Adapting Mediterranean Architecture in Home Design

Let’s get to know the history and characteristics first before settling on a Mediterranean-concept home design.

The Origins of Mediterranean Architecture

Mediterranean architecture was originally introduced to the United States through Spanish colonization. In the 16th century, Spanish settlers brought their distinctive building style to Florida, which was then a Spanish colony. Throughout the 19th century, this architectural style reached its peak and became hugely popular in the United States, especially in the south. In short, Spain is the celebrated pioneer of this architectural type.

That said, there’s also continuity between Spanish, Roman, and Greek architectural art. Roman art heavily shaped Spanish architectural art. Roman concepts, in turn, were also inspired by Greek art. The same goes for its adaptation in Indonesia — the influence of this Mediterranean heritage can be seen in building accents inspired by a combination of Spanish, Greek, and Roman architecture.

Getting to Know the Three Mediterranean Styles

The various Mediterranean-design building styles can be grouped based on their color usage, identified as follows:

Greek Mediterranean Style

The Greek Mediterranean style combines simpler colors than Italian and Spanish styles, which tend to mix a wider range of colors and materials. This architecture is also more practical, with smooth white floors and walls. Another color commonly seen in Greek Mediterranean home design is a heavy use of sea blue and blue-green tones.

Spanish Mediterranean Style

This architecture is influenced by Italian/Roman style, featuring the use of bold colors such as deep red, yellow, and cobalt blue with mosaic murals. This style has heavily influenced architectural development in Indonesia and the United States. Some characteristics of the Spanish Mediterranean style in home design include:

• Rough plaster on the walls
• Contrasting-colored stonework
• Arches above windows and doors
• Carvings and ornamentation on door porches made of natural stone
• Terracotta-colored clay roof tiles
• Use of pillars

Italian Mediterranean Style

In terms of color application, the Italian Mediterranean style leans more toward earthy, soft tones such as orange, maroon, and brown. This makes it calmer compared to the Spanish Mediterranean style.

Related: Mediterranean Architecture House Design, Jasa Arsitek Jakarta Style

General Characteristics of Mediterranean Home Design

The most prominent feature of this architecture is arched door and window designs, the use of tall pillars, and buildings that are, on average, very spacious and grand. The Mediterranean style is one of the most beloved home designs among Indonesians. Get to know the key characteristics of a Mediterranean-type home below:

Roof Style

In Mediterranean buildings, the roof shape varies widely, from hip roofs and flat roofs to pyramid and sloped roofs. Since Spain has a tropical climate, terracotta-colored clay roof tiles complete with eaves are commonly used.

Arched Elements

Another distinctive feature is integrating arched elements into building ornamentation, such as unique domes, which also add to its aesthetic value. Decorative details in Mediterranean home design are very intricate and luxurious. Arches on top are also commonly found in door and window designs.

Pillars

Besides their main function of supporting the roof’s weight, pillars also carry a decorative element, adding their own beauty through carved ornamentation inspired by Greek, Italian, and Spanish styles.

Use of Natural Stone

A key characteristic of Mediterranean home design walls is the heavy use of rough-textured natural stone, such as clay brick, which is ideal for absorbing heat and rain moisture. Walls also often use unfired brick, or natural stone that’s then finished with a rough plaster coat.

4-Story Mediterranean-Style House Design by Studio Jasa Arsitek Jakarta

Our client Mr. Iwan’s luxury home, located in Jakarta, was completed in January 2021. This 4-story home carries a modern Mediterranean fusion concept. The building’s exterior also adapts the Mediterranean concept, with a classic off-white color and window selection.

Luxury Home Design, Mediterranean Architecture, by Studio Jasa Arsitek Jakarta

A strong blend of Mediterranean and Arabian style can be seen in our client Mrs. Reza’s home, expressed through its grand façade, which emphasizes pillars, ornamentation, and a white-and-cream color choice throughout the exterior. Beyond that, wall accents and marble flooring make the home’s look even more elegant. High ceilings express the building’s grandeur. For the interior design, we focused on a modern classic style, choosing bright colors such as gold or cream. The void concept and spiral staircase in the family room and living room area add to this building’s luxurious interior feel.

Interested in a Mediterranean Home Design?

Studio JAJ is a professional architecture consultancy with offices in Jakarta (88 Tower Kota Kasablanka) and Bali (Perumahan Sading Selaras, Badung). Studio JAJ has experience with hundreds of projects across Indonesia. Contact us to order your dream tropical home design now via email: info@jasaarsitekjakarta.com or WhatsApp: +62812-8461-6788.