Best Collection Of 86+ Beautiful African Style House Design Top Choices Of Architects

(48 reviews)

Africa is a continent full of culture and creativity. Its traditional and modern design sensibilities are revered for many aesthetic and practical reasons. African Style House designs showcase the unique trends in architecture, construction, landscaping and interior design that have become prominent in homes all around the world. Whether you are looking to create an African-inspired interior or outdoor space, a traditional African Style House could be a great way to go. In this article, we will explore some of the best African house designs that are currently popular.

African Mud Huts House Design

African Mud Huts House Design

African Swahili House Design

African Swahili architecture is a style associated with the East African coast and is identified by its intricate and vibrant decorative designs. The Swahili houses are defined by their encouraged connection with nature, surrounded by plants and gardens, with shrines attributed to the living and the dead on the nearby grounds. As a Art Deco House Design , the African Swahili house often has an open, courtyard-style look and so are renowned for their airy atmosphere. The walls are made of mud and often decorated with beautiful mosaics of shells and stamped clay to create raised designs and textures. The roofs of Swahili houses are usually casual and often made with wood or thatched straw.

The advantages of an African Swahili House Design are that they are adapted to the changing climate and environment. The thin walls of the mud constructions allow a constant airflow, allowing the space to remain cool on hot days. Additionally, the thick rooftop and mud walls also add protection and insulation from excessive wind and rain. As a design feature, African Swahili houses rely on the simplicity of geometric patterns and symmetry instead of complicated designs. They are often decorated with simple, natural decorations like hanging plants to give the space a tranquil atmosphere.

Moroccan Rounded House Design

Moroccan rounded houses, also known as Kasbahs or Riads, are originally built to be close to towns, in defense of invaders, especially in the mountainous areas in central Morocco. Because of their curved walls, the Moroccan rounded house protects inhabitants from harsh sunlight and strong winds. As an Art Deco House Design , the Moroccan rounded house also has beautiful courtyard-style structures known as Puranan, Nazi, and Amway, which feature stunning stonework, brickwork, and also decorative wooden beams. The doors and windows of this structure are usually on the sides, which aim to focus on the inner courtyard, often used to host special occasions or just hanging out with family and friends.

The advantages of Moroccan Rounded House Design are that it offers a sense of intimacy, due to the enclosed spaces that make it comfortable during the hot climate. Plus, the houses have a low environmental impact and are made of natural materials, including mud, clay, and sand. As a design feature, the intricate patterns and decorative floor and wall designs are also a standout feature of Moroccan houses, making each living space unique and vibrant.

Ethiopian Round Houses Design

Ethiopian round houses, also known as Tukuls, are one of the oldest architectural styles in the region. These traditional dwellings have stood for generations and is still popular among the rural populations in Ethiopia. The basic structure of an Ethiopian round house is crafted with mud, grass, and stone and is usually very dark in color. As an Art Deco House Design, the Ethiopian round houses have a thatched roof made with tree twigs, highlighting the home’s traditional style. The walls are usually decorated with bright geometric patterns, depicting the culture’s themes of nature, fertility, and growth.

African Swahili House Design

Togolese Houses Design

Togolese houses, also known as Fufu, are an ancient African architecture style native to the region. These structures are built with mud and thatch, and are generally round or rectangular. As an Art Deco House Design , Togolese houses feature a low pitch roof, with ornamental wooden beams on the corners. Windows and doors are either absent or built with basic frames, contributing to the overall traditional and simple look of these homes.

Moroccan Rounded House Design

African Compound House Design

African compound houses, also known as Duplexes, are a distinctive style of house found in West Africa. These two-unit houses are separated by a small court or yard and are inspired by families that often lived together in large extended families. As an Art Deco House Design , the separate units have their own entrances, allowing for privacy but still providing the interconnected feeling that is essential to African compound houses. The walls of these houses are traditionally made of mud and sand, with raised roofs made from thatched straw.

Ethiopian Round Houses Design

Balinese Bungalow House Design

Balinese bungalows, also known as Kuta Houses, are traditional houses originating in the Indonesian island of Bali. These beautiful buildings are usually spiral in shape and sophisticatedly designed with carved wooden walls and benches. As an Art Deco House Design , Kuta houses have a door with a porch, and windows with shutters on the sides. The walls are made of wooden planks and the roof is made from palm leaves or coconut fibre.

Togolese Houses Design

Shona People House Design

The Shona people, also known as the Bamokotera people, are a tribe from the African country of Zimbabwe. Their traditional architecture style are large and rectangular mud-based houses. As an Art Deco House Design, the walls of these houses are built with sun-dried bricks and decorated with distinctive patterns and colours. The floor of these houses is usually made up of stamped and burn clay and the roofs are made from woven grass straw.

African Compound House Design

Chad Traditional Houses Design

Chad traditional houses, also known as Balane in the local languages, are traditional mud structures found in the African country of Chad. This architecture style is famous for its distinct round shape and is often built with thick mud walls and a conical thatched roof. As an Art Deco House Design, the walls of Chad traditional houses are also adorned with a variety of decorative elements, like mud figures and colourful woven wall hangings.

Balinese Bungalow House Design

Cape Dutch Style House Design

Cape Dutch style, also known officially as the Cape Dutch/Afrikaner aesthetic, is an influential style of design from South Africa. The traditional Cape Dutch style houses are characterized by a large gabled roof, often sloping on both sides, large verandahs and courtyards with Doric-style columns and overhanging eaves. As an Art Deco House Design, this style of house is often decorated with ornate gables and feature intricate details around the doors, windows, and other sections.

Shona People House Design

Zulu Homestead House Design

Zulu homestead houses, also known as Isigodlo in the native language, are rectangular-shaped structures traditionally used by the Zulu people of South Africa. The walls of these buildings are constructed with mud and portions are also often made from wood planks or woven grass material. As an Art Deco House Design, the Zulu homestead house is usually quite dark inside and is highly ventilated, with several hanging straw flaps used on the sides and roof.

Chad Traditional Houses Design

Authenticity & Durability of African House Designs

African Style House Design African style house designs are becoming increasingly popular due to their unique and authentic aesthetic appeal. These houses are characterized by bold and earthy materials such as clay, iron and thatch. The durability and strength of African house designs make them a great choice for any climate or geographical area. They are not only aesthetically pleasing, but also provide an excellent level of protection from the elements and can easily withstand harsh weather conditions.

Architectural Features of African Style Homes

African Style House Design African style homes are typically circular or rectangular in shape and are sometimes adorned with intricate wall patterns. The doorways and windows often feature ornamental carvings and shutters, and the roofs are often made from traditional thatch. Other common features include covered verandas and patios, otherwise known as 'stoep.' These outdoor areas serve as an extension of the living space and are great for entertaining.

House Design Elements

African Style House Design When designing an African style home, the most important element is the use of natural material. The use of clay, stone, wood, and iron is essential to creating a truly authentic look. The use of quality materials not only adds to the authenticity, but also to the house’s durability and its ability to weather the elements. House designers often use vibrant colors and intricate patterns to add a unique African flair to the overall design.

Creating An African Oasis in Your Home

African Style House Design Modern African style house designs often take into account the current needs of the homeowner. Instead of adhering to an antiquated style, designers prefer to create comfortable and inviting spaces. Many african style houses utilize natural building materials and African decor to provide a warm, rustic atmosphere that is both inviting and exotic. From rugs to furniture and accessories, homeowners can create a beautiful and one-of-a-kind African oasis in their home.

9