Sustainable Development of Vernacular Residential Architecture: A Case Study of the Karuč Settlement in the Skadar Lake Region of Montenegro

Abstract

Vernacular architecture and its responses to natural factors through architectural patterns are recognized as expressions of bioclimatic principles and national architectural responses to location. The vernacular architectural heritage of architecture is one of the most important factors in preserving and developing the cultural identity of a nation. Through research on the vernacular architecture of the coastal area of Skadar Lake, our goal is to recognize and potentially valorize the local traditional characteristics of authentic houses as ecological building patterns, which also express the fundamentals of sustainability principles. Although examples of vernacular architecture are disappearing due to contemporary globalization, and a mere imitation of motifs from past periods occurs, the historical specifics of architectural expression remain the inspiration and catalyst for future achievements based on the idea of preserving the local and regional recognizability of architecture. This research resulted in a redefinition of vernacular, bioclimatic concepts in a way that preserves construction techniques, which basically have an ecological approach, and, at the same time, provides modern solutions with bioclimatic concepts. The case study conducted on the village of Karuč in the area of Skadar Lake presented in the paper contributes to revealing the potential of bioclimatic principles and the energy rehabilitation of vernacular architecture in order to revitalize it through a new contemporary architectural expression. This study’s contents propose revitalization solutions at two levels of the following: settlement and typical houses. The study also aims to create a model, that is, a modern expression of a characteristic Karuč house, with improved functionality and energy characteristics for national architecture. Identifying all the basic building patterns, including the positioning of buildings, construction, the application of available materials, and the design of buildings, this paper presents conditions for the adequate valorization and preservation of authentic vernacular architecture and creates guidelines for further upgrades and the bioclimatic revitalization of vernacular architecture in a certain location.

1. Introduction

The subject of this paper, entitled Sustainable Development of Vernacular Residential Architecture: A Case Study of the Karuč Settlement in the Skadar Lake Region of Montenegro, is the importance of authentic features of vernacular rural architecture in consideration of the revitalization of traditional settlements while complying with sustainability principles. Vernacular architecture and its responses to natural factors through architectural patterns are recognized as expressions of bioclimatic principles.

Vernacular architecture best exemplifies the emergence of settlements and houses as a result of adaptations to natural conditions in architectural principles, in which the bioclimatic response to the conditions of the natural environment is emphasized [1]. This architecture is a sign of the identity and culture of a nation. As traditional rural settlements were mostly abandoned during the period of industrialization, and the material remains of that architecture disappeared as time passed, there arose a need to analyze and study the architectural concepts of vernacular architecture. Since, nowadays, construction that is not aimed at the development and preservation of rural vernacular architecture is beginning to dominate, it is necessary to explore and analyze the architectural patterns of these settlements and thereupon build the basis for future creations. Achieving continuity is possible only if the principles of the past are well studied and applied in a modern and technologically advanced manner. In addition to the theoretical analysis, it is important to provide a practical, model-like proposal for the revitalization of the traditional architecture of houses and settlements in a particular area.

Returning to tradition and preserving traditional motifs represents not only the continuity and sustainability of the spatial and aesthetic expression of a place, but also the maintenance and development of the identity and values of a nation. We shall gain knowledge from the tradition, but we must not “copy” by replicating its elements because the tradition represents much more than that; it provides an essential feeling for construction in a given place and at a given time, and that is how it should be understood. It represents the spirit of a certain location and is a testimony of a certain time. Tradition is not a trademark or an immutable principle, but it is life in its full meaning, rather than just a memory. Traditional architectural heritage is one of the most complex media for maintaining and developing the identity and values of a nation. A constructed environment is the most stable memory preserver [2]. John Ruskin pointed out that architecture and poetry are “two powerful victors over human oblivion” [3], emphasizing that architecture contains many elements of poetry, but that it is certainly a more powerful phenomenon. “We can live without architecture, but without it we can’t remember” [4].

Inadequate architectural practices that use traditional motifs exclusively as applied representations of the past of a certain place result in the creation of artificial forms of historicism [5]. Such an attitude toward tradition results in the permanent devastation of space, and this brings us to the following questions: How do we interpret traditional motifs the right way and enable their quality transposition in a contemporary context? Does tradition become, in some way, a protection against the responsibility that architects have for the time in which they live, and in which they need to make their own, original contributions to architecture? In this sense, there arises a question of justification in taking over and applying motifs from the past in such a way that they represent a general design “recipe”.

Consequently, the motifs and elements of traditional architecture are not “historical material”, and they are “provided”, in context, regardless of any physical, ambient, or stylistic determinants of the structure or location in which they are placed. Taken out of their original context and “grafted” onto a physical structure, the size, proportion, or materialization of which are quite different from the one with which they were “grown together” for centuries, they will lose their value and significance and become an “uncreative form of historicism”. However, a great deal can be learned from tradition if it is interpreted in the right manner and if one dives deeper into its essence and architectural concepts with a constant awareness of the requirements and determinants of the time in which we live.

Therefore, it is fair ground on which to base modern interpretations and expressions of vernacular architecture. In the area of the Skadar Lake basin, a great number of instances of authentic construction best exemplify the emergence of settlements and houses as a result of adaptations to the natural environment [6]. Bioclimatic aspects can be recognized in construction principles [7], which emphasize the interaction between the natural environment and the construction’s response to it, and those aspects reflect a logical human response to the conditions of the location in which the residents built their houses [8]. The subject of the research refers to the possibility of improving the functional and energy features of national architecture in the area of Skadar Lake [9] through an analysis of the characteristics of authentic architecture and in consideration of bioclimatically oriented interventions. This research also includes a review of the concept issue, as well as other aspects of revitalization. The most significant part of the research is related to the case study that will be conducted on an instance of vernacular architecture in the Karuč settlement in the coastal area of Skadar Lake. The study will include an analysis of the current, as-seen state in order to identify local bioclimatic specifics, while its key aspect relates to the study of improvement in order to adapt to modern living needs [9], both on the settlement level and on the level of authentic Karuč housing models. In this way, the research includes the issue of the harmonization of architectural and technological requirements in the revitalization of such structures, as well as the challenges of the modern interpretation of vernacular architecture.

Sustainable Architecture in the Context of Preserving the Cultural Identity

Kenneth Frampton explained his desire to strike a balance between local cultural identity and global architectural culture and between vernacular tradition and advanced technological construction practices in his famous essay, dated 1983, “Towards a Critical Regionalism: Six Points of Resistance Architecture”. He did so by expressing the necessity of a “fundamental strategy” in mediating between the influence of “universal civilization” and elements that are “indirectly separated” from the set of indigenous characteristics that make a place recognizable [10].

The concept of a cultural landscape is a category that defines the identity of spaces in the field of architecture, and it is a changing and ambiguous category that has been researched through the natural, social, and human sciences in recent decades.

A division that recognizes two basic types—natural and cultural landscapes—is one of the most widely accepted, despite the fact that there are different theories of landscapes. The criteria, on the basis of which landscapes are thus divided, are the following: the degree of modification, the dominant processes that control the related area, and the features of human influence on the landscape [11]. In this regard, the values of natural and cultural landscapes are based on different grounds.

Natural landscapes are landscapes in which the degree of modification is minimal, the biophysical structure is mostly of natural origin, and there are elements that are the result of certain natural movements. These are mostly forest areas, areas with valuable aquatic ecosystems, high mountain areas where human impact is negligibly small, etc. Their value is based on authenticity and autochthony, representativeness (relictness, endemicity, and rarity), diversity, the richness of natural phenomena and processes, functional unity, age, aesthetic value, and preservation.

Cultural landscapes are a symbiosis created by the activities of nature and man; they represent the evolution of human society under the influence of physical limitations and/or opportunities created by the natural environment and social, economic, and cultural conditions. In relation to the character of landscape modification, the predominant method of land use, as well as population density, differ with respect to rural and urban cultural areas.

The World Heritage Committee (an international committee responsible for the implementation of the World Heritage Convention, adopted in 1972), after several years of debate, adopted the position that cultural landscapes can meet the criterion of “exceptional universal values” and adjusted their directive. In this way, the values of cultural landscapes are recognized, not only because of the natural characteristics of a particular place, but also their symbiosis with the built environment.

The area in which the Skadar Lake National Park is located, with its unique biodiversity—the specific conditions of which have influenced the emergence of authentic settlements—represents a cultural landscape and is unique in its expression.

The synthesis of nature with its various elements and man-made resources, such as settlements, fortifications, sacral buildings, and markers of many civilizations, forms a “monumental frame” over the scattered relief of Skadar Lake, which is, again, perceived as a vast, infinitely diverse, dynamic landscape. At times, it seems like a “closed ambient whole” [12].

The rural landscape shows the characteristics of a natural landscape, but, under the influence of anthropogenic changes, it is divided into smaller units with characteristic landscape patterns, land use principles, and a specific cultural identity. The value of rural landscapes can be found in their specific identities, diversity, and spatial connections, as well as in the changes to which they are exposed over time (that is, the historicity of landscapes) [13].

2. Literature Review

The growing awareness of the potential and positive effects of sustainable construction is influencing questions about vernacular architecture and its architectural patterns. Analyses of traditional principles in vernacular architecture seek to reach a new contemporary consideration of sustainability in planning and architecture.

Vernacular architecture is one of the most important factors in preserving and developing the cultural identity of a nation. Research on vernacular architecture is related to the recognition and potential valorization of its local characteristics, such as ecological construction patterns, which express the principles of sustainability.

The patterns of architectural philosophy, which are, nowadays, expressed in terms of regionalism and bioclimatism, are deeply and undoubtedly imbued with folk, vernacular architecture. Indigenous architecture, or “architecture with no architects,” has always been a subject of interest for architects because they find inspiration in it, exploring the original and essential conceptual values of vernacular architectural concepts.

Vernacular architecture is a response to a combination of local climatic conditions, locally available materials, simple construction techniques, lifestyles, traditions, and the socioeconomic conditions of a particular region. According to Lawrence, vernacular facilities are human creations that arose as a result of a relationship made between environmental, economic, material, and social factors [14].

The importance of vernacular architecture in the early nineteen-sixties was emphasized by Rudofski, who, for the first time, perhaps in a somewhat romantic attitude, used the term “vernacular” in architecture. Today, after almost half a century, his work can be considered visionary given the increasing need for analysis and research on vernacular architecture [15].

Vernacular architecture considers not only the characteristics of a location and its natural environment but also other people and their homes. Rudofski pointed out that it was not only the answer to the natural, but also to the constructed environment, creating a balance between nature and what people have created [16].

As per the opinion of Paul Oliver, vernacular architecture “includes facilities and persons. In an environmental context, available materials are used at a choice of the owner or constructing community, while using traditional technologies. All forms of vernacular architecture are turned to specific needs, while adapting the values, economy and culture to the way of life that produces them” [17].

The ambiance of traditional folk architecture is disappearing, but, in the ideological sphere, with respect to the specificity of this architectural vocabulary, a strong inner inspiration and a catalyst for future achievements remain, as in ref. [18]: “...such a wave of a new presence of folk architecture, embodied by the vernacular tendency in contemporary architecture, can only be a moment of joy” [19].

Contrary to the typically inevitable monotony and lack of identity of modern architecture, as a consequence of modern construction procedures with high standards, the application of “standards” in folk architecture resulted in an extremely wide range of variant solutions that provided people’s houses with personality and recognizability thanks to sensitivity to the context of each individual case, as well as construction technology based on handicrafts [20].

“Absolutely homogeneous global civilization is non-existing, regardless of scientific and technological progress, precisely because of these constant differences, which include the unique natural conditions of each place. The structures of the past crystallized a moment of taste and technique, lifestyle and world-view of their time. Identical manner of building would be striving to a still position... Actual architecture, with a noble dose of a regionalism imprint, can only emerge through a dialectical synthesis of tradition and knowledge and the power of today, environmental influences and social, humane upgrades, as a true functionalism (and bioclimatic architecture) will always be regional to some extent” [21].

Modern, globally relevant visions of the future are based on the concept of environmentally and culturally sustainable development.

Radović points out that, in parallel with the ecological crisis, the development of homogenizing trends in globalization has shown the depth of the crisis for the cultural heritage of certain countries, especially those that are extremely populated and/or geographically limited [9].

“Searching (redefining) construction terms (goals, principles) for sustainable development leads to the revival of the pre-industrial context embodied in traditional construction. Folk architecture has always emerged as an inevitable and logical response primarily to the integrated influences of natural features and peculiarities of a particular place. The high ethics of traditional construction is expressed through responsibility in the disposal of the resources of the place where it is built—and that is the conservation of resources and a slight transformation of energy” [21].

Future discussions on the importance of the study of vernacular architecture must not be conducted as studies of past traditions and of the twenty-first century but as contributions to new methods, solutions, and achievements for future built environments [22].

Thus, vernacular architecture and its messages can be a model for the adequate use and adaptation of new buildings to the natural environment and thus contribute to environmentally responsible and sustainable development in general. The analysis of the bioclimatic characteristics of vernacular architecture raises an issue for our current zeitgeist, that is, the original response of architects to the present moment: creating original ideas that do not deny tradition, but, simultaneously, create a new, unsurpassable moment in accordance with modern human needs and requirements. In the context of preserving cultural identity, the question that arises is how it is possible to reconcile the modern achievements of globalization, whose achievements inevitably erase cultural landscapes, and the features that constitute the cultural identity of an area. In the previous period, “people have become accustomed to thinking globally and seeking universal answers to very specific and narrowly problematic issues, so we can expect further global views, but this time based on the tradition and identity of local solutions” [5].

3. Research Methods and Study Area

3.1. Methodology

The structure of this paper is designed through various scientific research methods. The backbone of the work is based on the application of analytical–synthetic and inductive–deductive methods, as well as on the application of other methods, such as historical–descriptive and evidentiary–comparative. The paper uses several research methods that correspond to the subject and sets research goals such as field research—the measurement and documentation of materials and the use of modern computer tools and software.

The method of bioclimatic parametric analysis was applied; it is based on prior identification and the grouping of characteristic parameters classified into bioclimatic parameters—impacts (conditions, causes, motives) and bioclimatic parameters—responses (consequences, interventions).

Bioclimatic parameters—impacts are made up of climate factors at a certain location: climate, soil, relief, water, vegetation. Bioclimatic parameters—responses consist of construction responses both at the settlement level and at the house level: choice of location; orientation; adaptation to topography; organization of space; materials and structures; and, finally, the typology of houses and settlements [22].

The most important research approach in the paper is a case study related to the settlement in the area of Skadar Lake, proposing specific solutions for the revitalization of vernacular architecture in accordance with modern needs. The possibility of improving the bioclimatic characteristics of settlements, as a group, as well as modern interpretations of autochthonous houses within existing or new settlements, were considered.

The analyses were performed at two levels. The first level considered urban factors, which include analyzing the impact of the local climate and landscapes, as well as influencing the positioning of a facility and the definition of preliminary forms. The second level consisted of architectural and technical–technological solutions, the application of which involves energy-responsible design.

This study involved analyzing a house model as an example that can provide appropriate suggestions for bioclimatic interventions on the structural level. It consisted of identifying, in accordance with bioclimatic principles, the responses of a vernacular house measured via architectural and energy aspects, the ecological correctness of materials, and the construction of cladding (facades, roofs). Such a model is the basis for a possible solution, which will be transformed and harmonized with modern needs and technology.

3.2. Study Area

Skadar Lake area is a region abounding in vernacular settlements and architecture, which represent the vernacular characteristics of houses recognizable in Montenegro, Albania, and elsewhere, the geographical aspects of which are wide. Settlements are formed along the shore of the lake or in its hinterland. Despite the not very big area, specific conditions have caused the development of various different rural settlements and authentic houses. The settlements Raduš and Karuč are two typical villages, mainly fishing-oriented, formed close to the lake water (Figure 1).

Vernacular values, which represent the authenticity of the architecture of a space, and thus define the identity characteristics of the climate, are the subject of research and it is necessary to define the right measurements for their interpretation.

Due to globalization, the image of authentic ambiance disappears, the one that is created from the native characteristics of a place and the environment where vernacular architecture originated and developed (Figure 2).

In order to preserve the cultural identity of the space and minimize the impact of global trends in architecture, and even development itself, it is necessary that all factors that may affect the sustainable development of a space are in accordance with the Convention for the Protection of Cultural Heritage: “to develop public awareness of the value of conserving the architectural heritage, both as an element of cultural identity and as a source of inspiration and creativity for present future generations” [23].

The fishing village of Raduš is a village on Skadar Lake whose authentic architecture, although in a damaged state, preserves the image of the landscape and casts its influence on modern construction influences. The circumstances in which some settlements in the lake area remained exempt from investment activities, especially infrastructural contents, actually represent a positive fact that influenced settlements like Raduš to remain largely intact despite recent interventions, but it was certainly left to decay.

The harmony between vernacular houses and nature, in this case, the lakes in front and the hills in the hinterland of the settlement, form a unique harmony and “crystallize” the landscape. It occurs precisely in places where the concentration of natural benefits met the requirements of the social context of the period in which they arose—the need for “defence against attackers” [7].

The village of Raduš is located on the shore at a place where there is an “eye” of 44 m in depth within the lake, which has rather weak traffic. It is almost the only water connection with the city, which “preserved” this village against significant interventions. For this reason, the “crystallization of the landscape” confirms the rule that the crystallization of the shape of the terrain and settlements, i.e., the houses, occurs in those places with favorable dominant bioclimatic conditions. Raduš is a compact-type settlement. The houses are made of stone, are square or rectangular, and are covered with canal rooves. They line up next to each other, forming several rows. The rows are interconnected by narrow passages (streets), and in the most protrusive place in Raduš, there is a dock—the port.

It used to be a place where a ship that sailed from Rijeka Crnojevića and out to the sea via the Bojana River was docked. The houses in Raduš are mostly semidetached, with two entrances and a common terrace. In some cases, they are one-room houses with two entrances, which are divided by a partition made of wicker.

In addition to a residential purpose, such houses were supposed to satisfy the main processing activity that the inhabitants were engaged in—the preparation and drying of fish. The significant elements of the architectural structure of the houses in Raduš are the openings in the walls, at the height of the attic space, the function of which was to provide more intensive air circulation, needed for fish drying. This type of air circulation was one of the systems of natural ventilation in the house interior. In addition, a characteristic architectural element is large stone masonry vessels, which were used for salting the fish. The houses are built of rough-hewn stone with special treatments of corners, door frames, and window sills [24].

The spatial matrix of the settlement is simple—it is formed by long ensembles of houses arranged in two to three rows, starting from the coast and following the line of the bay and the arrangement of isohypses. Following this are the streets that formed between these long rows. At the end of the rows, as a key or as a benchmark, there is a pier.

It is obvious that these facilities are in very bad condition. A number of houses have collapsed, many of them have no roofs, no mezzanine, or any wooden attic construction. A certain number of houses have also been renovated, but this was not performed adequately: the rooves are covered with sheet metal. Other modern materials were also used: concrete and mortar were used for facade treatment, and, thus, all traditional techniques related to the method of masonry, the use of locally available materials, facade treatment, and details were not applied (Figure 3).

For those reasons, the question arises as to whether vernacular architecture suffers more damage due to neglect or inadequate rehabilitation and renovation. Facilities are upgraded, annexed, and expanded and new functions are assigned that are not selected in accordance with the limitations of the dimensions of the facilities. Rather, an opposite criterion was applied—the function and capacity were set, as per the reconstruction and renovation, which lead to aggressive interventions in facilities and the area (Figure 4).

4. Case Study—Analysis of the Bioclimatic Features of Vernacular Architecture in the Instance of the Karuč Settlement

The settlement of Karuč is a small fishing village located at the furthermost north-eastern part of the eponymous tributary of Skadar Lake.

The settlement is of a compact type. The houses are mostly detached and passage is enabled in between them with the possibility of accessing each of them, and some of them lean on each other (Figure 5). They are mostly in a dilapidated condition; only hosing is left of some of them, though several houses have been renovated and occupied by people to stay there, mostly in the period from spring to late autumn, engaged in recreational fishing and sporadic catering.

4.1. Analysis of the Impact on the Settlement Morphology

The location where the settlement of Karuč was created stands out with its peculiarities. It is characterized by a specific natural environment, formed by a hilly hinterland, which descends rather steeply to the shore of Lake Skadar (Figure 6). The micro-relief of a closer settlement location was moved. With such a sloping terrain, the topographic characteristics of the place influenced the formation of a group of compact-type houses positioned perpendicularly to the isohypses. The structures are on the ground floor so that, in addition to favorable inter-positioning, they do not disturb the views and access to the lake in terms of their height. The position of the houses next to the lake allows for unobstructed and easy access to the water.

The basin of Skadar Lake is a recognizable geomorphological and hydrogeological unit, and it forms a special ecosystem with characteristics that have decisively influenced the way of life of people in the settlements located on the coastline of the Lake. In the immediate hinterland, the population engaged in cultivating the land and raising livestock, while the dominant economic activity that developed was fishing. Fishing had a decisive influence on the settlement formation in the immediate vicinity of Skadar Lake. The coastline by the lake had favorable natural conditions for the creation of a settlement.

Local topographic characteristics have predominantly influenced the formation of the village and the positioning of houses, which follow the silhouette of the natural morphology of the site, both in relation to the height leveling of the terrain and following the indented coast of the bay along the isohypses.

The specific location on which the settlement of Karuč was originally formed was the very slope on which the related group of houses are situated. Characteristic local topographic features were a determining condition for the development of the settlement in the form with respect to the way the buildings fit into the terrain, as well as their mutual relation. The silhouette created by the houses, the terrain, and the natural environment in the hinterland is a “landscape crystallization”, which occurred in places where the relation between natural and bioclimatic conditions became favorable, on the one hand, but also, on the other, as a response to the social context or sociological characteristics of the site [22].

The interrelationship between these characteristics and the effect of all influencing factors led to a response from the settlement and houses to the conditions of the location, that is: the climate, terrain morphology, availability of natural building materials, and the creation of a recognizable image of a particular locality.

Karuč Bay has always been protected from winds by its mild climate, and this created very favorable conditions for people to stay in the winter; thus, Karuč is an example of a settlement that served as a “winter katun”.

In order to further analyze the terrain and the resulting morphology of the settlement, cross-sections were made of the location. These show the mutual relationships between the houses, the ways they fit into the terrain, and the ways they provide views and approaches to the lake (Figure 7, Figure 8, Figure 9 and Figure 10).

The given characteristic cross-sections of the settlement adequately show the specificity of the terrain and its ambiance, which the vernacular architecture of this place was created on. The main image is of the settlement, which follows the natural configuration of the terrain with its simple, vernacular architecture, shows the harmony of the constructions and nature.

The folk builders complied with the characteristics of the location so that the houses were built to emphasize the ambient features and specifics of the location, and, thus, the meaning of the term genius loci, the spirit-protector of a location, gained its full meaning in this place [25].

4.2. Analysis of the Influence of Climatic Elements on the Formation of Settlements

The settlement was formed on a slope just above the lake in a location that is favorable in terms of protection from the adverse effects of insolation and winds.

The catchment area of Skadar Lake is exposed, to a greater or lesser extent, to the Adriatic–Mediterranean effect of the sea, with modifications conditioned by the developed relief in the temperature and precipitation regime.

Karuč, as well as the entire basin of Skadar Lake, is characterized by a Mediterranean subtropical climate characterized by long dry and hot summers, rainier and colder winters compared to the coast, along with the appearance of inversions (three times more frosty days compared to the coast).

The area of Skadar Lake is under the influence of the Adriatic–Mediterranean climate, which penetrates with low subsoil and coloration, and also the continental influence of the mountainous hinterland. The average annual air temperature in the area of Skadar Lake ranges from 14–15 °C, including Karuč itself, which makes this area a very warm location. In the annual course of air temperature, the maximum is reached in July and the minimum in January. The number of summer days with a maximum temperature of 25 °C is around 120 days a year, and they occur from March to November. There are more than 50 tropical days, with a maximum temperature of 30 °C, and those occur from March to October.

It is inevitable that the vernacular architecture emerged as a logical response to the integrated factors of the natural features and peculiarities of this particular place, given that the cultural context itself was imbued with local natural factors [22]. The analysis of natural factors, which influenced the development of vernacular architecture and the formation of settlements, redefines the patterns with which they were formed, with a goal that leads to the sustainable development of the area.

The methodological approach with respect to the bioclimatic analysis of traditional construction is based on the identification of bioclimatic parameters through impacts (conditions) and responses (consequences) [17].

This location is characterized by very favorable climatic conditions that allow people to stay all year round.

Precipitation almost always occurs in a form of rain, and on an annual average, precipitation amounts to about 1700 mm in the northern parts of the area, which has a Mediterranean precipitation regime, with a maximum in late autumn and a pronounced minimum during summer.

The average number of clear days per year is 124.8, occurring mostly in July and August, and the least occur in November and December. The area of the lake has a lot of sunshine because the average annual number of sunlight hours is 2500–2600, which makes this location one of the sunniest regions in Europe. In the area of Karuč Bay, the water temperature ranges from 4.8 °C in winter to 28 °C in July and August, while in the vegetation zones, the water temperature reaches 30 °C. During hot (active and dry) periods, the temperature in summer is around 30 °C. The lake has not been frozen for many years, and the lowest temperature in the winter is 4.3 °C. Such natural conditions, with an extremely pleasant climate in the winter months, have influenced the fact that the residence, as well as fishing, can occur during the winter period [26].

As for the winds in this area, they most often blow from the northern and southern quadrants, and the most common winds are bora, wind from the north, sirocco (so-called “jugo”), anabatic wind (so-called “danik”), and katabalic wind (so-called “noćnik”). The dominant wind directions are northeast and southwest, and silent periods are very rare, only about 12% per year. The average number of days with strong winds ranges from 30–40 days a year, and stormy winds have a maximum of 10 days a year. In this area, spring, or the period of vegetation growth, lasts an average of 90 to 100 days, with an average daily air temperature above 15 °C. The vegetation period starts early, in the first decade of March, and the floating vegetation covers the shallow water surfaces of the lake from May to October [12].

The wind characteristics of Skadar Lake do not have a dominant influence on the settlement of Karuč, as it is not directly exposed to the strongest influences of the mentioned winds, although most of them occur in less intensity in the area around this place. Due to the favorable position of the settlement on the slope, Karuč is quite protected from the direct influence of strong winds. However, when analyzing the villages in the area of Skadar Lake, their impact on the positioning of possible new facilities must be taken into account.

Karuč is located on the northern shore of Skadar Lake on a south-oriented slope and is of a compact type. The altitude of the settlement ranges from 6 m above sea level, which is the height on the shore of the lake, to 25 m above sea level, this being the height of the Tower of St. Petar. Since the terrain is declining, the houses are positioned perpendicular to the isohypses, with small distances from each other, though some lean on each other and form smaller housing groups.

The specific location on which the settlement of Karuč was formed is precisely on the slope, on which the subject group of houses was formed. The terrain slightly slopes toward the lake and is south-oriented, so the houses have maximum sunshine gains in both thermal and light terms. For that reason, the shadows formed by the structures are shortened, a factor that has a favorable effect on the formation of settlements in fairly small areas, such that the proximity of buildings does not have a negative impact on the functioning of individual buildings, which influences the organization of such compact settlements. These characteristics affect the maximum utilization of winter sunshine, which is a favorable bioclimatic principle.

In order to analyze and confirm the above claims, an insolation simulation was performed, observing the characteristics of the Karuč location. The simulation was conducted using the software program “Ecotect”, using the natural features of the settlement. The input data that were necessary for the simulation performed in the program were the terrain configuration, altitude, latitude, and longitude of the location, as well as the time of year and day of the analyses and dimensions that were performed, i.e., the models of the structures with their exact positions in the location and their interrelationships. The program presented a simulation of shadows in relation to characteristic moments on an annual basis, which are the following: periods of midsummer, equinoxes, and solstice, as well as at three characteristic times of the day, i.e., the characteristic hours of 9:00 a.m., 3:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. (Figure 11).

The data, i.e., simulations through the model of the house grouping in Karuč, were made exclusively for structures that represent examples of the area’s indigenous vernacular architecture. The analysis considered the manner and formation of the settlement in the period of formation and did not consider structures formed in later periods and that are not part of the authentic architecture of the area.

This type of research represents a significant contribution to recognizing the principles of settlement formation and the positioning of structures through their adaptation to the natural conditions of a location and, at the same time, using benefits that contribute to the better functioning of structures and whole groups of houses.

Via the abovementioned analysis presented for the bases with respect to the characteristic moments of the year, as well as for the daily levels for morning, day, and evening, the influence of sun exposure and insolation on the formation and positioning of structures in this area is provided.

Based on the conducted analyses, it is concluded that the position of houses and the way the settlement was formed arose in response to the natural influences of sun exposure and insolation, which are characteristic of this locality.

4.3. Analysis of a Typical Karuč house

4.3.1. Position and Orientation

With its characteristic architecture, the settlement of Karuč is an exceptional example of vernacular architecture. The houses in Karuč represent a unique agglomeration that has ambient and cultural dimensions, and they were built at this location so that they carry the spirit of the place (genius loci), as well as the way of life and spirit of the people who lived and created there.

Indigenous houses form a group that functions as a unique vernacular settlement created primarily as a settlement of a temporary, katun character. The houses were built on this site in maximum compliance with the characteristics of the sloping terrain, and those fit into the configuration of the terrain.

The characteristic house of the Karuč settlement is positioned perpendicularly to the isohypses, with a longer axis mainly in the northeast—southwest direction. The house orientation is such that it is adapted to the configuration of the terrain, and this type of land is formed so that it makes maximum use of the natural slope of the terrain.

The function of the house is conditioned by the way of life and the needs of the people who lived in it. The space of the house is small in size; each segment is very modest but still sufficient to meet the basic conditions of living and staying in it. Each corner has a role in the functioning of the structure, thereby achieving the maximum utilization of the space of a Karuč ground-floor house. From this functional solution, the compact form of the house emerged, which is also important from the perspective of energy saving. In order to obtain relevant results for the possibilities and models of revitalization for the autochthonous architecture of the rural settlement of Karuč (Figure 12), an analysis of the current state of the remains of the vernacular architecture in this area was conducted (Supplementary Materials).

4.3.2. Design and Local Architectonic Expression

The main feature of the characteristic Karuč house is the appropriateness of the ambiance. It belongs to the “ground—floor” type, one of the oldest typical houses in this area, which has one or two smaller windows. Simple architecture in harmonious proportions and a moderation of artistic elements are the main characteristics of a Karuč house, built by adapting to the context of the place (Figure 13).

4.3.3. Materials Usage and Construction

In terms of the use of materials for a Karuč house, the basic material is stone; the wider area is characterized by the dominant use of stone as a basic building material, in accordance with the richness and availability of this natural material in this area [27]. Massive walls were built from local stone blocks. Retaining walls, fences, and ancillary buildings were built, in a dry technique, out of untreated or very small hewn stone at a thickness of about 60 cm. The layers that form the walls are of an irregular shape, except for the somewhat more correctly treated corners. In addition to stone, wood was also used as another natural material, which was used for making the structural elements of the roof, closing the openings, and for making interior elements in the house. Shingles (chases) are the roof coverings.

4.3.4. Specifics of Thermal Comfort

Taking into consideration the bioclimatic aspect, the most important factor for houses in this area is the massive stone walls due to their large heat capacity for both summer and winter conditions. Thus, for example, in the summer period, these stone walls of large thickness have a desirable effect on the indoor climate due to the time delay in changes to internal temperature in relation to external conditions. In this way, a pleasant freshness is maintained in these houses during the day because the heat from the environment penetrates into the room only in the afternoon and evening. A disadvantage in terms of more intensive cooling of the space is the very small number of openings of modest dimensions and, thus, the impossibility of natural ventilation for the house. In contrast to the mostly positive effects during the summer, the heat capacity during the winter has a negative property because it leads to the need for more energy to heat a significant mass of stone walls (without thermal insulation), which was difficult to achieve using a fireplace.

4.4. A Study of Contemporary Interventions on the Settlement of Karuč—Improving the Bioclimatic Vernacular Characteristics of Settlements

The case study for improving the bioclimatic features of the settlement of Karuč in the area of Skadar Lake primarily involves the analysis of the features of the vernacular architecture, based upon which guidelines can be provided to revitalize the settlement because only “on the basis of its own vernacular values a culture can build a sustainable future” [5].

Accordingly, the revitalization of settlements requires a multidisciplinary approach. An adequate approach to the revitalization of this settlement primarily involves the need to preserve its authentic urban–architectonic, artistic–aesthetic, and ambient values. Therefore, during rehabilitation and reconstruction, and especially in the case of the possible construction of new buildings in this area, the basic guideline should be the reinterpretation of local typological features in accordance with modern architectural, functional, construction, technological, energy, and landscape solutions, avoiding formalistic and widely accepted building styles and imitations of authentic houses. In order to provide adequate interventions for the revitalization of the settlement, a case study is being prepared for the settlement of Karuč and its authentic architecture. Based on this research and previous analyses, a model for the possible revitalization of the settlement [28] and its architecture is provided.

The construction of new buildings is possible with the assumption that they fit into the existing ambiance in terms of their architectural expression. In this sense, it is important to carefully design the architectural volumes of new buildings, with each intervention aimed at contributing to achieving the appearance of homogeneous unity. It is important to achieve the harmonization of the height of the new buildings with the general image of the settlement in order to avoid disturbing the existing views.

This fitting of new structures should not be understood as the mere supporting or imitating of the existing surrounding buildings, but rather as a certain association with the ancient architecture of this area, transformed into new forms, new volumes, and new spatial relations. With their dimensions, the new residential buildings will follow the inherited morphological structures. Innovation must be in keeping the spirit of the time in which it is carried out, and it represents the revival of tradition through new modern models while also complying with the vernacular principles. Ecological aspects recognized in vernacular architecture [29] should be applied in the construction of new structures, both in their materialization and in the positioning of structures on the site, complying with the natural, ecological characteristics of the site they are built on.

In order to present the possible revitalization of the authentic architecture of the analyzed settlement, a three-dimensional simulation of revitalized houses was made, which represents a specific and unique grouping of the Karuč settlement. The view provides a possible image through two scenarios: the first one implies the renovation of houses that once existed in this area and the revival of the former image of this location, and the second one provides the possibility of interpolating a new structure, a modern interpretation of a traditional Karuč house (Figure 14).

4.5. Improvement and Modern Interpretations of Bioclimatic Features of a Karuč House

4.5.1. Architectural and Energy Aspects

In order to preserve the ambiance of the settlement as much as possible, the revival of a vernacular house in Karuč was started using the following principles: the revitalization of an authentic house, with maximum respect for the traditional way of construction; materializing and shaping; and through the formation of a new model—a modern interpretation of the Karuč house.

The rehabilitation of existing houses implies the return of the authentic image of houses from the period of their creation, which would require the following interventions:

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retaining the shape and dimensions of the structure set by the ruins;

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retaining the external processing of stone;

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the construction of a roof with a slope of 23°, imitating an authentic roof;

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coverage with shingles;

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the retention of small individual openings with stone frames;

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retracting the glass inwards following the thickness of the wall;

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the introduction of a fireplace as a renovation of a former hearthstone;

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planning the vegetation around the structures, mainly grapevines.

Based on the conducted analyses, a model is proposed, i.e., a modern expression of the vernacular architecture of the house. Interventions are made a response to the identified issues in existing structures in order to improve their energy status. By solving the identified issues, models that can provide a higher level of comfort are considered based on the vernacular principles of construction. In a functional sense, the house is a single residential unit, which would meet the needs of permanent or temporary residents, as well as the possibility of using it for tourism or renting the building for a certain period (Figure 15).

The characteristic ground floor house, which is typical of the settlement of Karuč, obtained its modern expression through the functional design and aesthetic solutions of vernacular architecture, taken in a way that corresponded to the current moment and the needs of modern users. The modern interpretation of the Karuč house retains the dimensions of the existing old houses, and the issue of their–– modest surface is solved by maximally freeing the space from unnecessary partitions and creating an almost unique open-interior space. One of the starting points for the model of a modern Karuč house is the proportional relations of the existing house: the positions and dimensions of openings such as doors and windows. In the contemporary model, a traditional gable roof is used, whereby, in order to achieve compactness in form and expression, the covering and façade are also made of stone blocks (Figure 15), and it is not covered with shingles.

In order to create the best possible solution in terms of improving the bioclimatic features of the house, a thermal analysis was performed on the model of the house, which shows solutions for the characteristic situations of day and night in summer and winter. The study involved analyzing a house model as an example that would provide appropriate suggestions for bioclimatic interventions at the structural level as a modern expression of a vernacular house. This meant identifying the response of a vernacular house to natural conditions in accordance with bioclimatic principles and improving them from an architectural and energy point of view.

The proposed interventions would provide a higher standard of living and comfort by improving all the analyzed characteristics of a house in the Karuč settlement. The complete approach of eco—energy rehabilitation in the house strives for the highest possible level of energy efficiency for the structure, especially in reducing heat losses in winter, which is the most basic problem of a local house.

During the analysis, in order to improve the bioclimatic characteristics, the basic issue that needed to be solved during the summer period to provide a bioclimatic response was protection against overheating, i.e., passively cooling the space. For a summer day, the strategy involves protection from the sun, which is achieved by placing movable wooden sunshades on the windows, making it possible to prevent the penetration of the sun’s rays and, consequently, the heating of the space. The cooling of the interior through transverse ventilation is also of importance, which is shown in Figure 16, as well as secondary ventilation in the southwest direction, i.e., daily wind that blows during the day in this area. As for the strategy planned for summer nights, this involves a strategy of cooling the space through the dominant transverse and secondary longitudinal ventilation, opposite to the daily wind, in the direction of the north wind, which occurs at night (Figure 16).

The second part of the analysis dealt with the basic issues related to the winter period, during the day and night, where the leading strategy is passive space heating. During the day, the proposed solution is a system of direct intervention, whereby the accumulation of solar energy is performed, primarily in the floor, but also in the wall, enabling its later emission. As for the part of the analysis involving winter nights, a solution is provided to effect the passive heating of the space by emitting the accumulated energy from the accumulated mass of the stone floor and, partially, the wall, preventing heat loss through the walls via thermal insulation, or through the windows by closing the curtains (Figure 17).

The bioclimatic analyses also provide a review of the conditions that affect comfort in the structure during equinoxes, i.e., during spring and autumn (Figure 18). Although there is no extreme weather during these seasons, which would significantly affect the design of a particular bioclimatic response or research into a specific strategy, these analyses were performed to confirm that, by meeting all conditions and requirements in summer and winter, the structure operates on the principle of passive design with minimal energy consumption for heating or cooling.

The sun’s rays, which, in this period, fall at an angle of 47° on the location of Karuč, have enough energy to heat the interior, and the accumulated energy in the floor and walls is emitted evenly during the day and night. In case of possible overheating, at the end of spring and the beginning of autumn, simple natural transverse ventilation can be used to cool the space.

4.5.2. Materialization Aspects

The materialization of structures in the bioclimatic context is of extreme or, that is to say, crucial significance for achieving positive effects and a higher degree of structural energy efficiency; thus, the proposed model of a modern interpretation was prepared using new technologies and by analyzing the potential of modern materials.

In order to improve the bioclimatic characteristics of the house, and in order to achieve an energy—efficient structure, we analyzed a modern house in Karuč, and a proposal was made for the materialization of the floor and wall cladding, with the cross—sectional detail shown in Figure 19.

While choosing the materials applied in the proposed model of a contemporary house, the following aspects were taken into consideration: architecture, energy, and aesthetics. This involved using finishing stone, namely, stone blocks—gabions—representing an adequate solution to all the requirements that are imposed in designing a contemporary—looking house. Baskets filled with stone have the effect of creating dynamics on the facade, while the uniform application of stone in the traditional method of treatment for both the wall and the roof calls into question the aesthetic expression and uniqueness of the form achieved in this way.

As for the response in terms of energy and the physics requirements of the building, such a materialization is also a solution that meets the maximum requirements of thermally protecting the building. The heat transfer coefficient obtained using the calculation for such a heterogeneous wall construction is U = 0.27 W/m²K, which satisfies the current European standards in the field of thermal protection, according to which the maximum allowable heat transfer coefficient for the outer wall is U = 0.60 W/m²K for the climatic zone of the subject location.

It is important to point out that the use of concrete refers to those concretes that have the characteristics of ecological concrete with fly ash (electrostatic precipitator) in their composition, which occurs after the combustion of coal in blast furnaces and has a double-positive impact on the environment and thus reduces the use of cement in the concrete mixture. In addition to environmental benefits, fly ash also improves the performance and quality of concrete, improves its plastic properties and processing capabilities, and reduces the quantity of water required. In addition, it increases the strength of concrete, reduces permeability, reduces the corrosion of reinforcing steel, increases resistance, and reduces alkaline–aggregate reactions. Prefabricated elements, which might be made of different structures and colors, are used to form the frame around the windows and doors.

As already mentioned, in order to achieve unity and compactness in form, the materialization of the roof is made as a whole along with the proposed solution for the wall and floor, the proposal of which is provided through the cross—section presented in Figure 20. In order to achieve the bearing capacity for a great and constant load on the roof, in addition to the reinforced concrete sloping slab, steel profiles were also used, and those represent an additional structural roof element.

The following are three-dimensional illustrations of a potential contemporary model of a ground—floor house in Karuč, designed in response to contemporary user needs, but also complying with and relying upon the primarily bioclimatic values and characteristics of the vernacular architecture found in the Karuč settlement (Figure 21).

5. Results

5.1. Possibilities for Revitalizing Vernacular Rural Settlements in the Area of Skadar Lake through Sustainable Development

The sustainable development of the Skadar Lake area implies the preservation of the nature of the lake in terms of construction and its architectonic and cultural heritage. Thus, it is the greatest hurdle in planning and construction. The sustainability of this area implies the preservation of its specific local environment and the lifestyle of its settlements and structures. The value strata that have accumulated in these rural communities (architectonic, urban, ethnological, historical, and cultural) imply the need for appropriate expert diligence. Therefore, the revitalization and more purposeful use of architectural heritage in relation to the construction of new residential and tourist facilities in this area should be encouraged. Thus, during the construction, a principle according to which no new larger structures are planned in the lake zone, except in smaller segments, individual facilities, or groups of suitable facilities, should be adopted. Furthermore, the morphology of the existing settlements along the lake, as well as the old settlements in the hinterland, should be observed to a maximum extent, with no tendency toward the merging thereof or construction in the zones in between. Most of the interventions should be focused on existing facilities through revitalization, adaptation, and annexes.

This case study for the improvement of the bioclimatic features of the Karuč settlement in the area of Skadar Lake primarily includes guidelines aimed at revitalizing the settlement by triggering economic activities, with fishing being in first place (in accordance with recommendations aimed at preserving the fish stock and the sustainability of the lake’s biodiversity), followed by the agricultural activities characteristic of this region (growing fruits and vegetables, vines, olives) and engagement with the population. Tourism would also attract as many visitors as possible, which would not only be based on rural-accommodation tourism, but also on other types of tourism, such as excursions, recreational sports, cultural, educational, nautical, and transit.

Since the cultural and historical heritage of Skadar Lake National Park has not been sufficiently researched, facilities that have potential cultural value and, especially, valuable facilities for rural architecture need to be prepared with an appropriate study of the architectural heritage of the national park. All potential cultural assets would be processed in such a study, as well as the specific facilities and settlements, with respect to national tradition and history, with detailed guidelines for their further use [30].

Facilities, and even entire settlements that were constructed following the principles grounded in the precepts of vernacular architecture, have multiple significances for the development of the location in which they are built. Construction principles, recognized in vernacular architecture, whether it is the revitalization of vernacular buildings or the construction of new structures, emphasize the importance of the application of bioclimatic and ecological concepts and thereby influence the preservation and further development of the built environment. At the same time, they have a significant role in preserving the cultural identity of the population living in that space.

The perspective for preserving the cultural–historical monuments and picturesque ambience of settlements [31] in the area of Skadar Lake should be oriented toward the development of tourism, as such factors are some of the essential elements offered to tourists. A very important task and research emphasis should be related to the professional processing and documentation of the condition of the still–preserved units of authentic architecture in this area, with the aim of their valorization and physical and legal protection.

Furthermore, all necessary parameters for planned interventions in the location should be provided in relation to segments of individual cultural assets, environmentally valuable items of vernacular architecture, archaeological sites, or elements of the cultural landscape of the location.

Conditions for the adequate valorization of authentic architecture, as well as premises for the further superstructural and bioclimatic revitalization of the vernacular architecture in the area, are created through this work by identifying all fundamental architectural patterns, such as the settlement matrix, the positioning of buildings and their construction, the use of available materials, and the design of buildings.

5.2. Architectonic and Technological Aspects in the Preservation of Vernacular Architecture in the Skadar Lake Area

When it comes to ancient space preservation, the challenges of architectural protection are very specific, given that it is about preserving the tradition of people in a particular area. In the above sense, it is important to pay special attention to the preservation of vernacular building patterns, both through the revitalization of existing structures and the construction of new structures in these areas. The architectonic aspects of preservation are reflected in construction using materials that are natural and indigenous, as well as in the knowledgeable use and application of modern materials in new structures [32]. As such, they must demonstrate the specifics of the contemporary time of their construction and also comply with the space–time component of the old part of the settlement. Such a new architecture must neither be forced upon nor take on a prominent impression. It is about complying with the traditional construction contour, as well as conscious and very organized support to preserve and maintain these houses and settlements, in order to develop them in their own spirit. It is necessary to have an active and thoughtful attitude toward the settlements in this area, which can preserve their tourism potential and resources, in order to avoid actions that could contribute to their degradation and to develop those that enable the area’s full inclusion in modern life. First of all, the contribution to the above can be made through construction patterns, but also through the tourism potential that can be activated [33]. Current procedures toward the renewal and reconstruction of existing structures, as well as the construction of new facilities, are based on the preservation of the vernacular appearance of structures in rural settlements [34] through the improvement of bioclimatic characteristics and the application of new technological possibilities. Regarding the application of renewable energy sources, one should turn toward the use of solar energy, such as systems for hot water preparation and energy production [35], and it is necessary to take care that the installation of solar collectors and photovoltaic panels on roofs and facades is based on the principle of integrated systems [36]. If there is no possibility of connection to the supply network onsite, in the case of new structures, especially tourist facilities [37], it is necessary to consider the possibility of using photovoltaic cells for the production of electricity. The case study presented in this paper, which was conducted in the village of Karuč in the area of Skadar Lake, contributes to revealing the potential of bioclimatic and energy rehabilitation with respect to vernacular architecture in order to revitalize it through a new contemporary architectural expression. The study contents propose revitalization solutions on two levels: settlement and typical house. The analysis of the vernacular features of a house in terms of its bioclimatic context, its location, and its climatic and topographical requirements resulted in a model in which it is possible to improve its bioclimatic features through a new and contemporary process without losing touch with the tradition and identity of the vernacular settlement or the house. The guidelines for the revitalization of the vernacular architecture, as a model for future interventions, are also presented in terms of the level of the rural settlement and the level of the house model (

Table 1. Guidelines for bioclimatic rehabilitation of vernacular architecture in the Skadar Lake region (author: Irena Rajković).

Guidelines for Bioclimate Rehabilitation of Vernacular Architecture (Using the Example of the Settlement Karuč on Skadar Lake)
Settlement (Urban Aspect)		House (Architectural Aspect)
Existing	New	Existing	New
Multidisciplinary approach—improving the ecological, economic, and social characteristics of the settlement.	The construction of new structures is possible with the assumption that they fit into the existing environment in terms of their architectural expression. Designing new architectural volumes for the structures, with the aim of contributing to achieving the appearance of a homogeneous whole with each intervention. It is necessary to harmonize the height of new structures with the general picture of the settlement in order to avoid distorting existing views.	The rehabilitation of houses implies the restoration of the authentic appearance of houses from the period of their construction, which would require the following interventions: - Retaining the shape and dimensions of a facility guided by the remains of the facility; - Retaining the exterior finish in stone; - The construction of a wooden roof structure with a slope corresponding to a traditional roof; - Coverage with shingles; - The retention of small individual openings with stone frames; - Retracting the glass inward with respect to the thickness of a wall; - The introduction of a fireplace, as a renovation of a former hearthstone; - Landscaping around the structures, mostly with vines.	Environmental aspects recognized in traditional architecture should be applied during the construction of new structures both in their materialization and in the positioning of structures on the site, complying with the natural, ecological characteristics of the place where it is built.
Restoration of the architectural image of the settlement considering the preservation of harmony between nature and the structures.			The identified responses of a traditional house to natural conditions, in accordance with bioclimatic principles, need to be improved from an architectural and energy point of view.
Rehabilitation and return to the original values of the structures where the authenticity and originality of appearance and quality have been damaged.			Through the heat analysis of a house model, which reveals solutions for typical day and night situations in summer, winter, spring, and autumn, the requirements that will be improved through energy rehabilitation of a structure shall be defined.
Development and preservation of traditional commercial activities: fishing and growing vines, fruits and vegetables, olives, tobacco, etc.	When interpolating and introducing new structures in traditional settlements, in addition to analyzing existing architecture, a thoughtful approach is needed in light of bioclimatic planning and structural positioning.		Interventions are proposed in response to the identified shortcomings of existing structures in order to improve the energy condition through contemporary processes.
The ambiance of the settlement relies on the tradition of the village, the memory of the area, and the originality of the materials it was built from, while the architectural style is simple and reduced, as befits this landscape, to adequately fit and create unity with the environment.	Positioning the structure within the group in a manner that does not disturb the constructed harmony in the physical constructions and with a size that does not have a negative impact on the ecological characteristics of the settlement.	The functional solution of the revitalized house shall be adjusted to a new function, such as one of a tourist-apartment type.

).

6. Discussion

This research aimed to integrate vernacular architectural practices, as well as their techniques and applied materials, into a modern design context. In line with this vision, it has resulted in a redefinition of vernacular bioclimatic concepts in a way that preserves construction techniques that, basically, have an ecological approach. At the same time, it provides modern solutions with bioclimatic concepts, which provide answers to current climate issues and energy needs in facilities.

Vernacular architecture, above all, means appreciating the characteristics of the location of its creation, the application of available materials, and harmonization with the needs of space users without disturbing the harmony between the natural and created environment.

The analysis of the current state of vernacular architectural heritage in the Skadar Lake area confirms this harmony of exceptional biodiversity and natural characteristics and rural areas, but it also points to the fact that the overall cultural and historical heritage of the area is neglected, unprotected, and largely devastated and degraded. At the same time, the analysis of the remains of the preserved buildings emphasizes bioclimatic features and sustainable solutions, which arose spontaneously during the construction of buildings, for the purposes of the most efficient use of the characteristics offered by the site where the buildings were built.

In identifying all basic building patterns, from the positioning of buildings, their construction, the application of available materials, and the design of buildings, this paper presents conditions for the adequate valorization of the authentic principles of sustainability and creates premises for the further upgrading and bioclimatic revitalization of vernacular architecture in a certain location.

The high ethics of local construction are provided through the responsible use of the resources of the location in which the settlement was built, and this involves conserving the resources and mild energy transformation; thus, the purpose of research is to contribute to a greater application of these principles in modern architecture.

The analyses consider possible solutions and present proposals for bioclimatic interventions in order to revitalize vernacular settlements. The proposed interventions relate to the level of the settlements in terms of bioclimatic treatment planning, as well as to the house as a typical unit, that is, the basic unit of measure for environmentally friendly construction. Interventions are made a response to the identified shortcomings of existing structures in order to improve their energy status.

Redefining construction terms (goals, principles) for sustainable development leads to the revival of the context embodied in traditional construction. Vernacular architecture has always emerged as an inevitable and logical response, primarily to the integrated influences of natural features and the peculiarities of a particular place.