Different Types of Houses

Wondering about the different types of houses around the world? Design and layout form the basis of the classification of the houses around the world. Read on to know more about different types of houses.

With the passage of time, the designs and layout of houses have gone through a sea change. Improved construction methods and development of new construction materials has given rise to different types of houses around the world. Houses can be classified on the basis of the style of architecture or construction designs. Time brings about various changes and different styles of architecture have developed during different eras. Geography or location has also had an impact on the housing designs. You might have heard of some of the popular types of houses such as cottages, ranch, chalets, colonial houses, bungalow and mansions. Let's find out more about the structure and design elements of these different types of houses.

Cape Cod
Cape Cod is popular in the North eastern United States. The origins of Cape Cod can be traced back to early 18th century. It is linked with the colonial era. The colonists who traveled from the New England to England adapted the English house with a hall and a parlor as a model and remodeled it using some local materials to ensure protection against the stormy weather. Generally,these 1 or 1½ storied timbered houses are covered in shingles and clapboards and the exteriors are slightly ornamented. Decorative shutters, hardwood floors and a large central fireplace that is connected to all the rooms are prominent features of this style of architecture. Other features includethe multi-paned, double-hung windows and a central hall floor plan.

Colonial Houses
As the name suggests, these are linked with the colonial era. The prominent feature of this style of architecture is symmetry. These houses are rectangular or square in shape and have multi-squared panes and evenly spaced windows. In the colonial times, these houses had a symmetrical shape along with low ceiling and doors. The designs of a colonial house could range from simple to elaborate. These are multi-storied houses with the main living area on one floor, whereas the bedrooms are on the higher floors. Some of the other features are timbered framing, open porches, decorative columns or door being crowned by molding. Victorian style houses are included in this category.

Tudor House
This architectural style is linked to the reign of Tudors in England. Towards the end of the 19th century, the Tudor houses made its appearance in the United States. This style of house could have multiple chimneys, inlaid brick patterns and wooden frames. Other features could be small and flattened arches and pillared porches. The size of the house could vary from a small cottage to a huge mansion.

Bungalow
Bungalow style homes are generally 1½ or 2 stories tall. The second floor generally covers less area than the first floor. The prominent features are low-pitched roofs, stone chimneys, large attics, broad eaves and large porches. Due to the vast area that is covered by the roof, the attics absorb a lot of heat during the summer seasons. These are popular due to their heat-reducing features.

Ranch
Ranch homes are simple homes. These one-story houses and have a simple layout. These could be rectangular, L shaped or U-shaped with large double hung windows. The concept of open spaces is a prominent part of this home as one large area might be used for the living room, dining room, kitchen and in some cases family room. Ranch homes were the first to popularize the concept of attached garage. With time, the traditional ranch home layouts have undergone a change and the concept of split level or raised ranch has become popular too.

Saltbox
Saltbox is a kind of frame house which has an uneven arrangement of stories. It has two stories in the front and one at the back. Traditionally, wooden framing is a part of Saltbox and its roof is asymmetrical. The roof has been made asymmetrical to accommodate the uneven arrangement of stories, it has a steep roof in its front and the extension at the back is covered using the much longer, sloping roof in the back. These houses are covered in clapboard siding.

Split Level
In case of the Split level homes, the entry is located between two floors. You enter the split level house on the second level, here you might find one set of small staircases leading up and another set leading down. The living room, dining room and the kitchen might be on the second level. The bathrooms and bedrooms would be in the next level. The level below might have a family room.

Дата добавления: 2015-10-29