Types of house

American house styles come in many shapes, some with architectural details borrowed from classical profiles, some unique to the New World. Distinguishing Features for 23 House Styles The story of these styles’ evolution parallels the timeline of American history—a colony dependent on the Mother Country turns into an industrial nation with a unique design language. 1. Log Cabin iStock Dates: up to 1850s. Features: Log walls; one- to three-room layout, sometimes with a center passage (called a dogtrot). The earliest settler houses went up quickly, using the most abundant material around—wood—to protect against the harsh weather. Log cabins were common in the middle Atlantic colonies, like this Appalachian house. 2. Saltbox Alamy Dates: 1607 to early 1700s Features: Steeply pitched (catslide) roof that reaches to first story in the back; massive central chimney; small windows of diamond paned casements or double-hung sash with nine or 12 lights. Most saltboxes existed in and around New England. Their steep roof pitch is a holdover from the days of thatching, but early settlers learned that wood shingles were better at sloughing off snow and rain. Few original saltboxes survive, and many are museums, like this house in East Hampton, New York. 3. Georgian Alamy Dates: 1700 to 1780 Features: Symmetrical facade; double-hung windows with nine or 12 lights in each sash; paneled door with pilasters, transom lights, and sometimes a pedimented crown; brick in the South, clapboards in ...

A rambler is one-story, low to the ground, with a low-pitched roof, usually rectangular, L- or U-shaped with deep overhanging • California ranch: the "original" ranch style, developed in the United States in the early 20th century, before World War II • Tract ranch: a post-World War II style of ranch that was smaller and less ornate than the original, mass-produced in housing developments, usually without basements • Suburban ranch: a modern style of ranch that retains many of the characteristics of the original but is larger, with modern amenities I-house [ ] • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Pile dwellings: houses raised on stilts over the surface of the soil or a body of water. • • Umgebinde: combined log and timber-frame construction in Germany-Czech Republic-Poland region • Single-family attached [ ] • Two-family or duplex: two living units, either attached side by side and sharing a common wall (in some countries, called double-decker) • Three-family or triple-decker) • Four-family or quad: four living units, typically with two units on the first floor and two on the second, or side-by-side • • • • • • Movable dwellings [ ] • • RV: a motor vehicle or trailer that can be used for habitation • camper or caravan: a trailer designed to be used as a residence (usually temporarily), which must be towed regularly by a vehicle and cannot move under its own power • 2) or smaller, built to look like a small house and suitable for long-term habitation • floa...

oversnap / Getty Images Cape Cod homes are extremely common in suburban communities. They became increasingly popular in the United States during the 1950s. The style was originally introduced by English settlers during the late 17th century and is named after the coast of Massachusetts. These homes tend to be a story and a half and include dormers and a central doorway. The original design was inspired by English half-timbered houses from centuries prior, but the frame was altered to suit the New England climate. VisionsofAmerica/Joe Sohm / Getty Images Victorian architecture refers to an era of design instead of one specific style. Victorian homes were built from the early 1800s through the early 1900s during the reign of Queen Victoria. Since the era is generally associated with a rising middle class and increasing wealth, these homes tend to be larger and more elaborate. Victorian architecture was influenced by several prolific architects and varying cityscapes. Today you'll find these homes dotted across communities in the United States. Walter Bibikow / Getty Images This house style was first crafted by an innovative turn-of-the-century architect, Frank Lloyd Wright. Prairie-style homes are inspired by their relationship to nature. And they feature lots of handcrafted details, such as simple woodwork, stained glass, and built-in furniture. This style of home was heavily influenced by the Arts and Crafts movement, but it is distinct from Craftsman-style homes. Only a ...

In a world full of so many different house styles, it can be a little challenging just to narrow down your own home's architectural style, let alone edit the list down to your favorite style or understand the distinctions characteristic to each house style. We'll show you the 10 most popular American house styles, including Cape Cod, French Country, Colonial, Victorian, Tudor, Craftsman, Cottage, Mediterranean, ranch-style, and Contemporary. Brie Williams Whether you're shopping for homes, remodeling, This guide to different styles of houses will help you understand the many variations within the variety of designs. You can also find architecture guides online, at your local library, or in larger bookstores that will help you identify a particular style or design. If you're renovating, using the original style of your house as a starting point for an Emily Followill Naturally this American house style had its roots in the colonial era, but it has evolved constantly, including the late 19th-century style known as Colonial Revival. Colonial-style houses usually have two or three stories, fireplaces, and brick or wood facades. The classic Colonial-style homes are easy to add onto. A Jon Jensen The As for the exterior, Craftsman-style houses often have low-pitched roofs with wide eave overhangs, exposed roof rafters, decorative beams or braces under gables, and porches framed by tapered square columns. Craftsman bungalows often have unfinished but usable space in the attic tha...

Making the decision to purchase a home is a big deal, and there’s no doubt you’ve already put loads of research into the process. One aspect to consider is the type of architectural house style you envision yourself living in. From the clean lines and open floor plans of a contemporary home to the soft, rustic curves of adobe to the ornate grandeur of gothic architecture, each style offers its own set of characteristics. To help you narrow down your choices, we’re offering a quick rundown of some of the most common house styles on the market. Scott Van Dyke/Getty Images As its name implies, mid-century modern architecture rose in popularity in the 1940s through ‘60s, and can be traced back to the Bauhaus school in Germany. “Mid-century modern [houses] are notable for integrating interior and exterior experiences with wide expanses of glass, walk out terraces, and minimal geometric forms,” explains architect She adds that these homes typically feature open floor plans, high and often sloping ceilings, large sliding glass doors, precise yet inventive details, and open-air patio spaces. olaser/Getty Images Many people may not realize that most aspects of mid-century modern design are actually directly influenced by Scandinavian architecture. Both house styles are known for their simple lines, organic forms, minimalism, and embracement of nature. Perhaps the biggest distinguisher between the two is that Scandinavian design is more heavily focused on connecting the outdoor worl...

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