EXAMINING HYBRID VERNACULAR HAUSA ARCHITECTURE IN PERI-URBAN YELWA, BAUCHI: MATERIAL CONTINUITY, SPATIAL ADAPTATION, AND LIVING HERITAGE

<p><strong><em>Purpose:</em></strong> <em>This study examines the transformation of traditional Hausa residential architecture in peri-urban Yelwa, Bauchi, investigating how hybrid vernacular forms express living heritage through material continuity and spatial adaptation amidst rapid urbanization.</em></p> <p><strong><em>Design/methodology/approach:</em></strong> <em>Using a qualitative ethnographic approach combining field observation, visual documentation, spatial mapping, and semi-structured interviews with twenty-five purposively selected households, the study analysed material usage, spatial configuration, incremental construction practices, and sociocultural occupation patterns.</em></p> <p><strong><em>Findings:</em></strong> <em>Results indicate sustained reliance on earth-based wall systems (tubali) in approximately 70% of structural bases, alongside selective adoption of corrugated metal roofing (80%) and concrete block elements (20–30%). Courtyard proportions reduced from traditional 40–50% to 15–25% of plot areas, while street-facing openings increased in 60% of cases. These adaptations represent pragmatic responses to economic constraints, climate pressures, and changing household structures, whilst maintaining culturally embedded spatial logic regarding privacy and gender segregation.</em></p> <p><strong><em>Research limitations/Implications:</em></strong> <em>The study focused on a single peri-urban settlement, limiting generalisability across diverse Hausa urban contexts.</em></p> <p><strong><em>Practical implications:</em></strong> <em>The research recommends revising building codes to accommodate hybrid earth-construction systems, supporting building guilds (magina) through technical training, and recognising incremental construction as legitimate housing production aligned with SDG 11.4 implementation.</em></p> <p><strong><em>Originality/value:</em></strong> <em>This study contributes to architectural theory on living heritage by documenting hybrid vernacular forms as dynamic, culturally embedded practice rather than diminished tradition.</em></p>