Originally Posted By: phinsperger
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is a style of architecture that was introduced to England by the Adam brothers of Scotland, who studied and reinterpreted the classical styles. Matching chimneys on either side of the house were featured, as well as an elaborate doorway with transom an sidelights. Interiors were heavily ornamented with carved wood and geometric patterns cast in plaster. Some of the houses featured wings. Pattern books were sent to America where the Federal style reached its zenith from 1780-1820 in the coastal cities of New England. United States Loyalists introduced this style to Canada.
The
Georgian style of architecture arose in England as a result of the Classical Revival movement which dominated Europe during the Renaissance and Enlightenment. The architecture derived its name from King George I, George II and George III who reigned from 1714-1820. The style was based on the simple but elegant proportions of the Classical period and often featured elaborate ornamentation. The English copied the Dutch practice of contrasting red brick with white trim. Georgian architecture was introduced by English settlers to the New World as well, but was usually smaller, less ornate and simpler in execution. Wood was often used for exterior cladding.
The term "
Gothic" was originally coined in a pejorative sense, referring to the Goths who had sacked Rome, and hence the opinion by some that this school design had similar affect on the perfect proportions of Classical Roman architecture. The Gothic style evolved from 1066 to the mid 1500's and progressed from simple to more elaborate design elements over time. Features include strong vertical lines, high vaulted ceilings and minimal wall space. Buttressed walls were also featured, as well as tall pointed window and door openings. The strong influence of the church on society during this period lent the buildings a somewhat ecclesiastical appearance.
Octagonal House - This style of architecture is an outcome of Phrenology, a theory of how behavior relates to the dimensions of the human skull. Orson Squire Fowler, an American writer, proposed that a home's occupants would be most content if the structure were circular or polygonal in design. The idea was popular in the second half of the 19th century not only for houses but barns and other public buildings as well.
Influenced by the early 19th century
Regency style of architecture, the Ontario Cottage is often found in Southern Ontario, particularly in smaller towns. Features include a low pitched roof and a classical, symmetrical facade. Sometimes a front verandah is present. A single window, or sometimes French doors, are located on either side of the entrance. Despite their diminutive appearance, Ontario Cottage interiors are often quite spacious with a center hall, high ceilings and large well-proportioned rooms. In many cases, a tail is built on the rear of the dwelling, further enhancing floor space. Interior embellishments are usually simple but elegant.
The
Ontario Farmhouse style of architecture is one and a half storeys and is ubiquitous in Southern Ontario and, while it represents the "standard" in traditional farmhouse design, many examples have made their way into urban areas as well. This style is identified by its simple but elegant symmetry, a front verandah and a gothic window in its gable peak. While more economical to build and heat than a two storey house, it also enjoyed another advantage as well as it was taxed at a lower rate than a two stoery in the early 1800's. The design has stood the test of time and is still a popular style for new country homes.
The
Regency style of architecture reached its peak in the first quarter of the 19th century. The style is a continuation of the classical lines of the Georgian school of architecture, sometimes borrowing Gothic features as well. Regency houses eschew excess ornamentation and instead are given to simpler lines. The design is symmetrical, two or three storeys and usually brick. Features include double hung windows and a hip roof. Often there is an octagonal window or fanlight over the front door. Usually one chimney is placed at the side of the house.
Salt Box houses were so named because they literally resembled boxes used for shipping salt. Salt shipments were common in the Newfoundland fishery, and this style of architecture is also prevalent in Newfoundland as well as coastal New England. Salt Box houses are two or two and half storeys tall. A short, steep pitched roof in front tapers down to one storey at the rear. The windowless rear of Salt Box houses usually faces north, which serves as a windbreak. This section was originally used as a partially enclosed shed, for firewood or other utilitarian purposes. These houses feature a large central chimney and double hung windows. Exterior cladding is usually clapboard or shingles.
Second Empire - This style originated in France in the mid 19th century, named after the second empire of Napoleon III. This style became popular in North America in the 1800's. The most distinctive feature is the mansard roof with bell cast, taking its cue from Chateau style. Second Empire houses are typically grand in demeanor, with heavy emphasis on architectural detail and ornamentation.
Proportions of the
Townhouse style of architecture were restricted by the confines of narrow urban building lots. Despite a narrow frontage, the house extends back considerably. Side walls are usually blind due to the close proximity of neighboring houses. A distinguishing feature of this style of architecture are the parapet walls that extend past the roof line, which prevented the spread of flames from adjoining building. These walls lend the Townhouses a upright appearance.
The
Tudor style evolved from the Gothic school of architecture, and dates its beginnings from the early 1500's. The influence of the church had declined somewhat from medieval times and architecture took on a more secular appearance. Windows and doors became smaller and more ornate, and emphasis was placed on warm and intimate living spaces. Oak paneling was popular for interior decoration. Brick was widely used in construction for the first time, having been introduced by immigrants from the Netherlands. An elaborate chimney became the focal point of Tudor houses, due to practical reasons. Previously a central hole in the roof had provided ventilation for wood smoke. With the introduction of coal as fuel and with its acrid smoke, a better system had to be devised to carry the smoke outdoors. In early Tudor houses, the upstairs sometimes projected beyond the lower floor, as houses were taxed on how much street frontage the occupied.
Upper Canada Post and Beam - This style of architecture has its roots in barns constructions, a skill the early rural settlers had developed well. exteriors are usually conventional in proportion, while interiors feature exposed beams and wood. Illuminated by a tall window with fanlight, sometimes referred to as a "fiddlehead" window, the main living space is usually open to the rafters. The rustic theme is often carried to the exterior as well which feature board and batten cladding.
Victorian architecture reached its zenith in the second half of the 19th century and is noted for its grand show of detail and ornamentation. Features of Victorian homes include steep cross gabled roofs, tall vertical windows, towers, porches, projecting wings and balconies. Ornate chimneys are also a defining feature as well as varying degrees of wooden gingerbread trim. Victorian homes project a warm and inviting facade, and their style reflects the Victorian era's virtues of proper etiquette and the importance of appearance.
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Paul Hinsperger
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