The traditional Manipuri house design is a unique architectural style. It owes its existence to the Manipuri culture and the availability of timber. This traditional style of house is typically single-storied and has an open courtyard surrounded by five rooms, each of which has one window. The roof is usually made of thatch, bamboo and clay, and the walls are made of locally-sourced materials like mud, stone, and timber. This traditional design is ideal for the tropical climate of Manipur. Traditional Manipuri House Design
Traditional Manipuri House Design
The Meitei Manipuri house design is a combination of both traditional and modern Manipuri architecture. It is a two-storied house that features curved walls, curved roofs, and multiple windows and doors. This style of house design is perfect for larger families and has sufficient space for more than one generations to reside in. It is also cost-effective and takes lesser time to construct.Meitei Manipuri House Design
Meitei Manipuri House Design
The contemporary Manipuri house design is a perfect blend of traditional and modern design. It has been updated to suit the changing needs of Manipuri families. It often features sloping roofs, curved walls, and spacious interiors. This style of house design is ideal for larger Manipuri families living in cold climates. Additionally, this style of house is affordable, durable, and can easily accommodate modern amenities like bathrooms, air-conditioners, and other electrical appliances. Contemporary Manipuri House Design
Contemporary Manipuri House Design
The modern Manipuri house design is best suited for urban homes. It features a blend of traditional and modern design elements, graced with an architectural style that allows for ample ventilation and luminosity. This style of house design often includes modern amenities like air conditioning, proper electrical wiring, and high-tech materials that lend the house a modern look. Additionally, modern Manipuri houses often come with an independent backyard or a common courtyard for outdoor activities. Modern Manipuri House Design
Modern Manipuri House Design
Rural Manipuri houses often feature simple designs like one-storied and two-storied houses with multiple rooms and no windows. This style of house design is heavily dependent on the availability of locally-sourced materials. These houses often use mud, grass, stone, and timber for construction. They are well-insulated and can easily withstand extreme temperatures. Additionally, this style of house design is incredibly affordable and takes lesser time to construct.Rural Manipuri House Design
Rural Manipuri House Design
Manipuri clay houses are typically constructed with a combination of mud, grass, and stones. This style of house is incredibly strong and durable, and is perfect for Manipuri homes in cold temperatures. The roof of a Manipuri clay house is usually made of thatch, bamboo, and clay. Additionally, these houses feature curved walls, multiple windows, air conditioning, and proper insulation for better comfort. Manipuri Clay House Design
Manipuri Clay House Design
Manipuri thatch houses are built using local materials like grass and bamboo. These houses feature a single storied structure and have multiple rooms connected by curved walls. They are well-ventilated and can easily withstand extreme temperatures. Additionally, this style of house design is incredibly affordable and can easily accommodate modern amenities like electricity, air conditioning, and plumbing.Manipuri Thatch House Design
Manipuri Thatch House Design
Manipuri wooden houses are typically constructed using wood, mud, stone, and other locally-sourced materials. This style of house design is perfect for Manipuri homes that have cold temperatures. It features a combination of traditional and modern elements, with multiple rooms that are connected by curved walls, high ceilings, and windows that enable sufficient lighting and ventilation. Additionally, Manipuri wooden houses are incredibly strong and durable.Manipuri Wooden House Design
Manipuri Wooden House Design
Manipuri concrete houses are typically constructed using concrete blocks. They feature a single-storied structure and have multiple rooms with a curved roof. They are well-insulated and can easily withstand extreme temperatures. Additionally, Manipuri concrete houses usually feature air conditioning, electrical wiring, plumbing, and other modern amenities for convenience. Manipuri Concrete House Design
Manipuri Concrete House Design
Manipuri block houses are typically constructed using concrete blocks and other materials like mud, stone, and wood. This style of house design is ideal for Manipuri homes in cold climates. It usually features a single-storied structure and multiple rooms with curved walls. Additionally, this style of house design is incredibly affordable and can easily accommodate modern amenities. Manipuri Block House Design
Manipuri Block House Design
The traditional Manipuri interior house design is a unique blend of traditional and modern elements. It usually features a combination of dark and light shades, with intricate designs and patterns. This style of house design is perfect for creating a rustic yet modern vibe. Additionally, this style of house is incredibly affordable and takes lesser time to construct. Traditional Manipuri Interior House Design
Traditional Manipuri Interior House Design
Exploring Traditional Manipur House Design
Manipur is well-known for its traditional house design, which is influenced by both regional and foreign design genres. Featuring sloping roofs, vibrant fibreglass tiles, and symmetrical dormers, the unique Manipuri house design is unmistakable. Considering the state is cut off from the rest of the country by hills, this kind of architecture has been localized for centuries.
Manipur house design
is characterised by an efficient use of space, sloping solid wood panels, and even semi-open courtyards.
Understanding the Local Design Aesthetic
Traditional Manipuri homes were made from materials that could be harvested locally. Wood, bamboo, hay,
roof tiles
, and native vegetation were used to create structures that could withstand the dry season and harsh monsoon periods. The use of layers of different materials meant these houses kept warm in the winter and cool in the summer, while the inclusion of courtyards was designed to both improve airflow and provide an oasis of shade within an otherwise arid climate.
Modern Versions of Manipur House Design
While these traditional elements have been retained in modern designs, there has also been some innovation in Manipur house design. Imported bricks, steel, and ceramic panels are frequently used for a more contemporary look. Roofing has also been modernised in order to reflect the state’s developing industry. There is also the option of adding amenities such as air conditioning, plumbing, and modern kitchen style.
Though additions and modifications have been made, the traditional elements of Manipur house design remain preserved in the form of hybrid models of design, making the local culture that much more evident in the neighbourhood.
