The tabique is one of the main Portuguese traditional building techniques, which is based on raw materials as earth and wood. In general, a tabique wall is formed by a simple timber structure covered by earth. Earth has an important role in this system because it protects the internal timber structure as well as is a finishing. The Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro is the northeast region of Portugal and it is very rich in terms of tabique heritage construction. Meanwhile, the existing tabique constructions show a generalized advanced stage of deterioration. This aspect associated to the fact that there is still a lack of scientific studies done in this field motivated this research work, which its main objectives are to identify the building process of tabique elements and to identify/characterize the applied materials. It is intended to stimulate and to give guidance for future rehabilitation works in this field. Taking into account that this region has a large area, it was necessary to divide this work in six stages related to the six council associations, which are Alto Tâmega; Terra Quente Transmontana; Terra Fria do Nordeste Transmontano; Vale do Douro Norte; Vale do Douro Sul and Douro Superior. This work is focused on the council association of Vale do Douro Norte (Douro North Valley), and uses twelve constructions as study case
