By Wisdom A House Is Built

The turf houses in Iceland are over 1,000 years old. They were built to be well-insulated because of Iceland's climate.

The foundation was made of flat stones and the frame was made of wood strong enough to hold the load of the turf. The wood was obtained from the birch trees that one time grew on 30 percent of the island.

The turf was then fitted around the wooden frame in blocks, often in two layers.

The floors were covered with wood, stone, or earth.

When I looked at these turf houses, I saw a great deal of wisdom in which they were built and understanding in which they were established.

"By wisdom a house is built,

and through understanding it is established."

Proverbs 24:3 (NIV)