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In the late 19th century, the number of turf farmhouses dropped considerably. Earthquakes in the south contributed to their disappearance, as many farmhouses collapsed; rather than rebuilding them, many people opted to build wooden houses instead. Greater prosperity also meant that people wanted to build in the new materials that were being used in urban centres. Gradually, people lost their respect for the turf house and the old building traditions. The word torfbær (turf farmhouse) became a term of contempt.