Traditional architecture is a thing of beauty, and it can be found all over the world. In this article, we’ll take a look at nine amazing traditional houses from different countries, ranging from the United States to Japan. Each house has its own unique features, and they all come together to create a stunning collage of traditional design.
1. Wigwam — North America
Wigwams are traditional homes of the Indigenous people of North America. They are also known as birchbark houses, and they were usually made from natural materials like cedar bark and tree saplings.
Wigwams were usually conical in shape and could be as large as 20 feet in diameter. They were often used as summer homes, as they were cool in the summer and warm in the winter.
Wigwams were typically made by stripping the bark from trees and then weaving the strips together. The saplings were then used to create the frame of the wigwam. Birchbark was often used for the walls and roof, as it was lightweight and waterproof.
Wigwams were usually furnished with animal skins and furs for bedding, and they had a fire pit in the center for warmth.
Today, there are still some Indigenous people who build wigwams for ceremonial purposes. You can also find replica wigwams at some museums and historical sites.
2. Palloza — Spain
The Palloza is a traditional stone house from the mountainous region of Asturias in northwestern Spain. These houses are built with large stones that are fitted together without the use of mortar.
The stones used to build the Palloza are usually taken from the nearby rivers. The size and shape of the stones vary depending on the house. The Palloza has a gabled roof and a large chimney.
The interior of the Palloza is divided into two parts: the living area and the sleeping area. The living area is typically located on the ground floor and is used for cooking, eating, and socializing. The sleeping area is located on the second floor and is accessed by a ladder.
The Palloza is a very energy-efficient house. The thick stone walls help to keep the house warm in the winter and cool in the summer.
If you are looking for a traditional Spanish house, the Palloza is a great option!
3. Kurin’ — Ukraine
Kurin’ is a small village located in the Ivano-Frankivsk oblast of Ukraine. The village is home to around 600 people, most of whom are ethnic Ukrainians.
The village is best known for its traditional thatched houses, which are a common sight in the area. Thatched roofs have been used in Ukraine for centuries, and they are still popular today.
Kurin’s thatched houses are some of the most beautiful in the country. They are made with a variety of materials, including straw, reeds, and grasses. The roofs are often decorated with colorful patterns and designs.
If you are ever in Ukraine, be sure to visit Kurin’ to see these amazing traditional houses!
4. Diaolou — China
The Diaolou are fortified multi-storey watchtowers in Guangdong province, southern China. They were built mainly during the Ming and Qing Dynasties (1368 – 1911) to protect villages from pirates.
The Diaolou come in different shapes and sizes, and are often decorated with colourful patterns. Some of them have been converted into museums or restaurants, and are now popular tourist attractions.
If you’re ever in Guangdong province, be sure to check out the amazing Diaolou!
5. Torfbæir — Iceland
Torfbæir are traditional Icelandic houses that are made out of turf. They were once common in rural areas of Iceland, but they are now mostly found in tourist areas.
Torfbæir are usually built with a wooden frame and then covered with turf. The turf helps to insulate the house and keep it warm.
These houses have a very unique look and they are a great way to experience traditional Icelandic architecture. If you are visiting Iceland, be sure to check out a torfbæir!
6. Minka — Japan
Minka are traditional Japanese houses that were built before the Meiji period. These houses were usually made of wood and had thatched roofs. They were often built without nails, which made them very earthquake-resistant.
Minka were usually built in rural areas and were used as farmhouses or storagehouses. However, some minka were also built in urban areas and served as temples, shrines, or townhouses.
Nowadays, minka are considered to be an important part of Japanese culture and architecture. These houses are often preserved and can be seen in many museums and parks across Japan.
7. Manyatta — Africa
The word “manyatta” comes from the Maasai language and means “settlement.” The Maasai are a nomadic people who live in Kenya and Tanzania. They are known for their beautiful traditional houses, which are made from mud, sticks, and grass.
The Maasai build their houses using materials that are readily available to them. The walls of the house are made from sticks that are tied together with grass. The roof is also made from grass, and the floors are usually dirt.
The houses are built to be cool in the hot Africa sun. The thick walls and the thatched roofs help to keep the inside of the house cool.
The Maasai traditionally live in houses that are built in a circle. This is because they believe that it is important to have a good view of all sides of the house so that they can see any potential threats.
The Maasai are a very hospitable people, and they often invite visitors into their homes. If you ever have the chance to visit a Maasai village, be sure to take a look at their amazing traditional houses!
8. Igloo — Native Canadians
The Inuit people of Canada have been using igloos as shelter for centuries. Igloos are made out of blocks of snow that are placed in a circular shape. The blocks are then packed together to create a dome-shaped structure.
Igloos are very effective at insulating heat and keeping the cold out. They can also be used as storage buildings for food and supplies.
Igloos can be built in a matter of hours and they can be dismantled just as easily. This makes them ideal for people who need to move frequently.
If you find yourself in Canada during the winter, you should definitely try to stay in an igloo! It will be an experience you will never forget.
9. Mazanka — Ukraine
Mazanka is a type of traditional house found in the Carpathian mountains of Ukraine. The houses are built with log walls and thatched roofs, and they are usually only one or two stories tall.
Mazanka houses are very cozy and warm, and they are often decorated with colorful carpets and tapestries. The houses are typically built around a central fireplace, which is used for both cooking and heating.
Mazanka houses are built to withstand the cold winters in the Carpathian mountains. The thick log walls and thatched roofs provide excellent insulation against the cold weather.
If you are ever in the Carpathian mountains, be sure to check out some of these amazing traditional houses!
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