Residential Architecture

This section of our website focus on the exterior visual components of residential architecture. It explains the architectural styles, features, and design elements to help you identify varying home styles. Each explanation is supported with a photo to provide visual aid. We hope this resource provide you with a fresh and informative look at architectural styles in America. It is only a guide; however, we feel that it can help you better understand domestic homes acorss America and how they relate or differ.

Understanding the "style" in architecture

When you talk about architecture in reference to homes, one of the first terms to emerge is "style". Sadly, in the field of Residential Design, the term "style" is often taken out of context and misused drasticly. Webster's dictionary defines style as a characteristic manner of expression, design, etc. The definition is a little vague in its explanation, which lends itself to different interpretations in describing the house designs and its associated home style.

To further understand "style" we must recognize that being combined with"architecture", style is a product of its environment. House styles can and have been in part, dictated by regional resources and is accompany by romantic illusions of past architectural works. Home style indepth, is an art form that combine philosophy, expression, topography, climate, social, and ethnic influences. This, in and of itself, brings diversity within the scope of each home styles core principle. In many cases, these diverse principles are combined either on purpose or by sheer accident. This create some often unique and puzzling examples of architecture, but not necessarily a genuine "style" of architecture.

To truely be loyal to a particular home architecture style, you must consider the depth of interpretation of the design principles. This involves creating modern floor plans that will merge with historic design ideas. The replication should also consider interior architectural features, trim details, paint colors, and a balance of scale & size. The more a house style is researched, the better the understanding and recreation of the art form. As a result, you will end up with a faithful and historical work that can be considered one of many architectural styles.