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kar1983

exterior material suggestions

6 years ago

We are looking to incorporate 2-3 exterior materials. Would like the stone veneer to be in the mix for sure but, would appreciate suggestion for materials and how to break up the different sections. For the stone we like a light gray color and plan to have a wide set mortar in white. Thanks in advance for your suggestions.

Comments (23)

  • PRO
    6 years ago

    A 3D model would help you visualize the house and different materials.




  • PRO
    6 years ago
    last modified: 6 years ago

    I'm not sure breaking up the different sections is appropriate for your style home. I believe that would be consider a contrivance of a builder and not an architect. I'm assuming you have an architect on such a large project. What does the architect recommend? Here are some homes in the style of yours, You can still build a French Manor house with less roof and it will still look great.














    Below is a sprawling Franch compound in Napa Vallley. It has an unquie coupling of materials that makes the estate appear 'vintage'






  • 6 years ago

    ...

  • 6 years ago

    I'm with Beverly. I'd choose ONE exterior cladding. Stone would be most appropriate, IMHO, for a French manor house. ONE material would provide a strong, bold confidence - one that is lacking in most of today's residential architecture. Too many elements would say, "I'm meek and just can't make a decision so I'll choose all of the above" which is definitely NOT something this particular home should convey as it's formal and stately in nature.

  • PRO
    6 years ago
    last modified: 6 years ago

    Since the form and features of the proposed house are very complex and busy, the best approach for siding is probably to simplify and limit the exterior skin of the house to a single harmonious material.

    Where will the house be built--what sort of climate?

  • 6 years ago

    In NC.

  • 6 years ago

    Agree with the above posters, a single cohesive material will allow the shape of the house to come through strong. This design definitely does not warrant multiple materials - it should look like it was built all at once, thoughtfully, using a high end material.

  • PRO
    6 years ago

    I agree with RES that removing some elements would improve the design. I'd suggest stone and stucco for the exterior materials--full building stone vs. thinstone unless the thin stone is available with cut corners and you've got a great stone mason.

    If you'd like to see examples of this architectural style done right, you can peruse the portfolios of Jack Arnold http://jackarnold.com/homes-of-elegance/

    Since you're in NC, if you'll invest in a field trip to Charlotte you should be able to do "drive-bys" of homes in this style for inspiration. Simonini Builders (not the current company, but the one which existed in the 1990's and early 2000's) in Charlotte built quite a number of homes in this architectural style.

  • 6 years ago

    Below is a comparison of the two options we were deciding between. You will have to over look the different stone options on the second option. I just grabbed a pic of the quickest version I came across. I prefer the one with the simplified front. But I also like the one with the added entrance. It was my husband’s favorite. Between the two which is preferred. I understand the front porch doesn’t keep with the formal style however, we definitely want a porch. But with everyone suggesting to simplify I’m curious which is preferred.

  • PRO
    6 years ago

    If you haven't already, engage an architect that is well versed in the style you wish to build. Some of the areas of the house on the drawings work on paper, but in reality I fear will be difficult to construct. No gargoyles?


  • 6 years ago

    Gargoyles! That’s what’s missing!! Thanks! Awesome input👍🏻

  • 6 years ago

    I really like the porch and the facade of the one with the porch - getting rid of the middle section.

  • 6 years ago

    Losing the center element brings some semblance of order and sophistication to the design but a front porch on a formal manor house is just strange. Perhaps you should research less formal French medieval architecture or at least pick one century.

  • 6 years ago

    but a front porch on a formal manor house is just strange.


    I agree that it looks out of place. An honestly, front porches get used FAR less often than people think they will unless you're in Mayberry and have no back yard.



  • 6 years ago

    In the south porches are loved. My husband works from a home office and he frequently steps out on the front porch for calls as well. So we will actually use the space. Home will be located in a culdesac so I will also sit on the porch to watch my child play on her ride on toys. Our current porch we enjoy having coffee in the mornings or just rocking on and chatting while it rains. It’s just a change of scenery from inside.

  • 6 years ago

    I'm in the South, too, @kar1983, but we generally use our back porch for those things :)

  • 6 years ago

    We’ve added extensive porch to the back as well. Husbands office is located off the front porch, if he had to walk through the main den to access back porch while on conference calls then there would be interruptions from everyday life. For us it’s a big plus for him to be able to open the office door and step into a cover porch for some fresh air and quiet environment.

  • 6 years ago

    Since you mention being on a cul-de-sac How does your particular design aesthetic fit into your overall neighborhood? It's a unique, grand style not often seen these days :)

  • 6 years ago

    Subdivision is made of similar styles. We will be a little over priced so that is why we are looking at making changes. One of those possibly being changing from the all stone exterior. I feel feel like a consistent material is best for the exterior. Below are a couple of the homes on the same street.

  • 6 years ago

    How about a patio in front rather than a porch?

  • 6 years ago

    Would like it covered for inclement weather

  • 6 years ago

    The entrance becomes unremarkable in the version with the porch. Could you change the two french doors to either side so the front door will be more important?