Craftsman Architecture

Craftsman ArchitectureHome enthusiast recognize Craftsman architecture by its’ relaxed, simple, and informal look. The use and careful blend of local building materials is paramount in achieving the ideas of this arts and crafts style. Craftsman home designs make use of natural building materials that can be found nearly everywhere in the United States. As a result, each region has different materials locally and use that to create craftsman architecture unique to their area. Materials used may be stucco, wood, brick, stone, cedar shakes (shingles), and lap siding. Usually, you will see a combination of two or three of the materials blended in perfect harmony in a craftsman home.

You can implement the Craftsman architecture style on any size house plan – one or two story. Confusion sets in for some who would consider the “bungalow architecture style” and craftsman architecture style one in the same. A bungalow is a type of house, not a style. To clear this up, you must understand that the arts and crafts style, like any other architectural style, is a design principle. It employs a known set of features and building practices that produces that styles distinctive look. This in turn can be imposed on just about any building design to reflect the style. You can also impose the craftsman design style on apartment and public buildings in addition to single family home designs.

Design features of Craftsman architecture

The Arts and Crafts style or craftsman architecture both share unifying elements and design features. The low pitched roof (gabled or hipped) is the most obvious feature. The low roof has an extended eave overhang and exposed rafter tails. The use of brackets at gables. Windows with divided panes in the upper sash and a single pane in the lower sash. Medium to large front porches with square columns that may be full length or resting on a base. Tapered columns are a big identifying feature. This is where the columns have a wide base that grows slightly narrower at the top. These are the main defining features of craftsman architecture and should be apparent in craftsman house plans.