Icelandic turf houses, a unique architectural tradition, utilized readily available resources like turf, stone, and wood to create well-insulated homes suited to the harsh climate. These structures, exemplified by preserved examples at Laufás and Glaumbær, feature timber frames covered with layers of turf for insulation, creating thick walls and sloping roofs. While appearing small externally, the interiors often surprise with their spaciousness and intricate woodwork, reflecting the social status of their inhabitants. Laufás showcases a grander, more aristocratic turf house, while Glaumbær offers a glimpse into a cluster of smaller, interconnected turf buildings representing a more typical farming community. Although turf houses are no longer common residences, they represent a significant part of Icelandic heritage and demonstrate a clever adaptation to the environment.
This blog post, titled "Icelandic Turf Houses: Laufas, Glaumbaer and Others," by Rachel Dickinson explores the fascinating history and construction of traditional Icelandic turf houses, focusing primarily on the preserved examples at the Laufás and Glaumbær museums. The author begins by painting a vivid picture of Iceland's challenging historical landscape, emphasizing the scarcity of building materials like wood and the abundance of turf – the top layer of earth containing grass and its roots. This readily available resource became the defining element of Icelandic architecture for centuries, providing effective insulation against the harsh Nordic climate.
Dickinson then delves into the architectural specifics of these structures. She describes the timber framework, often driftwood salvaged from the shores, which formed the skeleton of the houses. This framework was then meticulously covered with layers of turf, creating thick, insulating walls. She highlights the evolution of these buildings, from simpler single-room dwellings to more complex, multi-room structures with interconnected passageways covered by a continuous turf roof. The author emphasizes the ingenuity and resourcefulness of the Icelandic people in adapting to their environment, transforming a seemingly simple material into robust and surprisingly comfortable homes.
The post then shifts its focus to the Laufás Museum, detailing the author's visit and impressions. She describes the well-preserved 19th-century turf farm, highlighting the meticulous restoration efforts that have maintained its authenticity. The various buildings, including the church, farmhouse, and various outbuildings, are described in detail, offering the reader a glimpse into the lives of the people who once inhabited them. Dickinson specifically mentions the intricate wood carvings and decorative elements found within the main house, showcasing a surprising level of artistry and craftsmanship.
Following Laufás, the post moves on to Glaumbær, another open-air museum showcasing traditional turf farm buildings. The author draws a comparison between the two sites, noting the differing architectural styles and layouts. Glaumbær is characterized by its cluster of interconnected turf buildings, forming a sort of miniature village, while Laufás presents a more dispersed layout. Dickinson describes the unique experience of walking through the low, interconnected passageways of Glaumbær, evoking a sense of stepping back in time.
Finally, the author concludes by reflecting on the significance of these preserved turf houses. They serve not only as a testament to the ingenuity and resilience of the Icelandic people but also as a tangible link to their rich cultural heritage. These structures offer a valuable window into a way of life shaped by the unique challenges and opportunities presented by Iceland’s demanding environment. They stand as a reminder of the importance of preserving historical architecture for future generations, allowing us to appreciate the enduring connection between people, place, and the built environment.
Summary of Comments ( 20 )
https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=42755821
HN commenters discuss the effectiveness of turf houses as insulation, noting their similarity to earth-sheltered homes. Some express concerns about potential issues with mold and moisture in such structures, particularly given Iceland's climate. Others point out the historical and cultural significance of these buildings, and their surprisingly pleasant interiors. One commenter mentions visiting similar structures in the Faroe Islands. The thread also touches on the labor-intensive nature of maintaining turf roofs, the use of driftwood in their construction, and the evolution of these building techniques over time. Finally, the preservation efforts of organizations like the National Museum of Iceland are acknowledged.
The Hacker News post titled "Icelandic turf houses: Laufas, Glaumbaer and others" linking to an article about Icelandic turf houses has a modest number of comments, generating a short but interesting discussion.
One commenter shares a personal anecdote of visiting these turf houses, describing the surprisingly pleasant indoor temperature despite the cold exterior. They mention the thick turf walls providing excellent insulation, creating a cozy atmosphere inside. This firsthand experience adds a tangible element to the discussion, contrasting the perceived coldness with the reality of comfortable interior temperatures.
Another commenter notes the historical significance of these structures, highlighting their use up until the 20th century. This provides context and emphasizes that these weren't just temporary or ancient dwellings, but rather served as homes for generations of Icelanders. They further discuss the practical advantages of turf houses, such as their availability of materials and affordability, particularly in a resource-scarce environment. This comment shifts the focus from purely aesthetic appreciation to the practical considerations that led to the development and prolonged use of this building style.
Another thread discusses the thermal properties of turf, with one commenter mentioning its use in modern green roofs. This connects the traditional building methods of Iceland with contemporary sustainable architecture practices, suggesting that the principles behind turf insulation remain relevant today. A subsequent reply within this thread delves further into the science, explaining how the low thermal conductivity of turf and its ability to absorb and release moisture contribute to its effectiveness as insulation. This exchange offers a more technical perspective on the advantages of turf as a building material.
Finally, one commenter questions the long-term preservation of these historical structures, wondering about the rate of decay and the efforts required to maintain them. This introduces the challenge of balancing historical preservation with the natural degradation of organic materials. While not providing answers, it raises important questions about the future of these unique cultural artifacts.
In summary, the comments offer a mix of personal experiences, historical context, technical insights, and concerns about preservation, adding layers of understanding to the original article's focus on the aesthetic and structural aspects of Icelandic turf houses. While not extensive, the comments provide valuable perspectives on these unique dwellings.