back TRADITIONAL CONSTRUCTION'S MAJOR QUALITIES o Thermal insulation Summertime in Morocco is naturally very hot and the winter months can be surprisingly chilly, especially after sundown. Houses built with traditional materials tend to remain cool in the summer and retain heat in the winter. This is not only due to the thickness of their walls, but also to the organic quality of their components. o Sound insulation Unlike in cinder block and concrete houses, there is no "echo effect" in stone houses. Furthermore, the thickness of the walls prevents noise from travelling from one room to the next. o The natural regulation of humidity Stone, earth and lime naturally regulate the interior humidity of a house, maintaining a pleasant balance all year around. o The inherent beauty of noble materials Whether the stone is left visible or coated with a finish, these houses have nothing in common with cinder block and concrete houses. The thickness of their walls, their organic appearance, their soft angles and all the little imperfections that lend them their traditional charm result in unique houses with true character. Houses built with natural materials, using to traditional building techniques are wonderfully adapted to the environment and climate of Morocco. They are pleasant to live in, quiet to sleep in and charming to look at. These houses age gracefully and, with time, acquire the sturdiness and patina of ancient buildings. Long after we're gone, they will leave beautiful ruins.