Several Architectural Designs

The Architectural Garrison Design

An attractive house that includes a number of special features is a modern presentation for the traditional Garrison. A distinguishing feature is the overhanging second story. This construction technique includes a number of advantages. First the separate corner post on each floor make it possible to use shorter, stronger posts. Secondly The short straight lines provide economy in framing materials. Last but not least extra space is added at the second level by the overhang at very little extra cost. The steep pitch roof adds attic space. Narrow siding maintains the traditional styling.

The Salt Box Design

 An interesting and easily recognizable Colonial is the Salt Box, it is a direct offshoot of the basic colonial half house, resulting in a long roofline sloping gently from ridge to eaves. Many of today's beautiful homes have borrowed from this distinctive style, developed by master builders of early American times. The Salt Bo. House gets its name from the shape of coffee, tea, cracker, and salt boxes found in Colonial stores. The side elevations of these containers had the same general shape as this fascinating architectural style. Variations of this style are used to enhance many new homes.

 The long low roofline at the rear of the house came about by the addition of "lean-to" structures being attached to add more living space. As further developments evolved, the low slanting roof was helpful in combating the bitter winds common to New England winters.

The southern Colonial Design

One of the most gracious of all the Colonials is the traditional Southern Colonial. The style, which reflects the warmth, quaintness, and hospitality of the old south, is shown throughout the Southern Colonial. This modern design borrows many of the fine details of the Southern Colonial to express a mood of elegance and traditional charm. The outstanding architectural features are the front colonnade and the giant portico. The extended portico sheltered the front entrance from the weather and kept direct sunlight from glaring into the first and second story rooms. These homes were usually massive, with upper and lower balconies, three story chimney for bedroom fireplaces, ornate woodwork and iron trim, and a roof over the driveway to protect persons using the side entrance. Many of these features of the Southern Colonial may be adapted to the aesthetic qualities of modern homes.

 

It is evident that the influences of the past, both in beauty and function, have had a profound effect on modern home designs. On the other hand, many new materials, appliances and modes of living have caused the architect to "think out" ways to plan homes for all styles of modern living. The modern American home is a combination of many of these factors.

Modern Structures

The style of houses, that is generally called modern, is the result of years of architectural planning, design and evolution. Many are will planned while others lack imagination or design balance. Some inexpensive homes are functionally satisfactory for a family, yet for economical measure, the exterior styling may have to be quite conservative in the use of a variety of materials. The ability of the architect and the needs ofr finances of the family are two factors which generally dictate the modern styles being planned.

The term modern or contemporary does not denote any one particular architectural style. Most modern homes borrow some distinctive features from more traditional structures. Others appear almost independent of past designs, and it makes little difference in our society just what constitutes modern styling. The most important job for the architect is to design a home that satisfies the customer, one that he or she may live in with pride and joy. In today's society, individual tastes vary to the extent that many people desire a house that is distinctly different from other houses. The owner may have a great satisfaction that his house represents his style of living and individuality. He may enjoy the warmth of natural wood, or solid structural design of a brick home.

The rapid development of new construction materials and methods of fabrication has made it possible to design homes that require a minimum of maintenance, for example some make use of extensive glass, or place the emphasis on exposed structural members.

The Ranch Design

One Prominent modern architectural home style is the ranch home. This is basically a lone, low, one story house that grew out of the "ranchers" homes of the southwestern part of the country. The plain ranch design generally has a low pitched roof with gables and overhanging eaves. It is normally built on a concrete slab with no basement. However, over the years ranch homes have taken on many newer features. They usually have a one or two car attached garage. Basements are often added, and many have gone to an L shape to add interest and break up the straight line effect. Skylights and cathedral ceilings, provide variations.

New design concepts and additions to the basic ranch style have probably added more to the development of contemporary of futuristic homes than any other major factors. The ranch has taken new twists, turns, angles and curves to the enchantment of the architect of today and tomorrow. To visit an online CAD drafting, and 3D Modeling companies follow this link Invention & Prototype Design Services