With its rustic vibes and stunning landscapes, Malawi is a beautiful region for traditional house designs. The main types of traditional Malawi house designs are mud, wattle and daub, and adobe, or cob, structures. Made from earth and clay, these houses are usually featured in rural areas. The roofs of the houses are thatched with straw, palm or grass to shield the inhabitants from the elements. The interiors of traditional Malawi house designs are typically simple, featuring woven mats and furniture made from wood. Traditional Malawi House Designs
HDB flat house designs are popular in Malawi, particularly in cities. These simple block designs allow for efficient construction and easy to maintain. HDB flat house designs usually feature a single story and minimal interior decorations. The exterior of these houses often feature a porch and a compact garden. Malawi Traditional HDB Flat House Designs
Wood is a common building material in Malawi. Typically, wood is used on the frames of the houses, making them sturdier and waterproof. Besides wood, these houses are usually made from clay, mud and bricks. Traditional wood houses can be found all over the region. In recent years, timber has become increasingly popular as a building material for contemporary house designs in Malawi.Malawi House Design with Wood
Modern Malawi house designs have been heavily inspired by International trends. Most are characterised by their spacious layout, minimalist materials and open floor plans. Exterior-wise, modern Malawi house designs often feature large windows and skylights, as well as a grand front entrance. Inside the houses, materials such as Tyvek, concrete and drywall are often used to construct walls and create distinct partitions. Modern Malawi House Design
The Rondavel house design is a traditional Malawian structure. These cone-shaped buildings are typically constructed with mud, wood and bricks. Rondavel houses are usually featured in rural areas, where they are used as farmers’ houses or stables. In recent years, the Rondavel house design has gained more popularity in cities, thanks to its minimalist aesthetic and eco-friendly construction. Rondavel House Design
Tuscan-style house designs are popular in Malawi. The exterior of the Tuscan-style houses usually feature an old-world charm, with red and yellow brick walls, terracotta tile roofs and stone archways. The interiors of the Tuscan-style houses typically feature plaster ceilings and white walls. The windows of these houses also feature iron and bronze details. Tuscan House Designs in Malawi
Brick is a commonly used material in the construction of Malawian houses. It is a durable and affordable building material that is resistant to heat and rain. In the rural areas, brick is often used for traditional houses, while in the cities, brick is used for both traditional and contemporary designs. Brick houses typically feature white walls, although several hued bricks are also available for a more distinct aesthetic. Malawi House Design with Brick
Cob is a common building material in Malawi. It’s a mixture of sand, clay, and straw that is used to construct walls and roofs. Cob houses are typically built in rural areas and feature sturdier structures that can withstand the elements. When compared to adobe, cob houses are more affordable and easier to construct. The interiors of cob houses typically feature wall decorations such as clay ovens and fireplaces. Malawi House Design with Cob
Adobe is an ancient building material that is still used in Malawi. Made from clay, sand and straw, adobe is used to construct walls, roofs and door frames. Adobe houses typically feature flat roofs, porches and window frames. Adobe is a perfect material for warm climates since it’s heat resistant and energy efficient. Malawi House Design with Adobe
Country house designs are popular in Malawi. Sloping roofs, small porches, and wide windows are common features of these houses. The structures of these houses are typically made from wood and the exteriors are often painted in earthy colours. Inside the country houses, the materials used are generally natural, such as stone, wood, and ceramic tiles. Country House Designs in Malawi
Stone is a long-lasting building material and thus widely used in Malawi. Stone houses typically feature a modern, box-like design and are usually featured in urban areas. Stone houses often come with additional features such as fireplaces, verandas and balconies. Inside the houses, there is usually an open-floor plan and stone is often used to construct walls and ceilings. Malawi House Design with Stone