Are you thinking about visiting Bhutan? Are you keen to know about the house structures of Bhutan? Keep on reading to discover the Bhutan houses styles and structures.
In the past, Bhutanese architects and craftsmen built Bhutanese structures and homes without using blueprints. They used to pass their knowledge down from one generation to the next. Qualified architects in the modern and western sense are a relatively recent development in Bhutan. Bhutan’s traditional architecture is made up of beaten wood, and stone in extremely specific and distinctive ways.
The modern Bhutanese house architecture and patterns are followed by the traditional homes in Bhutan, giving both the cities and the remote regions a beautiful aspect. Bhutan has three main categories of traditional buildings and architectural designs, in addition to a few modern buildings and structures. You can plan for a trip to Bhutan, to know more about Bhutan houses built in Bhutan villages, and Bhutan cities.
Normally, the traditional Bhutanese homes and temples are covered with a dense forest. They hold gorgeous wooden characteristics such as groove doors, thick tongues, high thresholds, attractive floorboards, intricately carved beams, etc.
Religious Structures
These religious buildings include monasteries, temples, and several types of stupas. The architectural style of these religious buildings is similar to that of the Dzongs in Bhutan (Chortens). These religious structures stand out which contrasts with the deep red band near the top, intricately carved windows, and golden roofs. Thanks to their unusual whitewashed walls.
The interior design is what makes Monasteries and temples so attractive. The wall paintings are initially painted on stretched canvas before sticking to the walls to create the illusion of a wall painting. This is done so that anytime a wall needs to be rebuilt, these Thangkas are removed from the wall and stored until the construction is finished. Afterward, they are then put back on the wall.
Every alter in monasteries and temples is exquisitely decorated, supplied with brightly painted and intricately carved wooden cabinets, and covered in statues of the Great Buddha and other figures. The colorful prayer flags are also suspended from the ceiling.
Dzongs
Dzongs are the big, impressive strongholds that act as the administrative and religious center for each district. Along with that, for a religious buildings of all sizes, ranging from enormous temples to tiny stupas or chortens. You can observe dzongs more in the Bhutan cities.
Before Bhutan was unified under one monarchy at the beginning of the 20th century, roughly 20 districts were governed by Penlops or Governors.
The Penlops engaged in various conflicts with Tibet or the nearby areas over the years. These Bhutan houses acted as strongholds as well as the administrative hub during the conflict. Dzongs are therefore by their very nature large, intimidating buildings that are deliberately built-in key locations.
Their other function was to collect taxes from passing passengers, such as yak meat, rice, woven fabrics, etc. They are even constructed on ancient trade routes between districts. While some Dzongs have been rebuilt over the years after being devastated by natural disasters like floods or fires. They continue to serve as the important administrative centers for each district.
The Dzongs are important now as historical monuments and a top tourist destination in Bhutan. It is forbidden to use the structures and Bhutanese architectural designs seen on the roofs of Dzongs and religious buildings. You might want to see Dzongs, for this, you can plan your trip by accompanying Bhutan tour companies.
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Typical Traditional Bhutanese House
The typical traditional homes are typically two to three stories tall and very common in Bhutan villages. The family lives on the upper levels of the structure, which has an open attic where they dry goods like chilies and gathered crops. The animals are kept on the bottom floor. To enter the upper floor, a ladder made from a tree trunk in its entirety is employed. As a result of Bhutanese matrilineal traditions, women pass down all property, including homes. After marriage, the man relocates to the wife’s family.
The ground floor walls of a traditional Bhutanese home are made of hand-beaten soil and stones that have either been whitewashed or left their original color. The windows, which are constructed with timber and framed in distinctive forms and structures, are the most notable aspect of the traditional Bhutanese home. Besides, you can also observe their traditional dress, and get a chance to wear it.
Bhutanese homes typically have wood shutters on their windows rather than glass. Traditional roofs are pitched, covered in hardwood shingles, and supported by stones; however corrugated iron rods are now more frequently used. The white flag on the roof is its crowning ornament. In Bhutan, both the interior and interior of a traditional home may be overly ornamented. The vibrant floral and animal designs are painted on the hardwood window frames. The Buddhist swastika and the phallus are auspicious symbols that are painted on the houses’ walls.
Chortens
Chortens are miniature sculptures that include religious artifacts rather than actual buildings. You cannot enter them since they are so little, but you can move around them. Keep in mind that you should circle it counterclockwise. Chortens and monasteries are typically found in locations, such as mountain passes, traffic intersections, etc.
The National Memorial Chorten, which is in Thimphu and was built in Tibetan style to honor Bhutan’s fourth king, is a notable Chorten. You will see the senior residents of Thimphu chanting prayers, spinning prayer wheels, and holding prayer beads as you visit this Chorten. There are many different kinds of chortens, including Mani walls and Mani chukor. You will encounter Mani chukor as you cross a stream on any trip or journey to a higher elevation.
Mani walls, which are built in honor of departed loved ones, can be found along the old trade routes connecting the regions.
This page sums up the Bhutan Houses. You may make a plan to visit Bhutan, learn more about Bhutan’s Nature, and Bhutan weather from these articles.