Iceland. About once a week I get an email advertising ridiculously cheap flights from LAX to Reykjavik. Tourism to Iceland’s capital far exceeds the country’s population of 340,000, with over 2 million tourists visiting annually. And it’s not hard to see why. The Nordic island’s geothermal spas surrounded by snow capped lava fields are regular fixtures on travel blogs and Insta feeds.

On a global scale Iceland is recognized for more than just its famous Blue Lagoon. Viking explorers settled the country in the 9th century. The progressive country boasts low rates of violence, some of the highest literacy rates in the word, religious tolerance, gender equality, gay rights, and can largely be accredited for the original green home, the turf house.

Turf houses were the product of Iceland’s harsh climate and natural resources. Lava rock and grass sod were available in abundance and key components in construction. Homes were built to last a generation, before tearing them down to rebuild using the same stones from the original construction.

Large lava stones were laid for the foundation. Next, locally sourced turf was laid down on top of the lava stone. Alternating layers of stone and turf continued until the wall was built. Using tools to compact the soil helped strengthen the structure and encouraged insulation.

Houses were built into the hillside to provide further insulation and structural support. The additional shelter helped guard against freezing and unrelenting weather.

Structures were small and built in a parallel series with enclosed corridors connecting each structure. Passageways allowed movement between each turf house, without going outside into the elements and sacrificing heat.

Not all turf houses housed people. The entire family resided in one turf house which set the scene for all aspects of daily life from birth to death, eating, working, and sleeping.

The other structures were used for livestock, storage, and food preparation areas. This was an energy efficient system because heat was contained in the dwelling and livestock areas where it was most imperative.

After World War Two turf houses became increasingly less common, with Icelanders turning towards more modern homes. Still, some aspects of turf homes can be seen today.

Heading to Iceland? I highly recommend booking a tour to see one of the few remaining turf houses in Iceland.

What do you think of the original green house? Let me know in the comments below!