You can identify the architectural style of a building from a
number of its features.. These include
•The shape of the structure
•Roof design
•Chimney style
•Exterior building materials
With Traditional Styles or architecture referring to those developed in the past, it is very
hard to determine an accurate description or modern architecture because …
•Personal Taste changes the individual building styles.
•New or available building materials may affect the design.
•Advancements in building techniques will change the characteristics of the
•Each geographical area has its own designs within its architectural style.
•The mixing of various styles create a new, eclectic style.
building.
Vocabulary
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Dormer is a window with
frame work that extends
from the side of the
buildings.
Quoins are stone surfaces
that cover the corners of a
building.
Shingles are typically
wedge shaped materials
used to cover the roof.
Hip roofs have both ends
and sides that slope.
Lintel is a support beam
over the opening in a wall.
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Double hung windows
are windows hung with two
separate frames, mounted
is separate tracks.
Gambrel / Double Pitched
Roof is a roof where
portions of it slants in two
different directions.
Adobe is a type of soil
found in the west with high
clay content.
Formal Design Vs Informal Design
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Formal (Below)
In architecture this means that
the building follows set
patterns. These patterns
relate to both the
appearance and to its
uses.
The balance of the structure is
known as symmetrical
design.
Enclosed rooms.
Ideas taken from ancient
designs.
Informal (Above)
Usually built for people who
prefer a modern
lifestyle.
Contemporary design
Open areas (rooms) within
the home (Rooms
without all the walls)
Exterior is adapted to the
surroundings
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Traditional Styles
English Tudor
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Exposed heavy timbers on the
outside walls
Different materials between the
timbers include stucco, brick,
and stone
Windows are tall and narrow
High decorative chimneys, with
chimney pots
Steep gable roof
French Mansard (Below)
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Double slope roof on all sides
The top slope is almost flat
Dormer windows are used
Exterior is typically brick with
Quoins (Stone surfaces) at
the corners
Shutters are used over the
windows
Cedar shingles are typically
used.
Double wide fireplace
Symmetrical and formal floor
plan
French Provincial
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Developed in France (in parts where
winter was severe)
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High Pitch or steep roofs
Large chimneys
Hip roofs
Shutters for doors and windows
Curved lintels over the windows.
Quoins at the corners
Early American
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English style design
Simple due to lack of time and
ready materials
Rectangular or balanced floor
design.
Exterior was plain with wood
siding
Simple gable
Windows were double hung with
shutters
1 ½ stories of living area
Large fireplace at the center of
the structure
American Colonial (Below)
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Of the colonial homes, American or Early
Colonial is considered to be the original .
More elaborate than the Early American
Vertical Trim boards at the corners
Simple columns on each side of the front
door
Narrow siding
Large central fireplace
Shuttered double hung windows
Gable roof
Little over hang on roof
Dutch Colonial (Left and Below)
 Derived from the American
Colonial
 Gambrel roof (double pitched)
with shake shingles
 Brick or stone siding
 Shuttered double hung windows
 Little roof overhang
 Centered Entry
 Large Central Chimney
 Wood framed windows
 Dormers
Informal Designs
Western Ranch (below)
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Built where land was more readily
available.
Spread Out.
Generally one level.
Low pitched gable roofs.
Large overhangs to protect from hot
summer sun.
Larger picture style windows
Large patios or courtyards.
Exterior covered in local woods or stone.
Roofs are shake shingles.
And Interior is country or rustic style and
include exposed beams.
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Western Adobe (above)
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Adapted to its surroundings
Very similar to Western Ranch but
has a “U” shaped floor plan with a
courtyard
Exterior was typically made from
Adobe Clay
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Southern Colonial
 Full sized two story
design
 Large Chimney
 Detailed Trim
 Vertical Trim
 Centered entry flanked
by columns
 Shuttered double hung
windows
 Large porches “Known
as verandas”
 Spiral staircases
Contemporary Style
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Contemporary means “Now”.
Natural Building materials.
Informal plan with simple design.
Can be split level (Common).
Different areas of the home are
used for different purposes.
Considered “Modern
Architecture”.
Open spaced design.
Large windows.
Flat or low pitched roofs.
Carports are common.