There are many styles that can be incorporated into
your home. Below
is a brief summary of the evolution of American architecture and some of
the styles that we refer to during the design process.
Queen Anne Style Architecture (1875-1900)
The Queen Anne style of architecture, very popular in its time, was
first introduced at the Philadelphia Centennial Exposition of 1876, from
England. It primarily featured steep roofs and very embellished and
picturesque detail. Porches were very important in this style, exhibited
as front, L-shaped, or wrap around porches. Second story porches did
exist in this style infrequently. Turned posts were a main feature of
most porches, and railings appeared in many forms and fashions.
Shingle Style Architecture (1880-1900)
Shingle Style architecture, as its name implies, exhibited wood
shingles everywhere, offering a natural appearance. Shingle style houses
were post prevalent on the coast, usually found at seaside resorts. The
porch appeared as a natural extension of the house, placed appropriately
to take advantage of the natural setting. The porch posts and
balustrades meant to reflect the nature of the house. Consequently,
porch posts were covered with shingles and the balustrade was made of
stone or simple sticks.
Bungalow or Craftsmen Style Architecture (1890-1920)
This style of architecture, derived from the "bungle" houses of
British ruled India, dominated the small house market in its time. It
attempted, like the Shingle style, to blend itself into the surrounding
environment. Porches were still important architecturally, and this
style featured "deep shaded" porches. These porches exhibited plain
rails and heavy posts. The porches, as the style itself, were influenced
by many of the other contemporary styles.
Prairie Style Architecture (1900-1920)
The Prairie Style of architecture, a truly American form, drew its
origins from the influences of Frank Lloyd Wright. Usually two stories
high, the houses were of horizontal nature, exhibiting stucco, brick, or
stained wood exteriors. The Prairie Style featured one story high
porches with wood or masonry porch posts.
Eclectic Revival Architecture (1890-1940)
These styles of architecture, drawing from historical roots, were the
key architectural forms in the United States from the turn of the
century until the depression. These styles mimicked earlier styles, such
as Colonial, Tudor, or Spanish Colonial, often times confusing these
styles and creating an inaccurate representation. Porches, in this style
of architecture, became unimportant. If they existed, they were usually
pushed to the back or the side, or came in the form of a sleeping porch.
This style's lack of porches served as a harbinger for future
architectural styles in America.
Modern Style Architecture (1935-2000)
Following World War II, the modern style of American architecture
abandoned historical precedent, emphasizing the new variations of style
that had begun to develop prior to the war. Usually only one or two
stories high, these houses were built horizontally, emphasizing
structure and de-emphasizing decorative details. This diverse style of
architecture usually lacked front porches, marking the end of this
American architectural form.
Reference: http://xroads.virginia.edu
Back to the Future (today)
At Architectural Design Build we believe every
project can honor our client's style preferences from the past and yet
seamlessly integrate modern technology to simplify everyday living.
