Architectural Tutorial: Cupola

Is it pronounced "queue-pola" or "coo-pola" or "cup-ola?"  To-may-toh, to-mah-toh.  Either way, what is it?

Officially defined by good 'ole Merriam-Webster, a cupola is simply "a small structure built on top of a roof."  The Penguin Dictionary of Architecture defines a cupola as "a dome, especially a small dome on a circular or polygonal base crowning a roof or turret."  However, these days, people have used the term "cupola" to define structures that aren't necessarily dome shaped.  

Here are a few examples of Visbeen-designed homes with cupola's perched atop their roof...

There is another type of roof-type structure that has often been grouped under the term cupola but is actually a little different.  A monitor is a raised structure running along the ridge of a double-pitched roof, with it's own roof running parallel with the main roof.  The long sides of monitors usually contain windows.  It has been said that these structures were named monitors because they were often used on the rooflines of larger estates, especially lake or oceanfront residences, so that someone could monitor what was going on around the home from an aerial location. (I'm hearing "The British are coming! The British are coming!" in my mind right now.  Maybe Paul Revere wouldn't have needed the midnight ride if he had a nice monitor to sit in.  Just a thought.)

So, "queue-pola" or "coo-pola?"  Either way, they add a bit of architectural interest and a lot of whimsy to the roofline of a variety of home styles.

Architectural Tutorial: Timber Frame

A residential construction method used commonly in the 17th and 18th century, timber framing did more than just create sturdy structures.  It has impacted design elements and details that have been incorporated into architectural styles for years beyond.  Today, we most commonly see elements of timber framing in mountain, lodge and adirondack style homes.  Originally, it was a form of carpentry that involved taking large pieces of wood and joining them together with woodworking joints.  Wooden pegs, braces and trusses were employed.  In modern construction, these elements can still be seen but often are more ornamental rather than structural.  

Visbeen Architects incorporates timber framing details in a variety of style homes.  It can add a thread of rustic to a contemporary or formal style of architecture or solidify the lodge-esque feel.  Here are a few examples...

In mountain, adirondack, lodge and timber frame homes, there are a number of products that can help achieve the overall look.

1.  Roofing:  GAF Roofing has an impact resistant line of shingles called Grand Sequoia that are meant to give a rugged wood-shake look at a fraction of the cost of traditional state, wood shakes or expensive metal roofs.

2.  Hardware: Rocky Mountain Hardware makes hinges, door and cabinet hardware, faucets, sinks and more that give a rustic, yet refine feel.  Their products can be seen in such places as Idaho's State Capitol, Pelican Hill Resort near Newport Beach, California and Sun Valley Resort, in the rocky mountains of Central Idaho.

3. Lighting:  Old California Lantern Company creates high-quality lighting fixtures inspired by California history and architecture, offering handmade products in Bungalow, Cottage and Western Style. 

4.  Windows:  Pella Windows create standard and custom windows for a variety of architectural styles, but in addition to their traditional hardware collection, Pella offers Rocky Mountain Hardware.  Each piece is handcrafted in solid bronze and available in a diverse palette of hand-applied finishes for those who want their windows to make a personal, enduring style statement.

Sources:

http://www.loc.gov/rr/print/list/100_tim.html

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Timber_framing

Architectural Tutorial: Columns

We're not talking about ancient Greece and Rome, where the latest fashion is togas, laurel leaf crowns, and architecture consists of giant temples with ornate pillars.  We are talking about practical, residential applications of the design element that ancient architects put into place for the generations beyond.  Today, we will focus on three common column types that we use, marking the exterior of the home with a distinctive style.

Tuscan. Because of it's simplicity, the Tuscan order is seen as similar to the Greek Doric order, although its proportions follow the ratio of the Ionic order more closely.  As defined by the Italian architect, Sebastiano Serlio, the Tuscan order was suitable for fortified places like city gates, fortresses, castles or where artillery was held.  In more recent days in a residential application, it became a part of the Georgian style due to the ability of carpenters to easily work up with a few planing tools.

Craftsman. Otherwise known as a square column, the craftsman column is typically tapered and is most often seen as a defining characteristic of Arts and Crafts homes.  They are handsome, historical and simple in style.  Tapered square column can be combined with supporting pedestals constructed of other materials like stone, brick, stucco or even wood siding.

Stone. These columns ad a natural element to the exterior of a home.  Stone can create a more rustic appeal or ad a level of sophistication with an almost castle-like appearance.  Even contemporary styles can incorporate this type of column.

Sources:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tuscan_order
http://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/1834504/list/Renovation-Detail--The-Tapered-Craftsman-Column

Architectural Tutorial: Battered Walls

No, this is not the look you get when you take out your frustrations on the walls of your home.  Battered is an architectural term for a wall with a receding slope from the ground upwards, narrowing at the top.  The same term can be used to describe chimneys and columns that have bases wider than the top.  This design term dates all the way back to ancient times, when battered walls were used to deter invaders from breaking down walls.  The receding slope added a level of stability against attacks of weapons like battering rams.  Today, they are used as interesting design elements that give the exterior a little pizzazz.  Plus, you get the added bonus of your home being able withstand battering rams - how cool is that!

 Railside remodel

 Reynard

 Andover

Cathead Bay

Sources:

http://www.angelfire.com/wy/svenskildbiter/madict.html/
http://www.thefreedictionary.com/batter

Architectural Tutorial: The American Farmhouse

When you think of the word "farmhouse," does your mind immediately go to a picturesque rural landscape with the sun setting behind a field of shoulder-height corn, bare-footed children running around and John Deere tractors parked nearby?  Not all farmhouses are straight out of The Little House on the Prairie.  They have classic design elements from a variety of architectural styles, including Cape Cod, Georgian and Victorian, that can fit in just about any American neighborhood.

Some of the core elements of the American Farmhouse style include dormers, covered porches, and white paint with floor plans that are both practical and pleasant for a growing family.  Originally, more formal spaces were placed near the front of the home, but in modern day, formal spaces are being left by the wayside to gathering spaces with an overall feeling of welcome and comfort.  One thing that can be said about this style is that it gives an general feeling of nostalgia of a simpler time, with a sentimental connection to the land surrounding it and our country's rich architectural history.  Come to think of it, maybe a home design straight out of The Little House on the Prairie wouldn't be all bad!

Here are a few of Visbeen's farmhouse designs....

Packed with plenty of farmhouse flavor, the design of the Madison was inspired by the past but features the best of the present.

Farmhouse meets Four Square in Valley Ridge's classic four bedroom, 4 1/2 –bath American design.

Classic yet comfortable, the Hillsborough draws upon a long tradition of American farmhouses and captures the ease and elegance of a simpler time. Like the farmhouses it emulates, the house looks as if it has been added on to through the years, giving it a variety of interesting angles and additions perfect for a long, narrow lot.

Mulford

Another classic American farmhouse design with all of the amenities and floor plan flow of modern day.

Sources:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Farmhouse

http://www.trustile.com/findyourstyle/farmhouse.asp?cid=389