Dating back to the Middle Ages, colombage architecture emerged as a practical and ingenious building technique. A colombage house is primarily built upon a stone or brick base to prevent moisture rising. On this base sit the lower wall plates, long horizontal timber pieces, upon which the vertical posts and beams are placed. The term 'colombe' comes from the Latin word 'columna,' meaning column. Additional wall plates and beams are fixed for each floor. The upper wall plate supports the roof structure. The spaces between the beams are filled with 'torchis' (a mixture of clay and chopped straw applied on a wooden lattice). Once dry, it is protected by a plaster coating (lime and sand). As in the past, timber-framed construction today is carried out with respect for the environment. The forests of Normandy provide sturdy and dense oak pieces. The stones for the base come from local quarries and straw and clay are readily available throughout the region.