Explore different house elevation styles across India. From traditional designs to modern facades, discover how regional influences shape architectural choices.

The exterior elevation of a house is not just a façade —it’s a combination of form, functionality, and regional charm. Across India, house elevations are as sundry as the cultures, climates, and lifestyles of its region and the people belonging to it. From traditional frontages soaked in history to sleek, modern designs, here’s a deep dive into the various house elevations found across the country and their regional influences.

Timeless and rooted in culture, these designs carry centuries of architectural wisdom, creating homes that are both functional and culturally significant.

Signature Elements:

• Intricate carvings, arches, and jharokhas (overhanging balconies).

• Made out of natural materials including sandstone, wood, and terracotta

• The symmetry and geometric patterns are influenced by regional art.

Regional Interpretations:

• Rajasthan: Haveli-style elevations with ornate latticework and domes and bright pastel colours.

• Kerala: Sloping tiled roofs with wooden panels and spacious verandas designed to handle heavy monsoons.

• Tamil Nadu: carved pillars and tiered gopurams (temple-style spires)

• Gujarat: Courtyard-style homes with ornate facades and intricate stone or brickwork

Clean lines, sleek finishes, and minimalist appeal. Where minimalism meets functionality, creating sophisticated urban spaces that embrace simplicity.

Signature Elements:

• Straight lines, asymmetry, functional

• Large glass panels, metal accents and neutral colour palettes

• Integrated balconies and terraces to create a sense of openness

Regional Interpretations:

• Mumbai: Compact, multi-storey facades optimized for space. These often feature metal cladding or vertical gardens to add greenery.

• Bangalore: Green-integrated concrete facades

• Delhi NCR: bold structures with emphasis on symmetry, often feature sandstone or glass

A blend of European architecture with Indian sensibilities - An ode to India’s colonial past.

Signature Elements:

• Graceful arched windows, tall columns, and decorative railings.

• Stucco or plaster exteriors painted in pastel shades.

• Decorative railings and cornices

• High ceilings and sprawling verandas for ventilation.

Regional Styles:

• Kolkata: You’ll find British colonial-style homes with Corinthian columns and grand staircases.

• Pondicherry: People here still use French-inspired facades with vibrant colours, arched windows, and wrought iron balconies.

• Goa: Here, Portuguese-style houses with sloping roofs, tiled courtyards, and bright hues still a sight to behold.

Celebrating local materials and traditional building techniques, these elevations honour regional architectural wisdom.

Signature Elements:

• Indigenous materials like bamboo, stone, mud, or thatch are used to create impact.

• Designs are usually inspired by local climate—sloping roofs, thick walls, and shaded verandas for functional purposes.

• Earthy tones and natural finishes make for a raw, organic look.

Regional Styles:

• Northeast India: Considering the weather here, elevated wooden homes with sloping roofs are designed to tackle the heavy rainfall.

• Himachal Pradesh: Stone and wood exteriors with slate roofs are created to deal with snow and rain.

• Madhya Pradesh and Odisha: You can find mud houses with intricate tribal art and thatched roofs.

Bringing coastal elegance to Indian homes with a blend of comfort and sophistication

Signature Elements:

• Graceful arched openings, terracotta roofs, and stucco walls.

• Soft, warm colour palettes like white, beige, and earthy tones.

• These often includes wrought iron accents and courtyards.

Regional Adaptations:

• Goa: People here adopt Mediterranean designs with a tropical twist, incorporating verandas and coconut wood elements.

• Kerala: Here it is fused with local sloping roofs to adapt to monsoon-heavy regions.

Bold geometric patterns and decorative elements create distinctive urban facades.

Signature Elements:

• Strong symmetrical designs with bold lines and bright colours.

• Use of decorative motifs, rounded balconies, and curved facades.

• Often incorporates terrazzo tiles and stained glass.

Regional Presence:

• Mumbai: You can find Art Deco buildings along the Marine Drive that showcase iconic geometric designs.

• Kolkata and Chennai: In these two contemporary yet traditional metros there exists a mix with Art Deco motifs and traditional elements for unique facades.

Forward-thinking designs that prioritize environmental responsibility.

Signature Elements:

• Integrated solar panels, rainwater harvesting systems, and vertical gardens.

• Recycled or locally sourced materials like fly ash bricks or reclaimed wood.

• Roof gardens and energy-efficient windows.

Regional Trends:

• Pune: You can find terraces with solar installations and rainwater harvesting.

• Auroville: Famous for experimental eco-homes with earthen facades and natural ventilation.

• Bengaluru: Mostly green roofs, compost pits, and energy-saving facades.

Spacious designs that celebrate indoor-outdoor living and natural materials.

Signature Elements:

• Large verandas, sloping roofs, and wide-open spaces.

• Use of natural stone, exposed brick, and wood for a rustic feel.

• Incorporation of greenery through gardens or courtyards.

Regional Styles:

• Punjab: For those impressive houses that have large facades with bold gates, expansive verandas, and traditional motifs.

• South India: Courtyard-centric designs with tiled roofs and shaded areas.

Efficient vertical design solutions maximizing utility in cities.

Signature Elements:

• Multi-storey structures with uniform facades.

• Balconies designed for utility and compact living.

• Commonly uses glass, metal, and concrete for low-maintenance exteriors.

Regional Trends:

• Mumbai: High-rise apartments with glass exteriors to optimize natural light.

• Hyderabad: Gated communities with modern, symmetric facades.

• Delhi: Mix of traditional and modern for low-rise apartments in older neighbourhoods.

Key Takeaways

1. Diversity in Design: From the ornate facades of Rajasthan to the minimalistic modern homes of Bengaluru, Indian house elevations are as varied as the country's geography and cultures.

2. Cultural Influence: Elevations reflect regional traditions, lifestyle, and climate.

3. Modern Trends: Sustainability and minimalism are shaping contemporary facades, especially in urban areas.

4. Personal Expression: Whether it’s a traditional haveli or a sleek modern home, every elevation tells a story.

Indian house elevations capture the essence of their surroundings while blending tradition and innovation, creating homes that are not just structures but living embodiments of culture and personality.