Another traditional architecture in Canada and the USA: Exploring some unique constructive techniques

Abstract

Generally, in the traditional architecture of Canada and the United States, wood has been used as the main and almost exclusive material for the construction of the buildings of early settlers as it was abundant in the area. Thus, log cabins or wooden frame houses and cottages have become the chief representatives of traditional Canadian and North American architecture. However, wood was expensive or not always at hand in some parts of both countries, so that other materials such as earth, stone, and lime or gypsum were used by the new settlers to build the first constructions. Consequently, different constructive techniques associated with these materials are found in their traditional architecture, some even imported from Europe, with specific links to the individual places of origin of those who built the buildings. This paper aims to provide an initial overview and classification of the use of other materials and other constructive techniques which are also characteristic of a part of traditional architecture common to both Canada and the North of the United States: It also offers an exploration of different specific individual examples including stovewood constructions, sod houses (soddies), and cobblestone structures.