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different types
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Different Types of Houses
Housing plans have evolved through out
the years. The discovery of new materials, the advanced
design techniques, and improved construction methods have
altered the traditional house plans. However, it remains
true that geographic location, trends and time periods have
built a foundation for the general housing types that are
still used today through out the world.
Cape Cod - Typically made
of wood and covered in wide clapboard or shingles. Characterized
by 1 or 1 1/2 stories with a steep roof that rest low to
the ground. Large central fireplace that is connected to
each room in the house. Hard wood floors. Contains a recognized
center-hall floor plan. Windows and doors are symmetrically
arranged. Decorative shutters.
Classic Cottage - Resembles
a Cape Cod house style. However, the roof of a classic cottage
is much shallower and it has a higher eaves-front wall.
Typically, small windows line the top front of the cottage.
Main windows consist of multi-paned double-hung sash. There
is increased space and light with this house plan.
Colonial - Contains a
medium pitched roof with a square, symmetrical shape. Front
door has a decorative crown. Five windows align the upper
level of the front of the house. Lower level consists of
four windows and a centered door. Typically a 1 1/2 or two
story home. Eaves have classical detailing.
Gable and Ell - Floor
plan of this house is either L-shaped (with a porch in the
interior corner of the L) or T-shaped. 1 1/2 or 2 stories
tall, with a gable roof at the same height as the main roof.
These homes generally have double-hung sash windows with
wood-clapboard siding.
Bungalow - Typically 1
1/2 or 2 stories tall. The roofs are hipped which provides
for large attics. Contain broad overhanging eaves and big
porches. Roofs are generally set in a gable, hip, or clipped
gable.
Suburban Ranch - Can be
rectangular, L-shaped, or U-shaped in design. Horizontal
appearance. Windows are typically large double-hung, sliding,
or picture. Modern ranches contain newly engineered metal
casement windows. Contains a low pitched gable roof with
deep set eaves. Attached garage.
Raised Ranch - Same house
plan as a suburban ranch but with an added upper level.
This style is also referred to as "Split Level." Split levels
were created to accommodate to the separation of living
space from activity rooms.
Four Square - Two-story
home that contains four square rooms above three square
rooms and an entrance hall. Stairs are tucked to the side
on the first floor. Cubical shaped. Generally has crafty
detailing. Contains a wide front porch and sometimes a small
dormer on the second floor.
Side Hall Plan - Common
building material for these houses is wood frame construction
or masonry. Can be 1 1/2 to 2 1/2 stories high. Gable-front
design. Characterized with corner pilasters, railings, columns,
porches, sidelights, and a broad door frame.
Saltbox - This house style
maintains symmetry. Generally the design omits detailing.
Contains a flat front and steeply sloped rear roof line.
They are usually built from wood and have shutters. Fireplaces
are common.
Shotgun - This house style
is typically long and narrow with a gable-ended entrance,
one-room wide, and two or three rooms deep. Contains front
to back alignment. Suited for hot climates due to the front
and back door alignment. Often considered an African American
house design and commonly found in southern states.
I House - Has its origins
in 16th century England. Two stories high, gable roofed
house, only one room deep, at least two rooms wide and often
contains a one story rear addition.
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