Find 92+ Charming Old Chinese House Design You Won't Be Disappointed

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Are you looking for some great old Chinese house designs? From modern rustic to classic house plans, China has a wide range of inspiring homes to explore. In this list, we'll showcase some of the best old Chinese house designs that have stood the test of time and are still loved to this day. We'll look at some of the creative features, unique elements, and traditional charm these homes offer.

Traditional Chinese Courtyard House Design | Old Style Chinese Architecture

During the Ming and Qing dynasties, the traditional Chinese courtyard house design was mainly used by the nobility and the wealthy class in the country. The classic idea of a courtyard house is to have four walls surrounding a central courtyard, which in most cases is a square. This traditional Chinese style is also known as the old-style Chinese architecture. These courtyard-style residential dwellings were often accompanied by ancillary buildings such as a bathhouse, storage area, and other structures that the occupants may have found useful.

It is believed that the design of the Chinese courtyard house has been around since the Shang Dynasty (1600-1046 BC), with the siheyuan layout being one of the oldest and most commonly used designs. The courtyard house is divided into four sections, each of which has its own roof, walls, gate, and some other specific structures and decoration.

The traditional Chinese courtyard house design is the perfect example of form and function coming together to create an aesthetically pleasing home. The basic idea behind the design is that the planning should focus on balance, which promotes harmony and tranquility within the space. This type of house was primarily designed to be a private and intimate living space that encouraged relaxation and harmonious living.

Traditional Chinese Courtyard House Design

Ancient Chinese Houses | Ming and Qing Dynasty Houses

Throughout history, Chinese houses have been constructed using traditional building methods and materials, including timber, stone, and earth. The structures of Chinese houses were extremely advanced and innovative, with some designs incorporating natural ventilation, earthquake-proofing, and water-resistant techniques. Buildings in China are often characterized by their distinguishing features meant to reflect the spiritual and decorative values of the culture.

The traditional Chinese house evolved over time, with much of its current design coming out of the Ming and Qing dynasties (1368 to 1912). During this period, Chinese houses were designed with ornamental features, including decorative eaves, elaborate brackets, and decorative wooden panels. The traditional Chinese courtyard-style house and the hall house (banruojing) were among the popular types of residences during this time.

The Ming and Qing dynasties saw advances in Chinese architecture, particularly in terms of the decoration and adornment of structures. Many of the homes and buildings built in this period are still in existence today, offering us a glimpse into the past.

Ancient Chinese Houses

Old Style Chinese Architecture | Chinese Hall House Designs

The hall house (banruojing) is one of the primary forms of traditional Chinese architecture. It is characterized by its rectangular shape, with a large central hall and several small side rooms around it. This type of house design dates back to the Song Dynasty (960 to 1279 AD), and became more popular during the Ming and Qing dynasties.

An important element of Chinese hall house designs is the division of private and public spaces. Generally speaking, the central hall is the most formal area of the house and where important activities took place. It was usually furnished with tables and chairs, as well as with items such as vases, paintings, and calligraphy scrolls. The side rooms, on the other hand, were spaces for storing objects and where people can sleep.

The Chinese hall house design is still a common type of residence in China today. These houses are often found in rural areas, as well as in some urban areas where there are still traditional Chinese communities.

Ming and Qing Dynasty Houses

Chinese Tu-Style Residence | Imperial Chinese House Design

The Chinese Tu-style residence is a traditional Chinese house design which is characterized by its spacious and symmetrical layout. It was mainly used by the imperial court during the Ming and Qing dynasties period. The design of the house was such that the main hall was centrally located in the courtyard while the side-rooms were radially arranged around the entrance.

The Tu-style residence was modeled after the house of Confucius, and similar to the hall house, it was divided into two sections: the main hall (the formal section of the house) and the side rooms (the informal section of the house). The main hall of the Tu-style residence served as the official space of the emperor and usually included tables and chairs, as well as decorative items such as vases, scrolls, and hand-carved furniture. The side rooms contained the bedrooms, dining rooms, and storage areas.

The Chinese Tu-style residence design is an iconic example of traditional Chinese architecture, and is still a common type of residence today. These houses are often found in rural areas, as well as in some urban areas where there are still traditional Chinese communities.

Old Style Chinese Architecture

Old-style Chinese Buildings | Old-style Chinese Cottages

Old-style Chinese buildings and cottages are characterized by their traditional designs and materials. These buildings were often constructed of wood and stone, and were usually designed in a balanced and symmetrical pattern. During the Ming and Qing dynasties, old-style Chinese buildings and cottages were mainly used for residential purposes, although these structures also served as temples, schools, and other public spaces.

The designs of these buildings were often based on the Taoist concept of yin and yang, which seeks to create balance between the masculine and feminine elements. This aesthetic balance can be seen in the way the buildings were constructed, with a well-proportioned roof, symmetrical pillars, and marble staircases.

Old-style Chinese buildings and cottages are still in existence today, offering us a glimpse into traditional Chinese architecture. These buildings are often found in rural areas, as well as in some urban areas where there are still traditional Chinese communities.

Chinese Hall House Designs

Old Chinese Style Home Design | Old Chinese Style

The Old Chinese Style Home design is a type of traditional Chinese architecture that has been around since the Shang Dynasty (1600-1046 BC). This style emphasizes the linearity and harmonious proportion of wood elements, as well as the balance between simplicity and sophistication. Old Chinese homes also feature curved walls and domed ceilings, open courtyards, and symmetrical entrances.

The traditional Chinese house is also usually designed with multiple terraces and balconies, which are meant to provide an outdoor place for the occupants to relax, socialize, and enjoy nature. This type of house is typically made up of several separate but interconnected structures, such as the main house, the kitchen, the meditation hall, and other ancillary buildings.

In present day China, the old Chinese style home design is still relatively popular, particularly in rural and suburban areas. In some places, it is still used for residential dwellings, although it is primarily being used as a show of heritage in some urban areas where there are still traditional Chinese communities.

Chinese Tu-Style Residence

Conclusion

The traditional Chinese house designs have evolved over the centuries, and the influence of different dynasties can still be seen in their diverse design features. From the Ming and Qing dynasties’ hall house designs to the Tu-style residence and imperial Chinese house designs, these traditional structures have provided us with a glimpse into the history of Chinese architecture and how it has shaped the way we live today.

The variety of traditional Chinese house designs is an example of the beauty and sophistication of Chinese architecture and culture, and it is clear that there is much to learn from these historic buildings. So, if you're in search of a unique and stylish home, consider looking into traditional Chinese house designs as an option.

Imperial Chinese House Design

Traditional Chinese House Design and Style

Old Chinese House Design Traditional Chinese house design is characterized by aesthetically pleasing features, fusing a blend of elements from both nature and civilization. Throughout history, Chinese homes have been crafted with utmost care and detail, embodying both elegance and practicality. The various elements that made up a traditional Chinese home often served both practical and symbolic purposes.

Chinese Courtyard Houses

Old Chinese House Design The most common type of traditional Chinese house is the courtyard house , or siheyuan in Mandarin. This type of home is unique to China and is typically square in shape, with four interconnected buildings surrounding a central courtyard. These four buildings often include wings for each family member, allowing them to build a space to call their own. The courtyard served many purposes such as a place for the family to gather, a play space for children, and a spot to receive guests.

Symbolic Chinese House Design

Old Chinese House Design Chinese house designs often featured symbolic elements throughout. These elements often infused auspicious symbols into the home’s décor with the intention of bringing great luck and prosperity to its dwellers. Images of phoenixes, dragons, fish, bats, and mandarin ducks are common motifs in traditional Chinese housing design because they represent strength, long life, and good fortune.

Projecting Corners and Skywells

Old Chinese House Design Another distinctive feature of the traditional Chinese home is its projecting corners . To increase the amount of living space, many Chinese courtyards featured hexagonal or octagonal rooms with projecting corners. This design offered the biggest rooms to the head of the family, while the rest of the family had to make do with smaller and narrower space. In addition to the projecting corners, Chinese homes often featured skywells which could provide natural light and ventilation to areas deep inside the houses. By contrast, building materials used during that period were designed to keep the house cool in the summer and warm during winter.

Modern Chinese Houses

Old Chinese House Design In recent years, many of the traditional house designs from centuries ago have been redesigned and modernized. Some architects have taken a cue from traditional aesthetics, while others have embraced a more contemporary design. Regardless of the style, traditional and modern Chinese house designs still feature the same practical features and symbolism of their historical counterparts.

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