Best 51+ Striking Ethiopian Cultural House Design Not To Be Missed

Ethiopian Traditional House Designs are some of the oldest and most well-known house designs in the world. The designs date back centuries and feature typical characteristics that are indicative of Ethiopian culture. Traditional Ethiopian House Designs are characterized by a small footprint, low rooflines, limited windows, and single entry points. These designs have retained their popularity over the years as they are known for their durability, simplicity, and ability to withstand the harsh African climate.

Notable features of the Ethiopian Traditional House Design include the location of the door, carefully crafted stonework, timber ceilings, and traditional Ethiopian terracotta roof tiles. Most of the traditional Ethiopian House designs also include a raised veranda as the main entrance for visitors and one or two stories, with a central courtyard surrounded by living spaces.

Modern Ethiopian House Designs are increasingly becoming popular among home builders in the country. Modern Ethiopian House Designs vary greatly from the traditional houses, as they incorporate various elements of modern architectural styles such as flat roofs, asymmetrical shapes, open-plan living areas, and large windows that let in plenty of natural light.

Notable features of this type of house design often include steel or concrete frames, large balconies with glass railing to maximize the light and spaces, split-level native and hardwood floors, and walls are built using local volcanic rocks. Moreover, these houses are also likely to feature large windows that open up to the cross-ventilation, giving off the modern, minimalistic look.

The Clay House Design is the most traditional and common form of housing in Ethiopia. These clay houses are typically constructed using the clay and dirt from the surrounding areas supplemented with small branches of trees, straw, and mud. The Clay House Design offers a simple yet effective style of living, as it is very durable and cost-effective as well. Also, because the and mud for their construction, the Clay Houses tend to blend in easily with the surrounding environment.

Notable features of this type of house design include low ceilings, clay plastered on the walls, and a central courtyard in the middle of the house. Most of the time, the roof is generally made of the same material as the walls, creating a cohesive and uniform look. The Clay Houses usually also include minimal openings in order to help maintain their insulation.

The JackShaft House Design originated in Ethiopia and is typically built near the edge of a steep cliff or a steep mountain side. The design involves constructing a two story house with a solid foundation built into the mountain with a single staircase leading to the second floor. The design is highly ideal for mountainous regions, as it requires minimal land and building material yet still retains the efficiency and beauty of normal construction.

Notable features of this type of house design include the traditional stonework, timber detailing, and the single staircase leading up to the second floor. The JackShaft Houses typically incorporate windows looking out on both sides of the building, allowing for great views and a sense of openness to the home. These houses usually also feature a slanted roof with large overhanging eaves that are able to protect the home from harsh weather conditions.

The One Room House Design is a popular type of house design in Ethiopia. This design typically features a single room that is located at the centre of a central living space surrounded by four walls. Due to the small size of the room, there is usually very limited natural light penetration, making it difficult to stay cool during the summer months. The One Room House Design is often preferred by large families or groups, as it allows inhabitants to share the same living space and conserve energy.

Notable features of this type of house design include the central living space surrounded by four walls with limited natural light penetration. The One Room Houses usually are traditionally built using local materials such as coral, stone, and wood to give the house a traditional yet efficient feel.

The Verandah House Design is a popular type of house design that is found throughout Ethiopia. This type of house usually features a large verandah where friends and family can gather for meals, rest, and entertaining. The Verandah House Design is usually constructed near the edge of a steep cliff as they need strong foundations to support them, as well as an ample amount of natural light to filter in. The exterior of the house is usually constructed from timber, with the interior decorated with woven mats and traditional works of art.

Notable features of this type of house design include the large verandah, the timber exterior wall, and traditional decorative features inside of the house such as woven mats and traditional wall sculptures. Verandah Houses usually have large windows and doors to allow for plenty of natural light to enter, as well as keep it cool during hot summer months.

The Round House Design is an iconic type of housing style found in Ethiopia. This type of house is constructed using large, round stones that are held together using a combination of mud, clay, and grass. The Round House Design is known for its strong foundations due to the stones, and its ability to withstand high winds and heavy rains. This design is ideal for mountainous regions, as it is highly resistant to harsh weather conditions. The interior of the Round Houses typically feature minimal furniture, as the stones are normally already sufficient in forming a living space.

Notable features of this type of house design include the round stones used to construct the walls, low ceilings, and the lack of furniture in the interior. The Round Houses usually also have minimal openings to ensure its thermal insulation and protection from severe weather conditions.

The Maliu Square House Design is a unique type of housing style that is typically found in remote areas of Ethiopia. This type of house is typically square in shape and is constructed using blocks of stones. The Maliu Square Houses are known for their durability and are capable of lasting for extended periods of time without requiring major maintenance. The Maliu Square Houses are constructed using a combination of mud, clay, stone, and timber, and the roofing material is usually composed of either mud or terracotta tiles.

Notable features of this type of house design include the square shape, the blocks of stones used for construction, and the traditional terracotta tiles used to cover the roof. The Maliu Square Houses usually also feature tall windows that open outwards to allow a generous amount of natural light to enter the house.

The Tibetan-style House Design is a unique type of house found in Ethiopia. This type of house is characterized by its curved walls, intricate stonework, and brightly colored decorations. The Tibetan-style Houses are traditionally built by hand using techniques such as stones, clay, and wooden frames. These houses are popular as they are able to provide a sense of security to its inhabitants due to its strength and protective qualities.

Notable features of this type of house design include the curved walls, intricate stonework, and brightly colored decorations. The exterior walls usually contain openings that allow natural light to filter in, and feature highly detailed carved frames. Most of the time, the interior walls of the house are decorated with a traditional black and white checkered pattern.

The Oyra House Design is a traditional type of house found in remote areas of Ethiopia. This type of house is typically constructed using a combination of timber and mud and feature a single room with an elevated platform at the centre. The Oyra House is designed to be very compact and efficient, as it is able to withstand strong winds and other harsh weather conditions. Moreover, the Oyra Houses are very popular amongst large families, as it can accommodate a large number of occupants in a small living space.

Notable features of this type of house design include the elevated platform in the centre of the room, the timber exterior walls, and the minimal openings found in the walls to ensure practical insulation. Most of the time, the Oyra Houses also contain decorative features such as religious artefacts, carvings, and coloured fabrics.