Architecture of Suriname
The pre-Columbian architecture in Suriname was simple and little to no original architecture from this time period remains. Most of the buildings were houses and were constructed of wood and other natural materials that break down over time. Despite the fact that no original houses exist, there can still be houses found in these traditional styles inland. Most were built off the ground on stilts or in trees in order to prevent flooding.
With the arrival of Europeans, particularly the British and Dutch, the architecture in Suriname changed. New structures, such as churches were introduced as were new building techniques and styles, but the building materials used changed little as wood remained the primary construction material.
The styles and designs of the buildings in Suriname became very European as Dutch and British designs dominated the landscape. The nearby Caribbean also had a slight influence on the buildings, but not nearly as much as the British and Dutch had.