Iconic, colorful rural wooden houses

A cultural treasure of the Dominican Republic

The dominican countryside, with its beautiful landscapes and rich culture, has been gifting visitors with unique experiences for generations. The colorful wooden houses with tin roofs are an essential part of this milieu. The various colors symbolize the diversity of the inhabitants. They represent a lifestyle that lives in harmony with the earth and nature.

Architectural Style

This type of house reflects the dominican folk and peasant style, characterized by simplicity of form and practicality. The construction was typically carried out collectively by family members or the community. A key consideration in the design was adaptation to climatic conditions, evident in the selection of building materials and the arrangement of doors and windows for optimal cross-ventilation.

Interior Layout 

The house typically consists of a rectangular main area serving as a living and dining room, along with one or two bedrooms, depending on the size of the family. Often, there is a porch or terrace in front of the house, providing a space for relaxation and shade. The base of the house is slightly elevated to prevent water from entering during rainfalls.

The main structure is made of painted wood, which is widespread due to its availability and ease of handling. The windows are small, adorned with shutters or curtains. The roof was previously made of palm leaves and reeds, which were replaced by tin in the 1940s. Tin quickly became popular due to its low cost and rain resistance. It was lightweight and easy to maintain.

From the 1980s onwards, these roofs were gradually replaced with concrete block and cement roofs. Concrete is more resistant to hurricanes, fire, and moisture, making it more durable. Cement, rebar, block, and prefabricated roofs became more affordable and symbolized social status and progress. However, many poor families still live in houses covered with tin roofs today.

Cultural Value

These wooden houses are symbols of traditional rural life, representing childhood memories for many. Nowadays, it is becoming increasingly rare to see well-preserved, renovated buildings. Unfortunately, many abandoned, dilapidated houses are used as storage. Thankfully, more and more people are recognizing their value, transforming them into vacation homes, amusement parks, and museums, thus preserving them for future generations.