Courtyards of our North: how did our ancestors build?

Now we are moving away from those building rules and traditions that our wise ancestors bequeathed to us. But in vain! People who lived 5-6 centuries ago were closer to nature, more observant and savvy, which means they have a lot to learn.

Today I will tell you about the unique axioms of wooden construction in the North of the center of Russia - in Vologda, Arkhangelsk and neighboring regions. Read to the end, it's interesting!

The first building rule of the northerners is to build so that the house can withstand the harsh climate. It is for this reason that the houses of the same Pomors were not built alone in the middle of the site (as we have now), but in whole complexes. It was said about them in Russia - we tower.

When the house and all the outbuildings stand shoulder to shoulder, the strong north wind blows out less heat from them, and it is more comfortable to be in the courtyard.

The only drawback of the house-complex is the inconvenience of removing snow from the patio in winter: you have to dig up a wooden gate and throw snow through them.

Second feature houses in the north - arrangement of basements on the first floors. This is a cold place that was hardly heated, and where food supplies were stored. In severe frosts, cattle were allowed there.

Third feature - all roofs are gable (and this is the most reliable type of roof). Residential buildings are connected with household buildings with the help of covered galleries, so that there is no need to walk in the cold.

In winter, the stove became the center of life - it was installed in the largest room and gathered around it all the inhabitants of the house. Here men were engaged in crafts and minor repairs, women - in their maternal duties.

In the summer, the residents dispersed throughout the complex to work.

Such was the life of a Pomor village literally 150 years ago.