Siberia’s treasured wooden houses face uncertain future

The ornate wooden homes dotting the Siberian city of Tomsk are cherished landmarks, but that hasn’t prevented many from falling into disrepair following years of neglect, with some now facing demolition. A scattering of the iconic buildings still boast brightly-coloured and cared-for exteriors with intricate wood carvings adorning window frames and roofs. A large number, however, look as if they have been abandoned. The townhouses represent some…