The Somali house design with courtyards is a traditional technique used in Somalia that allows in ample natural light and views to the outside. It creates a sheltered and cozy feel within the living space and features a courtyard in the center to provide a focal point. It consists of a single-family house with a central courtyard, enclosed by walls and windows or sliding screens. This feature helps reduce the energy consumption by providing a natural cooling effect and protection from the sun and wind. Additionally, this design allows for extensions, such as creating a roof garden or adding verandas around the courtyard. Common features of Somali house designs with courtyards include terracotta roofs, arches, and mud structures.Somali House Designs with Courtyards
Somali House Designs with Courtyards
Traditional Somali houses are characterized by a single-story structure built with mud, wood, and stone. This type of house can be divided into two main types: A single room and a multiple-room type. The single-room type has a central courtyard, an entrance room, and a living space. The multiple-room type usually has a central courtyard, followed by bedrooms, a living area, and a kitchen. Traditional Somali house design included solid walls, small windows, timber doors, and pitched roofs covered with thatch or terracotta tiles. The traditional Somali house design is a practical low-cost solution that provides shelter from the harsh climate.Traditional Somali House Design
Traditional Somali House Design
The Somali bohemian style house design brings together the traditional and modern elements to create an aesthetically pleasing abode. It includes a unique combination of colors, patterns and textures, bold accents, and eclectic details. The design may include an open floor plan that combines the kitchen, living room, and dining room into one space. The use of bright colors, vibrant fabrics, and intricate craftsmanship adds a unique flavor to the home. Details, such as antique furniture, intricate rugs, and unique decorative pieces, bring a Bohemian touch to the space. The design may also feature an outdoor lounge, terrace or garden.Somali Bohemian Style House Design
Somali Bohemian Style House Design
Somali house designs feature traditional construction techniques that have been used since ancient times. The materials used include mud, stone, wood, and terracotta. Wood is usually used for the frames and door and window frames. The walls are typically made from cement blocks and bricks. The roof is usually made from terracotta tiles, thatch, or metal sheets. The foundation of a Somali house is typically made of concrete blocks and mud, with the floors made from finished granite or stone tiles.Somali House Construction Techniques
Somali House Construction Techniques
Modern Somali house designs appeal to those looking for a contemporary appeal. This style features open floor plans and large windows that allow in natural light and ventilation. Contemporary furniture, such as sofas and tables, replaces the traditional wooden furniture. Ceramic tiles are a popular choice for the floors. The walls are usually painted in bright colors that bring a modern, vibrant feel to the house. The modern Somali house design includes the use of sustainable materials and energy-efficient lighting and appliances.Modern Somali House Design
Modern Somali House Design
Somali houses are typically characterized by their lively and vibrant colors. This is achieved by using brightly colored walls and accents throughout the house. Vibrant colored bed sheets, carpets, and fabrics can be used to create an eye-catching interior. Bold patterned fabrics can be used to make the curtains and cushions, which bring a lively and whimsical touch to the space. Additionally, the use of floor and wall art, including paintings, sculptures, and posters, adds a unique edge to the design.Somali Vibrant Colored House Design
Somali Vibrant Colored House Design
Nomads living in the Somali area have developed their unique style of house design which has strong Arab and African influences. These tents are usually made from thick and sturdy wool felt blocks, which offer strong protection from the elements. The tents range in size from small family dwellings to large markets. The design of the nomadic house typically includes an entrance which leads to a central living area, followed by small rooms for sleeping and storing provisions. Additionally, the tents may feature stalls for animals, storage rooms, and a cool area for cooking.Somali Nomadic House Design
Somali Nomadic House Design
Somali house floor plans are not commonly used, however, they come in handy in figuring out the layout of the house. Somali house floor plans typically feature a central courtyard, followed by rooms off the sides. Each room is usually quite small and features bare walls and minimal furnishings. The central courtyard is the focal point of the house, providing a space for outdoor activities. This floor plan is efficient and allows for the placement of bedrooms, living rooms, and kitchens along the sides. Additionally, the rooms are typically separated by sliding screens to allow for additional privacy.Somali House Floor Plans
Somali House Floor Plans
A traditional Somali clay house design is a low-impact and cost-efficient way of building a house. These houses are made using fired and un-fired local clay blocks, which are easier to access than manufactured blocks. The clay blocks are then mixed with water to produce a flexible material which can be used to construct walls of any configuration. The roof design of these houses may vary, but most often, it is made of clay tiles or straw. The overall design of the clay house is simple and sturdy, however, the use of traditional textures and colors brings a unique texture to the structure.Somali Clay House Design
Somali Clay House Design
The art of crafting has a long history in Somalia, with craftsmen creating a variety of items from wood, stone, and clay. This tradition of craftsmanship has been extended to the field of architecture with crafted houses being built in traditional and modern styles. Crafted houses typically feature decorative elements such as carved doorways, latticed windows, and ornate stonework. The overall design of the house is usually simple and features a minimalistic and traditional feel. These crafted houses balance a functional design with aesthetic beauty.Somali Crafted House Design
Somali Crafted House Design
The Somali greenhouse design is a unique and creative way to make use of the harsh climate to grow food. A Somali greenhouse is typically a timber structure with a single roof covered with straw or terracotta tiles, and walls made from mud bricks, concrete blocks, or brick walls. Inside the greenhouse, there is often a raised bed that is filled with soil and used to grow vegetables and herbs. Additionally, these greenhouses are often equipped with irrigation systems and cooling systems to further enhance their efficiency. The use of a Somali greenhouse can effectively increase food production in harsh climates.Somali Greenhouse Design
Somali Greenhouse Design
The Agricultural Impact of Somali House Design
Traditional Somali house design can have a significant impact on the country’s agricultural sector. In rural Somali areas, the main purpose of building construction is shelter for families with animals. The construction of these structures helps resist drought and harsh winds which come with the dry season. This
house design
is efficient in using limited resources, which often comprise of mud and straw. Moreover, the structures provide good insulation against cold and hot temperatures. As a result, the production of grain and other crops in the region is improved.
The structures are made up of vertical and horizontal walls of small mud brick, which are then bound with local materials such as sticks, grass, and stones. These particular materials are easy to obtain and cost-effective. Also, the various components within the
structure
provide plenty of shelter for the animals and their owners. Moreover, the construction of the structures allows air to circulate, as well as keeping out insects and animals from entering the structure. All of these benefits lead to the improvement of agricultural production.
The local tribes of Somalia prioritize the use of traditional building materials that have been used in the past. This is a reflection of their culture, which has helped them to preserve and use resources in an efficient and sustainable way. In order to ensure that the structures are sturdy and reliable, extra attention is paid to the foundations, walls, and roofs of each structure.
An Increase in Agricultural Output
The implementation of traditional house design helps families in rural Somalia increase agricultural production. The structures help safeguard the food storage of these families. The livestock rearing within the structures helps to optimize the cost-effectiveness of farming. Furthermore, it reduces the amount of food that the family needs to purchase from outside sources.
These house designs also help to increase milk, butter, mutton, and wool production. This, in turn, helps the communities to nurture a self-sustaining lifestyle. The layout of each structure is carefully planned out and the location and size are dependents on the needs of the family. This efficient layout helps conserve energy by utilizing natural resources such as sunlight and wind.
Re-Purposing Old Structures
Old and abandoned structures can be re-used in order to make them sustainable. In some cases, the structures can be renovated to create new housing units. This helps to conserve materials and money, while at the same time reducing waste. This is a great way to utilize existing resources and preserve traditional
Somali house design
.
