Find 55+ Enchanting Peranakan House Design You Won't Be Disappointed

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Are you looking to create a traditional Peranakan house design without sacrificing the comfort of modern living? You're in the right place! This review showcases the Top 10 Best Peranakan House Designs that blend a contemporary look with a timeless aesthetic for the perfect home. Our team has compiled the best interactives, features, location, and more in these Peranakan-inspired house designs. Enjoy!

Peranakan House Designs Based on Courtyard Houses

Peranakan house designs are based on the traditional courtyard houses of Chinese origin. These houses were historically built in the current-day South-East Asian region and feature a main hall and an entrance with gardens or courtyards in front. The main hall serves as the centerpiece of the house, usually having the longest walls and several horizontal slats of wood to provide extra support. The other parts of the house also feature wooden slats, creating a unique interlocking pattern of wood and brick.

The Peranakan courtyard houses also feature a gabled roof and often include a small family room or study at each corner. This type of house is often used for social gatherings, where the guests can enjoy the pleasant exterior as well as the convenience of the interior. The exterior walls can be adorned with decorations and intricate designs, while the interior typically features intricate tilework.

In addition to the interlocking pattern of wood and brick, the Peranakan courtyard houses often make use of small sculptures and carvings to give it a unique character. This type of architecture is typified by traditional cantilever designs, with ornate ceilings and window frames. The terraces often feature intricate patterned tiles and traditional floral images.

Peranakan House Designs Based on Courtyard Houses

Peranakan Three-Generation Courtyard Houses

Another type of Peranakan house design is the three-generation courtyard house. This type of house typically features two separate courtyards; one for the immediate family and one for the extended family. Similar to the traditional courtyard house, the three-generation courtyard house features a main entrance and a large open terrace courtyard in the middle. These two courtyards are typically connected by a number of stairways, with the main hall in the center. This type of house was designed to facilitate the extended family’s activities, and the terrace could be used to host a variety of social events.

The terrace typically features a series of overhead structures, with a main roof that usually features intricate designs. This type of house is popular among those who appreciate traditional architecture and who want to stay close to their extended family. The terrace could also be used for dining and entertaining guests. The multiple stairways provide an extra element of privacy, and the separate courtyards can be used to host different activities.

Peranakan Three-Generation Courtyard Houses

Peranakan-style Courtyard Houses with Terraced Rooftops

Peranakan-style courtyard houses often feature terraced rooftops with intricate lattice patterns. The main roof of these houses typically feature intricate designs, including traditional motifs or images of animals. The terraced roofs also feature intricate designs, with bold colors that can be accented with lighting. This type of house often incorporates a variety of elements, such as intricate roof tiles, beautiful woodwork, and ornate wall decorations.

The terraced roofs are often used to provide a way for residents to relax and enjoy the scenery. These rooftops are typically surrounded by lush vegetation, providing a tranquil setting for relaxation. This type of house was also designed to be a convenient and comfortable living space, featuring plenty of natural light and a pleasant atmosphere. The terraced roofs can be decorated with a variety of items, such as small sculptures, plants, and artworks.

Peranakan-style Courtyard Houses with Terraced Rooftops

Peranakan-style Town Houses with Nonya Gardens

The Peranakan-style town houses are distinctive for their use of traditional Nonya gardens. These houses are built with multiple courtyards between the different levels of the structure, usually separated by a covered walkway. These courtyards provide plenty of natural air and light while providing a distinct style for the house. The town houses are usually decorated with a variety of traditional Chinese and Nonya motifs, creating an inviting atmosphere.

The Nonya gardens typically use a variety of tropical plants and flowers, creating an inviting and inviting atmosphere. The courtyards and gardens are typically decorated with a variety of traditional Chinese and Nonya artworks, such as carvings, tapestries, and statues. This type of house is popular for those who want to bring a sense of the old-world charm to their homes.

Peranakan-style Town Houses with Nonya Gardens

Peranakan-style Double Courtyard Houses

The Peranakan-style double courtyard houses feature two separate courtyards, usually separated by a door. These courtyards usually feature a variety of traditional Chinese motifs, and are often decorated with a variety of exotic plants and flowers. The double courtyard houses are typically quite large, providing ample space for a family home or a larger social gathering. These houses often feature a variety of traditional Chinese artworks, such as figurines, carvings, and tapestries.

The double courtyards also typically have two levels, with the upper level featuring a balcony that overlooks the courtyard. This type of house was designed to facilitate large family gatherings, as well as to provide a pleasant atmosphere. Many double courtyard houses also feature a pool, adding a sense of luxury to the house.

Peranakan-style Double Courtyard Houses

Peranakan-style Mansion Houses

The Peranakan-style mansion houses are larger and more elaborate versions of traditional Peranakan houses. These houses are usually designed with two or three levels, with the upper level often featuring a terrace and a large circular garden. The mansion house typically features several balconies focused around the garden, providing a panoramic view of the surrounding area. The mansion houses are usually decorated with a variety of Chinese and Nonya motifs, creating an inviting and inviting atmosphere.

In addition to the balconies, the mansion house often features an array of ornate windows and walls that are crafted with intricate detail. These walls often feature images of Chinese mythology, creating a unique atmosphere. The mansion houses are often used for larger social gatherings, providing plenty of room for guests to spread out and enjoy the pleasant atmosphere.

Peranakan-style Mansion Houses

Peranakan Single Storey Houses

Similar to the larger mansion houses, the Peranakan single storey houses feature single levels of living space. These houses are typically decorated with traditional Chinese motifs, such as carvings and images of dragons and phoenixes. The single storey homes feature multiple balconies, with each balcony featuring its own distinct decorative style. These balconies provide a panoramic view of the surrounding area and can be used for entertaining guests or as a quiet spot for a family to enjoy.

These houses are typically quite large, providing plenty of room to host large social gatherings. The single storey houses may also feature a small courtyard in the center, which can be used for a variety of activities. These homes are typically designed in the traditional Chinese style, providing a distinct look and feel.

Peranakan Single Storey Houses

Peranakan Houses with 'Penjuru' Shops

Peranakan houses with 'penjuru' shops or galleries are a type of traditional Chinese houses that fall into the two-storey or terrace categories. The penjuru shop, generally situated at the upper level of the house, is a type of Chinese courtyard created for commercial purposes. These shops typically feature traditional Chinese designs and motifs, such as dragon images or calligraphy. The penjuru shops are usually decorated with various items, such as papercuts, kimonos, and tapestries.

Peranakan houses with penjuru shops often have multiple balconies, providing a panoramic view of the surrounding area. The balconies usually feature a series of intricate decorations, such as sculptures, paper dolls, and Chinese pottery. The upper-level penjuru shops are typically used for business activities, such as selling traditional products or hosting social events. This type of house is popular for those who appreciate the traditional Chinese style of architecture.

Peranakan Houses with 'Penjuru' Shops

Peranakan Houses with Verandahs and Balconies

Peranakan houses with verandahs and balconies are a type of two-storey house that feature a series of verandahs and balconies facing the street. The terrace is typically decorated with traditional motifs, such as dragon images or calligraphy. The verandahs and balconies of these houses usually have deep eaves and railings that line the sides, providing a distinct and unique look. These houses may also feature a courtyard in the center, which can be used for various activities.

The deep eaves and railings of the balconies and verandahs can be used to display a variety of traditional items. This type of house is popular for those who appreciate traditional Chinese architecture, as well as those who wish to create a unique atmosphere for their home. The verandahs and balconies provide an extra element of privacy, allowing residents to enjoy the view and relax in their outdoor retreat.

Peranakan Houses with Verandahs and Balconies

Peranakan-style Townhouses with Central Gardens

The Peranakan-style townhouses with central gardens are a type of three-storey house that features a central courtyard. The central courtyard usually features a variety of Chinese and Nonya motifs, such as dragon images or calligraphy. These townhouses typically feature multiple balconies, with each balcony having its own distinct style. The balconies provide a panoramic view of the surrounding area and can be used to host a variety of events.

In addition to the balconies, the townhouses often feature a variety of traditional Chinese and Nonya artworks. These pieces often include carvings, tapestries, and figurines. The central courtyard of the townhouse typically also features a number of traditional plants, such as orchids and bougainvillea, creating an inviting atmosphere. This type of house is popular for those who appreciate the traditional Chinese style of architecture.

Peranakan-style Townhouses with Central Gardens

Peranakan-style Single Storey Terrace Houses

The Peranakan-style single storey terrace houses are a type of two-storey house that feature a large open terrace positioned towards the street. The terrace typically features a series of ornate balconies and verandahs facing the street, providing plenty of natural light and a pleasant atmosphere. The terrace also typically features a central walkway leading into the house, offering a comfortable and convenient entrance.

The terrace houses are typically quite elaborate and feature a variety of traditional Chinese and Nonya motifs, such as intricate carved wooden panels. The terrace may also feature a small courtyard in the center, which can be used for various activities. This type of house is typically quite large, usually providing plenty of room for larger social gatherings or family gatherings.

Peranakan-style Single Storey Terrace Houses

What Is the Peranakan House Design?

Peranakan House Design Peranakan, or Straits-born Chinese , architecture is a unique and visually stunning architectural style that incorporates both Chinese and European elements. Peranakan house design is characterized by an emphasis on intricate details, lavish ornamentation, and luxurious accents. From intricate grills to Renaissance Italian-style airwells, Peranakan house design is a unique blend of Chinese and European influences . These houses are typically two stories, featuring high, tapered roofs that curve inward at the apex. The roofs are often decorated with ornamental tiles and intricate motifs. The lower story usually contains a central courtyard with a sentry box tower at the entrance, as well as louvered windows, balconies, and verandahs.

Ornamentation and Colors

Peranakan House Design The detailed ornamentation of Peranakan houses is one of the defining features of this architectural style. Exuberant colors are applied to the walls and eaves, with vivid hues of yellow, blue, green, and red often used. Building components such as cornices, gables, eaves, and windows are often adorned with intricate fretwork, terracotta plaques, and arches with floral or abstract motifs.

Interior Design

Peranakan House Design The interior of a Peranakan house is just as ornate as the exterior. The walls are often covered in murals, depicting daily life, flowers, birds, spiritual beliefs, and symbols of wealth and prosperity. The furniture, too, often feature elaborate carvings and Chinese motifs, as well as intricate inlay work and embroidery. The windows are designed with thick, ornate grilles and the doors feature elaborate brass latches and locks.

Prominent Examples

Peranakan House Design Some of the most renowned examples of Peranakan house design are located in the historical city of Melaka, Malaysia. Baba and Nyonya Heritage Museum, Cheng Hoon Teng Temple, and Mansion House are all excellent examples of Peranakan architecture. These buildings are all listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites and are visited by a large number of tourists each year.

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