Best Of 72+ Exquisite Traditional Bhutanese House Design You Won't Be Disappointed

Bhutanese traditional house designs have an unusual charm and beauty which can be attributed to their unique blend of religious and spiritual heritage. Although the traditional house design is mostly based on the Himalayan Buddhist culture, there are various sources of inspiration and tradition that can be found in Bhutan. White-washed facades, fortress-like elements, wooden latticed windows, and patterned walls all contribute to the unique house design in Bhutan.

The traditional Bhutanese house design is characterized by a ‘hab,’ which is basically a white-washed and fortress-like structure. The hab is often found to have several stories and designed with massive pillars and sloping roofs. Most Bhutanese houses also come with verandas and patios that provide a sense of open and free living while keeping the design cohesive.

The exterior of traditional Bhutanese house designs feature a harmonious blend of elements from the surrounding landscape. The house design seamlessly incorporates trees, rocks, and other natural elements into the exterior of the house. The combination of the elements lends a feeling of peacefulness and serenity to the entire environment.

Additionally, most Bhutanese houses are built from sturdy materials such as mud, timber, stone, and slate. This ensures that the houses are firmly grounded to the environment and are able to maintain their structural integrity during harsh weather conditions.

The Bhutanese architecture style also makes use of temple designs. Clusters of religious artifacts and sculptures strategically placed around the house are a common sight in Bhutanese house designs. These artifacts often indicate the presence of various gods and goddesses in the home. For instance, common artifacts seen are dragons, vajras, and thangkas (scrolls).

The traditional Bhutanese house design also features various patterns and motifs that have religious and spiritual meanings attached to them. The tangyhib symbol, which is the Buddhist symbol for the union of two elements, is often found on walls and around entry doors. Additionally, various patterned wall embellishments are often found in Bhutanese houses.

Bhutanese houses make use of wooden latticed windows, which typically separate the interior of the house from the outdoor elements. The windows are usually large and square in shape and often feature framed glass panels. The paneling is designed to provide maximum ventilation while securing privacy and ensuring sufficient lighting at the same time. This type of window helps to keep the air inside the house fresh and musty, while providing natural lighting that contributes to a pleasant ambiance.

Wooden porches and other balconies are often found attached to Bhutanese houses. These porches are usually built using intricately designed wooden frames and adorned with brightly colored fabrics and carvings. They act as connecting points between the home and its natural environment and also provide an outdoor living space for residents. The porches are designed to symbolize the union of nature and human living.

Mud brick and bamboo roofs are a common feature of Bhutanese houses. These two elements are combined to build walls and ceilings that provide excellent insulation and protection from the harsh weather conditions of Bhutan. Mud brick is generally used for the walls and the bamboo is used for the roof. The combination of these two elements creates a strong structure that is not only aesthetically pleasing but also extremely durable.

Stone and wood are often used together to construct the walls and doors of Bhutanese houses. The walls are typically made from stone blocks and wooden panels are fitted into the frames. The wooden doors are ornately carved with intricate designs and symbols that are meant to provide a spiritual and protective barrier between the interior and exterior of the house. The combination of stone and wood gives the house a strong and solid structure that is capable of withstanding harsh weather conditions.

Traditional Bhutanese houses often feature wood panelled walls and ceilings. these panels are intricately designed and painted in bright colors with a great amount of detail. The interiors of the houses are typically painted in pastel colors which helps to provide a soothing atmosphere that is conducive to relaxation. The wood paneling also helps to prevent fading of colors and ensures that the interior of the house remains vibrant and full of life.

The walls in Bhutanese houses are often decorated with symbols and patterns that are associated with Buddhism and religious beliefs. Some common symbols are dragons and vajras which signify strength and power. Other patterns such as geometric shapes and circles are often seen as an extension of this spiritual symbolism. Additionally, these patterns also add to the overall beauty of the house design.

Thangkas, which are popular religious paintings, are often seen hanging on the walls of Bhutanese houses. These paintings often feature Hindu or Buddhist deities or scenes from nature such as mountains and sacred rivers. These paintings provide spiritual protection and strength to the house and reinforce the spiritual vibes and atmosphere of the house.

Buddhist symbols such as the dharma wheel and the flower of life are popularly used in Bhutanese traditional house designs. These symbols are often found painted onto walls or in the form of carvings. Additionally, most Bhutanese houses also feature a series of perforated windows and balconies that offer excellent passive ventilation and views of the surrounding landscape. The combination of these two traditional features provides a harmonious balance of modern and traditional house designs.