Turf House
An abandoned turf house in southern Iceland, nestled on the south side of the coastal cliffs to avoid the cold northerly winds.
Turf houses have a long tradition in Iceland, a land without many trees but with lots of grass. The house frame is wood, the walls are of turf or turf and stone, and the roof is covered with turf with an underlay of slates. Turf is a wonderfully insulating material that can be replaced every few decades.
The building of turf houses faded out during the 20th century as timber, concrete and other building materials became available. Only a few craftsmen still maintain the tradition.
Turf House
An abandoned turf house in southern Iceland, nestled on the south side of the coastal cliffs to avoid the cold northerly winds.
Turf houses have a long tradition in Iceland, a land without many trees but with lots of grass. The house frame is wood, the walls are of turf or turf and stone, and the roof is covered with turf with an underlay of slates. Turf is a wonderfully insulating material that can be replaced every few decades.
The building of turf houses faded out during the 20th century as timber, concrete and other building materials became available. Only a few craftsmen still maintain the tradition.