Végoldali

Végoldali is a type of Hungarian folk architecture found primarily in the countryside of Hungary. The term végoldali literally translates to "end-side" or "outer-side" in Hungarian, referring to the unique architectural design of the house, where a separate section or wing is added to the side of the original building.

The végoldali style is characterized by the addition of a smaller annex or extension to the main building, usually located on the side or at the end of the original structure. This annex can be of various sizes and architectural designs, but is often a single room, such as a kitchen, bedroom, or storage space. The extension is typically constructed using locally sourced materials, such as wood, stone, and thatch, and is designed to fit harmoniously with the original building.

One of the distinctive features of végoldali architecture is the use of a common wall or shared wall between the original building and the annex, which can be visible as a distinctive ridge or crest marking the joint between the two structures. This design approach allows for shared access to the interior of both spaces, enabling the creation of larger, more functional spaces within the home.

Végoldali architecture can be found in various regions of Hungary, including the Great Hungarian Plain and the surrounding hills, where local farmers and agricultural workers built their homes and outbuildings as a practical and efficient way to expand their living spaces. While traditional végoldali constructions have largely given way to modern building techniques, many examples of these unique houses can still be seen in rural areas and are highly valued by local communities and architectural enthusiasts.