The horseback-style roof is most commonly associated with the dwellings of common people, whereas the swallowtail, with its lavish ornamentation, is limited to official residences and temples.
近數十年來，它成為特殊的前線戰地，與外界溝通、往來不多，工商業亦不甚發達，因此居民未曾大量翻建或改修老宅，島上閩南建築系統的古厝大院因此得以留存。