1. 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

2. 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 building. Each geographical area has its own designs within its architectural style. The mixing of various styles create a new, eclectic style.

3. Vocabulary  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.  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.

4. Formal Design Vs Informal Design  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

5. Traditional Styles English Tudor  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)  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

6. French Provincial  Developed in France (in parts where winter was severe)  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  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

7. American Colonial (Below)  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

8. Informal Designs Western Ranch (below)  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.  Western Adobe (above)  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

9. 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

10. Contemporary Style  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.