cave houses by ceciliach

This picturesque village tells the typical cave-dwelling story in west central china. These houses are actually caves. They are unique in conception and various shapes excist, depending on the natural environment, geographical features and local customs. They are still widely used by a good number of people in china around sweeping loess plateau in which they are situated. Construction of such dwellings is as follows: a square pit is first dug out to form a squre courtyard, the cave-houses then being dug out in the direction of the four walls. Caves are often arranged in curved or zig- zag lines, lending them harmonious beauty and architectural artistry. Where the height of the slope permits, cave-dwellings are often arranged in layers like storied houses. Warm in winter, cool in summer, taking up very little land and easy to build, they are ideally insulated against fire, wind and noise. Last month, i stayed two days in the village and met a lot of painters there. Please press M to have a larger view. via 500px http://j.mp/1trx4Bt