Hutong Courtyards, Siheyuan, Grey Brick Houses, Earthen Buildings and Courtyard Houses are some of the most traditional Chinese house designs. These structures often feature tile roofs, shaded porches, displays of colorful artwork and beautifully crafted residences and courtyards. This type of home design began over 3,000 years ago and is an important part of Chinese history. Hutong Courtyards are one of the most traditional Chinese designs and have a distinctive Chinese architectural style. This type of home reflects the Chinese culture and is characterized by their small, square courtyards surrounded by two-story or three-story homes. The courtyard and house designs have been used since the Ming Dynasty and are still commonly seen in Beijing today. Siheyuan is another traditional Chinese house style commonly seen in Beijing and other northern Chinese cities. It is a compound comprised of four parts. It consists of four small rooms, including two living rooms and two bedrooms. It is also typical to include a courtyard, a kitchen and bathrooms for the whole estate. Grey Brick Houses are a type of simple, classic Chinese house architecture that is found in China's northern and central provinces. This type of traditional design typically has a brick façade, white window frames and red or yellow doors. This style of architecture is common in Beijing and other major cities. Earthen Buildings are a type of traditional Chinese house design that features walls made out of brick, stone, earth or clay. The walls are usually decorated with colorful paintings of flowers and nature scenes. This type of structure has been around for over 5,000 years and is still widely used in rural China. Courtyard Houses are another type of traditional Chinese home design. These homes feature four houses forming a square around an enclosed courtyard. Each house has a unique design, from grand buildings to smaller homes. This type of architecture is typically found in larger cities and is often seen in China's northern regions. Traditional Chinese House Designs: Hutong Courtyards | Siheyuan | Grey Brick Houses | Earthen Buildings | Courtyard Houses | Structured Inner Cities | Multi-family Living | Raised Buildings | Symmetrical Structures | Communal Compounds
Traditional Chinese House Designs: Hutong Courtyards
Structured Inner Cities reflect the traditional Chinese approach to urban design. The buildings are designed to have a central street flanked by two sides, forming a large square. This type of city design is common in Beijing and other major cities. Multi-family Living is a type of traditional Chinese house design that consists of several dwellings connected to one another. The homes are typically attached to one another and share common walls and a communal living space. This type of living arrangement is common in rural China, where families live together in a single dwelling. Raised Buildings are a type of traditional Chinese construction that is commonly found in cities and urban areas. These buildings are built up from the ground and typically overlook the city or street around them. This type of structure is often seen in Beijing and other big cities. Symmetrical Structures are a type of traditional Chinese architecture that is characterized by its symmetrical shape. This type of structure often has an open inner courtyard, with symmetrical wings and rooflines surrounding the courtyard. This style of building is commonly seen in Beijing and other historical cities. Communal Compounds are a type of traditional Chinese housing that often consists of several single family dwellings built around a shared courtyard. This type of home is not only common in China, but has also been adopted in other countries. This type of housing is often seen in larger cities and is an important part of Chinese culture. Structured Inner Cities | Multi-family Living | Raised Buildings | Symmetrical Structures | Communal Compounds
Siheyuan
Chinese Traditional House Design in Context
The Chinese traditional house design has been rooted in the culture of the people for centuries. Its unique style reflects the values and beliefs of its inhabitants. The five famous Chinese architectural styles – imperial, grand, folk, temple, and vernacular – are often identified by their distinct features.
Imperial house designs
typically prioritize grandiosity, consisting of expansive gates and yards, as well as palaces with lush gardens. The
grand house style
is derived from scholars and the upper classes, as there is typically an emphasis on functionality and practicality. On the other end of the spectrum, the
folk style
revolves around simplicity and integration with nature. It often incorporates traditional material such as bricks, stones, columns, and tiles.
Temple designs
prioritize spirituality, while
vernacular styles
blend local burning, woodworking, and construction techniques, blending with the natural environment to create an aesthetically pleasing and environmentally friendly setting.
Trends in Chinese Traditional House Design
Today, contemporary architects in China are modernizing traditional Chinese house designs with their own unique touches. These approaches draw heavily from local design elements, such as building materials, roof shapes, floor plans, and ornamentation. Architects are taking a more creative approach to design elements, introducing a heightened sense of aesthetics, art, and culture for a more contemporary take on Chinese house design.
Achieving Chinese House Design
The key to achieving a traditional Chinese house design is to work with an experienced architect or designer. They can provide invaluable insight into how to integrate the aesthetics of Chinese traditional house design into modern-day projects. With their knowledge, skills and technology, they can create beautiful, comfortable and innovative spaces that are grounded in tradition and reflect the essence of Chinese culture.
