• Solomon Islands!

    Solomon Islands: Looking up at palm trees. Go Now!

    Solomon Islands
    This Melanesian country is best known for its many islands and beaches... and this natural landscape (pictured) is why most people go. Don't miss out on the unique Melanesian culture and foods though! Begin Your Journey!

  • Tonga!

    Tonga: Coastline. Go Now!

    Tonga
    The heart of Polynesian culture is rooted in Tonga, but most visitors just come for the natural beauty. Explore Tonga!

  • Vanuatu!

    Vanuatu: Jetty into the ocean. Go Now!

    Vanuatu
    Picturesque serenity is a good way to describe Vanuatu, but the culture offers much more, including the inspiration for bungee jumping, which remains a rite of passage for young men. Explore Vanuatu!

  • Palau!

    Palau: "70 Islands!" Go Now!

    Palau
    Few people have even heard of this small Micronesian country, but those who have often return with stories of beauty unmatched elsewhere, such as view of the "70 Islands" (pictured). Go Now!

  • Explore the: Federated States of Micronesia!

    Federated States of Micronesia: Overlooking some islands. Go Now!

    Federated States of Micronesia
    This diverse country stretches for thousands of miles and has the diversity to prove it, including the people from Chuuk, Pohnpei, and Yap among others. Begin Your Journey!

  • Samoa!

    Samoa: A traditional home. Go Now!

    Samoa
    Among the most famous of the South Pacific's many countries, Samoa sits in the heart of Polynesia and has a culture to match. Begin Your Journey!

Architecture of Vanuatu

Historic architecture in Vanuatu is primarily limited to housing, which was, and sometimes still is, very simple in design and appearance. These houses, called tamma, were traditionally triangular in shape (with the point of the triangle facing the direction from which tropical storms come), made of wood, and topped with a thatched roof. Most houses also had space for a garden nearby and each village usually had a community house.

With the arrival of the Europeans the buildings changed slightly. Stronger wood, joining materials, and roofing were introduced. New structures were also introduced, such as churches, schools, and other public buildings. These structures were often built in European styles and with western materials, such as concrete and bricks. Port-Vila is perhaps the best, and one of the only places to see modern constructions in Vanuatu.

Over time the people of Vanuatu have slowly adopted western-styled homes and today simple, clean, modern homes tend to dominate over traditional tammas. Again, this is especially true in Port-Vila and other urban centers as much of the population can't afford to build modern homes.

This page was last updated: February, 2013