Houses may look 'poor' to tourists but this the nature of Egypt. Houses are functional, not fancy. This house on the west back near Medinet Habu has been extended over the generations but retains the style and purpose of ancient housing. Note the Mud 'wall' (left of middle picture) which has been formed on palm fronts (which was parallel in ancient Egypt as the top of false-doors). The last picture shows the internal construction is based on large trunks of palm trees spanning the rooms.