Uncover 77+ Alluring Indigenous House Design Trend Of The Year

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Indigenous design is a form of design that is rooted in the culture and history of a particular place, and is closely related to its unique climate and geographical features. Whether it's the use of local materials or the adaptation of traditional techniques, indigenous house design offers a unique, environmental-friendly, sustainable home building experience. This article focuses on the top indigenous house designs from around the world. From green roofs to thermal mass, these stunning and stylish designs are sure to impress. So, if you are looking for inspiration, here are the best indigenous house designs to help you create a truly unique home.

Indigenous Hut Designs

Long before modern architectural designs had come about, indigenous cultures across the world had already built their own forms of huts and lodgings. Indigenous hut designs may vary from one culture to another, but all have the same purpose: shelter. From the aboriginal tribes of Australia to the Native Americans of North America, here is a look at the most popular forms of indigenous hut designs.

Indigenous Hut Designs

Tiger-Shaped Buildings by Nicobarese Tribes

One of the most unique indigenous hut designs in the world can be found in the Nicobarese tribe in India. These huts are said to be modeled after tiger-shaped buildings, evidence of the tribe’s reverence for the felines. The huts are cone-shaped and topped off with thatch roofs that can easily be replaced when the thatch becomes too tattered. The cone shape of these huts improves their resistance to wind and rain, reducing damages resulting from harsh weather.

Tiger-Shaped Buildings by Nicobarese Tribes

Canoe Roof Houses of the Athabaskan People

Another interesting indigenous hut design can be seen in the canoe roof house of the Athabaskan people in North America. The distinguishing feature of this type of house is the roof, which is shaped like an upside-down canoe hull. The size and shape of the roof is made to match that of an actual canoe, and the design can clearly be seen in Athabaskan villages that are located in the Pacific Northwest.

Canoe Roof Houses of the Athabaskan People

Rounded Roof Adobe Houses of the Pueblo Peoples

The Pueblo peoples from the American Southwest also have their own unique indigenous hut designs. Their dwellings are made of adobe bricks, and usually have rounded roofs. The rounded shape is thought to help the houses better resist strong winds and thunderstorms, similar to what the cone-shaped huts of the Nicobarese tribe can do.

Rounded Roof Adobe Houses of the Pueblo Peoples

Stilt Houses of the Plains Indians

The Plains Indians, who once lived in the Great Plains of North America, had dwellings that were built on stilts. These houses were elevated to prevent them from being washed away during floods. A central post was usually placed in the middle of the house, and the walls were made out of woven mats.

Stilt Houses of the Plains Indians

Roundhouses of the Kwakiutl

The Kwakiutl, another North American tribe that lived near the Pacific coast, built their dwellings in the form of roundhouses. These roundhouses were made out of planks of wood nailed together and soaked in seawater. The walls were often decorated with various symbols and carvings, and had sacred items attached to them for spiritual protection.

Roundhouses of the Kwakiutl

Longhouse of the Iroquois Tribes

The Iroquois tribes of North America also had their own version of a hut design. Their longhouses were rectangular-shaped dwellings that could house up to 60 people. These houses were built with planks of wood and animal hides, and had large smokeholes at the top for ventilation.

Longhouse of the Iroquois Tribes

Igloo Houses of the Inuit People

The Inuit people of the Arctic regions had one of the most iconic hut designs: the igloo. These houses were built from blocks of snow and ice, and were made to be semi-circular in shape in order to better resist harsh winds. The doorways also featured a tunnel-like design to prevent the entry of snow and ice inside the house.

Igloo Houses of the Inuit People

Sod Houses of the Plains Indians

The Plains Indians were also said to have built sod houses, made out of mixtures of earth and straw. These houses were also elevated on stilts, and were easy to make as they only require piles of earth and grass. These houses could provide good insulation against the cold, and could even last for several years.

Sod Houses of the Plains Indians

Wigwam and Wickiup Houses of the Native Americans

Wigwam and Wickiup houses were among the most popular indigenous hut designs in North America. These houses were shaped like a cone, with walls made of bent poles and covered with animal hides or grass. Their designs were easy to make, being made up of materials that could be found in the forests and plains.

Wigwam and Wickiup Houses of the Native Americans

Wikiak Houses of the Tlingit People

The Tlingit people of Alaska have a unique version of the longhouse. These houses are known as wikiaks, and are made to look like large boxes hanging from the ceiling. They usually have a large doorway at one end, and are raised on poles for ventilation. Traditionally, these houses were slanted downwards towards the back, allowing runoff from the roofs to be collected for storage.

Wikiak Houses of the Tlingit People

Indigenous House Design: Considerations for Homeowners

Indigenous House Design Indigenous house design is a style of living that takes inspiration from traditional cultures and seeks to create a more sustainable, harmonious environment with the natural elements and cycle of life. Native American and other indigenous cultures have traditionally adopted a more balanced approach to living, something modern society often overlooks. Sustainability is perhaps the most defining factor when it comes to indigenous house design. It is not just about the building materials, but about the overall philosophy of the living space. When building a home with indigenous house design in mind, the aim should be to create a connection between the outer natural environment and the interior of the home. Indigenous architectures often enforce a method of living and working optimally, reducing energy use, as well as connecting with the living and breathing world outside your home.

Green Materials

Indigenous House Design When it comes to indigenous house design, environmentally-friendly materials are essential. From renewable energy sources to natural materials, such as bamboo, adobe, and straw, these materials can help limit your environmental footprint and create a connection to the natural world. Local materials can be a great asset as they are more likely to be found locally, in turn reducing transportation costs and promoting sustainability.

Interior Design

Indigenous House Design In order to bring the natural world into your home design, plants can be a great way to introduce some of nature's beauty indoors. Indigenous house design often encourages more plant life within the home, as this can create a more calming, gentle environment. Introducing natural colors and materials, such as wood and stone, can enforce the connection to the surrounding natural environment.

Outdoor Living Spaces

Indigenous House Design The outdoor living spaces of an indigenous home are just as important as the indoor areas. Stretching living spaces to outdoor decks and patios is a great way to build a more harmonious relationship between the indoors and outdoors. By extending your home through natural elements, such as outdoor fire pits, fireplaces, and other elements, you can create a more cozy feeling throughout your property. The consideration of an indigenous house design can transform the way you live within your home. By connecting with both the inner sanctum of your home and the outer environment, you can create a more peaceful and sustainable atmosphere.

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