The picture set this week is architectural in theme and takes a look at half-timbered buildings. The "half" refers to the way in which timbers are cut in half lengthways and then used to make the structure of a building's walls and roof. This is one of the oldest and most attractive architectural styles and, obviously, tends to be used in places where there is a good supply of wood. Back in mediaeval times, much of Northern Europe was covered in forests and timber-framing was an important feature of vernacular building in England, Normandy and northern Germany. Those forests have mostly gone, but the technique has been revived using wood from Scandinavia and Eastern Europe. Buildings such as Anne Hathaway's cottage in Stratford-on-Avon and the 15th century houses of Rouen have lasted for hundreds of years. The modern half-timbered structures are unlikely to survive as long, but they are at least a lot nicer to look at than concrete boxes.

The Oak House in West Bromwich in May 2006 (image 2675-219)

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