Architectural styles of new homes.

Definitions of architectural styles can vary immensely up to the point of several different professionals providing completely different answers. We have tried to be as accurate as possible and appreciate that some may not technically agree for whatever reason with some of the definitions. However, we feel that the need to standardize will ultimately provide improve search result accuracy for everyone.

Art Deco

The 1925 ‘Paris Exhibition Internationale des Arts Decoratifs’ launched the Art Deco style as we know it, echoing the ‘Industrial/Machine Age; with it’s geometric decorative elements and a vertically oriented designs. This distinct urban style was never widely used in residential buildings, holding a preference with architects for use in public and commercial buildings.

Vertical emphasis was garnered through towers and similar projections which enhanced the roof lines and popularized in 1930’s Hollywood movies. These flat roofs, which sit atop the smooth walls of stucco and the metal window casements, epitomize the decoration of Art Deco homes.

The 1940’s swathe evolution of ‘Art Moderne’ and the curved feature corners and the large glass block windows which project a ship-like appearance of sweeping lines.

Beach

Beach homes in Florida are often built on stilts, elevating the living area several feet above ground. The open area created underneath the property is typically used for storage and parking. These are frequently found on the barrier islands, in the Florida Keys and in other low lying areas which are vulnerable to flooding. Many of this style of beach houses have walk-around terraces or verandahs which are covered by the overhanging roof and gables. Beach houses usually offer one or two floors of living area.

Bungalow

Bungalows are typically single story homes, occasionally with a split level and detached with their own private yards. Having originated in India as Bengali homes, these functional homes have been a mainstay of the architects around the world for the last 50-60 years due to their practicality as family homes. In warmer climates such as Florida and the southern states, large verandas were at one time very popular as they provided extra outdoor space which was covered by overhanging roofs.

Cape Cod
Originating in New England, Cape Cod homes fall into 3 categories (half, three-quarters and full cape). Characterized by a low, broad frame with steep, pitched gables, the Cape Cod was designed to protect against the harsh winters of the northeast. Large chimneys took centre stage in the home so as to provide sufficient heating to all areas of the home. Symmetry is the other keystone to Cape Cod homes and although designs have changed through the years it is not too difficult to spot. Probably the most well-known feature of Cape Cod homes is the interior design. Boasting wooden floors, white and blue color schemes the Cape Cod (New England style in the UK) offer a comfortable and functional year round design

Caribbean – See Conch/Key West

Colonial

American Colonial Architecture is a combination of a variety of styles including First Period English, French Colonial, Spanish Colonial, Dutch Colonial and Georgian.

Wood, stone, brick or an amalgamation of all three can be found dependent on the area of the country you are in. Many Colonial homes feature steep gables with large chimneys running up the side in brickwork and lead glass windows which faced southeast to catch the morning sun

Colonial Revival

Colonial Revival (also Neo-Colonial, Georgian Revival or Neo-Georgian) architecture was a architectural style which included garden design and interior design, in the United States which sought to echo elements of Georgian architecture at around the time of the Revolutionary War.

Typically these two story homes boast a ridge pole which runs parallel to the street, an accented doorway and symmetrically spaced windows on either side. Side porches and sunrooms were popular additions as were multiple columned porches with fan lights and sidelights.

Conch / Key West

Conch Homes otherwise known as Key West style homes were originally constructed by Bahamian immigrants, who were known as Conches. These Bahamians had vast experience in boat building and they used these same skills to create wooden homes which were supported on sets of posts or piers. These elevated homes benefitted from air which circulated underneath the homes plus sea breezes which swept through the house, providing natural cooling during the hot and humid summer months.

Additional wide porches on all levels across the front of the houses were key features, as were horizontal weatherboarding, double-hung sash windows low gables and hip roofs. Originally roofs were shingled though metal roofs are more common nowadays. Homes like this are found across the Caribbean, in the Bahamas and Bermuda.

Contemporary
Contemporary designs were created between the 50’s and the 70’s combining bricks, stone and wood into stark minimalistic buildings of clean lines and overtly shaped and often very tall windows. Many of these were single story and flat roofed although there were a number with gables and exposed beams. The style was a challenge to architects looking to contrast this new design with; and at the same time incorporate, landscaping into the overall design.

Modern Contemporary buildings are epitomised by massive walls of glass, beautifully smooth white stucco finishes and luxurious yet somewhat austere interior furnishings heralding the Scandinavian influences of the style.

Craftsman
The American Craftsman style, or the American Arts and Crafts movement, is an American style designed to display the best of craftsmanship of skilled workers. This design and art movement remained popular well into the 1930’s and has enjoyed several revivals since, each time emphasizing the benefits of custom-made over mass produced.

Craftsman styles project sturdy, well-built homes which echo the opulence of Victorian architecture, together with assorted gables, round or octagonal turrets finished with beautiful natural materials which have been loving turned, polished and hung.

Courtyard

Courtyard homes are typically detached or semi-detached homes which have enclosed courtyards at the front entry or rear of the building which provide privacy in an open air yet walled areas. Inspired by the Cortijos of Spain and the Quintas of Portugal this style of home offers a refined elegance to a home. A courtyard is a special area of the home which in Southern Europe is often used as a garden area or as a secluded seating area in which to enjoy breakfast or and evening meal when the weather allows.

Farmhouse
Farmhouse styles can seem extremely eclectic and offer up an immense choice of architectural choices. The common denominators are pragmatism and purpose. Farmhouses are homes set within a working environment often located in the center of the land and offering easy access to outbuildings.

Florida Cracker
Florida Cracker style homes are extremely similar to conch homes as they are typically mounted on piers or piles, hence elevating the property in order to take advantage of cool breezes in the summer months and provide storage underneath the property. Windows are positioned at opposite sides of the house and allow for air to circulate freely. Florida Cracker designs often incorporate long roof overhangs which cover wide verandas and deep porches, protecting occupants from the heat of the sun.

French Colonial

As the name suggests French Colonial homes are designed along the lines of homes constructed in the French Colonies, many of which were in South-East Asia which have humid climates. These homes have raised basements which would be the primary living area. Porch roofs were often integrated into the overall roof design which were steep hipped and occasionally with dormer windows. External staircases led up to the full size porches and were major features of the design.
French Country/Provincial

Provincial or French Country homes are brick built with copper or slate detailing. The symmetry of this style is critical and included perfectly balanced windows and chimneys. Balustrades on the balcony and porches complemented the rectangular doors which were set in arched openings and French Windows complete with louvre shutters complete the look.

Greek Revival

Greek Revival homes boast columns in Doric, Ionic and or Corinthian designs along with full width porticos. Stylised after Greek Temples the Greek Revival house style is impressive and delicate. Ample cornices and banding surround the windows, doors and roof trims. Many ornate examples include friezes and architraving, coupled with narrow sidelights either side of the front door and transom light above.

Window sashes typically feature six-pane glazing and are often covered with an iron or wooden grates fashioned into a decorative pattern.

Mediterranean
Mediterranean Revival homes were first introduced in the United States towards the end of the 19th century, becoming popular during the 20’s and 30’s. The eclectic style evolved the Italian Renaissance architecture of palaces and seaside villas constructed from the 16th century, and can be seen predominantly in California and Florida. These homes offer multiple stories over rectangular floor plans and feature very large symmetrical façades of stucco detailed with keystones, low pitched tile roofs, window grilles of wrought iron and balconies. Many new estate homes are based on this classical Mediterranean style.

Mission
The Mission style of architecture is extremely reminiscent of Spain’s Cortijo designs which are centered around large walled courtyards and feature long exterior arcades of wide columns and exposed wooden beams. Low pitched roofs covered with clay tiles overhang open areas providing shade and relief in hot climates. Thick arches lead into a multitude of rooms and hallways originally designed for the storage of produce and animals. Clay tile floors and stucco are traditional finishing touches.

Modern
Modern architecture was introduced in the 1950’s and post-modern two decades later in the 70’s. Both boast formal and functional designs which collide with their surroundings. Post-modern design incorporates a little more whimsy and ornamentation than true modern styles. Strong silhouettes and skylines cut deeply against the sky and the landscaping and can be seen as bold statements by onlookers. The creation of depth using trompe l’oeil techniques incorporate buildings which appear to float on glass walls and trick the eye. Natural light is a huge factor as it is utilized to create continuous movement on the often stark whites and greys of the buildings décor.

NeoClassical

The NeoClassical style offers the reintroduction of classical Rome and Ancient Greece, epitomized by beautiful friezes, sculpture and ornate engravings. Individual tablets or panels of artwork adorn these late-Baroque enthused properties in an attempt to recapture the splendor of the original classics from the 16th century.

Patio
A patio home is an American term for a type of housing, also called a cluster home. The term tends to imply a suburban setting and a unit of several houses attached to each other, typically with shared walls between units, and with exterior maintenance and landscaping provided through an association fee. Not all of these elements are present in all buildings called patio homes, as the term is used somewhat generically by the real estate industry.

The building may actually be a condo when the building’s owner does not own the land, or it may be sold in fee simple. Targeted buyers are primarily those who do not want to be bothered by external maintenance typically associated with home ownership.

Patio homes are usually built with 2, 3 or 4 homes in a cluster instead of the continuous row of homes common with townhouses. A patio home affords an easy lifestyle – HOA often covers roof replacement, exterior maintenance, landscape maintenance, common area maintenance, and other expenses.

Plantation

Plantation homes are designed after the antebellum (pre-war) plantation homes that prevail in period Hollywood films about the Deep South and were typified in Gone with the Wind. Centered in the heart of the plantation, these vast country homes were reminders of British stately manors. These mansions of the south could be brick built Georgian replicas or intricate wooden frame homes surrounded by wide verandas. Regardless of architectural breeding, Plantation homes were constructed to represent wealth and power and often incorporated imposing pillars or columns at the main entrance onto the porch terrace.

Ranch

Ranch style homes are easily recognized by their close to the ground profile and minimal decoration. Designed with the principle of casual living styles, Ranch homes are a domestic style of the US which defers formality in preference to family life. Long roof lines atop single story buildings which come in a variety of shapes and sizes including L-Shaped, rectangular and U-shaped; with exteriors of brick, wood or siding. Interior ceilings are typically vaulted and can have exposed beams. Large windows and sliding glass doors open onto covered terraces. The majority of new homes being built nowadays in Florida are Ranch style.

Spanish

Spanish style house styles are predominantly found in the southern states and in particular in Florida in and around Miami. The clay tile roofs help in keeping the house cool during the hot summer months. Homes are usually finished with white or pastel color stucco on the exterior and may include architectural accents such as arched openings and wood beams.

Spanish Colonial

With the opening of the Panama Canal in 1914 the Spanish Colonial movement caught the imagination of both Florida and California as an opportunity to express an architectural union with Central and South America business people. These single story homes were similar to the Mission style architecture with their smooth stucco walls; clay tiled roofs, small porches, balconies, decorative iron trims and cast terracotta ornaments. Both interior and exterior courtyards complete the homely feel of these homes.

Split Level
The term split-level simply refers to ‘adjusted’ floor levels inside a home which are accessed by one or two steps. This style adds a little character to modern open-plan styles. Other derivations may include a half level being incorporated into the home design, often with bedrooms or bathrooms in the ‘upper’ level.

Stilt
Stilt homes are modern day versions of the original Conch and Key West homes. These elevated homes are popular in are prone to flooding and on the barrier islands along Florida’s coastlines. Homes benefit from large amounts of storage under the living areas and enjoy the cooling sea breezes through adjacent windows or on the wrap around verandas

Tudor

Tudor style homes have been popular since the 20’s and 30’s in the US. Even today suburbia is still home to this dominating architectural style of bay windows, steeply pitched gables and patterned brickwork.

Tuscan
Low pitched roofs sat atop stucco exteriors and open floor plans are the highlights of Tuscan design along with a preponderance for outdoor living with courtyards, patios. Homes can be single or multi-story all of which come with more than a smattering of Italian rural elegance.

Victorian

Victorian homes in the US cover a broader range of styles than in the UK as the title suggests a period in history rather than a specific style and includes Second Empire, Queen Anne, Stick, Shingle, Richardsonian, Romanesque amongst others. Many of these homes in the major cities are attached terraces, three story properties with slate roofs.