Its use declined in many areas in the 18th 19thcenturies but did survive into the 20thcentury in a very few areas particularly in north atlantic europe.
Turf roofs scotland.
Inspired by the natural curved beauty of a seashell the architect designed cottage is set on the wild west coast of scotland overlooking the shimmering loch sunart.
In the highlands and islands of scotland grass roofed houses often related to crofts were common.
The use of turf as a building and roofing material is well documented in historic texts from most areas of northern europe and probably has an origin in prehistory.
Sod or turf for roofing was cut from good pasture land preferably with sandy soil.
Modern green roofs are a relatively new sector in the construction industry but have become a widespread feature across europe.
As we move into the 21st century it remains an ideal modern roofing material for the orkney climate.
Updating an ancient tradition icelandic turf architecture has its roots in building techniques dating back to the iron age indeed the romans used turf bricks to build fortresses and defensive.
Turf and sedum roofs are what most people imagine when they hear the term green roof and there are indeed a few sedum roofs on commercial buildings in glasgow edinburgh and other cities in scotland.
Living roofs on houses fall into two basic categories.
Turf roofs with about 15 cm.
Hidden on the side of a hill and boasting a gently sloping turf roof that blends seamlessly into the wilderness you ll feel blissfully set apart from the rest of the world as you step inside the eco friendly haven.
Whilst these should certainly be celebrated there is so much more that could be achieved for wildlife at roof level in scotland.
Of soil and sedum roofs with about 4 cm.