Best Collection Of 85+ Awe-inspiring Ancient Egyptian House Design Top Choices Of Architects

Ancient Egyptian house designs had many unique features, including the use of interior courtyards for both utilitarian and decorative purposes. Utilitarian components of the gardens included areas for the collection of rainwater as well as vegetable plots. Decorative components included ornamental vegetation, such as date palms and various flowering plants. In addition to being an aesthetic asset, courtyards were also used as a place of refuge and leisure, such as sitting with friends and family.

In terms of form, these courtyards were typically either open or partially enclosed, such as with a wall or lattice. The interior landscape was typically divided into four sections, with a central open area and four additional sides surrounded by walls, often featuring entrance points. Stone and brick floors were common, as were plastered walls with painted scenes and carvings. The artistic elements of such courtyards are particularly noteworthy and suggest not only the function of these areas, but also their aesthetic and social importance.

Sloped-roof house designs were common in ancient Egypt. The roofs were built using a wooden frame that was covered with palm fronds or other roofing materials. The use of this form of roof construction provided both ventilation and protection against the elements. The sloped roof provided shade during the hot summer months, while the open sides allowed for some degree of air circulation. The sloped roof also enabled rainwater to run off the roof more quickly, eliminating any potential for pooling.

No doubt, this roof style was both practical and elegant. Simple column supports were often used to strengthen the structure, and the roof was usually adorned with painted plaster and symbols of the gods, such as the eye of Horus or the ankh symbol. The use of these symbols not only added to the visual appeal of the homes but also provided spiritual protection to the inhabitants.

Multi-roomed houses were a common sight in ancient Egypt. These dwellings typically featured a main area known as the “inner chamber”. This chamber would comprise of a central living space, a kitchen, and sleeping quarters. There may also be additional rooms such as an antechamber, pillared halls, and bath. Sometimes, these dwellings would be extended to accommodate more rooms, such as an office or storage space.

The materials used to build the multi-roomed houses varied, depending on the wealth of the inhabitants. Those with more resources generally opted for stone or mud brick walls, wooden beams for the roof, and ceramic tiles for the floors. The architecture of these dwellings often featured large archways and pillars. Smaller windows were used to maximize air circulation, preventing the area from becoming overly hot during the summer months.

Egyptian house designs were often built with antechambers, a room located at the entrance of the house. This room typically featured a flat roof, and the walls were often plastered with simple shapes and symbols. The practical purpose of an antechamber was to keep out dust and other outside elements, but it was also intended to serve as an area for receiving guests. As such, it was often decorated with bouquets of flowers and water vessels.

A step at the entrance of the antechamber would be used as a platform for placing refreshments and amenities. It was common for furniture to be placed here so that guests could rest while waiting to be received. Overall, the antechamber provided a sense of protection and refuge as they neared the entrance of the household.

Ancient Egyptian house designs often featured flat roofs. These roofs were made of lightweight materials, such as straw, and were usually covered by an additional layer of mudbrick or plaster. The lightweight materials were chosen to provide better insulation and daylight within the home. Additionally, the flat roofs featured sloping sides which were used to facilitate the collection of rainwater.

Ancient Egyptians built large terraces with wooden supports, and the flat roofs served as an additional platform. Here, people were able to sit and relax and enjoy the view of the sky. The flat roofs also enabled air to circulate around the entire home, providing better ventilation.

Awnings or sails are another feature of ancient Egyptian house designs. Awnings provided tasteful and functional additions to Egyptian homes. They were made from lightweight fabrics, such as muslin or canvas, which was stretched on a wooden frame to protect from the sun and rain. This ensured that the occupants of the home were comfortable and shielded from the elements.

On the decorative side, awnings were often covered in bright colors and patterns. This not only served as a decorative element but could also be used to indicate the importance of a particular chamber. Awnings were also used to shield verandas and gardens from the sun, providing cooler and comfortable seating areas during the hot summer months.

The Egyptians had a unique way of integrating gardens into their homes – rooftop gardens. This happened because it was not uncommon for Egyptians to construct their houses near bodies of water, such a rivers or lakes, so the rooftops served as land for the gardens. And, all the better when these gardens could be enjoyed from the comfort of their shaded dwellings.

The vegetables that were grew in such rooftop gardens were often beans and squash; some Egyptians even kept bees for honey. Furthermore, these gardens provided a canvas for beautiful flower arrangements, which served as a great way to welcome visitors. The rooftop gardens of ancient Egypt continue to act as an inspiration for contemporary green spaces.

Pillars became increasingly popular in Egyptian house designs in the Middle Kingdom period. These elements were often used to create a central pillar court, a small ‘hall’ in the middle of the dwelling surrounded by tongue-and-groove timber framing. Pillars were also used inside the house, dividing space into rooms and providing some degree of ventilation.

The material used for the construction of these pillars varied. Stone and mud brick were both popular materials, as were wooden beams, which could be carved in intricate patterns. Often the pillars would be painted with symbolic elements, such as the shen symbol, evoking a sense of power and protection.

Egyptian house designs often featured driver's alleys or corridors connecting the interior of the courtyard with the exterior of the home. This enabled the drivers to access the home without going through the main entrance. This saved not only time but also ensured added privacy because the driver's alleys were usually hidden from view.

These alleys were typically constructed with mud brick, although occasionally wooden beams were used in the overweight alleys. It was common for the alleys to have step-like floors and low ceilings made of mud brick or reed mats. The presence of these alleys demonstrate the important role that drivers played in ancient Egyptian society.

Another common feature of ancient Egyptian houses was the outdoor room, which was generally used as a kitchen or bathroom. These rooms were often separated from the rest of the house by a low barrier, such as a mudbrick wall. The walls would consist of either reed mats or bricks. Inside the room, vessels, pots, and other basic amenities were placed. A firepit which drained into a walled garden was often used as the source of heat for cooking and other activities.

The presence of this room signifies an interesting aspect of ancient Egyptian life, namely the use of outdoor spaces for both utilitarian and recreational purposes. The outdoor room provided practical benefits, such as cooking in a smoke-free environment or having a bathroom outside the home. In addition, it provided a place to relax and mingle with others, further strengthening the bond between family and friends.