Tag Archives: Scandinavian

Magic and Mysticism in Scandinavian Vernacular Architecture – on Folklore, Superstition and on How the Gods Really Were in the Details…

Posted on December 30, 2012 by annamadeit

The urge to decorate is as old as mankind. Since time immemorial, adornments have served as status indicators, cultural and national insignia, as well as tribal trademarks. Heraldic badges and coats of arms mark political and familial affiliations, and entire … Continue reading →

Posted in Culture, On Building, Scandinavia | Tagged Architecture, Building, carvings, folklore, magic, mysticism, ornament, Scandinavian, superstition, symbol, Traditional, vernacular | 12 Comments

From shou-sugi-ban to acetylated wood – a clean, green future in wood preservation

Posted on August 13, 2012 by annamadeit

Tar kiln or “tjärdal” from Öland, Sweden. Photo courtesy of Wikipedia. Since humans began using wood, the material has always been subject to more or less successful methods of wood preservation. Alexander the Great is said to have soaked wood … Continue reading →

Posted in Color, Cool building materials, Culture, Environment, Green Living, On Building | Tagged acetylated wood, cool building materials, environment, green building materials, Green Technology, Japanese, lumber industry, modern, pesticides, Scandinavian, shou-sugi-ban, Traditional, wood preservation | 27 Comments

Lucia, Yule Goats, and other interesting occurrences

Posted on January 13, 2011 by annamadeit

December 12, 2010 Okay – so the Holiday Madness is upon us, yet again! Since I’m a transplant away from my own country, I always think it’s fun to compare traditions – especially since the US represents such a wide … Continue reading →