Houses Around The World

 

Suwon, Korea 

Ondol is the traditional under floor heating system which has been used in Korean peninsula where the winter is very severe.   The heat from the stove in the kitchen goes through the pathway under the floor.   They used to use the firewood or straw for the stove.   The entrance of the house is made smaller to prevent cold air coming into tht house.   They sleep on the warm floor with the mat and they do not need to wear room shoes.   In the modern Korean house, Ondol is still used by hot water instead.   

South Gobi Desert, Mongolia

Gel is the Mongolian transferable nomad house.   They move the house when their domestic animals have eaten the grass in that area.   The main 2 poles in the center support the house with the framework.   They cover the framework with the white cloth filled with wool and hair of the domestic animals.   In the center, they place the stove and the ceiling can be opened for the smoke.   During the severe winter, they make double cover on the ceiling. 

Guizhou, China

In Miao village, the houses are built with stones.   There are many lime stone caves in this area.   The topographical feature here is called ‘Karst' where the stones contain a lot of calcium carbonate.   

Fujian, China

In dry Fujian area, the houses are built with the hard solid soil walls.   The houses were built about 300 years ago.   Hakka family was moving from the Yellow River area in 12 th to 13 th century.   They build the many town houses surrounded by the hard walls to protect from the outsiders.   The houses are 4-storied and hundreds of people are living together.   One townhouse is for the whole family who has the same last name.   The other family or not Hakka family are not allowed to live.