You can identify the architectural style of a building from a number of its features.. These include

•The shape of the structure•Roof design

•Chimney style •Exterior building materials

With Traditional Styles or architecture referring to those developed in the past, it is very hard to determine an accurate description or modern architecture because …

•Personal Taste changes the individual building styles.•New or available building materials may affect the design.•Advancements in building techniques will change the characteristics of the building. •Each geographical area has its own designs within its architectural style.•The mixing of various styles create a new, eclectic style.

Vocabulary Dormer is a window with

frame work that extends from the side of the buildings.

Quoins are stone surfaces that cover the corners of a building.

Shingles are typically wedge shaped materials used to cover the roof.

Hip roofs have both ends and sides that slope.

Lintel is a support beam over the opening in a wall.

Double hung windows are windows hung with two separate frames, mounted is separate tracks.

Gambrel / Double Pitched Roof is a roof where portions of it slants in two different directions.

Adobe is a type of soil found in the west with high clay content.

Formal Design Vs Informal Design Formal (Below)

In architecture this means that the building follows set patterns. These patterns relate to both the appearance and to its uses.

The balance of the structure is known as symmetrical design.

Enclosed rooms. Ideas taken from ancient

designs.

Informal (Above)

Usually built for people who prefer a modern lifestyle.

Contemporary designOpen areas (rooms) within

the home (Rooms without all the walls)

Exterior is adapted to the surroundings

Traditional StylesEnglish Tudor Exposed heavy timbers on the

outside walls Different materials between the

timbers include stucco, brick, and stone

Windows are tall and narrow High decorative chimneys, with

chimney pots Steep gable roof

French Mansard (Below)

Double slope roof on all sides The top slope is almost flat Dormer windows are used Exterior is typically brick with

Quoins (Stone surfaces) at the corners

Shutters are used over the windows

Cedar shingles are typically used.

Double wide fireplace Symmetrical and formal floor

plan

French Provincial Developed in France (in parts where

winter was severe) High Pitch or steep roofs Large chimneys Hip roofs Shutters for doors and windows Curved lintels over the windows. Quoins at the corners

Early American English style design Simple due to lack of time and

ready materials Rectangular or balanced floor

design. Exterior was plain with wood

siding Simple gable Windows were double hung with

shutters 1 ½ stories of living area Large fireplace at the center of

the structure

American Colonial (Below) Of the colonial homes, American or Early

Colonial is considered to be the original . More elaborate than the Early American Vertical Trim boards at the corners Simple columns on each side of the front

door Narrow siding Large central fireplace Shuttered double hung windows Gable roof Little over hang on roof

Dutch Colonial (Left and Below)

Derived from the American Colonial

Gambrel roof (double pitched) with shake shingles

Brick or stone siding Shuttered double hung windows Little roof overhang Centered Entry Large Central Chimney Wood framed windows Dormers

Informal DesignsWestern Ranch (below) Built where land was more readily

available. Spread Out. Generally one level. Low pitched gable roofs. Large overhangs to protect from hot

summer sun. Larger picture style windows Large patios or courtyards. Exterior covered in local woods or stone. Roofs are shake shingles. And Interior is country or rustic style and

include exposed beams. Western Adobe (above)

Adapted to its surroundings Very similar to Western Ranch but

has a “U” shaped floor plan with a courtyard

Exterior was typically made from Adobe Clay

Southern Colonial Full sized two story

design Large Chimney Detailed Trim Vertical Trim Centered entry flanked

by columns Shuttered double hung

windows Large porches “Known

as verandas” Spiral staircases

Contemporary Style Contemporary means “Now”. Natural Building materials. Informal plan with simple design. Can be split level (Common). Different areas of the home are

used for different purposes. Considered “Modern

Architecture”. Open spaced design. Large windows. Flat or low pitched roofs. Carports are common.