims of crime and violence than those living in other areas due to the lack of adequate security measures.
Chattel houses are usually set on blocks rather than being attached to the ground. They are typically made of wood and are typically used as housing or as temporary buildings. They are typically small in size and are often considered to be of much lower quality than other types of housing.
Chattel houses are typically not built to last and may require regular maintenance and upkeep, as well as replacement of parts over time. They are typically used in rural or low-income areas, where they offer an inexpensive option for housing. Because of their portability, chattel houses can be moved from one location to another or even removed from the land entirely. Chattel houses are built entirely out of wood and are assembled without using nails. They are movable homes that can be transported from one area to another. The boards used to construct and frame the house are individually placed next to one another and then connected using metal bolts, which account for its moveability.
Chattel houses are popular in some parts of the United States, primarily in the rural areas of Appalachia. These structures frequently appear on farms and in areas in which residents may desire to obtain housing but are unable or not willing to pay property taxes. There are also many communities that have chattel houses as part of their architectural heritage. Some states have established historic districts to protect these homes from further decline or destruction. This system was necessary historically because the home owners typically did not own the land; their employers often owned the land, and by having them switch over to some other house every year, their employers could easily keep track of the houses, and the employees.
Modern Chattel house have greater degree of permanence as they are connected to electricity main and a permanent septic tank or connected to a public sewer system. They are also more structurally sound and feature higher insulation values than traditional chattel houses. They also often feature modern amenities and appliances that are more energy efficient than those found in traditional chattel houses.
DESIGN:
A chattel house is a type of traditional timber-framed house, originating from the Caribbean. It is typically constructed of local hardwoods, which are framed with timber planks that are held in place with a variety of nails and fastenings. These traditional structures are renowned for their simple, elegant design, as well as their durability and strength in the face of tropical storms and hurricanes. When it comes to designing a chattel house, the most important factor to consider is the structure and durability of the building materials. The traditional timber frame construction method is simple and efficient, and typically utilises local hardwoods, which are framed with long lengths of wood. These planks are then held in place with nails and other fastenings. In order to ensure the strength and stability of the structure, it is important to use the highest quality materials available, and to pay close attention to the construction details.
The next factor to consider is the orientation of the structure. This is an important issue when it comes to a chattel house, as the Caribbean climate can be very harsh and variable, particularly during storm and hurricane season. By ensuring that the structure faces the prevailing winds, you can help to ensure that the house is better able to withstand the strong winds and rains.
Finally, a chattel house should also be designed to be incredibly energy-efficient, no matter what seasonal changes are occurring. This can be done by maximising natural light and ventilation, while also utilising sustainable materials such as clay roof tiles or insulated walls to help regulate the interior temperature. Consider installing a renewable energy system to help reduce the overall energy usage of the house. By following these guidelines, you can design a chattel house which is both beautiful and functional, capable of withstanding the hurricanes of the Caribbean while also being efficient and comfortable. These types of structures have stood the test of time, and if designed correctly, can be enjoyed by generations to come.
As the dimensions changed the style of roofs also changed, depending on the size of the building. In larger homes, a gable roof style became popular. This is a type of roof that slopes on two sides and is supported by the exterior walls of the building and a center beam often called the ridge beam. In smaller homes, a shed roof style became popular. This is a type of roof that has one flat surface and slopes down in one direction. This is often the most economical type of roof for a smaller chattel house as it requires fewer materials and is easier to construct.
The four-sided roof, known as a hip roof, is the most common among most modern building designs. This type of roof is designed with four sides, each of which slopes downwards, creating a pyramid shape. The slopes vary in degree, but typically range from a very shallow angle to a much steeper angle. Hip roofs are very strong and durable, providing great protection against wind and rain. They are also aesthetically pleasing, and are found on almost all types of homes and buildings today. A steep two-sided gable roof is similar to the hip roof, but only has two sides instead of four. This type of roof also has two slopes, but they are usually steeper than those of a hip roof. Gable roofs are also extremely strong and are often used on larger buildings.
A flat top roof can last more than 20 years, depending on the upkeep, so they might be a good option if you don't want the hassle of having to re-roof every 10-15 years. In conclusion, the life span of a roof generally depends on the type of roof, the maintenance it is given, and the climate it is situated in. Shingle roofs typically last 10-15 years, whileflat top roofs can last upwards of 20 years depending on upkeep.
Chattel houses are traditionally open-air, portable, prefabricated buildings constructed out of lighter materials like wood or vinyl siding, and designed for easy assembly and disassembly. The portability of chattel houses makes them popular housing options in areas susceptible to natural disasters or movements of huge populations, such as forced migrations. The user or tenant owns the house and leases the land it sits on, making it a personal asset.
Despite this, their affordability and portability make them a popular option for people in need of housing in areas with limited resources or severe weather. As such, improvements have been made in terms of their durability and comfort, providing better insulation and customisation options in response to the needs of their users.
The chattel house tradition is a crucial part of the history of many Caribbean islands, allowing the people to adapt to whatever environment they found themselves in as they migrated around the islands. As more secure, permanent housing options become available, the chattel house will undoubtedly become less and less popular. However, their importance to the history of the region will remain, as they were iconic of the construction of diverse and vibrant cultures under difficult circumstances.