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Spanish Colonial
Exterior architecture

Spanish Colonial

Spanish colonial house, hacienda style

Thick stucco walls, clay tiles, arches and a cool inner courtyard.

Colour moodboard
Warm lime whiteClay tile redDark wood brownWrought iron blackCeramic teal
Material moodboard
Thick warm lime stuccoClay barrel tileDark exposed beam timberBlack wrought iron grilleTeal glazed ceramicTerracotta paving tileSolid dark timber door

Origin: Spain's colonies in the Americas, from the 16th century onward.

Spanish Colonial style developed in the Spanish-ruled lands of the Americas from the 16th century. Thick light-coloured stucco walls, clay tile roofs, arched openings, small windows with wrought iron grilles and an inner courtyard are its core features. It was designed to resist heat, so the houses stay cool.

In Vietnam it suits resort villas and homes with an inner courtyard. Thick walls insulate well against humid coastal regions's western sun, but stucco soaks up humidity, so use waterproofing and breathable mineral paint. Clay tiles must be fixed firmly for storms, and the courtyard needs good drainage so it does not flood in heavy rain.

Spanish Colonial
Spanish Colonial

Materials

  • Thick stucco with light mineral paint
  • Clay barrel tiles
  • Heavy timber doors and exposed beams
  • Wrought iron grilles and gates

Furniture & forms

  • Arched gateway and arcade
  • Inner courtyard with fountain or open sky
  • Small windows with iron grilles
  • Timber and iron balconies

Lighting

  • The courtyard brings in light and breeze
  • Warm hanging iron lanterns
Spanish Colonial
Spanish Colonial

How it differs from similar styles

Mission Revival
Spanish Colonial vs Mission Revival

Original Spanish Colonial has thick plaster walls, clay tile and a courtyard; Mission Revival is its American revival, notable for curved gables and arcaded porches.
Mexican hacienda
Spanish Colonial vs Mexican hacienda

Spanish Colonial is the broad frame of arches and courtyards; the Mexican hacienda adds large tiles, heavy timber and warm earth colours of a ranch estate.
Tuscan
Spanish Colonial vs Tuscan

Spanish Colonial is white or pale plaster with curved tiles; Tuscan uses exposed stone, dark beams and the ochre palette of the Italian countryside.
Moroccan
Spanish Colonial vs Moroccan

Spanish Colonial has plain arches, white walls and wood; Moroccan is dense with geometric pattern, zellige tile, brass lanterns and strong colour.
Santorini & Greek island
Spanish Colonial vs Santorini & Greek island

Spanish Colonial has orange-brown clay tile and thick walls; Santorini is all white with blue domes and stepped terraces facing the sea.
Modern Mediterranean
Spanish Colonial vs Modern Mediterranean

Spanish Colonial keeps plenty of traditional detail like wrought iron and tile; Modern Mediterranean pares it down, cleaner and brighter.

Best for

  • Resort villas
  • Homes with a courtyard
  • Boutique hotels

Home types

VillaGarden / resort home

Typical finishing level

Premium

Estimate building cost at this level

Common mistakes

  • Stucco without waterproofing
  • Loosely fixed tiles in storm zones

Care & northern Vietnam climate

Check stucco cracks and waterproofing after each rainy season; repaint ironwork against rust every 2 years.

Spanish Colonial
Spanish Colonial

Reference photos

Spanish Colonial
Spanish Colonial
Spanish Colonial
Spanish Colonial
Spanish Colonial
Spanish Colonial
Spanish Colonial
Spanish Colonial
Spanish Colonial
Spanish Colonial
Spanish Colonial
Spanish Colonial

Styles in the same family

Thai-roof house
Exterior architecture

Thai-roof house

A steep tiled roof that shelters the whole house, shedding rain fast and keeping heat out.
French colonial villa
Exterior architecture

French colonial villa

A symmetrical villa with columns and wrought-iron balconies, the elegance of a bygone city era.
Modern tube house
Exterior architecture

Modern tube house

A narrow front and great depth: solving light and air with skylights and a smart façade.

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