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Soddies were popular in the 19th and early 20th centuries, particularly in the American West, as a low-cost housing option for homesteaders and other settlers. They were often used as temporary housing while a more permanent structure was built. They can be insulated with straw or other materials, and have a thatch or sod roof. As noted in the description, soddies where typically built on the ground.

The foundation of a soddy typically consists of a trench that is dug into the ground and then filled with gravel or other drainage materials to prevent water from seeping into the structure. The walls are then built on top of the foundation, often using traditional mortise-and-tenon joinery to hold the walls together. The roof of a soddy is often made of thatch or sod, which is laid on top of a framework of poles or branches.

Soddy’s are not widely built today, but remnants still can be found in some rural areas. They are not suitable for harsh weathers and are not efficient in terms of energy consumption.

The thickness of soddy walls can vary depending on the type of construction method used and the specific design of the building. For example, adobe walls are typically around 30 cm (1 foot) thick, while cob walls can be even thicker, often around 45-60 cm (1.5-2 feet) thick. Rammed earth walls are also typically around 30-45 cm (1-1.5 feet) thick. The thickness of the wall should be determined by the structural load it needs to bear and the insulation it needs to provide.