Classical
Home Plans they have been around forever and that is why the Classical Home
Plan can be the right choice when the desire for a “classy” residence is a
favored choice. There are several definable styles for a Classical
Home plan so the range of designs is not limited. Many custom home
plans are centered around a classical house design and may contain elements that
define the structure as Italianate, Greek Revival, Empire or Palladian
styles.
The Italianate style was introduced in the US in the 1830’s and have usually
been two to four story structures designed to resemble Northern Italian
villas. Floor plans for this Classical Home plan can be classically
symmetrical or fancifully asymmetrical. The roof line is often low pitched
with a wide overhanging eave that is ornately bracketed. Also seen are
cornices and square cupolas that were designed to allow in the Italian breezes
of the Mediterranean. Exterior construction is smooth stone, brick or wood
clapboard siding.
The Italianate style is adorned by tall narrow pairs of double hung windows
and sometimes bay windows and there are romantic porches and views from
elaborate balconies. Entry doors are massive and are heavily molded and
they lead to spacious rooms and gracious entry ways. Ceilings are high and
are crowned with handsome moldings.
Another Classical Home plan style is the Greek Revival. Greek styles
were popular in the years between 1830 and 1860 and represented a political
preference to the Greek ideal of democracy. The large iconic mansion seen
in Gone with the Wind is an example of how the style
was preferred in the Deep South in the plantations. Styled by an exterior
of classic clapboard siding, bold yet simple and symmetrical shape and low
pitched gable roof lines, the Greek Revival, Classical home plan is still a
representation of prosperity and gracious living.
And who could not be captured by the huge columns supporting the wide spread
porch and tall six pane windows that let in the sun. The entry doors are
usually adorned by wide side lights and a rectangular transom, dressed with
pilasters, pediments or columns. These windows are simple and less
elaborate than the entry doorway. And this is how the Greek revival house
plan is referred to as the Southern Colonial House plan.
The Empire style of architecture enjoyed popularity in the period between
1860 and 1880. The name comes from the revival of France during the reign
of Napoleon III which proved to be France’s “Second Empire”. What
makes the Empire Classical house plan identifiable is its unique roof. The
design of the roof allowed for an upper floor within the roof and was useful in
the design of urban town houses. This design also allowed for the maximum
use of floor space and square footage but eliminated the massive appearance of
the building. Many of the exterior features of the house are similar to
those found in the Italianate Classical home plan.
So if the Classical home plan is the one, there is plenty of room to define
the style further and make it personal for the maximum in gracious, classical,
and discriminating home style living.
Preston Wood and Associates is a member the "American Institute of
Building Design" or "AIBD". The "AIBD" is a national organization with
chapters in every major city including
was preferred in the Deep South in the plantations. Styled by an exterior
of classic clapboard siding, bold yet simple and symmetrical shape and low
pitched gable roof lines, the Greek Revival, Classical home plan is still a
representation of prosperity and gracious living.
