Inca stone Flower pot

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Inca structures were built using fieldstones or semi-worked stone blocks and dirt set firmly in mortar, while adobe walls were also prevalent, typically constructed over stone foundations. The choice of material for Inca architecture varied by region; on the coast, large rectangular adobe blocks were favored, whereas in the Andes, local stones were used instead. Rectangular buildings with open interiors and wooden beams thatched roofs dominated Inca design, though numerous variations existed, including gabled roofs and rooms with one or two sides left open. Even humble homes featured rectangular structures, which served multiple purposes across the empire, from grand palaces to temples. Notably, some regions exhibited curved walls on Inca buildings, mostly outside the central empire area. Two-story structures were uncommon; when built, second floors could be accessed via exterior stairways or high terrain rather than from within. Wall openings, including doors and windows, typically featured trapezoidal shapes and sometimes double or triple jambs for decorative purposes. Minimal ornamentation was employed, with some walls painted or adorned with metal plaques, while rare instances of sculpted small animals or geometric patterns existed on certain walls.