kolonistugor

Kolonistugor, literally meaning "colonist houses" in Swedish, refer to a type of wooden building structure constructed during the period of Swedish colonization in the latter half of the 19th century. These buildings were typically made of wood and were designed to provide basic living quarters for settlers and their families who were moving to remote areas of the Swedish Empire.

The colonist houses were built with practicality in mind, with basic furnishings and amenities. They often consisted of one or two rooms, a kitchen, and a loft for sleeping quarters. The interior spaces were simple, with rough-hewn wooden accents and minimal ornamentation. The exterior appearance of the houses was also straightforward, with symmetrical facades and minimal decorative elements.

Construction of the colonist houses was often undertaken by local residents or by groups of settlers working together. The materials used, such as wood and turf, were readily available in the surrounding areas, making it easier for settlers to construct their own homes without relying too heavily on external resources.

The colonist houses are significant examples of the Swedish commitment to decentralized governance and settlement of remote areas, particularly during the partition of Sweden. Many of these buildings have survived to this day, with some having undergone renovations and restorations. The term "kolonistugor" is used almost exclusively in Sweden, and outside of the country, the term is not well-known.