Many of Trollsylvania's older houses and buildings are constructed directly above there earlier underground counterpart and consequently are generously provided with extensive cellars. Indeed, in many areas this is used to eliminate the need for a regular refuse collection service.

At historical events, however, re-enactors may be seen demonstrating this ancient mode of subterranean dwelling. They enthusiastically give demonstrations of how to cope with unexpected roof falls for the pleasure and entertainment of visitors. Indeed, there are even artisans who will, for a price, construct a cave dwelling in your very own garden whist dressed in suitable period costume.

Styles of architecture

In modern constructions local materials are generally used, leading to regional differences in building styles throughout the kingdom. Although even in areas rich in suitable building stone, wood construction is often preferred on account of cost (builders naturally charge more for things the do not like doing and carting heavy stones around is one of these things.)

A timber frame is erected of rough oak beams, which is then in filled with anything that comes to hand - rubble, brick, old shoes etc. - this leads to a sagging as the bases of the walls bulge outwards, an effects which appeals to the eyes of the average Trollsylvanian, who considers the perpendicular to be a foreign concept and something best avoided. (This belief is probably due in some part the ancient troglodytic tradition of underground housing}.

Overall, buildings of this construction take a couple of years to settle to their final state - the final shape of some buildings being a pile of rubble - but as long as they are still standing when the bill is paid both sides are happy.

This arrangement can lead to extended periods of credit being sought as a means of free buildings insurance.

Architects

Architects are seldom employed in the construction of new buildings. "Why pay for something twice?" is the argument given. To pay an architect to tell your builder what to do when you can tell him perfectly well yourself is considered an unnecessary extravagance. An additional room could be built with the money saved. As a result once instructed builders are either left to their own devices or persistently bothered by the last minute changes of plan dreamed up by the amateur designer.