Harriet’s House by So: Architecture

The author, an architectural enthusiast with a master's degree in architecture, expresses a particular appreciation for contextual houses that blend seamlessly with their surroundings, especially those whose age is not readily apparent. While typically a house's age can be estimated based on its style, size, height, or specific details, the author finds it particularly intriguing when this assessment proves challenging. This personal interest stems from a fascination with the nuances that define and sometimes overlap various architectural styles and eras. The article presents five houses located in the Hamptons area, each possessing characteristics that make their age difficult to determine. The first house, situated in North Sea, is described as a two-story farmhouse featuring two-over-two windows, a gable-end pointed window, and traditional shutters and hardware. Its main north-south gabled volume and east-west gabled wing are reminiscent of many surviving 1800s farmhouses on the East End, prompting a question about its actual age. The second house, located just outside Southampton village boundaries, is a two-story Colonial. It showcases traditional elements such as shutters with traditional hardware and pilasters at the corners. The second-story windows on the front elevation appear to be at floor level, a design often seen in older homes, leading to a query about its antiquity. A third property in Bridgehampton exhibits traditional detailing including classic shutters and hardware, divided light windows, and a second story where the shingle siding gently sweeps out over the first story. It possesses a rambling aesthetic and a balanced composition, yet its age remains an enigma. The fourth house, named “Fox Hall,” is near the ocean in Southampton Village. Its low height suggests a bygone era, and its operable window shutters, which close during colder, uninhabited months, further hint at an older age. The Greek Revival detailing on the house was a common architectural feature in the area during the 1840s, raising the question of its true age. Finally, a more vernacular structure in Water Mill is included, appearing to be a barn converted into a house. It features a stone foundation, a sliding barn door, minimal fenestration, divided light patterned windows, steep roof pitches, and shallow eaves, making its age equally ambiguous. Without conducting formal research, the author offers personal guesses regarding the ages of these houses. The author speculates that only the first house is genuinely old, predating 1930, while the others are more contemporary constructions. The reasoning for this distinction is based on specific architectural details: the second house's chimney, cupola, six-over-six divided light windows, and the contemporary placement of its north side windows; the third house's overall size and large window clusters; the fourth house's exaggerated dentils and transom windows; and an intuitive feeling about the fifth. The author acknowledges the possibility of being incorrect and emphasizes that definitive age determination would require consulting historical maps and records from local authorities, concluding that the challenge of guessing ages is enjoyable and indicates successful design by architects who craft homes that transcend temporal boundaries. #ArchitecturalStyles #HomeAgeGuessing #HamptonsArchitecture #HouseDesign #ArchitecturalHistory #BuildingDetails #Southampton #Bridgehampton #WaterMill

This comprehensive guide explores 31 popular architectural house styles found throughout the United States, providing detailed descriptions and historical context for each. The article begins by outlining key factors to consider when identifying a home's style, such as materials, window and door details, roof style, facade structures, number of stories, and construction era. It then delves into a diverse range of styles, starting with the iconic Cape Cod, characterized by its story-and-a-half structure, dormers, symmetrical windows, and central doorway. Originating in the late 17th century from English settlers, Cape Cods became particularly popular in the 1950s. The Victorian style, spanning the early 1800s to early 1900s, is presented as an era of design rather than a single style, known for its ornate gables, steeply pitched roofs, turrets, and intricate details. Colonial homes, dating back to the 17th century, are discussed in their various forms, emphasizing their rectangular shape, symmetry, and features like gabled roofs, window grids, and brick facades. The American Craftsman style, emerging in the early 20th century, highlights front porches, wide eaves, exposed beams, and open floor plans, with a strong focus on natural materials and earthy color palettes. Prairie-style homes, inspired by nature and Frank Lloyd Wright's innovative designs, are noted for handcrafted details, simple woodwork, stained glass, and built-in furniture, primarily found in the Midwest. Ranch homes, popular from the 1930s onwards, are described as single-story or split-level houses with open floor plans, large front windows, and low-pitched roofs. Tudor-style homes are easily identifiable by their dark timber details against light stucco and ornate brickwork, often found in colder northern climates. Mediterranean-style homes feature warm tones, stucco exteriors, and ornamental details in tile and woodwork, designed to be open and airy, gaining popularity in warmer U.S. regions. Modern architecture, influenced by the 1930s modernism movement, emphasizes clean lines, functional design, modern materials like concrete and steel, and minimal ornamentation. Contemporary architecture is presented as an overarching term for current trendy building styles, focusing on connecting indoor and outdoor spaces, sustainability, and energy efficiency. The article continues to describe farmhouse styles, cottages, cabins, and rowhouses, each with their unique characteristics and historical origins. It then explores more historically inspired styles like Greek Revival, French Country, Saltbox, and Art Deco, highlighting their distinctive features and prevalence in different regions or periods. Further architectural styles covered include Queen Anne, Italianate, Eastlake, Romanesque Revival, Gothic Revival, Tudor Revival, Midcentury Modern, Federal, Neoclassical, French Provincial, Asian, Pueblo Revival, and Bungalow. Each description details the key visual elements, historical context, and geographical prevalence of these architectural styles across the United States. The article concludes by addressing frequently asked questions about the most common, newest, and timeless house styles in America, emphasizing the diversity and evolution of residential architecture. #ArchitecturalStyles #HomeDesign #HouseStyles #InteriorDecorating #HistoricHomes #ModernArchitecture #ResidentialDesign #CraftsmanHomes #VictorianHomes

The article details the experience of Sue and Giulio Dimasi, a couple from the southern suburbs who realized their dream of moving to the country and building a custom 'pod home' overlooking a vineyard. Having both grown up in rural settings, they harbored a long-standing desire to return to country living after years in suburbia. Their new home is based on the innovative designs of Sarah Homes, specifically the Pavilion 145 floorplan. The couple was drawn to its open layout, skillion roof, expansive living area, and a distinct children's zone. The original Pavilion 145 features a two-pod design, separating living and sleeping quarters connected by a breezeway, with a large front deck. The Dimasis chose this design for its ability to integrate with the surrounding hill views. They customized the design by adding a third pod to accommodate their needs, particularly as their teenage son required his own space, and they desired a separate wing for themselves. This modification resulted in a sleeping quarters on either side of a central living zone. The decision to build a pod home on their farm was also influenced by the necessity for a long, thin architectural aspect with extensive glass along one side to maximize the stunning views of the hills and take advantage of the sunrises and sunsets. Furthermore, they sought a design that would complement the rural environment and offer ample space for family and entertaining. The resulting home is a spacious dwelling measuring 29.2 meters in length with 212 square meters of living space, featuring four bedrooms, two bathrooms, and two living rooms. The layout provides distinct areas, with the master bedroom, ensuite, and walk-in robe located in one private pod, complete with sliding doors leading to a private courtyard. The home's entrance and a double garage are situated behind this master suite pod. The third pod, at the opposite end of the house, includes three additional bedrooms, the main bathroom, a large laundry, and a 'snug' retreat area for the children. The central section of the home houses the open-plan living zone, characterized by a raked ceiling and views to both the front and back of the property. This area encompasses a stylish white kitchen with a walk-in pantry and a polished island bench, a dining area, and the main lounge. An outdoor sheltered raised deck extends from the living area, providing generous space for outdoor dining, lounging, and entertaining. Despite an initial estimate of a 20-week construction period, the house was completed in a mere 17 weeks. The couple praised Sarah Homes for their flexibility in modifying existing plans and for their support during the building process, particularly when navigating council-related challenges by assisting them in finding a Planning Development consultant. Having resided in their home for over a year, Sue, Giulio, their son Mathew, and their golden retriever Bella express complete satisfaction with their custom-designed pod home. #PodHome #CustomHomeDesign #RuralLiving #SarahHomes #ArchitecturalDesign #OpenPlanLiving #OutdoorLiving #FarmHouse

Victorian homes are renowned for their elaborate and ornate details, embodying a "more is more" philosophy that sets them apart. Key architectural elements include steeply pitched roofs, decorative trim, and asymmetrical facades. These residences frequently incorporate styles such as Gothic Revival, Italianate, and Queen Anne, featuring distinct components like turrets, towers, bay windows, and expansive porches. The interiors of Victorian houses typically boast high ceilings, intricate artwork, stained glass, and richly saturated colors, reflecting a strong emphasis on craftsmanship and detailed artistry. Victorian architecture emerged and flourished during Queen Victoria's reign in the 1800s, extending into the early 1900s. This period was characterized by a deep interest in history, intricate ornamentation, and eclecticism, which led to the blending of diverse styles and elements from various historical and cultural contexts. The Industrial Revolution played a crucial role in expanding the reach and popularity of Victorian homes by making elaborate designs more accessible through new materials and mass production techniques. This architectural style subsequently spread from England to other parts of the world, including the United States—with notable popularity in cities like San Francisco, New Orleans, and Savannah—as well as Australia and New Zealand. Over time, Victorian architecture adapted to local preferences, contemporary tastes, and the availability of building materials. More recently, the "grandmillennial" design trend has surfaced, moving away from the minimalist lines and neutral palettes common in modern designs. This resurgence of interest in charm and depth has encouraged homeowners to integrate detailed features such as wainscoting, decorative wallpaper, intricate molding, and elegantly patterned drapery, demonstrating the enduring influence of Victorian architecture in contemporary design. Historic Victorian homes continue to be treasured as living artifacts, and designers and architects frequently draw inspiration from this classic style in their current projects. Several common characteristics define Victorian houses, even with their unique variations. They are typically tall, multi-story structures, reflecting a status symbol and a practical response to limited urban ground space. Their height also allowed for grand ceilings and ample natural light through large windows. The exteriors are distinguished by ornate detailing, including decorative trim and millwork around windows and doors, often featuring scrollwork, spindles, and brackets. Many Victorian homes also showcase large, covered front verandas with ornamental posts and carved railings, which not only create a welcoming entrance but also extend the indoor living space, sometimes wrapping around the entire house. A significant shift in color palettes occurred during the Victorian era. Prior to this period, most houses were painted in single, neutral colors. However, by 1887, bright earth tones such as burnt sienna and mustard yellow gained popularity. This change was influenced by the artistic and cultural movements of the time, which favored nature, the arts, and historical design elements, with these rich, earthy hues echoing natural landscapes and ancient architectural styles. Stained glass windows are another hallmark of Victorian houses, adding color, artistic flair, and a unique, opulent touch to both the interior and exterior. The steeply pitched roof lines, often with multiple gables, were designed to draw the eye upwards and accommodate tall, grand ceilings. Bay windows are also a prominent feature, serving both the functional purpose of expanding interior space and increasing light, and the aesthetic goal of adding visual interest to the facade, contributing to the picturesque and ornate appearance characteristic of Victorian architecture. The overarching aesthetic goal of Victorian architecture was to project grandeur, wealth, and progress, a mission effectively achieved through its intricate details and elaborate ornamentation. #VictorianArchitecture #HouseDesign #HistoricalHomes #OrnateDetails #ArchitecturalStyles #HomeDecor #DesignTrends #RealEstate

Hoerr Schaudt, an award-winning landscape design firm, successfully transformed the outdoor living space of a historic Lincoln Park home, earning recognition as the 'Best Outdoor Living Space Winner' in Chicago's Design 9. The project, initiated by a recommendation from interior designer Michael Abrams, focused on meticulously blending historical authenticity with the practical needs of a modern family. The lead designer, Simon Prunty, emphasized craft, authenticity, and durability throughout the design process, aiming to respect the home's past while creating a livable and contemporary outdoor area suitable for a family with young children. A key aspect of the design involved a deep commitment to being 'period correct' with all detailing, which was achieved by aligning ironwork and masonry with the home’s historic architectural elements. The team utilized site-specific materials, including a carefully selected stone that harmonized with the existing structure and could be adapted for various applications. Reclaimed Chicago Common brick was incorporated, alongside inspiration drawn from other historic properties, to create a welcoming 'porch' entry. This entry features split-face curbs and hand-dressed flatwork, further enhancing the historical aesthetic. Additionally, hand-sourced and hand-selected plant materials were chosen to complement the hardscaping in every section of the property. The outdoor space features a striking fireplace fabricated by Windsor Builders, which showcases Chicago Common brick with limestone coping and a sleek black firebrick interior. This fireplace serves as a focal point, contributing to the refined elegance of the area. Furnishings such as the dining table and chairs from Janus et Cie add a sophisticated touch, while a variety of planters introduce vibrant life and color. The use of Lannon Stone for pavers integrates seamlessly with the overall design, reinforcing the commitment to high-quality, period-appropriate materials. The collaboration with Michael Abrams Interiors for interior design and En Masse Architecture and Design for architectural elements ensured a cohesive vision for the entire property. The clients expressed immense satisfaction with Hoerr Schaudt's ability to translate their vision into reality, preserving the home's historic charm while reflecting the unique character of the Lincoln Park neighborhood. The final outcome is a sophisticated and versatile outdoor haven that seamlessly blurs the distinction between indoor and outdoor living spaces, offering both historical reverence and modern functionality for the family. #OutdoorLivingSpace #HistoricHome #LandscapeDesign #ChicagoDesign #HoerrSchaudt #ArchitecturalDetails #HomeRenovation #LincolnPark #LuxuryInteriors