1.1.4 Vernacular Architecture in Subarctic climates

Considering other zones with similar climates we can find out how they dealt with the severe cold of the region. North America and some parts of China share with Irkutsk the same climate. 
    Native american living in far north regions developed ways to keep the cold, rain and wind at bay. Techniques for warming were part of the secret engineering of a dwelling. The smaller and the more subterranean the building is, the easier is to keep it warm. Indians designed their houses and tents using partitions of hanging mats and other wind breaks to stop the wind coming inside from the doorway. Indian dwellings were generally heated from centrally located hearths. Lot of insulation methods were used, starting from earth that surrounded the house that provided thermal mass and efficient wind-blocking. (Native American Architecture - Peter Nabokov, Robert Easton 1989)