Tibetan Stone Houses

The Tibetan people are mainly scattered across the regions of Tibet, Qinghai, Gansu and west of Sichuan. In order to adapt to the weather conditions and environment in the Qinghai-Tibet plateau, the Tibetan traditionally built fortress-like stone houses.

A Tibetan stone house usually comprises three to four levels. The ground level is where livestock, fodder and other items are stored. On the second level are the bedrooms and kitchen. The third level is where the prayer room is situated. As Tibetan are Buddhist, the prayer room for the recitation of Buddhist scriptures is an important part of a Tibetan home.

It is placed at the topmost level as no one is to reside or nothing is to be placed above the altar. To create more space in the house, the second level is frequently extended beyond the existing walls. With annexes added to the house, the exterior of the stone house takes on many changes.

The colors of the Tibetan stone houses are simple, yet well coordinated, and usually comprise primary colors such as yellow, cream, beige and maroon-set against the brightly colored walls and roofs. The walls are created out of coarse stones and have windows of various sizes-in a descending order from the top of the wall. On every window is a colorful eave. Viewed against the blue sky, white clouds and the shimmering white of the snow mountains and glaciers, these colorful stone houses take on a rougn and yet dignified style.