Norwegian Lawn Mower, a photo from Nordland, North

Photographer's Note

Lofoten, Moskenesa, Napp

Grass roof, the norwegian translation is 鍍orvtak�, which means 鍍urf roof�. The advantages of such grass/turf roofs (also called sod roofs) are many: They are very heavy, so they help to stabilize the house, they provide good insulation and they can stay for many years.�

But of course you won稚 be able to keep the grass short enough, so which method can you use? :)

Although it looks like someone just threw some dirt on the house and hoped for rain, the process of creating a proper turf roof was a little more complicated than that. You wouldn稚 guess it, judging by its name, but the main element of a turf roof was actually birch bark. It was strong, water resistant, easy to strip off of a tree trunk, and most importantly it was free and abundant throughout the country. The bark would be set on the roof of the house and immediately covered with multiple layers of turf, to keep it in place.
(Source: odditycentral.com)
http://www.odditycentral.com/pics/the-turf-covered-houses-of-norway.html

This is a link to Google View on the same cabin at wintertime

pajaran, Royaldevon, jhm, tyro has marked this note useful

Critiques | Translate

jimmyjimmy (6164) 2018-11-26 17:13

Hello Viviane

I see that the people of Norway use their brains well. I would have never thought of such a barrier. Especially Norway with all that snow. interesting.

Jimmy

mesutilgim (0) 2018-11-26 23:11

Hello Viviane,
I looked at that nice capture for quite a long time thinking the reason of your title ! Than I've noticed those unexpected guests at the top of the house :-)
Perfect noticed and captured. Many interesting notes makes your entry a perfect TE job.
TFS and have a nice day
MESUT ILGIM

Royaldevon (85896) 2018-11-27 2:42

Hello Viviane,

To me, this seems like such a sensible way of having a warm, sturdy roof. Bravo Norway!

I was fascinated by the two inquisitive faces peeing over the edge! Is there a ramp to access the sheep?
I would imagine that the turf will cushion any footsteps but, I wonder if they can still be heard in the house.

Is the small, upper roof to protect a chimney opening, surely it's not a home for the sheep!!!

Have a lovely day,
Bev :-)

jhm (211736) 2018-11-27 5:24

Hello Viviane,

The grass roof becomes use through sheep, good idea, the grass is always very short.
An excellent picture nice captured.
Very well presentation, TFS.

Best regards,
John.

tyro (30513) 2018-11-28 23:30

Hello dear Viviane,

This is a perfect posting for TE! Your photograph and the first part of your note add a touch of humour while the second part provides some very interesting information about grass roofs - I had always wondered why grass roofs didn't cause the underlying timbers to rot and collapse - apparently the use of birch bark is the answer. :)

Your photograph is a well seen and captured image - and well times too as we catch a glimpse of the two "lawnmowers peeking over the edge of the roof - I do hope that they have a safe way of returning to ground level!

Lovely light and colours, perfect exposure and excellent details and sharpness.

Brilliant!

Kind Regards,

John.