In this video I found it particularly interesting that they still use moss to caulk, and I was surprised at the huge amount of moss placed between the logs as t

In this video I found it particularly interesting that they still use moss to caulk, and I was surprised at the huge amount of moss placed between the logs as they stack them. I bet there is a lot of knowledge just in selecting the right moss. The Russian stove to me is a true engineering marvel! I've read a few books on simple Western fireplaces, and there's a lot of engineering and a lot of guesswork involved in these pathetically simple contraptions. The Russian stove looks like the Space Shuttle in comparison! The fact that they are wearing t-shirts inside these houses in winter is proof of how deceptively efficient these houses are, heated only by the wood they have to carry themselves - another proof of efficiency. There is also the fact that these houses must withstand extreme temperature variations every year, staggering -90oF to +90oF, with all the material stresses, different rates of expansion and contraction, and humidity that this implies. To be comfortable to live in. For many decades. With do-it-yourself repair capability. And 100% reliability, because this is truly mission critical - death is possible if the heating or shelter fails. I see these features as unique and therefore I think these houses are very well adapted. I think there is a lot of specific knowledge hidden inside these deceptively simple houses. Since I haven't found much written in English, I like these videos because I can spy on them and maybe extract the little secrets, like the moss, or the many layers until you reach the core of the house. Another important part for me is how they use the house. That's why I particularly like Kiun's videos. There are also https://www.youtube.com/@LifeinYakutia/videos https://www.youtube.com/@LifeinYakutia/videos . I always mix the two in my head. Cheers!