Building Blocks

A brief look at architecture as it has evolved over time.

Dutch Colonial

1. Timeframe: 1650-1750
2. Building Materials: stone or brick walls with cedar siding for the second story, splitwood shingles or tiles roofs
3. Structure: The earliest homes resembled that of the English cottage (single room structures, with steep roofs). However, the Dutch Colonial was stone made with wood shingled roofs. Modifications would be having a brick front facing the street. This was one of the first Row Houses. Adaptations of the basic cottage began around 1700. The roof steep gabled roof was flattened out and flaring eaves were added giving the home a graceful bell-shaped curve. Not only did this overhang add front and rear verandas but it protected the mud mortar entrance and foundation from water runoff. Two section doors were introduce. This allowed for fresh air without allowing barnyard animals entrance to the home.

Building Blocks

A brief look at architecture as it has evolved over time.

Medieval

1. Timeframe: 1635-1735
2. Building Materials: stone foundations, wooden beams, brick and leaded glass
3. Structure: Many of these homes resembled the English Cottage in appearance but as families grew the homes needed to accommodate the added family members. Hence, the addition. Each side was complete with its own tall brick chimney. Dormers were added to the lofts since they functioned as sleeping space. Below the stone foundation a crude mud cellar was dug out. The wood shingled gabled roofs were steep. Two story homes were introduced.