The traditional architecture of Georgia, much like vernacular architecture elsewhere, met the immediate and local needs of Georgians. It was shaped by the materials available in each region and reflected local traditions and cultural practices.
Western Georgia was known for its particular type of wooden houses called Odas.
Oda is built from wood. The entire structure rests on piles, indicating that its design originated in areas prone to frequent flooding and humidity, where it was necessary to raise houses above ground level.
Odas are known for their beautiful balconies, typically at both the back and front, adorned with delicate wood carving techniques that depict traditional ornaments and floral designs.
Only a few traditional Odas remain throughout Georgia as functional houses. More affordable materials have replaced wood as the primary material for new constructions. Many of these beautiful houses are now abandoned, teetering on the brink of destruction and extinction.
We have lovingly saved these houses and have given them new life, preserving and showcasing their uniqueness.
The oda could be considered a forerunner of the modern mobile home, as it is designed to be easily disassembled and rebuilt in another location.