kehavõllid

Kehavõllid is a type of traditional Estonian dwelling structure. The term "kehavõllid" is derived from the Estonian words "keha," meaning "body," and "võll," meaning "a large courtyard or an enclosure." Kehavõllid were popular in the 18th to early 20th centuries, particularly in rural areas of Estonia, including the regions of Haapsalu, Harju, and Tallinna.

Typically, kovahõllid consisted of a solitary house and outbuildings, such as barns and stables, arranged within a central courtyard. The dwelling structure itself might be made from timber, with boards hung at right angles to form a clad exterior. In contrast to other Estonian dwelling structures, kehavõllid did not have attics, and the raised ground floor necessitated the use of ladder doors or trapdoors to access the living quarters.

The net enclosure around the dwelling unit, referred to as the "võll," could be made of various materials, including boards, turf, or dry stones. It served to separate the exterior from the dwelling structure, creating a shaded area with minimal ventilation. Traditional kitchens in kehavõllid had living quarters located below or adjacent to them, making the area very suitable for cooler weather conditions. Rooftops were often flat and provided space for placing washing.

The use of kehavõllid as a dwelling structure gradually declined due to changes in social and economic conditions in rural Estonia, particularly with the commercialization of goods and the stimulating living standards of the population after the World War II. Nevertheless, the kehavõllid have left their mark on the cultural heritage of Estonia, influencing the way Estonians think of space, dwellings and neighborhood communities.