In the memoirs of Rafail Zotov, an ensign in the St. Petersburg Militia, they built their own hut-like shelters out of branches and leaves on several occasions, while marching from St. Petersburg to the independent corps of Wittgenstein (prior to the 2nd Battle of Polotsk). He remarked that their ability to keep out the rain left something to be desired. On the night before the battle however, both the men and officers laid down to sleep where they stood, completely exposed on the field.
As they advanced toward the town itself, Zotov describes trenches and shelters built by the French which were potentially meant to withstand the whole winter of 1812-1813, which were complete with furniture, doors and windows, all stolen from the nearby villages.