A PAT T E R N B O O K F O R N E I G H B O R LY H O U S E S
A R C H I T E C T U R A L PAT T E R N S
Architectural Patterns
A series of well-developed architectural styles or vocabularies were popular throughout the United States in the
19th and early 20th century. These styles were adapted by
local builders through the use of early pattern books and
later catalogs of house plans. Many early houses were built
without the aid of pattern books and are increasingly rare.
These styles represent the broader patterns found in the
neighborhoods constructed largely before 1940. Each
style has become adapted to the local environment and
local building traditions.
Five principal architectural
styles can be found throughout
the United States, which when
adapted to local requirements,
give neighborhoods unique
character. These styles are
described in more detail with
typical key elements in the
following pages.
I Classical and Colonial Revival
I Victorian
I Arts & Crafts
I Mission
Houses that adhere to the traditional
architectural and neighborhood patterns add to the quality of the public
realm and encourage the safety and
vitality of a neighborhood.
INSTITUTE OF CLASSICAL ARCHITECTURE
AND CLASSICAL AMERICA
28
O v e r v i e w o f A m e r i c a n A rc h i t e c t u r a l S t y l e s
Classical and Colonial Revival
Victorian
Arts & Crafts
Mission
29
A PAT T E R N B O O K F O R N E I G H B O R LY H O U S E S
A R C H I T E C T U R A L PAT T E R N S
Classical and
Colonial Revival
Colonial Revival houses reflect the renewed national interest in
Classicism which occurred in the late 19th century. The architecture created for the 1893 Worlds Columbian Exposition in Chicago is a famous
example of this revival. Significant examples of houses from this period
can be found throughout the United States.
In the first half of the 20th century, the Colonial Revival style emerged
in the United States as a recognized American-born architectural style.
Colonial Revival style houses were derived from Anglo east coast colonial
precedents, which also incorporated eclectic interpretations of classical
details on simple massing types.
Colonial Revival style houses have a simple dominant main body
(which can be one or two stories) to which side wings, rear wings,
and pavilions might be added. The following illustrations include both
historic examples and recently built houses to show the continued use of
this building tradition.
30
ESSENTIAL
ELEMENTS
I
Simple, straightforward volumes with side
wings and porches added to make more
complex shapes
An orderly, symmetrical relationship of
windows, doors, and building mass
Simplified versions of classical details and
columns, occasionally with classical orders
used at the entry
Large windows with six-pane patterns,
sometimes paired
Step 1:
Massing, Composition, and Materials
A.
Choose Massing Type
I
Massing typologies are generally
very simple with side wings if
necessary
Both gable and hip roofs are
common
Roof pitches typically range
from 6:12 to 10:12
Side Gable
B.
Choose Window and
1/5
1/5
Front Gable
1/5
1/5
1/5
1/3
L Shape
1/3
1/3
1/2
1/2
Door Composition
I
Window patterns are generally
repetitive and very simple with
equal space between windows
and doors.
Compositions are often
symmetrical with an odd
number of bays.
Accent windows and grouped
standard windows can be used
for emphasis.
Wider houses typically have the
entrance in the center of the
facade whereas narrower houses
generally have doors on the ends.
28'38'
1/3
1/3
18'32'
18'32'
1/3
1/3
1/3
22'36'
22'30'
1/3
2/3
1/3
18'28'
C.
Choose Materials
Siding:
I
Cementitious siding or vinyl
Exposure: 5-8"
Corner boards: 4-6"
Colors:
Body: Generally, all siding is the
same color
Trim: White or off-white
31
A PAT T E R N B O O K F O R N E I G H B O R LY H O U S E S
Step 2:
A R C H I T E C T U R A L PAT T E R N S
Eaves and Porches
A.
Select Eave Detail
Overhangs typically range from
9" to 18" in depth.
6"10" 8"
2"x 4" Lookout
12
Many different designs can be
created by variations in roof pitch,
gable end treatment, mouldings,
and dimensions.
610
Flashing
5" Ogee Gutter
12
Rake Board
25
Flashing
Gutter
Boxed-eave detail works for both
hip and gable roofs.
8"14"
8"
Optional Return
Blocking
Frieze
Typically the same detail
throughout the country
Corner Board
9" 18"
Crown Moulding
Typical Eave Section
Gable End Elevation
Gable End Section
B.
Select Porch Location
and Design
I
Porches can range from singlebay porticoes to five-bay full
facade porches.
Single-bay porches typically have
a gable roof and pediment.
Larger porches generally have
hip or shed roofs.
Columns are typically 8 or 9 feet
tall; simple, straight box columns,
or architecturally correct, doric
columns are most common;
narrower columns can be paired.
Front Gable
5" Ogee Gutter
2"x 2" Cap
8" 12"
Porch eave detail resembles that
of the house; column neck and
beam should be the same width
and align.
2" Quarter
Round
10"18"
1" Half Round
6" 14"
equal
Crown Moulding
1"x 8" or 1"x 10"
Box Around
Structural Post
8'-0" to 9'-0"
8'-0" to 9'-0"
L Shape
12
3-4
8"
Side Gable
2"x 2" Pickets
Brick Facing
10" 14"
1"x 10"
Chamfered
Base
Section of Typical Porch
32
Square Column
Doric Column
Step 3:
Windows and Doors
A.
Select Windows
Double hung windows with 6
over 1 or 6 over 6 mullion patterns
are typical.
Standard window dimensions:
Width: 2'-4" to 3'-4"
Height: 5'-0" to 6'-5"
Standard windows are often paired
with a 6" mullion (trim) division.
Accent windows should have
panes of similar proportion to the
standard windows used.
Accent windows are typically used
only when space is limited (i.e., over
counters, bathroom fixtures, etc.) or
as compositional accents.
Accent Window
Standard 6-over-6
Double-Hung Window
Standard 6-over-1
Double-Hung Window
6"8"
4" 6"
6"
Paired Double-Hung Window
B.
Select Doors
I
Wood, fiberglass, or steel with
traditional stile and rail proportions,
panel profiles, and glazing patterns
Six- and eight-panel doors are
common; partially glazed and fully
glazed doors are also used.
Door trim should match
window trim.
Partially Glazed Door
C.
Windows and doors have simple
4 to 6 inch trim.
Caps, backband mouldings, and
aprons under the sill are common.
Shutters are typically paneled or
louvered and should be half the
width of the window.
Panel Door
Cap
Backband
Moulding
Select Trim and Shutters
I
Fully Glazed Door
5/4"x 6"
2"x 3" Sill
Apron
Simple 6-inch Trim
Backband Trim
Paneled and Louvered Shutters
33
A PAT T E R N B O O K F O R N E I G H B O R LY H O U S E S
A R C H I T E C T U R A L PAT T E R N S
Victorian
The Victorian era refers to the years during which Queen Victoria ruled
England, but in reference to American architecture it defines the national style that achieved widespread popularity toward the end of her reign,
specifically in the years between 1860-1900. These years saw the rise of
the railroad and growth of industrialization, which led to big changes in
the construction of American homes. Traditional heavy timber framing
methods were being replaced, and consequently architectural styles began
to evolve. The emergence of factories accelerated the production of doors,
windows, and detailing. Ornate details had once only been available for
landmark houses, but with the combination of mass production and lowcost transportation along railways, complex shapes and elaborate details
became affordable options for all homes. The style was also readily accessible to many home builders as a result of pattern books that provided
drawings of these early house designs.
Traditional houses in the Victorian style were often complex in form,
creating picturesque compositions. Heavily detailed porches, elaborate
woodwork, and textures created by scalloped, diamond, and fish-scale
shingles were all common features. While exotic Victorian houses incorporating Eastlake, Queen Anne, and Italianate details grew in popularity throughout the country, a more restrained style known as folk-based
Victorian also emerged, which adapted the elegant styles of Victorian
architecture to smaller, simple houses.
34
ESSENTIAL
ELEMENTS
I
Prominent porch elements added to simply
massed houses to create more complex forms
An orderly, symmetrical relationship between
windows, doors, and building mass
Cut wood ornament influenced by natural
forms or turned decorative millwork
Vertically proportioned windows and doors
Step 1:
Massing, Composition, and Materials
A.
Choose Massing Type
I
Hipped or side-gabled rectangular volume, often with a dormer
flush to the front facade
Roof pitch is typically 8:10
One-story shed or hip front
porches from one-fifth to the full
length of the main body
Side Gable
B.
1/5
Front Gable
1/5
1/5
1/5
1/5
L Shape
1/3
1/3
1/3
2/5
1/5
1/5
1/5
Choose Window and
Door Composition
I
Characterized by a symmetrical
and balanced placement of doors
and windows
Same window design throughout,
with the exception of special
windows
Often, the first-floor windows are
larger than the second floor.
Align door head with window
heads.
Symmetrical and balanced placement of doors and windows
Entrance doors are located in the
corner of narrow houses and the
center of wide houses.
28'36'
1/3
1/3
18'34'
18'24'
1/3
1/3
1/3
18'32'
26'34'
1/3
1/3
2/3
18'26'
C.
Choose Materials
Siding:
I
Wood or fiber cement board
Exposure: 5-8"
Corner boards: 3-7"
Colors:
Body: Pastels and a range of
yellows, beiges, grays, blues,
and greens
Trim: Deeper shade of the body
color or a slightly different deep
shade; white trim may be used
35
A PAT T E R N B O O K F O R N E I G H B O R LY H O U S E S
Step 2:
A R C H I T E C T U R A L PAT T E R N S
Eaves and Porches
A.
Select Eave Detail
Overhang between 8 inches
and 16 inches; deeper overhangs
are typically used on larger
houses
6"10" 8"
2"x 4" Lookout
12
812
Verge Board
Decorative Trim
Transition
5" Ogee Gutter
Raking eaves may have an oversized, decorative board at the
gable end.
Gutter
8"
Crown Moulding
6"12"
Boxed eaves often have profiled
brackets at 8 to 24 inches on
center and grouped at corners.
6"12"
Frieze
Corner Board
8" 16"
Crown Moulding
Typical Eave Section
Gable End Section
Gable End Eave Detail
B.
Select Porch Location
and Design
I
Minimum recommended porch
depth is 8 feet.
Windows and doors from active
rooms should open onto the
porch.
Victorian porches have either
turned columns or square,
chamfered columns.
Porches generally have hip or
shed roofs.
Side Gable
Front Gable
L Shape
12
2"x 2" Cap
3-4
5" Ogee Gutter
8" 10"
6" 10"
8"14"
8"
2" Quarter
Round
6" 14"
Equal
8'-0" to 9'-0"
8'-0" to 9'-0"
8'-0" to 9'-0"
Crown Moulding
2"x 2" Pickets
Brick Facing
8" 12"
6"-8"
Turned Post
Section of Typical Porch
36
Turned Post
Doric Column
10" 12"
Square Column
Step 3:
Windows and Doors
A.
Select Windows
I
Use double-hung windows with
window patterns of 1 over 1,
2 over 2, 4 over 4, and wide trim.
Standard window dimensions:
Width: 2'-4" to 3'-4"
Height: 5'-0" to 6'-8"
Accent Window
When windows are paired, use
with a 6 inch mullion (trim)
division.
Standard 4-over-4 Double-Hung Window and 2-over-2
Double-hung Window
The window may have a
decorative cap.
Accent windows should have panes
of similar proportion to the
standard windows selected.
Accent windows are typically used
only when space is limited (i.e., over
counters, bathroom fixtures, etc.) or
as a compositional accent.
6"8"
6"
4" 6"
Paired Double-Hung Window
Box Bay Window Front and Side Elevations (reduced scale)
B.
Select Doors
I
Wood, fiberglass, or steel with
traditional stile and rail proportions,
panel profiles, and glazing patterns
Four-panel doors are common;
partially glazed and fully glazed
doors are also used.
Door trim should match
window trim.
Partially Glazed Door
Fully Glazed Door
Panel Door
Decorative Cap
C.
Backband
Moulding
Select Trim and Shutters
I
Windows and doors have simple
4 to 6 inch trim.
Caps, backband mouldings, and
aprons under the sill are common.
Shutters are typically paneled or
louvered and should be half the
width of the window.
5/4"x 6"
2"x 3" Sill
Apron
Simple 6-inch Trim
Backband Trim
Paneled and Louvered Shutters
37
A PAT T E R N B O O K F O R N E I G H B O R LY H O U S E S
A R C H I T E C T U R A L PAT T E R N S
Arts & Crafts
Often considered the first phase of modern architecture, the Arts & Crafts
movement began in England during the late 19th century. This style
turned its back on historical precedent and defined itself by using natural
materials to create a simple and decorative expression of structural elements. In the United States, the Arts & Crafts style is more commonly
called Craftsman and became popular in the early 20th century. Low
pitched roofs, wide eave overhangs, and ornamental rafter tails and brackets are some of the most recognizable features of this style, along with the
use of rich colors and contrasting trim. The Craftsman style was first seen
in the United States in southern California, but it became a very popular
architectural language across the entire country, and between the years
1905 and 1920 it was the major style used for smaller houses all over
America. Although it became less dominant around 1930, it is thought
that the principles of Arts & Crafts architecture gave birth to the Prairie
style, which was the foremost architectural style for American homes in
the years to come.
38
ESSENTIAL
ELEMENTS
I
Deep eaves, often with exposed, shaped rafter
ends or ornamental brackets
Grouped windows in pairs or in sets of three
with divided light patterns in the upper sashes
Deep, broad porch elements with expressive
structural components
Simple, straightforward volume with lowslope gabled or hipped roof
Continuous horizontal trim band or belt
course at the second floor window sill line
Step 1:
Massing, Composition, and Materials
A.
Choose Massing Type
I
Rectangular or L-shaped volume
with a front-facing gable roof
containing a second or third story
Often an in-line gabled porch or
wing added to the front leg of the
L to create an asymmetrical form
Roof pitches typically range from
4:12 to 6:12
Side Gable
B.
1/3
Front Gable
1/3
1/3
L Shape
1/3
1/3
1/3
1/2
1/2
Choose Window and
Door Composition
I
Composition is characterized by
an asymmetrical yet balanced
placement of doors and windows.
Typically, windows occur in pairs
and multiples or as sidelights for
oversized ground floor windows.
Entrance doors are most often
under porches and off center.
Doors are wide in proportion,
often with transoms and
sidelights.
26'38'
1/2
22'32'
1/2
20'32'
1/2
22'32'
1/2
18'28'
1/2
1/2
18'28'
C.
Choose Materials
Siding:
I
Stucco, wood, or fiber cement
board
Exposure: 3-6"
Corner Boards are optional;
when used, a 4-6" exposure is
typical.
Colors:
Body: Can be the same color with
frieze; the first and second floors
may be differentiated with color.
Trim: White, off-white, or rich
earth tones
39
A PAT T E R N B O O K F O R N E I G H B O R LY H O U S E S
Step 2:
A R C H I T E C T U R A L PAT T E R N S
Eaves and Porches
A.
Select Eave Detail
6"
Overhangs typically range from
18 to 32 inches in depth.
12
12
5"
610
Boxed eave with flat soffit, with
optional profile brackets at 24
inches on center
610
Gutter
2 x 8 inch rafter tail 16 to 24
inches on center, the most
common eave; often hipped,
gables feature a vergeboard;
exposed rafter tails are either
shaped or cut plumb
1'9"
5"
Crown Moulding
18 - 32"
Bracket
Corner Board
Crown Mmoulding
Gable End Section
Typical Eave Section
Gable End Elevation
B.
Select Porch Location
and Design
Minimum porch depth 8 feet
Porches have deep eaves often
repeating the same rafter or
cornice treatment as the main
house body.
Porches can have gable-ends,
shed roofs, or hip roofs.
Shed and hip porches typically
have a 3 in 12 to 4 in 12 pitch.
Gable-end porches are designed
to express structural elements.
Side Gable
Front Gable
L Shape
12
610
11"
6"
3'0" - 3'6"
2"x 2" Pickets
6"
1'2"
3'0" - 3'6"
6"
8'0" - 9'0"
5'0" - 5'6"
5'0" - 5'6"
1'6" 2'0"
1'9" 2'0"
1'9" 2'0"
Brick Facing
Half-Height Double Post
Section of Typical Porch
40
Half-Height Box Column
Stucco Pier
Step 3:
Windows and Doors
A.
Select Windows
I
Casements with divided lights are
common.
Double-hung windows are typically
vertical in proportion and have a 3
over 1, 4 over 1, 6 over 1, or 9 over
1 muntin pattern.
Accent windows include triple
windows, small square accent
windows, and box bay windows
supported on flat cut brackets.
Standard 3-over-1 Double-Hung Window and 6-over-1
Double-Hung Window
Dormer windows are commonly
ganged together.
6"8"
Accent Window
4" 6"
6"
Partial Elevation of a Shed Dormer with Grouped
Window (reduced scale)
Grouped Double-Hung Windows
B.
Select Doors
I
Arts & Crafts doors are often
stained wood or painted rich colors
plank designs or a panel door with
the top half glazed.
Doors may have sidelights or transoms in clear or leaded glass.
Partially Glazed Door
Fully Glazed Door
Panel Door
C.
Select Trim and Shutters
Cap
Backband
Moulding
Window and door trim often carries a simple moulding and cap above.
Caps, backband mouldings, and
aprons under the sill are common.
Casements with divided lights are
common.
Shutters are typically paneled or
louvered and should be half the
width of the window.
5/4"x 6"
2"x 3" Sill
Apron
Simple 6-inch Trim
Backband Trim
Paneled and Louvered Shutters
41
A PAT T E R N B O O K F O R N E I G H B O R LY H O U S E S
A R C H I T E C T U R A L PAT T E R N S
Mission
Sometimes thought to be Californias counterpart to Colonial Revival
architecture in the Northeast, Mission style became popular around
1890, and remained one of the principle styles of building throughout the
early 20th century. Mission style relied heavily on its heritage and was
greatly influenced by Hispanic architecture. While this style of building
was never commonplace outside the Southwest, there are examples found
throughout the country.
Mission architecture has a strong identity, notably defined by shaped
parapets and arches, quatrefoil windows, and red roof tiles. Also common
to this style are smooth stucco walls and open porches supported by large
square piers. This style generally does not include decorative detailing
and uses elements of Hispanic architecture that can be translated into
simple shapes.
42
ESSENTIAL
ELEMENTS
I
Stucco walls with a handmade/formed
appearance
Shallow sloped, terra-cotta barrel tile roofs in
variegated colors (red is predominant color)
Thick walls with deep recessed openings
Covered patios/porches/loggias
Detailing primarily at openings
Balconies
Decorative ironwork
Step 1:
Massing, Composition, and Materials
A.
Choose Massing Type
I
Rectangular volume with a 4 in
12 to 10 in 12 roof pitch and
gable or hip parallel to the street
Inset patios on first floor are
common.
A one- or two-story wing
projecting forward from the
main body
Side Gable
B.
1/5
1/5
Front Gable
1/5
1/5
1/5
1/3
L Shape
1/3
1/3
1/2
1/2
Choose Window and
Door Composition
I
Character is derived from a good
use of proportion and a sparing,
well-placed use of ornament.
Although windows and doors are
typically placed asymmetrically,
the overall composition is
balanced.
Paired windows are tall with a
vertical aspect.
The size of windows should
diminish with each succeeding
story.
28'38'
1/3
1/3
18'32'
18'32'
1/3
1/3
1/3
22'36'
22'30'
1/3
2/3
1/3
18'28'
C.
Choose Materials
Cladding:
I
Stucco with handmade/formed
appearance
Color: White or light hue
Roof:
Terra cotta barrel tile, multiple
stacked tile at eaves
For cost efficiency, barrel tiles
may be used at eaves and asphalt
shingles of a similar color
used on primary roofs.
43
A PAT T E R N B O O K F O R N E I G H B O R LY H O U S E S
Step 2:
A R C H I T E C T U R A L PAT T E R N S
Eaves and Porches
A.
Select Eave Detail
12
Second floor offsets should create
8 to 10 inch overhangs.
610
12
Open eaves and exposed rafter
tails are common in some areas of
the country.
9"
Shallow eaves are constructed of
building wall material or molded
plaster.
8"
4-6
Gutter
Fascia
10"
Typical Gable Roof Eave Section
Gable End Elevation
Typical Eave Section
Gable End Elevation
B.
Select Porch Location
and Design
I
Patios and loggias substitute for
porches.
Minimum depth 8 feet
Defined by either plaster arches
with plaster columns, or plaster
arches with cast stone columns
(round, square, or rectangular)
12
46
2'0"
Balconies may be designed as
shallow French balconies and
made of metal or plaster;
balconies are deeper when made
of wood, often becoming a
gallery onto which multiple
rooms may open.
L Shape
L Shape
8"
Porch floors are typically paved
with stained concrete, optional
terra cotta tile, brick, or
stone accents.
Front Gable
6"
Side Gable
6'0"
8'0"- 9'0"
8'6"- 9'0"
12"18"
2"x 2" Pickets
Section of Typical Balcony
44
1'2"
6"
Square Stucco Column
Timber Post
4' 0"
Stucco Arch and Corbelled Opening
Step 3:
Windows and Doors
A.
Select Windows
I
Windows may have a vertical or
horizontal pane configuration.
Windows surrounded by stucco
should be recessed back from the
face of the facade as deeply as
possible to create the illusion of
thick walls.
Casement windows are used as
either single units, double units, or
paired double units.
Windows often have either threelight or six-light, multi-pane units.
Windows often have flat or
arched transoms; transoms have
glass patterns similar to window
glass patterns.
Paired Casement Window
6-over-1 Double-Hung Window
Oversized Arched Window
B.
Select Doors
I
Doors are often stained wood or
painted a deep color with either
wood plank design or a panel door
with the top half glazed.
Single plank/board or panel style
door, often with wrought iron
accents
No sidelights
Recessed as deep as possible
Single Plank/board Door
C.
Fully Glazed Door
Panel Door
Stucco Veneer
Window Detail and Shutters
I
Cast plaster or concrete surrounds
Trim is not required; wood lintels
are sometimes used above door and
window openings.
Raised or flat wood panel or
louvered shutters used as an accent
Shutters should be half the width of
the window.
Sill
Typical Section
Paneled and Board Shutters
45
