Ever wonder what traditional homes look like in other parts of the world? Check out homes from the past in these seven countries around the globe.  There are many differences, and similarities too!

By: Mary Gramer, Social Media Marketing Intern

 

1. Iceland

According to Scribol.com, these historic turf homes of Iceland have been around since the Iron Age. This style of home was common across northern Europe because of its practicality and low cost. The frames of the homes were constructed with timber, the walls of stone, and the roofs of moss or grass. Though they are no longer inhabited, the homes are preserved for their historical significance.

 

2. Japan

While there are many varieties of traditional Japanese homes, JAPAN: The Official Guide  says that the features they all share is an openness to the outdoors and a peaked roof. Modern houses in Japan today take inspiration from these traditional homes, but lack the gardens as green space is rare and pricey in the cities of Japan today.

 

3. Botswana

Located near major water sources, the villages established by the various cultural groups of Botswana are made up of circular grass huts. These homes are usually surrounded by a reed fence for protection from wildlife. Rather than one large hut, many cultural groups had several small enclosures, one for eating, one for sleeping, etc. For more information, head to botswana.co.za.

 

4. Pakistan

Many Pakistanis still live in rural areas, maintaining a similar lifestyle to their ancestors. Native Pakistan reports that the traditional homes are constructed of a mud and surrounded by gardens and livestock. With sunshine all year round, many have outdoor kitchens.

 

5. Ukraine

A typical village house of Ukraine has some interesting features, according to Real Ukraine. For example, the doors of these homes do not face the street, but rather invite the guest to walk through the garden in order to enter the home. Safety was in mind when the homes were built, with fenced in yards, and concrete walls.

 

6. Uruguay

Though today many Uruguayans live in modern Spanish-style homes, the pre-colonial homes occupied by the indigenous people of Uruguay were round huts. The thatched roofs are designed to keep rain water from entering the home. To learn more about the past and current culture of Uruguay, go to CultureGrams.

 

7. Nepal

As described on barbara-brink.com, traditional Nepalese style homes are made using clay excavated from Kathmandu Valley. The clay is formed into bricks and baked until strong. Sometimes the clay is painted, like shown above, but the clay itself can be found in a variety of shades from red to black. Sometimes the clay is used to make roof tiles, or alternatively a thatched roof is created out of sod.

 

These traditional homes around the world are all unique, but at the same time feel similar. They are all the product of communities without electricity, living off the land. The differences in the homes show a lot about the culture of the hands that built them.

All photos used under this license.