Architecture of the Federated States of Micronesia
Prior to the arrival of the Europeans, the architecture in the Federated States of Micronesia was very limited. In fact nearly every structure built was a house and most of these houses were similar in construction and design. Most homes were made of wood, with large posts supporting the thatched leave roofs. They generally were open on the sides, but at times blinds were created from natural materials. The other common structure at the time were community houses, which were similar to individual homes, but on a larger scale.
With the arrival of the Europeans the materials used and building process was altered. The Europeans also introduced new structures, such as churches and schools. Today many buildings continue to use these materials, techniques, and styles. Concrete and concrete blocks are common in housing and sheet metal or corrugated roofing is now the norm. However, styles have changed little in housing as they are still built for use, not style. The only exception to this is that the structure of many houses is now including multiple rooms, whereas in the past the kitchens and bathrooms were often separate structures, and in rural areas, this is still common.