House No. 3, a circular, wattle-and-daub structure with a southeastern
entranceway, was built on the surface of the Cypress Creek floodplain.
There were probably four interior roof support posts, two or more
interior platforms for sleeping or storage, and a centrally located,
prepared hearth with a clay base. Possibly, a low embankment of sand was
thrown against the wall around the exterior of the house.
The period of occupation at the house is unknown, but the scarcity of
artifacts suggests that it was of short duration, or else that it was
used for specialized—perhaps ceremonial—purposes. A domiciliary
structure ordinarily would have much more cultural refuse about it than
did House No. 3, unless it was occupied for only a very brief period of
time. Stone chips and a few artifacts in the floodplain beneath the
house floor indicate that the spot had been lightly occupied prior to
the construction of the house.
That House No. 3 burned is evident from the charred poles and bits of
heavily burned, wattle-impressed, clay daub lying on and above the house
floor. Shortly after the burning, a mound of sandy soil, undoubtedly
derived from the adjacent surface of the floodplain, was heaped over the
house ruins.
Burial of the house remains beneath a mound implies that the house had a
special significance, possibly of a ceremonial nature. Consequently it
may be conjectured that perhaps House No. 3 was a small temple or chapel
which was ceremonially burned and buried.