Mediterranean Home Designs

Mediterranean-style architecture is based on traditional Mediterranean building techniques. The goal of the design is to build a structure that can stay cool and breezy in the hot sun baked climate in the Mediterranean. General features include shallow, sloping roofs using bright terra cotta roof tiles. The roofs overhang the walls--a feature used in the Mediterranean to provide extra shade. Most Mediterranean homes employ a courtyard in front of a house, as part of the driveway, or inside the floor plan. This encourages an open, breezy feel. Mediterranean architecture includes lots of large, open arches and windows. These are designed to take advantage of any breeze coming though the house. Traditionally, Mediterranean houses are constructed with stucco walls. These walls remain unpainted, giving Mediterranean homes a bright, clean appearance.