Wartime Homes vs. Strawberry Box Homes: A Tale of Resilient Architecture in Saskatchewan
The unassuming architecture of Saskatchewan's post-war era hides a fascinating story of resilience and community rebuilding. Two types of houses dot the landscape—the "wartime home" and the "strawberry box home"—each tell a unique story of resourcefulness and practicality, offering insight into the challenges and triumphs of a generation returning from World War II.
Wartime Homes were introduced across Canada to meet returning soldiers' and their families' urgent housing needs. These homes were modest in size, typically one-and-a-half stories and around 800–900 square feet, with a practical layout to maximize space. Wartime homes were designed for speed and affordability. They often featured pitched roofs and dormers, with layouts that combined simplicity and durability. Their minimalist charm belied their practical purpose, offering returning veterans a stable foundation to start a new chapter.
Strawberry Box Homes, unique to Canada, were even more simplified than their wartime counterparts. Smaller, single-story, and notably box-shaped, these homes earned their name because their shape resembled the crates used for picking strawberries. Built with local materials and an even more affordable design, strawberry box homes became popular among young families eager to settle into new lives after the war. Unlike wartime homes, they typically lacked dormers and architectural flourishes, favouring a sturdy and no-frills approach to shelter.
Today, wartime and strawberry box homes are celebrated for their role in Canada’s history. Their modest facades reflect a community's strength and adaptability, each home a testament to a generation's efforts to rebuild and thrive.
