Characterisation of Vernacular Built Heritage in Corvo Island, Azores: Architecture, Construction and Alterations

To undertake effective and informed rehabilitation and conservation actions, one must rely on the thorough characterisation and diagnosis of buildings. This process is particularly critical in areas where knowledge and practice are limited and where general awareness of the importance of certain constructions, such as vernacular buildings, remains low. Rural, isolated communities are especially vulnerable to this phenomenon, given prevailing lack of social, political, and economic resources necessary to foster progress and development. Corvo island, part of Portugal’s Azores archipelago, Portugal, remains a relatively unexplored territory with a single village. Despite maintaining a stable population, its severe isolation has led to a significant lack of information about this territory, including its built environment. The investigation reported in this paper aimed at addressing this research gap by carrying out a comprehensive characterisation of the historical area of Corvo village, focusing on its architectural and construction features through an in-depth in-situ survey conducted in early 2024. The data-gathering methodology included photographic documentation and structured data collection to capture a detailed understanding of the buildings’ features and the transformations they have undergone over time. Key characteristics, such as volcanic stone masonry and wooden structural element, were identified, reflecting both the island’s material resources and its heritage identity. Furthermore, alterations in volume, usage, and structure are highlighted as examples of common transformations observed in these constructions, which collectively result in diverse variations within the historical area of Corvo village. This study contributes to the preservation of vernacular architectural heritage by documenting and analysing Corvo’s unique building practices. The findings lay the groundwork for future conservation interventions and comparative research, offering insights that may inform conservation strategies in similar rural and isolated communities.