Materials You Will Need

1. Wooden Beams and Planks: For the frame and walls.
2. Wattle and Daub: A mixture of woven wooden strips (wattle) and a sticky material (daub) such as mud, clay, and straw.
3. Thatch or Wooden Shingles: For the roof.
4. Stone or Brick: For the foundation.
5. Tools: Hammer, nails, saw, measuring tape, level, trowel, and a wheelbarrow.
6. Lime Wash: For painting the walls.

1. Planning and Designing

Before you start building, plan your design. A typical medieval house has a rectangular shape with a simple roof. Sketch your design on paper, including measurements for each part of the house.

2. Preparing the Foundation

1. Choose a Site

Find a flat, stable area for your house.

2. Clear the Ground

Remove any grass, plants, and debris.

3. Lay the Foundation

• Dig a trench around the perimeter of your house, about 1-2 feet deep.
• Fill the trench with a layer of stones or bricks to create a sturdy foundation.
• Compact the stones or bricks to make sure they are stable and level.

3. Building the Frame

1. Erect the Corner Posts

Place wooden posts at each corner of the house, ensuring they are securely anchored in the foundation.
Use a level to make sure each post is vertical.

2. Connect the Posts

Attach horizontal beams at the top and bottom of the posts to create the basic frame of the walls.
Add diagonal braces for extra stability.

4. Creating the Walls

1. Construct the Wattle

Weave flexible wooden strips (like willow or hazel) horizontally between the upright posts to create a lattice.

2. Apply the Daub

• Mix mud, clay, and straw in a wheelbarrow to create the daub.
• Apply the daub mixture to both sides of the wattle, pressing it into the gaps to create a solid wall.
• Allow the daub to dry completely.

5. Building the Roof

1. Create the Roof Frame

• Attach wooden beams across the top of the house to form the roof frame.
• Add additional beams running from the front to the back to support the roof covering.

2. Cover the Roof

If using thatch, bundle straw and tie it to the roof beams, starting from the bottom and working your way up.
If using wooden shingles, start at the bottom and nail each shingle in overlapping rows until the entire roof is covered.

6. Finishing Touches

1. Install Doors and Windows

• Cut openings for doors and windows in the walls.
• Frame the openings with wooden beams and install simple wooden doors and shutters.

2. Paint the Walls

• Mix lime with water to create lime wash.
• Apply the lime wash to the exterior and interior walls for added protection and a traditional white finish.

7. Adding Interior Features (Optional)

1. Create a Fireplace

Build a simple stone or brick fireplace on one wall.

2. Add Furniture

Craft or purchase wooden furniture such as benches, tables, and beds.

Tips for an Authentic Look

• Use natural materials wherever possible to maintain authenticity.
• Research medieval house designs to include period-accurate details.
• Consider adding a thatched roof for a traditional appearance.

Building a medieval house is a wonderful way to learn about historical construction techniques and create a unique structure.