If you look closely at the construction of the lower walls you will see that they are formed from giant bricks of sun-baked earth. This can be any size but are usually 3 – 4 m. long, 1-2 m. high and 1 m. wide. These were not man handled into position but formed in situ from mobile box moulds in a similar way to the modern use of concrete. These box moulds are made from plank boards held in place by rope-tied cross beams. A mixture of wet earth, clay, straw and gravel is then packed into the mould and rammed hard. After it has settled the box-mould is disbanded and moved along to create the next section. The characteristic scattering of  holes left by the box-moulds and cross beams, and the cubular regularity of windows, doorways gun-silts and ventilation holes are a striking feature of the method of construction.

Long but narrow rooms are constructed along the side of the internal courtyard, for adequate roofing has always been a problem. Hardwood beams are a luxury in the desert. And fibrous palm tree trunks make weak beams. Room width are traditionally determined by the comparatively short widths that a palm beam could support. Above the beam, a cross hatch of lesser branches and woven palm fronds supports a flat roof of earth. These leak in heavy rain, require constant repair and are the first thing to deteriorate when a kasbah is abandoned. Floors are made from beaten earth, though a courtyard used for threshing would be neatly flagged with stone. In the richest houses a plaster, partly made from burnt limestone, could be applied to the inside walls…."