Nepal is known for its cultural diversity and as such, Nepali traditional houses vary from region to region. The houses in the mountains of Nepal are extremely simple and their designs are reflective of the difficult conditions of the harsh terrain. The design of the traditional Nepali house can be simplified to three basic components. The first is the aang, a large chimney-like structure made of mud, sticks, and stones. Next is the wall of the house, made typically of mud or brick. Last is the roof of the house, usually made of thatch, straw, or corrugated iron. Overall, traditional Nepali houses share a simple design, which is often determined by the local materials available and the purpose of the building. The design, materials, and construction techniques often vary from ethnic group to ethnic group and provide an insight into the social and cultural identity of each group.Traditional Nepali House Designs
In the rural areas of Nepal, traditional houses are often simple and made with local materials. The most common type of rural Nepali house is the mud and stone house, which is made from mud bricks and stone walls. These structures are often rectangular in shape and can be quite cramped, with just one room. Most rural Nepali houses are made of wood, mud, stone, and occasional bricks. The roofs are commonly made of thatch, although corrugated iron or tiles are used in more affluent areas. The planning of rural Nepali houses are usually simple and basic. The principle elements of traditional rural Nepali house designs are the interior open court, the west-facing entrance, four walls, and the roof with or without a ceiling. Traditional Rural Nepali House Designs
Newari architecture can be distinguished by its elaborately carved wood beams, windows, and doors, finely painted walls, multiple levels, and clusters of pagodas. The Newari traditional house is composed of three simple components: the plinth, the foundation, and the superstructure. The plinth is made of stones, while the foundation is composed of bricks or mud blocks with lime and sand. The superstructure is made almost entirely of wooden posts and beams, with the interior walls covered with clay. Newari traditional houses have a unique design characteristic of the Kathmandu Valley. The upper roof lines are often elaborately curved and decorated with wooden or stone carvings. This is a unique feature of Newari architecture and sets it apart from other traditional designs in Nepal.Newar Traditional House Designs
Tibetan traditional houses have a unique and distinct style of architecture based on local materials and settings. Tibetan traditional houses are commonly built with a wooden framework filled with mud and stones to form the walls. This makes them highly resistant to earthquakes, which are common in the area. The roofs of Tibetan traditional houses are usually supported by a wooden or bamboo frame and covered with a thick layer of mud and stone. The interiors of Tibetan traditional houses are typically quite plain with only minimal decoration. Most of the artistic details are found in the exteriors, which may be decorated with brightly colored paintings and intricate wood carvings. Tibetan traditional house designs often embody Buddhist principles of balance, harmony, and the interconnectedness of all life, making them a unique blend of nature and culture.Tibetan Traditional House Designs
Mud-and-stone houses are the traditional dwellings of Nepal and are found all across the country. This type of housing is made up of simple and inexpensive materials, primarily mud and stones. The walls are typically made of mud bricks or stone blocks and the roofs are usually covered with thatch or light weight metal sheeting. Mud and stone houses have simple designs with few details, creating a plain but functional dwelling. They are resistant to earthquake and fire and require very little maintenance. As a result, mud-and-stone houses are very common in rural villages in Nepal. The simplicity of mud-and-stone houses is part of what makes them so appealing. Their design is a reflection of the difficult rural lifestyle and the limited resources available to most Nepali people.Mud and Stone House Designs
The interior design of Nepali traditional houses is usually quite simple, featuring basic mud brick walls and ceilings. Decorative features might include colorful textile wall hangings, paintings, and metal and wood carvings. The design and decoration of Nepali traditional houses are often influenced by the local culture and ethnic norms. In wealthier urban homes, glass windows and doors may be used to protect from the cold winter winds and strong sunlight. Copper and brass lamps and decorations often add a touch of elegance to the interior of traditional Nepali residences. In general, the interior design of Nepali traditional houses is marked by simplicity and a sense of comfort and warmth. Simple furniture pieces and handcrafted textiles are combined to create an inviting, welcoming interior that reflects the values of the inhabitants.Interior Design of Nepali Traditional Houses
Khasens, traditional houses of the Khas people who predominantly inhabit the far-western region of Nepal, have unique design elements. The houses are typically made of brick or stone and have thick walls, unspecified windows, and a low-pitched roof. The walls of the Khasen traditional house are typically topped with intricate wood and stone carvings and painted with bright colors. In the center of the house is a courtyard with a raised wooden platform. The courtyard also contains a small shrine or altar dedicated to local gods and ancestors. Khasen traditional houses embody the beliefs and values of the Khas people, as well as the region’s long-standing cultural traditions.Khasen Traditional House Designs
Traditional house designs in Nepal have been heavily influenced by modern technology over the past few decades. Many traditional houses now have glass windows and doors, metal roofs, and other modern conveniences. Urbanization has also significantly altered urban house designs in Nepal. Traditional Nepali house designs are often modified to fit the needs of contemporary households. While the house plans remain true to the original design, modern materials and energy-saving technologies are often incorporated to make the most of the available space and resources. Modernized traditional house designs in Nepal embrace the simple yet effective foundations of traditional designs, while also incorporating innovative new elements to the mix.Modernized Traditional House Designs
The rooftop house design, known as the ‘Ttin’, is one of the traditional house designs found in Nepal. The name ‘Ttin’ comes from the Tibetan language and literally translates to ‘rooftop house’. These houses are typically made of brick or stones and have thick walls with withstand strong winds and snow. The rooftops of Ttin houses are usually flat, with a single storey house designed to maximise space. The roofs often feature traditional wood and stone carvings, adding to the rustic, natural look of the house. The interiors of Ttin houses are usually quite simple, with basic decoration and furnishings. The Ttin rooftop house design is a perfect example of how traditional Nepali designs can be adapted to the modern world, while retaining its traditional charm.Rooftop House Design in Nepal
The ‘pencheng’ houses of Nepal are also known as ‘winged houses’ due to their distinctive wing-shaped roofs. These houses are usually made of mud bricks and are typically found in the countryside. The wing-shaped roofs are usually supported by wooden beams or affixed to the walls directly. One of the main advantages of the pencheng house design is that the houses are resistant to earthquakes and other extremities of the weather. The design of pencheng houses is usually quite basic and simple, with minimal ornamentation. The space inside is usually quite limited, as the houses are usually just a single room with a divider wall in the middle. The design of the pencheng houses reflects the limited resources and rural lifestyle of the Nepali people.Winged Houses Design in Nepal
The Bungalow is a popular house design in Nepal, and is a combination of traditional Nepali elements and modern design. The walls are usually made of mud bricks, and some houses also feature a wooden framework and exterior walls made of corrugated iron. The roofs are typically built with wooden beams and are quite often made of thatch. Bungalows often have large balconies, where residents can enjoy the beautiful mountain views. Interior decorations are usually quite simple, with carpets, wall hangings, and other handmade textiles. Bungalow designs in Nepal are a perfect example of traditional meets modern. The houses are designed to blend into the local landscape while offering the comforts of modern life.Bungalow Design in Nepal