Reveal 99+ Striking Maori House Design Most Trending, Most Beautiful, And Most Suitable

Traditional Maori House Designs

Maori house designs have been a part of the culture in New Zealand for centuries. Traditional Maori houses are known for their sturdy design and use of organic materials such as wood and thatch. The most characteristic element of Maori houses is the roof, which is usually made from palm leaves, flax, rushes, bark and reeds. Inside, the houses are divided into three sections based on the ‘Marae’ concept, the public area, known as the wharepaku, the sleeping area, or wharepapa, and the resting area, or wharepuhunga. These structures are highly specialised and have been a feature of the Maori way of life for hundreds of years.

Authentic Maori House Styles & Plans

Authentic Maori houses were built using strong timber frames and curved rooflines. Along with the familiar curved roof, other design elements include carved doors at the entrance, stone patterns around the house, and carved posts along the sides to provide extra support. It was common for Maori homes to feature two stories, with the upper level often featuring a loft. Traditional designs may also include adorned rafters, painted walls and earthen floors. Maori villages were usually built in a semi-circle shape to provide cover and protection from the elements.

Modern Maori House Designs & Ideas

Today, modern Maori house designs are inspired by the traditional styles but with a range of modifications. While some of these designs still use natural materials, others incorporate modern features. Some of the modern elements that can be found in modern Maori houses include glass, steel, and concrete. They may also include contemporary elements such as large windows and decks for outdoor entertaining. Modern Maori house designs are usually bright and colourful, often featuring vibrant paint colour palettes for both the exterior and interior. The use of colour is used to give the house a unique identity, as well as to evoke a feeling of harmony and balance.

Maori House Structure & Structure

Maori houses were, and still are, built with great care and attention to detail. The main structure of the house is usually placed on poles or logs known as ‘Apiti’. These foundations are laid to provide a supportive base and are sometimes extended into the ground so they are stable and secure. The entire structure is held together with lashings of flax and reeds. The roof is made from thatch, usually fern or cedar strips, and is known as ‘Crabgrass’. This material is then tightly bound together to make it waterproof and strong and affixed to the frame.

Maori House Design Elements & Features

The design elements of a Maori house are used to create a home which is both aesthetic and functional. Each element is carefully thought out and integrated to create a unique and modern look. Some of the common features of Maori house design include a thatched roof, curved walls, an elevated entrance, and large outdoor spaces. The use of colour, patterns, and materials are also key elements which give these houses their unique identities.

Maori House Interiors & Inspirations

Interior designs for Maori homes are also inspired by traditional design elements. Colour is used to create moods and a sense of balance. Natural materials such as wood, stone, flax, and wool are often used to create a warm and inviting atmosphere. Furniture is typically handmade from natural materials, usually incorporating traditional designs and patterns. Traditional Maori carvings are often integrated into furniture pieces such as storage boxes, benches, and even chairs.

Maori House Facade Designs

The exterior façade of a Maori house is a crucial element of the overall design. It is usually decorated with carvings, symbolic artwork, and intricate patterns, which are meant to reflect the culture and history of the people. This façade can be modified and updated to create a more contemporary look, but the traditional elements will remain. As a result, the façade of these houses can often be seen as a form of self-expression.

Furniture & Accessories for Maori House Design

Like the interior of a Maori house, the furniture and accessories are typically handmade and symbolic. Rich fabrics are often used to cover furniture, including traditional woven textiles, flax, and wool. Carvings and carpenters are used to create pieces which often feature traditional designs. Accessories such as lamps, rugs, and art are also used to add a unique flair to the home. The overall look is meant to be warm and inviting, and to create an atmosphere that is relaxed and comfortable.

Maori House Exterior Designs & Inspirations

The exterior of a Maori house is designed to be strong and durable. Natural materials are typically favoured for building these homes, as their weather-resistant properties and strength make them ideal. In many cases, the exterior of a house is painted with vibrant colours, decorative patterns, and traditional designs. These patterns are said to reflect the Maori culture and to symbolise strength, power, and prosperity.

Maori House Paint Ideas & Colour Palettes

Maori house designs are usually bright and colourful. Natural colours are often the main focus, such as cool blues, greens, and greys which are thought to represent the environment and land. Other colours such as oranges, reds, and yellows are also used to give the house a unique identity. When choosing a colour palette, it is important to consider the purpose of the house and the symbolism behind the colours.

Common Materials & Techniques Used for Maori House Design

Maori house design relies heavily on the use of natural materials, such as wood, stone, flax, and thatch. These materials are strong and durable, enabling the houses to withstand the elements. Carpentry and craftsmanship are also essential components, with traditional techniques being used to build the structure and decorate it with intricate patterns. These materials and techniques help to give each house its unique identity and bring it to life.