Traditional Dwellings Unique to Wuji Town

The traditional residence unique to Wuji Town is the kiln.

The kiln is the unique traditional residence of Wuji Town. The kiln is generally four meters high, eight feet to one zhang wide, and three zhang deep, with the main kiln on the front side being slightly higher than the other kilns, and it is used as the main hall for the elders to live in. The kiln entrance is walled with doors and windows, usually one door and three kilns or one door and two windows.

The window at the top of the kiln is called the skylight. Inside the kiln, there is an earthen kang against the mountain wall, which is connected to the mountain wall on one side and to the kiln wall on the other side, with a door to the kang hole, so that the kiln can be warmed up by burning firewood, and the main kiln can be warmed up by sitting on the kang, which makes the people happy and joyful.

Architectural features of kiln caves:

The biggest feature of kiln cave architecture is that it is warm in winter and cool in summer, and the traditional space of kiln caves is domed from the appearance, although it is very common, but in the monotonous loess as a backdrop, the domed shape is even more lightweight and lively, and this form originated from the nature not only embodies the concept of heavenly roundness in traditional thinking, but also more importantly, it is the most important feature of kiln caves, and it is also the best way for the people to enjoy the life of kilns. This form derived from nature not only reflects the traditional idea of the circle of heaven and earth, but also more importantly, the high rounded arches at the doorway coupled with the high windows.

In winter, the sunlight can be further penetrated into the inner part of the kiln, so that the solar radiation can be fully utilized, and the inner space is also arched, increasing the vertical space inside, making people feel comfortable and open.