Hebridean Black HouseThe Black House located on the Hebridean islands of the west coast of Scotland represents one of the earliest types of house forms in this region. The entire region has substantially high humidity levels due to the maritime climate. Although the temperature in winter is generally moderate, the humidity of the air and the fog give the impression of a cold climate. However, the predominant climatic factor is the prevailing westerly winds, influenced by the Atlantic Ocean. More exposed coastal areas may experience force 8 winds for much of the winter season and therefore in such climates heavy solid materials are promoted, stone being the commonly accepted choice. Due to its durability, most of the vernacular buildings constructed of stone have managed to survive these harsh conditions to this day. The basic shape of the black house is that of a long, narrow rectangular room with two separate levels. The higher end serves as a living space for the family, while the lower area is used to shelter the owner's cow. This difference in height, combined with the slight slope of the floor, causes rainwater or animal waste to flow outwards and away from the accommodation. The division of the areas occurred simply by means of a low stone wall. The black house is accessed through a low door, which opens into the area reserved for the cow. These homes contain no windows or chimneys, but light penetrates the interior of the house through two small holes at the base of the roof. The door is used at the same time as these small openings to allow a small amount of ventilation to feed the fire which is located in the center of the room. In this region, builders have rather limited resources as... half the paper. ..... from http://www.nickladd.com/downloads/Essays_on_the_vernacular.pdfLittle, B., & Morton, T. (2001). Building with earth in Scotland: innovative design and sustainability. Retrieved from http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Resource/Doc/156686/0042109.pdfMinistry of Tourism of Mongolia. (2002). Information about Mongolia. Retrieved from http://www.asia-planet.net/mongolia/culture.htmNess Historical Society. (n.d.). The 'Black House'. Retrieved from http://www.cen.org/blackhouse.htmOliver, P. (ed.). (1997). Encyclopedia of the world's vernacular architecture (vols. 1 - 3). New York, NY: Cambridge University Press. Drachman Institute. (2008). Form and culture of the house. Retrieved from http://www.drachmaninstitute.org/sites/default/files/House_Form&Culture.pdfWright, K. (2005). Traditional Mongolian ger. Retrieved from http://www.bioregions.org/pdfs/GerOwnersPamphlet.pdf