Icelandic Turf houses are a distinctive type of dwelling, dotting the island’s landscape since the 9th century A.D. Reportedly, these dwellings, the work of the country’s Nordic settlers, are the oldest in Iceland.

Turf houses are the product of local climate and mastery of available materials. The turf house builders first worked on a large foundation made of stone and then proceeded with a wooden frame that could support the weight of the turf.

The turf was abundant in Iceland, and the settlers were familiar with how to use it. They still had to adapt to available wood resources, however. Nordic people would typically build their dwellings with oak trees, but in Iceland birch was the most dominant tree.

As a housing solution, the turf house offered superior insulation, a reliable shelter for cold and long Icelandic winters. When appropriately fitted, the only visible wooden element of the house would be the doorway.

Today few turf houses remain in Iceland and they are considered an architectural heritage of the country. On a planet overwhelmed by a climate crisis, it’s just might be the type of housing that contemporary architects and developers can use to a benefit.

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