versatile. Vernacular, almost by definition, is sustainable, and will not exhaust the local resources. If it is not sustainable, it is not suitable for its local context, and cannot be vernacular. Construction elements and materials frequently found in vernacular buildings include: Adobe – a type of mud brick, often covered with white-wash, commonly used in Spain and Spanish colonies Cob – a type of plaster made from subsoil with the addition of fibrous material to give added strength Mashrabiya (also known as shanashol in Iraq) – a type of oriel window with timber lattice-work, designed to allow ventilation, commonly found in Iraq and Egypt in upper-class homes Mud bricks – loam or sand mixed with water and vegetable matter such as straw Rammed earth often used in foundations Saddleback roof Thatch – dry vegetation used as roofing material Windcatcher – a type of chimney used to provide natural ventilation without the use of air conditioning, commonly found in Iran, Iraq and other parts of the Middle-East Wychert – a blend of white earth and clay Legal aspects As many jurisdictions introduce tougher building codes and zoning regulations, "folk architects" sometimes find themselves in conflict with the local authorities. A case that made news in Russia was that of an Arkhangelsk entrepreneur Nikolay P. Sutyagin, who built what was reportedly the world's tallest single-family wooden house for himself and his family, only to see it condemned as a fire hazard. The 13-storey, tall structure, known locally as "Sutyagin's skyscraper" (Небоскрёб Сутягина), was found to be in violation of Arkhangelsk building codes, and in 2008 the courts ordered the building to be demolished by February 1, 2009. On December 26, 2008, the tower was pulled down, and the remainder was dismantled manually over the course of the next several months. Gallery Africa Anatolia Central Asia Middle East South Asia Far East Asia Southeast Asia and Austronesia Australia and New Zealand Europe North America South America Types and examples by region Inter-regional Bender tent – a temporary dwelling used by Nomadic people Stilt house – a raised house found in monsoonal regions, especially monsoonal South Asia or other areas prone to flooding Brazil Bustee – a dwelling made from waste materials, often associated with the slums of India or the favellas of Brazil Canada Canadian Railway style, Railway stations built in Canada in the 19th and early 20th centuries were often simple wood