ArchitectureWeek DesignCommunity Forum Index » Residential Design and Building Forum

View previous topic :: View next topic
Author	Message
dbutler67 Joined: 03 Jan 2009 Posts: 5	Posted: Sat Jan 03, 2009 9:45 pm    Post subject: what style is my house? Can someone tell me what architectural style or influences my house might be designed by. It is a 1947 stucco over block exterior with a split level entry, open foyer with built in planter boxes beside the stairs leading down to the common areas--living, dining, and kitchen. No ceiling mouldings, arched doorways, built in see-through bookcases as a room divider between the foyer and dining room. A slate stone patio original to the house extends the entire length of the house out back. The house was originally fitted with awnings, whose hooks and brackets remain in the structure. I replaced the original center seamed casement windows with double hung, which changed the original look from what I considered a bit of a Spanish/mediteranean influence to more of an English cottage look. but I am by no means versed on architecture. I want to do some interior remodeling and want to stay reasonably true to the original architecture so as not to create a hodgepodged busily piecemealed feel. If I knew the design style it might make it easier for me to do some research and find ideas that might work with my house. Thanks, Don    Filesize:  84.05 KB  Filename:  house.jpg  Viewed:  116 Time(s)
Back to top	share:   blogger     del.icio.us     digg     slashdot
phansford Joined: 18 Apr 2004 Posts: 829 Location: SW Ohio	Posted: Sun Jan 04, 2009 11:03 am    Post subject: Don. Not to disappoint you, but it would be hard to put a "style" to your house. Looking at the photo and in particular the lot, it seems someone wanted to pursue a colonial feel, but the sloping lot did not allow them. The symmetrical front elevation and the hip room seem to point to a more traditional style. However, the casements windows, the split level, the stucco over block, what sounds to be an open plan, makes one think the house might have modern pretensions. My gut feeling is you have a simple builder's house where there was no real designer involved, but someone picked and chose from a variety of ideas/styles. I think you have a blank slate and could probably do anything you would like to personalize the house.
Back to top	share:   blogger     del.icio.us     digg     slashdot
dbutler67 Joined: 03 Jan 2009 Posts: 5	Posted: Sun Jan 04, 2009 11:54 am    Post subject: Thanks! Phansford, Thanks! Actually, I'm not at all dissapointed. I think you confirm the essence of what has been my dillemma--various style elements that don't truly comprise a single style. I am certainly not architecturally versed, but based on what I know have had a hard time pegging a single style. So in some ways you've validated the challenge it has been for me to identify a style. And you're right! There is definitely at least a nod toward the modernist inside. Perhaps that is what has been so disconcerting--reconciling the interior with the exterior colonial elements of the roof, and what I consider more mediterranean or mission style facia materials. Thanks! Don
Back to top	share:   blogger     del.icio.us     digg     slashdot
phansford Joined: 18 Apr 2004 Posts: 829 Location: SW Ohio	Posted: Sun Jan 04, 2009 2:07 pm    Post subject: Don, If you think about the houses of today, they have romantic exterior styles (or attempts ) and more modern "open" plans. Maybe your house is a precursor and is trying to have the best of both worlds...... I doubt that that is reality, but what the hell. With that in mind - have fun and feel free to go in a direction that suits you and your family. If you want help, you might consider hiring an architect for a couple of hours of design consultation. You can hire an architect on an hourly basis (hourly rates vary, but lets say $75 per hour x 4 hours = $300) Even if you buy 8 hours of time .... would it be worth $600-=$800 to you to get professional design assistance. You can structure the service to include them field measuring and making a base elevation (2 hours max) and then a couple of hours working with you to come up with some free-hand sketches (over the base elevation). This should be enough to work with a contractor or if you are handy enough yourself to add the features you want to the exterior of the house. Good luck.
Back to top	share:   blogger     del.icio.us     digg     slashdot
Antisthenes Joined: 28 Nov 2006 Posts: 756 Location: Phoenix	Posted: Mon Jan 05, 2009 11:18 am    Post subject: 2 story Tract with plastic siding _________________ The most necessary/useful piece of learning is that which unlearns what is untrue: 'evil' may be acquired, Happiness through virtue which is based on knowledge!/?
Back to top	share:   blogger     del.icio.us     digg     slashdot
phansford Joined: 18 Apr 2004 Posts: 829 Location: SW Ohio	Posted: Mon Jan 05, 2009 11:48 am    Post subject: Antisthenes wrote: 2 story Tract with plastic siding Except stucco is not plastic.... it is cement based.
Back to top	share:   blogger     del.icio.us     digg     slashdot
Antisthenes Joined: 28 Nov 2006 Posts: 756 Location: Phoenix	Posted: Mon Jan 05, 2009 4:37 pm    Post subject: ahh hard to see, synthetic? are the shudders extruded foam or real/operable _________________ The most necessary/useful piece of learning is that which unlearns what is untrue: 'evil' may be acquired, Happiness through virtue which is based on knowledge!/?
Back to top	share:   blogger     del.icio.us     digg     slashdot
Display posts from previous: All Posts1 Day7 Days2 Weeks1 Month3 Months6 Months1 Year Oldest FirstNewest First

ArchitectureWeek DesignCommunity Forum Index » Residential Design and Building Forum

Page 1 of 1