| Title | Chapter 6. Architectural Climate Change Adaptations in Little Ice Age Norway c. 1300–1550 |
|---|---|
| Contributor | Kristian Reinfjord(author) |
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.63308/63881023874820.ch06 |
| Landing page | https://www.whpress.co.uk/publications/2025/05/02/nordicclimatehistories/ |
| License | https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/deed.en |
| Copyright | Kristian Reinfjord |
| Publisher | The White Horse Press |
| Published on | 2025-08-15 |
| Long abstract | Dwellings interact with climates to suit different temperatures, rainfalls and rainfall conditions. Different technologies were adapted to buildings to manage colder climates and more snow and therefore water during the Little Ice Age. Adaptations are identified in the archaeological material, particularly in high- status buildings from fifteenth-century Norway. Medieval architecture alterations were entangled with climate changes. New technologies accommodated lower temperatures and water increase. Building campaigns dated to the period could also have been involved in several societal developments (e.g., technology, ritual, social patterns or consumption) that are also revealed in built environments. The examples presented correspond chronologically with the Little Ice Age, are secondarily added to a dwelling structure, are directly associated with chang- ing climates and serve as a solution to climate-related problems. Four features are particularly significant instances of climate change adaptation and are here discussed: drains, brick rebuilding, tile stoves and stone cellars. |
| Page range | pp. 147–164 |
| Print length | 18 pages |
| Language | English (Original) |
| Media | 6 illustrations |
Kristian Reinfjord Ph.D. is Head of Cultural History and Senior Curator at Anno Domkirkeodden Museum. He is an archaeologist specialising in medieval buildings and material remains of the period. His interests include vernacular architecture, heritage studies and conservation of Norwegian built heritage.