Volcanic Tuff Tufa Stone

This stone is called volcanic tuff (tufa) in Turkey. Tufa stone is a compressed volcanic ash and it is an ideal construction material.
Apart from its use in the traditionally constructed rock-cut homes, tufa has also proven to be an ideal building material in the form of cut stones, and has excellent insulating properties. The porous structure of the rock is so optimal for evening out the swings in temperature between the hot summers and cold winters that it often suffices to simply light the stove for an hour in order to heat a small rock-cut living room. This relatively light stone, which can be cut with simple tools, provides the optimal basis for constructing rock-cut dwellings. Simultaneously its ecological merits as a building material are perfect.