Find 53+ Captivating Traditional Chinese House Plan With Courtyard Top Choices Of Architects

Traditional Chinese courtyard house designs predominantly feature Siheyuan (四合院), an arrangement of four buildings which form a square with an open court in the center. While this traditional style of living can be found all over the world, it is particularly prevalent in East Asia, especially in China. The courtyard house is based on the philosophy of harmony among humans and nature, having been designed as an efficient living space, incorporating several basic elements. With its large windows, tall walls, and intricate tile work, a courtyard home is a truly unique style of architecture.

The Sanheyuan (三合院) is a three-compartment courtyard house, and is one of the different variations of traditional Chinese courtyard house design. It typically features a courtyard, an entrance gate, and an open-air living space in which the family often holds important ceremonies. The courtyard is usually encircled by a high wall which serves to protect the occupants from external disturbances. In addition, the Sanheyuan often includes a variety of plants and trees, which not only provide a pleasing aesthetic, but also has the additional benefits of providing shade, oxygen, and protection from the elements.

The Tianyuan (一合院) or one-compartment courtyard is much simpler than the Sanheyuan. It is generally made up of a single courtyard, an entrance gate, and a single living space. This type of design is often used in urban and suburban areas, where space is limited. Typically, the entrance gate is designed to be an extension of the courtyard, with no external walls and an archway or other ornamental details. These gateways are often used to separate different rooms, while still allowing access and views from the living space.

The Liangfang (两坊), or two-compartment courtyard, is often used when an extended family unit shares the same residence. It is constructed of two courtyards to the left and right sides, with a wall separating them from each other. The origins of Liangfang can be traced back to the Song Dynasty (960-1279) but like many Chinese architectural forms, its design was developed over time. The two courtyards of the Liangfang are often designed to provide each family member with private and shared living spaces.

The Sancai (三堂) or triple-compartment courtyard house is a variation of the Liangfang design. It features three courtyards, each one leading through a corridor to the next. These courtyards are surrounded by walls and gates, with a further wall and gate separating the front from the rest of the house. The outside walls may be constructed with brick, wood, or stone. This style of building allows for greater space and privacy for the entire family, as well as flexibility for the arrangement of rooms and furniture.

The Siheyuan (四合院) is the most common type of traditional Chinese courtyard. This two-level, four-sided courtyard house consists of four courtyard walls that enclose a small central courtyard. The four walls may be constructed of stone, brick or wood, and may feature intricate designs and carvings. Siheyuan are typically large enough to accommodate several generations of a family living in the same residence. They are usually decorated with plants and trees, creating an air of tranquility in the center of the courtyard.

The Tiecourtyard (帖院) is a variation of the Siheyuan design. It consists of four courtyards arranged in a cross-shaped pattern, instead of the classic square shape. This form of courtyard house is mainly used in large cities, as it allows for more space in the basis of the same basic design of the Siheyuan. In contrast to the Siheyuan, the walls of the Tiecourtyard are often higher, providing an increased sense of privacy. These walls may also feature ornamental designs and carvings, further accentuating the beauty of the Tiecourtyard.

The Rear Hall Courtyard (后堂), or Matang, is a variation on the traditional Chinese courtyard house. It comprises four open courtyards, two of which are enclosed by walls, while the other two open out onto the street. The rear courtyard, or Matang, is situated at the back of the house, often surrounded by a wall and a gate. The other courtyards are built around the rear courtyard and may be used as dining areas, working areas, or guestrooms. The courtyard house often includes a vegetable garden, herb garden, and other landscaping features common to Chinese homes.

The Hejian (合舰) is a two-door courtyard house, designed to provide more privacy for the occupants. The two gates, one at the front of the house and one at the back, separate the living area from the street. This form of courtyard house is more commonly used in rural areas, as it provides more security and privacy than the other kinds of traditional courtyard homes. The Hejian is divided into four courtyards combined with several roofs, which create an interesting aesthetic. The use of pagodas, C-shaped walls, and other intricate design elements, adds to the beauty and charm of the Hejian courtyard.

The two-sided courtyard (双院) is an adaptation from Chinese traditional courtyard house design. This style of housing consists of two courtyards, one facing the street and one at the back. The street-facing courtyard often features a taller wall and larger gate, while the back courtyard is usually enclosed, providing more privacy for the residents. This form of housing is typically used by larger families, who need more living space and often utilizes rooftop terraces and additional outdoor spaces to maximize the use of the space.

The One-Room Courtyard (一室院) is a minimalist form of traditional courtyard house. This style of housing uses only one courtyard, and one central chamber for living and sleeping. The courtyard is typically surrounded by high walls, and the main room can either be accessed directly from the courtyard or through an open-air corridor. One-Room Courtyard houses are often used as an economical way of living for those who do not require much living space. With its simple and minimalistic design, it makes for a cozy and intimate living area.