Siirtoketjujen

Siirtoketjujen were a popular type of Finnish suburban housing that emerged in the post-war period. The phrase "Siirtoketjujen" translates to "chain houses" or "chain homes", referring to their design similarity to modular or prefabricated housing units. These houses were characterized by their modular and prefabricated nature, often consisting of multiple connected units.

The Siirtoketjujen concept was an attempt to create efficient and affordable housing solutions for the growing population of urban areas. Although the term specifically refers to Finnish architecture, the modular design of these houses found applications in other parts of the world. The construction of Siirtoketjujen began in the 1950s, with peak production and construction taking place in the 1960s and 1970s.

Characteristics of the Siirtoketjujen design include standardized modules, prefabricated construction, and exterior similarity among the units. The systematic repetition of these uniform modules created a continuous visual effect of aligned houses, suitable for mass housing projects in urban areas. The use of prefabricated blocks and standard modules was designed to minimize construction time, reduce labor costs, and simplify the process.

While initially conceived as an innovative and efficient solution, the popularity of Siirtoketjujen eventually waned as new housing designs and building methods emerged. By the 1990s, the concept had fallen out of favor, as alternative and more modern housing options emerged. Today, Siirtoketjujen are mostly seen as relics of early modernization efforts in urban planning, although some architectural historians have highlighted their historical significance in the development of post-war housing and urban design. The legacy of Siirtoketjujen can be seen in later adaptations and innovations in the area of prefabricated and modular housing.