A traditional house is a symbol that represents a certain environmental area with their culture. However, there is a number of urban configuration in DI Yogyakarta that reflects the influence of Dutch colonization (1816-1941). This is characterized by a collection of contrasts and overlays of different forms of architecture and urbanism. This legacy of colonial architecture and urban planning has ignited different perspectives on the sustainable development of rural areas and the diversification of the rural economy. The purpose of this study was to examine and identify the Limasan house of DI Yogyakarta with a pyramid-shaped roof as its hallmark. Therefore, using a qualitative research method, that of grounded theory, the different influences of colonial architecture for sustainable design development in line with research objectives were investigated. The results showed the identification of factors that influence the well-being of buildings’ residents and the interaction of the external and internal environment of buildings. This current study contributes to shedding light on the meaning and representation of Yogyakarta’s Limasan house design with a scientific approach