The wealthy elite of Pompeii had a unique set of house designs to show off their wealth. These designs were elaborate and often had multiplestories. They often boasted huge exterior gardens with lush greenery and hinted at a grand, luxurious interior. Large and sumptuous gardens full of life and extravagance were common features, as were ornamental fountains. One main feature of these Pompeii house designs was a large atrium, or central courtyard. This typically comprised a large open-air space surrounded by a covered walkway, with plenty of room for luxurious decorations to adorn the walls. The atrium was one of the main showpieces of these wealthy homes and was made to impress. The grandest of the wealthy Pompeii house designs also featured a peristyle. This was essentially a grand hall full of ornamental artwork, extravagant decor and a wide courtyard extending to the main part of the home.Pompeii House Designs of the wealthy
The wealthy weren’t the only residents of Pompeii that had access to unique and unique house designs. Pompeii house designs of the middle class were significantly smaller in scale, yet still boasted interesting and attractive features. Many of these were still grand enough to reflect the wealth of the owner in some way. The most common feature of Pompeii house designs of the middle class was the implicana. This was essentially a small interior courtyard which was quite common in the more modest homes. It was also often used to separate different parts of the building, such as living and sleeping areas. The implicana was a key feature in Pompeii houses in the middle class and provided an impressively luxurious effect even on a smaller scale.Pompeii House Designs of the middle class
Pompeii house designs of all classes featured certain elements. For example, every house had at least one tablinum, or formal hall. This was one of the main living spaces for the family and was usually found just off the atrium. It sometimes connected the atrium to the peristyle and had ample room for entertaining guests, meetings, or even gambling. Vestibules were also common features of Pompeii house designs. This was a narrow, paved room leading to the main entrance of the house and acted as a sort of foyer or lobby. This area was well-decorated since it was often one of the first things a visitor would see when entering.Pompeii House Design Features
The ancient Roman style of architecture and design was a major influence on the houses of Pompeii. Many of the same features found in the grand and luxurious Roman houses of the time were incorporated into the Pompeii house designs. This included high ceilings, colonnades, inner courtyards, ornate decorations, and grand staircases. Of course, these features were scaled down for the smaller houses of the middle class but were still impressive works of architecture. The influences also went beyond just architectural elements and can be found in the decorations of some of these houses. Some of them even featured murals depicting scenes from Ancient Roman mythology.Pompeii House Designs inspired by Ancient Rome
As mentioned before, the atrium was a common feature of the wealthy Pompeii houses. This was a large, open-air space usually with a roof overhead and surrounded by a series of indoor passageways. It was often decorated with luxurious artwork and sculptures. Most of the wealthy homes also had a pool or fountain in the center of the atrium. The atrium could have direct access to the main part of the house, however, many of them were separate from the main house with an enclosed vestibule or small walkway connecting them. These kinds of atriums provided access to the peristyle and other showpiece rooms within the house.Pompeii House Designs with Atriums
The peristyle was one of the grandest features of Pompeii house designs of the wealthy elite. This was an enclosed hall which connected the many different sections of the house and served as a kind of grand living room. It often had a grand courtyard outside which surrounded it with lush vegetation and ornamental fountains. The peristyle was full of ornate decorations and artwork to showcase the wealth of its owner. This was one of the main showpieces of the house, meant to leave a lasting impression on any visitor. It was also a popular spot for entertaining guests and hosting parties with plenty of luxurious amenities.Pompeii House Designs with Peristyles
The implicana was one of the main features in the houses of the middle class in Pompeii. This was an interior courtyard which provided separation between the main living areas of the house. The implicana could be quite small, however, some of them were quite large and grand. Some of the wealthier homes in Pompeii also had larger implicanas. The implicana usually had a small fountain or pool in the middle which was often surrounded by trees, shrubs, and other vegetation. This was a common feature of Pompeii house designs as it provided a pleasant and tranquil atmosphere within the house.Pompeii House Designs with Implicana
Pompeii house designs also featured small courtyards for the more modest homes. These were usually circular or rectangular in shape and served as outdoor living spaces. They would often have benches, chairs, and other furniture for entertaining guests. They could also serve as a kind of garden with a fountain in the center or an area to grow flowers and herbs. These small courtyards served as a pleasant and inviting outdoor area for the family and visitors and were a common feature in Pompeii houses of the middle class. Even though they were much smaller than the grand atriums of the wealthy, these courtyards provided a sense of luxury and relaxation for residents of the house.Pompeii House Designs with Small Courtyards
Vestibules were an integral part of many Pompeii house designs. This was an enclosed room that led from the main entrance of the house to the rest of the house. It served as a kind of lobby or foyer and was where visitors would be while waiting before being allowed into the main house. These vestibules were often quite large and were usually the same width as the main entrance. They were usually done up in a grand and luxurious style, often featuring lavish decorations and artwork as well as a large statue or fountain in the center.Pompeii House Designs with Vestibules
Gabled house designs, or gables, were also quite common in the houses of Pompeii. This was a feature in which a gable, or triangular structure, was placed over the main entranceway. These gables were decorated with elaborate artwork, statues, and other sculptures depicting mythological beings, gods, or scenes from the lifestyle of the inhabitants. The gabled house designs of Pompeii were meant to make a statement as soon as one entered the house. They also provided a more secure entranceway as they were made of heavy stone and had several locks and hinges to help keep it secure. This was an impressive feature which could be found in many house designs from various levels of society.Pompeii Gabled House Designs
The layout of many Pompeii houses is another great example of the unique house designs from this ancient city. Each home had a unique set of features which interacted with each other in order to create a unique and comfortable living space. This included access to bathrooms, cooking areas, the tablinum (or formal hall), a peristyle, implicana (interior courtyard), and more. The best way to appreciate the complexity of the various Pompeii house design layout examples is to explore the city itself and admire the many different aspects of the architecture and design. The city of Pompeii is a testament to the rich history of Roman architecture and design and remains a popular tourist destination to this day. Pompeii House Design Layout Examples