ABSTRACT
The Houses and mosques of Suakin were built of madrepore, or rock-coral, brought from the sea-bed. This material varies a great deal in consistency and can be treacherous for building, especially if it is exposed to contrasting effects of the hot sun by day and damp, cold sea-air at night. Such alternation of temperature tends to make it crumble, so that it is essential to encase the walls in plaster. This uncertain nature of the masonry was counteracted by a judicious use of wood inserted in the walls and arches. This allowed for settling and contributed the tensile strength of wood and its elasticity.
