Stilt houses were also built by Amerindians in pre-Columbian times. Palafitos are especially widespread along the banks of the tropical river valleys of South America, notably the Amazon and Orinoco river systems. Stilt houses were such a prevalent feature along the shores of Lake Maracaibo that Amerigo Vespucci was inspired to name the region "Venezuela" (little Venice). As the costs of hurricane damage increase, more and more houses along the Gulf Coast are being built as or converted to ... The open design of many stilt houses , with large windows and spacious under- house areas, further aids in the efficient circulation of air, contributing to a healthier and more comfortable living environment. Stilt houses (also called pile dwellings or lake dwellings) are houses raised on stilts (or piles) over the surface of the soil or a body of water. Stilt houses are built primarily as a protection against flooding; [1] they also keep out vermin. [2] The shady space under the house can be used for work or storage. [3] Stilt houses are commonly found in Southeast Asia, Oceania, Central America, the Caribbean, the Gulf Coast of the United States, northern parts of South America, Madagascar ...
