Unwin‘s reconstructions of alternative roofs and roofing materials for timber roundhouses at Lairg are a rare exception to current practice. The scholarly reconstructions suggest different roof pitches, materials and thatching techniques, adjusted to different environmental conditions and site locations (Holden 1998b, 10). Fojut‘s discussion of roof reconstructions also stands out for considering alternative solutions. These are, however, based on typical rather than site-specific dimensions (Fojut 2005b). The work undertaken at Lejre, Denmark (Rasmussen 2007) could be an inspiration on how to built, study, demolish and excavate Iron house reconstructions in order to enhance an understanding of the processes involved.
Return to Section 5.5 The role of Reconstructions and Replicas