Welcome to... Companion PowerPoint Presentation for the Introduction to Housing textbook

Vernacular (Folk) Houses Built for shelter with little concern for popular styles Traditional—based on a local model & uses local materials & construction techniques

Modern Vernacular—more typical of vernacular architecture today uses readily available materials, not necessarily of local origins uses traditional construction techniques is based on a variety of models

Early colonization: Adapted European concepts Centered around a large fireplace (heat, light & food preparation) Stone, but wood better choice in America Simple, small & built by family members

Hall and Parlor Cottage Fireplace Steep roof Gabled roof with the sloped sides parallel to the front door (side as opposed to front gable) Hall was the public & work area while the parlor was used for sleeping

Cape Cod Most popular in the 18th century; major revival in mid-20th century Story and a half with side gable & centered front door Dormers facing the front & symmetrically placed windows

Georgian Style Hired builders—more attention to aesthetics Divided interior spaces Primary style until early 19th century Inspired by classic Greek & Roman design Windows were large with numerous panes Entry door capped by decorative crown

Greek Revival Style In the early 19th century the ideal home was a single family detached homestead surrounded by a garden Importance of the home in the new democracy—search for identity Attracted to the birthplace of democracy—Greece Popular up to Civil War Lower slope & front gable Porches with columns; half-round windows

Gothic Revival Style Competition between styles in the 1840s due to plan books More picturesque—muted colors instead of white Irregular shape More decorative Steeply pitched roof with decorative barge boards on the gable ends

Mid-19th century innovations Commercial saw mills—stud frame construction (2” x 4”) & machine made nails—could have more angles: light frame construction Cast iron stove that could be located out of view; less impact on design Central heating Railroads providing shipment of lumber & millwork (architectural trim & decorative elements)

Victorian Era Home Styles Modern suburban homes House should have an organic form & be set in a suburban setting with trees & gardens (middle class) Promoted by plan books & land developers—time of self-improvement & progress Complex exterior forms and roof lines to add aesthetic interest

Multiple gables, towers & bay windows Wide porches Variety of siding types Elaborately detailed millwork Interiors were also heavily ornamented with elaborate woodwork & multiple special purpose spaces Hand work

Craftsman or Bungalow Style Early 20th century—reaction to excess Home economics & smaller families Smaller & simpler homes—one or one and a half story set on high basement Low pitched roof with wide eaves Porches under main roof supported by columns Natural materials & colors

Prairie Style Credited to Frank Lloyd Wright Usually 2 stories Low pitched hipped roof wide overhangs Horizontal focus Many variations

Tudor Style Eclectic styles of the 1920s English-trained architects Development of brick veneer & stucco construction techniques Variety of steeply pitched roofs Tall windows Prominent chimney

Post WW 2 Pent up housing demand Development of large subdivisions Smaller homes on larger lots—allowed long side of house to face street with space for a car along side the house

Ranch Style Prevalent style today, with many variations Inspired by western ranch homes Started as one level & attached garage Set lower to the ground with little if any exposed basement Sprawling in form Side facing gables with low slopes & wide eaves

Today No single style has replaced the ranch Many variations— split level, raised ranch & two story ranch Older styles also selectively incorporated into housing

Focus now: Construction & detail Alternate building techniques Green materials Energy efficiency Thread—importance of housing to families & American society over time