Known as Africa’s oldest home style, Rondavels are often found in rural areas where people rely on nature’s bounty and simple, affordable construction methods. Though modernized, rondavels are still seen as cozy, comfortable, even rustic homes that bring with them a certain comfort and uniqueness. For this reason, many modern architects are taking the design of a rondavel in order to create a unique, stylish abode. Unlike the typical square or rectangular house, a round rondavel house offers different looks and feels. Sitting on stilts, it has the possibility of having either an open plan or split-level design, where distinct living areas are defined. Depending on the floor space, a balcony can even be added for extra living space. Round in shape by design, the rondavel house is popular for its stability. Being that its primary form isfrequently constructed with mud brick walls, the round house will fit perfectly into the environment by echoing the curves of the Earth’s landscape. The roof of the house is of particular importance as it provides the stability and takes the brunt of the area's hostile weather. A conical or flat roof is often the chosen design for a rondavel house.Africa's Rondavel House - A Traditional, Round Home | Simple Rondavel House Plans | How to Build a Rondavel: Step by Step Guide | Rondavel Home Designs | Modern Rondavel House Plans | House Plans For Round Homes | Building a Rondavel From Scratch | Rondavel House Designs | Rondavels: A Simple And Affordable Home Choice | Small Round House Plans For Easy Living | Rondavel Roof Structure and Design Considerations
Traditional versions of the rondavel are incredibly simple and inexpensive to construct as the building material is primarily composed of mud. That said, modern interpretations come in a variety of options and materials, but the fundamental building principles remain the same consisting of basic excavation, sturdy construction, and material integrity. The main feature of a rondavel is the conical roof made from thatch, tile or stainless steel. It is one of the most crucial components of the overall architectural design, as it provides much of the rondavel’s stability. When building a home in this style, it is important to ensure that the roofing is installed correctly and securely to ensure that it can withstand the stormy weather. The walls for a rondavel are built in a double wall to ensure further stability. Additionally, the walls should be thick enough to prevent the sun’s rays from entering the home and over-heating it. Care should also be taken to build a waterproof foundation in order to retain moisture and protect the home from flooding.Simple Rondavel House Plans | How to Build a Rondavel: Step by Step Guide
Modern designs for rondavel homes have been adapted to suit the demands of modern life, allowing people to live in comfort and style in a spacious, round abode. Typically, rooms are built around the circumference of the house to take advantage of the round shape, and the space can be used flexibly to suit the needs of its inhabitants depending on décor and furnishings. On the outside, the walls of a rondavel house can be composed of clay brick, stone, timber, concrete, or metal, and can even be rendered in a variety of modern surfaces and finishes. Additionally, the option of adding insulation to rondavel homes can lessen your electricity bill in the long run. Whatever the design, a modern rondavel home can be created to the highest standard. When it comes to round house plans, there’s a range of options that will match any architectural or aesthetic style. Some plans include two stories (with sleeping quarters on the upper level and kitchen and living areas on the lower), while others prioritize a single floor plan. Depending on your preferences and needs, your designer should be able to create a plan that highly suits your style.Rondavel Home Designs | Modern Rondavel House Plans | House Plans For Round Homes | Building a Rondavel From Scratch | Rondavel House Designs
However basic, a Rondavel offers a variety of advantages for those looking for a simple, affordable home. For starters, the rounded shape is perfect for those with a limited area of land, as the design maximizes the amount of living space while taking up very little ground area. Additionally, a third of the surface of a round house is all panoramic windows or skylights, giving you added light and an airy feel. This also makes it easier to heat and cool in warmer climates. Rondavels also offer a heightened level of privacy, as they typically feature a single entrance. Furthermore, their design is such that the walls extend down from the roof, providing a comforting, cocooning effect that can give you a sense of security in your new home. Though a simple roof structure can provide the stability needed for a rondavel house, its design is one of its most important features. Popular designs include a gable roof, a mansard roof, a hipped roof, and a shed roof. Whatever your choice, it is important to ensure that the roof structure consists of quality materials with an appropriate level of insulation that are strong enough to withstand the weather of your area. The rondavel house is a classic legacy that is still much admired and desired today. Affordable and effective, contemporary interpretations allow us to introduce the traditional round home into our modern living. From traditional mud brick Lybster to contemporary seaside cabins, the latest round house plans give us the opportunity to redefine what it means to reside in a stylish and welcoming home that feels like a breath of fresh air.Rondavels: A Simple And Affordable Home Choice | Small Round House Plans For Easy Living | Rondavel Roof Structure and Design Considerations