‘Dirt Hovels’ and Cultural Heritage: The Eradication and Inheritance of the Icelandic Turf House

Abstract

This article explores conflicting views of the Icelandic turf house and how these views relate to notions of corrupt architecture and so-called ‘difficult’ heritage. First, we define the concepts of corrupt and difficult architecture and address their relationship to the discussion of heritage. We assert that this theoretical discussion is highly applicable as regards turf houses, plans for their eradication and measures to protect and preserve them. Next, we examine general attitudes towards turf buildings and several public campaigns to eradicate them, whereby turf is defined as an obstacle to cultural and social progress. Finally, we explore public measures to protect the Icelandic turf house, focusing mainly on the efforts of the National Museum of Iceland, which has a leading role in policy development and conservation of Icelandic architectural heritage.