House designs in Old Delhi, India, date back as far as the Mughal era and beyond. Old Delhi traditional house designs were originally constructed as dwellings for the elite, often built on stately grounds. These grandiose houses were created to emulate the status of its owners. The original design of the Old Delhi traditional house was large and grand with ornamentations of East India motifs. The original designs used terraces, courtyards and stairs as integral architecture elements in their design. The traditional house designs in Old Delhi are still homeowners favorite style of architecture in the current era. The Old Delhi traditional house is a timeless style that can easily adapt to today’s modern lifestyle.Old Delhi Traditional House Designs
Old Delhi has a rich history intertwined with Mughal dynasty rulers. Mughal era house designs are fondly remembered for their magnificent designs and craftsmanship. The Mughal era house design was constructed for the royals making them stately and luxurious. Their designs were heavily influenced by the Mughal dynasty rulers with intricate carvings featured on the façade, ceilings and wall surfaces. Mughal era house designs typically consisted of a courtyard based layout with additional rooms branching off the main courtyard. The courtyard served as the focal point for both rainwater harvesting and the harvesting of sunlight. This type of house design was a classic favorite for its spaciousness and grandeur. Mughal Era House Designs
Ancient town house designs of old Delhi feature its own unique design elements and styles. These designs were not only aesthetically pleasing but also provided space and privacy that could not be found in other dwellings. Ancient town house designs of old Delhi typically featured a courtyard that was bordered by separate rooms or pavilions, which in turn connected to living areas. The houses were often constructed with sandstone and had elaborately carved doors and windows. Ancient town house designs are a distinctive example of art deco architecture in Old Delhi. Ancient Town House Designs
One of the most iconic house styles of old Delhi is the havelis or mansions. These Lucullan palaces were a symbol of wealth and privilege and featured intricately carved walls and ceilings throughout. The grand architecture featured elaborate arches, domes, courtyards and baradaris or balcony rooms. Havelis were mostly constructed of red sandstone along with white marble and canopied rooftops. The Havelis in Old Delhi also featured the “jahutas” or tabular structures that served as part of a guard chamber. The Havelis havelis were a unique marker in royal architectural design throughout the region. Havelis of Old Delhi
Indian Caravan house designs harkened back to a time when traders and travelers sought shelter on their journeys. These designs featured plank walls that supported canopied roofs that were pillared for extra shelter. Indian caravan house designs also featured courtyard-style lay-outs and were often covered in intricate tile designs. These houses were sturdily built to withstand the weather, the terrain and the demands of a long journey. The Indian caravan house designs of old Delhi were also known for their elegant archways and stone pillars. Indian Caravan House Designs
Patio house designs were also popular during the old Delhi era. These house designs featured intricately patterned terraces with deep arches and balconies providing ventilation and privacy. The design of the patio house was generally employed in older style buildings, offering a sense of space with the closes connection of the arches acting as a single unit. The Archways and balconies were also a popular feature as they provided additional sunlight and ventilation. The patio house designs of old delhi are still a popular choice among homeowners today. Old Delhi Patio House Designs
The urban mews of Old Delhi were a unique style of building that was meant to provide temporary dwellings for merchants and travelers. These mews were primarily constructed of wood and featured a courtyard layout. This type of house was designed to be sturdy yet lightweight and was usually constructed within a short amount of time. The urban mews of old Delhi provided homeowners with a place to stay while on the move. Urban Mews of Old Delhi
The fortress buildings of old Delhi were a blend of military fortifications and decorative architectural elements. These buildings served as a form of protection against intruders while also serving as a display of wealth and rank. Fortress buildings of old Delhi generally featured stone walls, Corinthian pillars, and other intricately carved designs. These buildings were also typically surrounded by gardens in order to aesthetically enhance the home. Fortress Buildings in Old Delhi
Tabarback dwellings of Old Delhi were small seasonal dwellings used by nomads, traders, and herders. The structure consisted of a flat a-frame structure with rear wall structures that gave it a yurt-like shape. Tabarback dwellings were popular on the Indian subcontinent due to their low cost. They would typically be reused and reassembled in different locations as the owner moved. Although tabarback dwellings predate art deco period of Old Delhi they are an interesting part of its architectural history. Tabarback Dwellings in Old Delhi
In old Delhi, one could often find three-storeyed homes. These homes were created for the wealthiest families of the city. The three-storeyed house designs were all about luxury and space. The structures commonly featured distinct enclosed balconies, intricate architectural details, and expansive terraces. The three-storeyed house designs of old Delhi often featured multiple rooms of different sizes and complex floor plans. Three-Storeyed House Designs in Old Delhi
The affluent families of Old Delhi often lived in luxury Royal Bungalows. These structures usually featured symmetrical entrances and elaborate columned verandahs. The royal bungalows of Old Delhi were usually built with stone and marble and included expansive gardens and courtyards. The interiors usually featured intricately carved windows and ceiling designs that were both functional and aesthetically pleasing. These structures served as a reminder of the opulence of the region during the art deco period. Royal Bungalows in Old Delhi