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Reconstructing the village

The form of the two reconstructed dwellings in the open-air museum was deduced from evidence uncovered in excavations, making particular use of the plans from phases 1 and 2, which proved more complete.
Construction of the first house got underway with the raising of vertical support spars. Construction of the first house got underway with the raising of vertical support spars.
The house frame was built by mounting crossbeams on the support poles. Other horizontal poles or spars were positioned perpendicularly on these so as to lend more rigidity to the structure. The house frame was built by mounting crossbeams on the support poles. Other horizontal poles or spars were positioned perpendicularly on these so as to lend more rigidity to the structure.
The wooden flooring was laid using split trunks. The wooden flooring was laid using split trunks.
Cross battens were added. Cross battens were added.
The double-pitched roof was built. The double-pitched roof was built.
Bundles of marsh reeds were fixed in overlapping layers and held in place by branches sewn to the battens using a large wooden needle. Bundles of marsh reeds were fixed in overlapping layers and held in place by branches sewn to the battens using a large wooden needle.
The wall frames were made using ash branches. The wall frames were made using ash branches.
The rendering, similar to that found in minute fragments during the excavation, was a mix of lime, sand and small quantities of animal droppings. The rendering, similar to that found in minute fragments during the excavation, was a mix of lime, sand and small quantities of animal droppings.
The floor was made of compacted earth. The floor was made of compacted earth.
In the two dwellings, fireplaces and domed ovens were built in direct contact with the floor. In the two dwellings, fireplaces and domed ovens were built in direct contact with the floor.
A trapdoor was inserted in the floor of one of the dwellings for tipping cinders and other refuse. A trapdoor was inserted in the floor of one of the dwellings for tipping cinders and other refuse.
Building the entrance and the village fortifications: notice the wooden cages filled with earth. Building the entrance and the village fortifications: notice the wooden cages filled with earth.