In this project we seek to further our understanding of Icelandic vernacular building physics and structural behaviour with the goal of improving preservation, restoration, and maintenance.
Turf houses are the vernacular buildings of Iceland and particular focus will be put on the turf roofs. The indoor and outdoor climate (temperature and humidity) of the roofs in four turf houses owned by the National Museum of Iceland will be monitored along with the moisture content in the turf and the movement of the load carrying structure.
Laboratory studies of the material properties of turf will be used to enhance computer simulations which in return will be used in the data analysis. 3D point cloud analyses will be used to study the movements of the timber structure carrying the turf.
The project is a joint venture between the National Museum of Iceland and the University of Iceland. Within these two institutions we have experts in Icelandic architectural heritage, conservation of heritage buildings, building physics, structural health monitoring, and material science of buildings.
The research findings have the potential to make a significant impact on the maintenance practices of turf roofs, including the turf itself as well as its load carrying structure.
