Tiny Homes Around the World
Past and Present
Even though America has become fascinated by the tiny home movement, tiny houses have been in existence for ages, here and all around the world. Some of these tiny abodes emerged due to some of the following reasons: areas of poor infrastructure, to experience nature, a gift from the state, or just wanting the simple life.
In this piece, we will elaborate on tiny houses that may be created in various architectures; mushroom, triangular, circular, square, or rectangular. Made with a diverse array of materials; mud, animal skins, grass roofs, and even snow. In conclusion, we explore how tiny homes have been so beneficial around the globe along with some terrific pics.
YURTS
Yurts are a traditional abode of the nomads of Mongolia and neighboring territories. And, have been in existence for about 3000 years in Central Asia. It’s a uniquely circular designed portable dwelling. Traditionally it was meant to be dismantled and transported on camels or yaks. After that, to be reconstructed within hours once settled in a different area.
In the past and present in some countries, yurts were covered in sheep or yak skins. However, modern yurts, especially in the USA and Canada, may be made of high-efficiency glass or fabric to withstand severe weather conditions. Now there are yurt suburbs, resorts, and that are available on Airbnb
RONDAVELS
Rondavels are round or oval-shaped African-style huts that are easier to firmly erect than square or rectangular. And usually, have a thatched rooftop of sewn tree limbs and grass. The walls are frequently built from stones. The plaster may contain soil, sand, or combinations of such, including cow dung. Traditional flooring is completed with a dung mix so it’ll not only be hard but smooth.
The asset to the rounded huts is the resistant to strong winds. In addition, the circular shape has simple air conditioning due to the heated air twirling off the round walls and rising to vent at the rooftop.
IGLOOS
In centuries past, inhabitants of Earth’s frostiest areas, such as Alaska, didn’t have the option of brick or wood houses. So, they made do with the only plentiful material to shape their residence: snow. Therefore, igloos or snow houses were created and enabled hunters to endure brutal winters.
The snow in those very cold regions is packed tightly by the freezing winds. This makes it reasonably easy to work with, unlike the fluffy, powdery snowflakes that fall in most backyards. The walls block the freezing wind. And, with a lantern and some body heat, an igloo can warm up to 40 degrees above the temperatures outside.
TEEPEES
In the Great Plains, Teepees were the abodes of the nomadic tribes. In just 30 minutes, one can erect and assemble a teepee. Firstly, framing is done using several long poles that are secured together at the top and extended at the base to make an inverted funnel shape. After that, a sizable covering made of buffalo, reindeer, elk, and/or bison hides would be placed on the exterior.
Furthermore, the teepee would be great for all seasons of the year. In the summer, the covering would be lifted to enable a large opening at the bottom for cool air to flow inside. In the winter, grass insulation and additional coverings would assist in keeping the teepee warm.