Not all environment solutions involve modern technology or new ideas. Grass roofs on houses in Norway are one such case. Translated literally, torvtak is “turf roof.” For hundreds of years turf roofs have been popular in Norway.
No two turf roofs are the same. Some are bright green and almost velvety. Others are golden and look like they’re growing wheat or oats. A number of turf roofs have flowers mixed in with the grass, and a few have small trees.
The advantages of turf roofs are many. They are very heavy, so they help to stabilize the house; they provide good insulation; and they are long-lasting. Special skills and materials are required to prepare the roof for the turf topping.
Turf roofs in Norway are a tradition and you will see them everywhere. This is not some new architectural trend in London or New York!
Here is a link to some photos of the more recent, trendy green roofs.
Meanwhile, in the UK the government would like to see more people go for grass roofs and suggest such a move could cut their tax bill. More here.
The turf roof in Norway probably works to insulate the building. However, I don’t think it would be a good solution here where I live, where there is voluminous rainfall during the year, and the added weight on such roof might be cause of roof collapses. However, you are right in pointing out that new turf roof applications are not a new invention.
Earth homes. I love them. They look quite enchanted.
‘Enchanted’, the perfect word to describe them. And yes, it had run through my mind too suburbanlife that surely the weight of them must cause them to collapse! They have probably as much snow & rain as Canada but they are apparently built to handle this.
Ever the engineers these folk. They really do impress me in many ways the Norwegians.
That looks beautiful. I could easily imagine living in a cottage with a grass roof with a few flowers mingling in. If they can withstand the snowfall in Norway, I would assume they are pretty durable.
Yes and a meadow on the roof is such a beautiful and inspiring idea. Imagine all those butterflies and bees passing by your windows!
i love this idea. i just finished an article on “living roofs” and i now want one for my home. they are excellent for storm water management, cleaning the air, natural habitats, and they are just prettier than looking out over tar and gravel rooftops!
Isn’t it wonderful when the alternative makes so much sense! Would be interested to know how you get on with your roof greening project.
Did you see the enormous green roof planned for the Vancouver Convention and Exhibition Center? Amazing! I have a photo of a humble Norwegian cottage I shall send you soon, matt. These toppings are so appealling.
Blimey, they could let the local kidz play football on that, it’s so big! Pity the public won’t have access to it.
Would love to receive your photo of a Norwegian cottage inel.
I have been to this museum in Oslo and loved the traditional houses.
Lucky you!
I visited Norway beginning of this August and saw many green roofs on normal homes but, didn’t take any photos of them! On returning to the UK and putting up a post here about the roofs, I thought there would be plenty of images on the internet showing these normal grass covered homes. Strangely not! Which is why one of the images I ended up using is of a museum area. Not ideal. The other image is however of a newer home. I guess they contrast well.
The weight of turf roofs in Norway perform the function of compressing the log walls and other joints to make them air-tight. Each log is scribed to the one below it, leaving a small gap that will close as the logs dry more completely. No chinking was used. Moss or raw wool was also packed between the logs. Traditionally, a layer of birch bark provided the moisture barrier below the turf, and the pitch was 6 in 12. Norwegians in rural areas were isolated and had to use the resources close at hand. Turf roofs were beautiful and also dirt cheap.
Thanks nels. That explains a lot regards how the weight of turf is dealt with.
The Norwegians are great engineers and run a very clean, green and organised society. Very impressive. And of course Oslo tops the league for best place in the world to live. Unless of course you want a bit of anarchy and culture, best place for that being London!
I am looking to knock down my building near Norway that is made of brick & replace it with a grass roofed bungalow. How long does the roofing last? What other styles could you suggest for these very cold climates?
Hi Jasmine
My understanding is that grass roofs last for many years. Maintenance is low. Slate or tiles are alternatives but certainly grass is a more interesting option. Good luck.
[...] (image via: Environment Solutions) [...]
very pretty, great insulator, but not if you are in an earthquake – prone area where a light roof is more suitable.