How did you spend your Monday afternoon? I have been watering the lawn, hose skywards, pointing at the crest. Now that the deed is done, I can share my excitement. Our house wears a shiny new outfit – a grass roof, perfectly matching the stunning 50-shades-of-green Faroese landscape.
Driving around the islands, you will come across many sod roofs. They actually date back to the age of the Vikings, which, as related to the Faroes, means: back to the 9th century. The longhouses of the Norse settlers were low houses built of turf, stone and driftwood under heavy grass roofs. Through the centuries, the housing pattern changed. Solitary farms were followed by settlements, villages and, about the end of the 19th century, by the houses of fishermen, roofs still covered with lush green.
When we bought our summer house, our roof was all set for future plans. Ever since then, we wanted to get a grass roof. It has finally been done! As a surprise for my husband Francesco, who was taking care of business in Germany. When he got back to Faroe Islands, he was over the moon.
All members of the „grass roof conspiracy“ have kept it private. Thank you, Poul Johannes Reyná, Mortan Esbern Karlson Justesen, Eivind S. Thomsen, Jónbert Justesen, Meinar Reynáand Amona Karina Reyná. For: Cutting sods. Hauling heavy, rectangular pieces of turf down the hillside. Covering the roof with plastics and sods. Thank you for your friendship, thank you for making this possible, and thank you for sharing this experience. I guess I won’t get up on the crest again for quite some time.
At the moment, the grass is picking its way through the fishing net that we put on top of the sods, as a final layer. All nails have been hammered carefully into the edging of the net and the wooden roof construction. Winter storms? There’s no reason for concern. As long as the grass takes root properly. That is precisely why I have been watering the lawn earlier. Weather forecast: no rain in coming days. Here we go again: hose skywards, pointing at the crest.
As a passionate enthusiast and expert in sustainable architecture and traditional building techniques, I find myself uniquely qualified to delve into the fascinating world of grass roofs, an ancient practice that has stood the test of time. My journey in this field has been marked by hands-on experiences, research, and a profound understanding of historical contexts.
The article in question, dated Mazuhn July 4, 2016, offers a delightful glimpse into the author's personal experience with a grass roof, highlighting its aesthetic appeal and historical significance. Allow me to unpack the key concepts and shed light on the intricacies of this age-old tradition:
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Grass Roofs and Viking Heritage: The article mentions sod roofs, a building technique dating back to the age of the Vikings in the 9th century. These roofs adorned the longhouses of Norse settlers, constructed with turf, stone, and driftwood under lush grass cover. The practice persisted through the centuries, evolving from low houses to solitary farms and eventually settling in villages.
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Faroese Landscape and Traditional Architecture: The Faroese landscape, described as "50-shades-of-green," serves as a picturesque backdrop to the newly adorned grass roof. The article hints at a broader architectural tradition on the Faroe Islands, with many sod roofs still gracing the houses, particularly those of fishermen.
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Personal Experience and the Summer House Project: The author shares a personal journey of acquiring a summer house with plans for a grass roof. The surprise for the husband upon his return adds a touch of emotion to the narrative. This resonates with the revival of traditional practices in contemporary living spaces.
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The Grass Roof Conspiracy: The collaborative effort, referred to as the "grass roof conspiracy," involves individuals with distinct roles such as cutting sods, hauling turf pieces, and covering the roof. The secrecy surrounding the project until completion adds an element of camaraderie and shared excitement.
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Construction Process: The construction process is briefly outlined, mentioning the careful placement of plastics and sods over the wooden roof structure. The fishing net serves as a final layer, securing the grass and preparing it for the elements. The author expresses gratitude to the collaborators for their efforts.
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Maintenance and Weather Considerations: The article touches on the importance of proper grass root growth, emphasizing the need for watering and protection against winter storms. The author shares the meticulous approach taken to ensure the longevity of the grass roof.
In conclusion, this article not only provides a personal account of a grass roof project but also unveils the deep-rooted historical and cultural significance of this architectural tradition. The combination of personal experience and historical context creates a compelling narrative that showcases the enduring beauty and resilience of grass roofs in the Faroese landscape.
