A Place Called Home

For centuries, igloos protected Inuit communities from the harsh climate of the Arctic. The blocks of snow used for the igloo keep it warm inside by trapping the body heat of those living in it. At the same time, they block out strong winds. Even though most Inuit communities have moved into urban housing, igloos are still used sometimes by Inuit hunters as emergency shelters. (Wikimedia Commons 1, 2)

Created through years of volcanic eruptions, the underground stone houses of Cappadocia, Turkey, once protected people against foreign invasions. Their large stone doors and sophisticated tunnel network made them practically impossible to attack.

Some of these houses have been transformed into hotels today. The stone ensures that they stay cool in summer and warm in winter, making them an ideal stay for tourists all year round. (Wikimedia Commons 1, 2)

Around 40 million people in northern China still choose to live in yaodongs, or cave houses. These homes are either carved into hillsides or dug into the ground. Today, yaodongs are held up by researchers as an example of successful sustainable living.   (Wikimedia Commons 1, 2)

As yurts can be easily put up and taken down, they have long served as an ideal dwelling for the nomadic peoples of Central Asia. Building a yurt is a communal effort. The men carve the wood that forms the yurt’s frame, and all members of the group come together to paint and sew its outer layers. (Unsplash, Wikimedia Commons)

From the 18th to 20th centuries, the British Romani travelled and lived in elaborately decorated caravans known as vardos. Due to the Romani belief that a deceased person’s possessions should not be sold, vardos are often burned after their owners’ deaths.

While most Romani people now live in brick-and-mortar houses, some still use vardos while travelling. This way, they preserve the nomadic traditions of their ancestors. (The Vale Magazine)

The rumah gadang or “big house” is the traditional home of the Minangkabau people in Sumatra, Indonesia. It is used for family meetings and religious ceremonies. Since the Minangkabau society is matrilineal in nature, ownership of the house is passed down from mother to daughter. Today, most of them are preserved by the government as a symbol of cultural heritage. (Wikimedia Commons)

These giant tulou houses are rural dwellings unique to the Hakka community in Fujian, China. Each tulou is basically a small village, containing many identical rooms which residents live in. Residents gather in the main courtyard for social activities. Today, tulous are mostly used for family reunions or festive celebrations. (Wikimedia Commons 1, 2)

Designed by Polish businessman Daniel Czapiewski, the Upside-Down House in Szymbark makes a bold political statement by showing how the world was literally turned “upside down” in communist Poland. The house is furnished with things from the 1970s, including a vintage television set that plays the communist propaganda of the era. It is a popular tourist destination. (Atlas Obscura)

Drawing from his experience as a refugee from Laos, architect Van Bo Le-Metnzel created the “One-Sqm-House”. This is a portable DIY wooden structure that occupies only one square metre of space. Le-Metnzel hopes that the house can give people some personal space of their own, especially for those who have none. (Architecture Art Designs)

In recent years, the Tiny House Movement, which champions the downsizing of living spaces, has gained popularity as an alternative way of living. Besides being less costly, tiny houses are also considered to be more environmentally friendly. They require fewer building materials and consume less energy. (Wikimedia Commons)

For many younger individuals, #VanLife has emerged as the answer to stressful city living. Those who choose this alternative way of living stay in vehicles that are redesigned as mobile homes. Because it offers flexibility and independence, this lifestyle has taken off on social media, with videos showcasing #VanLife going viral online. (Pexels)

Married couple Adam Lind and Lauren Coley, inspired by their travels, decided to try a more eco-friendly way of living. To do this, they live on a narrowboat. The boat is powered by solar energy collected through solar panels on its roof. They document their daily lives on social media. (@adam.floatinghome 1, 2)