Origin: Europe in the 11th–12th centuries, before Gothic; revived in the 19th century as Romanesque Revival
Romanesque is a European architectural style of the 11th–12th centuries, preceding Gothic. Its marks are thick walls, round arches, chunky columns, barrel vaults, small windows and low portals, giving buildings the look of sturdy fortresses. In the 19th century, Romanesque Revival brought these forms to houses, churches and public buildings in rough stone and brick.
In Vietnam, Romanesque suits villas and garden homes wanting a solid, earthy look. A townhouse should adopt only a few elements: round-arched doors, thick walls clad in stone or brick, big piers and a stone floor. Thick walls help keep cool in humid weather, but they need waterproofing and ventilation to avoid moss and mould; exposed outdoor stone and brick should be well sealed.
