Vernacular architecture evolves reflecting the characteristics of the local environment, climate, culture, natural materials, technology and the experience of centuries of community building.
The Scottish blackhouses are built on clay where the base stones of the wall stand on pebbles to prevent movement [1]. The thick insulated walls of the home are built from two layers of dry stone with an infill of peat [2] topped off with a layer of clay to prevent water getting in to the wall and then capped with turf which absorbs any excess water [3]. The timbers of the home were generally made from driftwood and in some cases whale bone [4]. Over the timber roof a layer of turf was placed but leaving an unturfed region on the ridge of the roof to allow smoke from the central fire [5] to escape through the oat straw thatch [6].
The Scottish blackhouses are built on clay where the base stones of the wall stand on pebbles to prevent movement [1]. The thick insulated walls of the home are built from two layers of dry stone with an infill of peat [2] topped off with a layer of clay to prevent water getting in to the wall and then capped with turf which absorbs any excess water [3]. The timbers of the home were generally made from driftwood and in some cases whale bone [4]. Over the timber roof a layer of turf was placed but leaving an unturfed region on the ridge of the roof to allow smoke from the central fire [5] to escape through the oat straw thatch [6].
Check this great video that showcases the use of earth in these vernacular structures.