A digital reconstruction of a Bronze Age dwelling in Scotland (circa 2000–800 BC). These structures were predominantly roundhouses, evolving from stone-walled cellular structures to timber-framed homes. Common in coastal and island areas such as Shetland and Orkney, these oval stone houses featured thick, often partially subterranean walls for insulation. They had central hearths and were designed for comfort in a cooling climate. Their entrance passages were usually aligned to face away from the prevailing winds.
How this image was made
Software and tools used: Blender 3D, Cycles Render Engine, Photoshop
Notes: This cutaway image was rendered from a digital 3D model, inspired by information gathered during a visit to Shetland Museum and Archives, Lerwick, in 2023. The figures in this reconstruction are slightly off scale, making the structure appear unusually large in the rendering. Although this image could depict a dwelling accommodating a large family, these structures were generally small, with diameters typically between 5 and 12 metres.
Personal Work
Artist: Bob Marshall
December, 2023
Creative Commons CC BY-NC-ND 4.0. Reusers may copy and distribute the image in any medium or format. Credit must be given to the creator. Only non-commercial uses of the work are permitted. No derivatives or adaptations of the work are permitted. More information can be found on my Licensing information page.
