West Coast Indigenous Building

People indigenous to West coast Northern America were of many different groups and tribes. The Chumash people lived all throughout Malibu to Paso Robles California. Their houses were made from willow branches formed into domes and sometimes used whale bones for support. Tule reed or cattail mats were used for roofs. A small hole was left in the top for air circulation and covered with a skin when it rained

Sweat houses were built partially underground and usually had openings in the top with a ladder for access. Ohlone people of the Bay area made similar structures with access from the side.

Tule reeds were used for many things by Bay Area native people. Boats were very boyant with Tule construction because they were hollow, light and airy.