How is life in Swedish "Khrushchevs": what are the similarities and differences between their "flat" houses from ours

  • Dec 05, 2021
Many of us are so used to the definition of " Khrushchev" and do not even suspect that economical social housing was not invented in the Soviet Union at all. For example, in prosperous Sweden there are also five-story houses with small apartments, only the arrangement of the territory and entrances is somewhat different from our housing stock. We invite you on an educational tour of the Swedish courtyards to compare how life is in " flat" houses, as Europeans call five-story buildings, and why people who grew up in them will never exchange them for new buildings.
Many of us are so used to the definition of "Khrushchev" and do not even suspect that economical social housing was not invented in the Soviet Union at all. For example, in prosperous Sweden there are also five-story houses with small apartments, only the arrangement of the territory and entrances is somewhat different from our housing stock. We invite you on an educational tour of the Swedish courtyards to compare how life is in "flat" houses, as Europeans call five-story buildings, and why people who grew up in them will never exchange them for new buildings.
Many of us are so used to the definition of "Khrushchev" and do not even suspect that economical social housing was not invented in the Soviet Union at all. For example, in prosperous Sweden there are also five-story houses with small apartments, only the arrangement of the territory and entrances is somewhat different from our housing stock. We invite you on an educational tour of the Swedish courtyards to compare how life is in "flat" houses, as Europeans call five-story buildings, and why people who grew up in them will never exchange them for new buildings.
instagram viewer

1. When and why there were apartment buildings, the predecessors of our "Khrushchev"

This is how Swedish " Khrushchevs" look like 70-80 years after construction. | Photo: digitaltmuseum.se.
This is how Swedish "Khrushchevs" look like 70-80 years after construction. | Photo: digitaltmuseum.se.
This is how Swedish "Khrushchevs" look like 70-80 years after construction. | Photo: digitaltmuseum.se.

It is known for certain that three- / five-storey buildings, in which small-sized apartments with a tiny kitchen, a narrow corridor and a combined bathroom are located, are not a Soviet invention. Budget construction, which allows providing housing to those in need, became relevant in Europe and America back in the 30s of the last century.

Presentable budget housing is maintained by the Housing Authority and the municipality.
Presentable budget housing is maintained by the Housing Authority and the municipality.

Reference: One of the most famous architects who pioneered the idea of ​​mass housing construction was Ernst May (1886-1970), a German architect and urban planner. He managed to surpass the ambitious plans of the founders of German functionalism Walter Gropius and Bruno Taut, having implemented a large-scale project "New Frankfurt" (construction of several villages near Bruchfeldstrasse, Pranheim, etc.). From 1925 to 1930 built just over 12 thousand apartment buildings. It is also worth noting that after the completion of the construction of the settlements, E. May, with a group of like-minded people, went to the Soviet Union, where he designed about 20 new cities.

2. Why new homes were called "flat"

Due to their modest dimensions, residential buildings could be built almost anywhere without harming the surrounding nature.
Due to their modest dimensions, residential buildings could be built almost anywhere without harming the surrounding nature.

A special scale of mass construction of economical housing began in the post-war years. Despite the fact that the cities of Sweden did not suffer from the bombing and destruction, citizens increasingly needed better living conditions. It was then that the large-scale development of cities began with pre-fabricated three and five-story buildings, which were located close to each other and were very narrow. The width of the panel structures varied from 8 to 12 m, so the people very quickly got the name lamellhus - "flat" or "narrow" houses.

Panel construction became a real salvation for many European countries in the post-war period (1950-1960). | Photo: brfhaggen.se.
Panel construction became a real salvation for many European countries in the post-war period (1950-1960). | Photo: brfhaggen.se.

This layout was dictated by the norms that did not allow the construction of residential apartment buildings. closer than 21.3 m to provide maximum illumination of the apartment on all floors (standards insolation). But the houses, small in area, were easy to adapt to the area with the least interference with the natural landscape. This was used by the developers, who in 10 years (1936-1946) managed to commission more than 25 thousand. apartments, which left 85% (!) of the total housing stock of the country.

3. Features of the planning and arrangement of the local area

Each apartment building has common use areas.
Each apartment building has common use areas.

Residential building of 3-5 floors, with small French balconies without attics and elevators, with a comfortable basement, in which there were public laundries and dryers, as well as sheds or storage rooms for each of the apartments - these are the main characteristics of the Swedish "Khrushchevs". These standards were the most popular in the country and remained unchanged for several decades. The only thing is that the layout of the apartments has improved, the distribution of zones has changed and the internal space has been optimized, the front and common areas of use have been improved.

Paradise life for Swedish kids was planned from the beginning.
Paradise life for Swedish kids was planned from the beginning.

The adjacent territory was developed depending on which social program was being implemented and for which category the houses were built. Since this housing stock was considered social, most often apartments were intended for large families. This meant the arrangement of special rooms for storing bicycles and baby carriages, the creation of playgrounds, recreation areas and barbecues, although the latter are available in all courtyards. According to the Novate.ru editors, the houses intended for this social category were called barnrikehus, which means "a house rich in children."

Facades, doors, windows, roofs and playgrounds are updated at an enviable frequency.
Facades, doors, windows, roofs and playgrounds are updated at an enviable frequency.

Despite the fact that lamellhus were considered budgetary, they were built thoroughly, in the literal sense of the word for centuries, because the first objects in a dozen years will be able to celebrate the centenary. It should be noted that they look quite presentable. There is, of course, an explanation for this. In Sweden, the housing authority and the commune are directly responsible (unlike ours) for the safety and appearance of the housing stock under their jurisdiction. At the same time, facades (plaster, painting, cladding), windows, doors are updated with an enviable frequency to the entrance and roofs, which in recent years have begun to be covered with tiles or modern materials.

4. Prohibitions at the legislative level

In Sweden, you will not see motley windows and glazed balconies anywhere, not to mention drying clothes outside the apartment.
In Sweden, you will not see motley windows and glazed balconies anywhere, not to mention drying clothes outside the apartment.

Residents of any apartment buildings, including small ones, must adhere to generally accepted norms and rules for the arrangement and design of the external elements of their apartments. The Swedes are strictly forbidden to glaze balconies (if this is not provided for by the standard project), to store on them bulky inventory / items and hang out laundry, while you should not put bars on the windows, even on the floors. It is also forbidden to change window blocks and entrance doors to apartments at your own discretion - this means that the listed elements, if necessary, must have exactly the same appearance, color and shape as in everything home.

Urban development rules and regulations are fully implemented, even if the houses are on the outskirts.
Urban development rules and regulations are fully implemented, even if the houses are on the outskirts.

Another limitation is parking in the courtyard (at the entrance to the entrance), since the courtyard is considered a landscaped recreation area with benches, tables, gazebos, manicured flower beds and even gardens. An exception is the organized bicycle parking, which can be freely used by both residents of the house and guests.

>>>>Ideas for life | NOVATE.RU<<<<

5. Entrances of the Swedish "Khrushchevs"

The traditional design of entrances in residential buildings of the lamellhus type, built in the 60s. last century. | Photo: sofiasfasadblogg.wordpress.com.
The traditional design of entrances in residential buildings of the lamellhus type, built in the 60s. last century. | Photo: sofiasfasadblogg.wordpress.com.

The entrances of the Swedish "Khrushchevs" first of all amaze with the cleanliness and integrity of the steps, perfectly flat and freshly painted walls, the presence of electric lamps and even switches (located at the entrance), which residents regularly enjoy. At the entrance to the entrance, you can always see a board on which there is information about the tenants (names and numbers of apartments) and telephone numbers of utilities / emergency services. In the hall there are, if not brand new, then always whole and clean (no drawings, scratches and burn marks) mailboxes, and on each floor there are working heating radiators.

Entrances in block and panel houses in Stockholm, built in the 60s and 70s. last century. | Photo: glava-semyi.livejournal.com.
Entrances in block and panel houses in Stockholm, built in the 60s and 70s. last century. | Photo: glava-semyi.livejournal.com.

We will not make a comparative analysis, because everyone knows us about the state of such a housing stock in the vastness of the post-Soviet space. I just want to kindly envy the Europeans, although maintaining cleanliness and order near the house and in the entrances is available to all people without exception, but ...

Panel construction of budget housing was most popular in the Soviet Union. At the same time, most of the standard construction projects were not entirely successful and comfortable, although there were
quite interesting developments, which have never been implemented.
A source:
https://novate.ru/blogs/110721/59521/

IT IS INTERESTING:

1. Why are cardboard and plywood houses being built in American suburbs?

2. Why do American men wear a T-shirt under their shirt?

3. Why did an automatic rifle appear in the USSR in 1949, and in the USA only in 1964?