An efficient form of living, the lynghåus serve as a place for families to unite together under one roof in Huldan. Preventing the excessive expenditure of resources, the long harsh arctic nights endured become far more bearable, and the survival of all is aided by such simple means.

Purpose / Function

When the oceans first froze over many millennia ago, the lynghåuses started as a transformation of sailing ships previously used to cross the seas into a new style of housing, and over time more and more were built directly for their current function, until nearly all forms of shelter were replaced by them.

Able to house between 15 and 50 people relative to their given size, they are primarily utilised as homes and other buildings central to a town or village.

Design

As they were developed into what they are now, numerous modifications came to be included in their design compared to the vessels of old.

Portholes became shifted higher up with closable hatches for fresh air, and stone chimneys were added as ventilation for both stoves and fireplaces.

Eventually split into three defined sections: the majority of lynghåuses offer a combined dining and living area; either open-plan or closed off sleeping quarters; and a multipurpose kitchen, scullery, and larder.

Other variants also exist dependent on the needs of the community, including: a large indoor market space with shops or stalls; entertainment venues or pleasure spots; gathering halls or military barracks; plus many more.

Entries

Double doors can be found on opposite sides from the centre. The porthole windows are large enough to climb through in the event of emergency, and can be propped open or latched shut.

Sensory & Appearance

Kept lit by candles, fireplaces, and in the case of more respected establishments sometimes small amounts of Raerite.

Architecture

Made largely from wood for the structure itself, stone flooring covers the foundations, with fur rugs generally adorning the floors.

Only possessing a ground level in most cases initially, a cellar or lower level is often added post-construction. Seldomly do two-storey high ones exist outside of cities such as Borealis, except in rare circumstances.

Organised into different formations around with regards to the needs of the settlement, three distinct layouts are common:

  • Connected: where smaller lynghåuses reside they can be connected together to form adjoining lines or shapes. The reason for this is to keep related extended families or professional crafts together.
  • Star: going out from the centre with a rendezvous location in the middle. These are predominantly made use of for vast military outposts like Astos.
  • Isolated: scattered around fairly evenly with no special arrangement. The most common distribution across the North.