Architecture
Bhutanese architecture is unique, striking and hints at the rich history of the nation. The stone walls of a village house or towering edifices of a dzong are not just beautiful to look at, they are true reflections of the country and its people. Bhutanese architecture is heavily influenced by Tibetan Buddhism and is made without nails or iron bars. In fact, most dzongs were made without any written plans or designs.
Thanks to a royal decree passed in 1998, all Bhutanese buildings must follow some traditional rules during construction. Most traditional houses in the west feature rammed earth walls, wooden windows and slanted roofs. They are often decorated with religious symbols or even giant phalluses, a symbol of fertility. In hotter climates, houses are made from thatched bamboo. Travel across Bhutan to experience world-renowned architecture that is still very much alive today.
Dzong Architecture
These mighty fortresses were first constructed by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel for both security and administrative purposes. The angled walls of the dzong are made of stones and dirt. They are white-washed for a uniform appearance. The entrance is one large and fortified door. The utse or center tower is a feature in every dzong. It is usually surrounded by a large and open courtyard where religious festivals are held. You will notice a red band on top of the dzong. This symbolizes that this is a sacred and important building. Although many dzongs have been ravaged by fires over the years, re-construction efforts have restored them to their former glory.
Traditional Bhutanese Houses
Even with modern construction materials available, traditional Bhutanese houses in the western part of the country are made of rammed earth, mud and timber. These houses were usually two or three stories. Livestock would be housed in the lower floors, family and altar room on upper floors and drying spaces for chillies and crops in the attic. In the east, houses made of thick stone slabs are common. Traveling to the warm south, you will find thatched bamboo houses. Bhutanese people like to decorate interiors with religious paintings, wooden crafts and pictures of the royal family.
Religious structures
The temples, monasteries and stupas that dot the landscape of Bhutan are built in the traditional architectural style. Temples follow the same layout and style of dzongs, with white-washed walls and sloping roofs. Monasteries also resemble dzongs in terms of technical design and decorations of intricate religious murals and paintings. Chortens or stupas have a square base, topped with a dome. Like dzongs and lhakhangs, they are made of mud and stone and colored white.
Bridges
Due to the country’s mountainous topography, you will notice that many places in Bhutan are connected by wooden and metal bridges. Most of these are cantilevered which means that they have no vertical supports but are connected to the ground at the foundation. Constructed over swift moving rivers, these bridges are a lifeline used by pilgrims, tourists and animals. They are often adorned with many prayer flags that flutter in the wind and give the bridges an enchanting look.
