This is a large long room through the middle of the house. It is traditional for Siwan houses to have one large living room facing north south to catch the breeze that blows through the house through the day to keep it cool.
An open fire provides extra heat in the winter if required. Additional seating and cushions are available. There are exposed palm tree beams on the ceiling making the room look a bit like an English baronial hall. This is the traditional way of making ceilings in Siwa.The lighting is provided by wall fittings made from lumps of salt from the lake giving a nice warm glow in the evenings.
The floor throughout the house is soft limestone about 3 centimetres thick and needed a five tonne truck to deliver!