Not long ago, I visited a friend in the UK and stayed at his place. Everything seemed pretty similar to where I live until I went to the bathroom—or should I say “bawthroom.” I couldn’t find the light switch! My friend Andy came in, pulled a cord I hadn’t noticed, and showed me how to use the two taps in the sink. Later, he shared stories about homes in different countries he’d visited.
In British bathrooms, pull strings are used instead of regular light switches. This is because when you’re wet from a bath or shower, you’re more likely to get an electric shock. So, using a pull string is safer. Also, many UK homes have two separate taps—one for cold water and one for hot. This tradition dates back to the 19th century when cold water was clean enough to drink, but hot water could be contaminated. Mixing them was prohibited to avoid health issues.
In the US, kitchen sinks are often placed under a window. This setup allows for a shorter waste pipe, which is cheaper and easier to fix if there’s a problem. Plus, you get a nice view while doing the dishes!
In Australia, there’s no central heating, which isn’t surprising given the climate. However, in winter, it can be colder inside than outside. That’s why Ugg boots, originally designed as warm slippers, are popular for keeping feet cozy indoors.
In Cuba, many houses don’t have glass panes in their windows. Instead, they use wooden frames and shutters. This design helps keep homes cool and airy, as the temperature is usually warm. Shutters also block out noise better than glass.
In Sweden, people often live in large apartment buildings managed collectively by residents. The first floor is usually leased to businesses to reduce maintenance costs. The basement is a shared space where residents can create bike parking, a ping pong area, or even a sauna. Swedish homes typically lack curtains, as they prefer natural light.
Traditional Japanese homes are minimalistic, with paper sliding doors and futons for sleeping. A popular feature is the kotatsu, a heated table covered with a blanket, perfect for staying warm and cozy.
In South Korea, homes don’t have hallways. Instead, there’s a small area for taking off shoes. Bathrooms often lack a bathtub or conventional shower; water flows directly onto the floor. In China, the bathroom drain connects to the toilet, using water efficiently. Instead of a toilet, there’s a floor pan, which some believe aids digestion.
In the Netherlands, toilet rooms are small and separate from other rooms, often located in unusual places like next to the dining table. The tap water is always cold, which can be a shock in winter. Some toilets even have an “inspection shelf” for checking what you’ve left behind.
In Chile, there’s a unique housing program called incremental housing. The government builds half a house, and the family completes it when they can afford to. This results in homes with two distinct halves, one built by the government and the other by the residents.
So, if you learned something new today, share this article with a friend and explore more about the fascinating ways people live around the world!
Imagine you are an architect tasked with designing a home that incorporates features from different countries mentioned in the article. Create a blueprint or a drawing of your home, including at least three unique features from different cultures. Explain why you chose these features and how they would benefit the residents. Share your design with the class and discuss the cultural significance of each feature.
Participate in a debate about the pros and cons of different home features from around the world. Divide into groups, with each group representing a different country from the article. Research more about your assigned country’s home features and prepare arguments for why they are beneficial or challenging. Present your arguments to the class and engage in a friendly debate.
Choose one of the countries mentioned in the article and create a presentation about its unique home features. Include images, historical context, and reasons for these features. Present your findings to the class, highlighting how these features reflect the culture and lifestyle of the country. Encourage classmates to ask questions and discuss the similarities and differences with their own homes.
Create a comparison chart that lists the unique home features from each country mentioned in the article. Include columns for the feature, its purpose, and any cultural or historical significance. Work in pairs to complete the chart and then share your findings with the class. Discuss which features you find most interesting and why.
Write a short story about a day in the life of a person living in a home with unique features from one of the countries in the article. Describe how these features affect their daily routine and interactions with family or friends. Share your story with the class and discuss how these features might change your own daily life if you lived in such a home.
Bathroom – A room in a building containing a bathtub or shower and usually a sink and toilet, used for personal hygiene. – In urban planning, the availability of a bathroom in every home is considered essential for public health and sanitation.
Taps – Devices by which a flow of liquid or gas from a pipe or container can be controlled. – In many parts of the world, access to clean water through taps is a critical issue that affects daily life and health.
Heating – The system or process of supplying heat to a building to maintain a comfortable temperature. – Efficient heating systems are important in colder climates to ensure that homes remain warm during the winter months.
Windows – Openings in the walls of a building fitted with glass to let in light and air and allow people to see out. – Large windows in a building can help reduce the need for artificial lighting, making it more energy-efficient.
Apartments – Individual living units within a larger building, often rented by tenants. – In densely populated cities, apartments are a common form of housing due to limited space and high land costs.
Homes – Places where people live, which can vary in size, style, and function. – The design of homes can reflect cultural values and environmental conditions of a region.
Kitchens – Rooms or areas where food is prepared and cooked. – In many cultures, the kitchen is considered the heart of the home, where families gather and share meals.
Designs – Plans or drawings produced to show the look and function of a building or object before it is built or made. – Architectural designs must consider both aesthetic appeal and practical functionality to meet the needs of the community.
Toilets – Fixtures used for the disposal of human waste, typically consisting of a bowl and a flushing mechanism. – Access to clean and functioning toilets is a basic human right and a key component of public health infrastructure.
Housing – Structures or accommodations where people live, including houses, apartments, and other dwellings. – Affordable housing is a major concern in many cities, as it affects the quality of life and economic stability of residents.
