Architecture
Roots of Style: Meet Your Traditional Home's Classical Ancestors
Traditional architecture's genes began in ancient Greece and Rome — discover your home's style forefathers here
When someone says they have a traditional home, what does that mean? Of course, you have to consider the context, and that could trace to quite a few different circumstances, but traditional style most commonly refers to homes with a strong connection to the classical architecture of ancient Greece and Rome.
If you live in a house that is considered even slightly traditional, take a closer look at its facade, entry, windows and eaves. You are likely to find classical details such as a fluted column, a coffered ceiling, or a window framed with detailed molding. Ancient classical architecture remains the source for those elements and how they come together in a building that is elegantly composed and pleasing to experience.
Several residential styles developed out of the study of ancient classical architecture. Early classical revival, Greek revival and neoclassical are three. The homes below are either authentic examples of those styles or are heavily influenced by them. All are unique yet follow this specific discipline of architectural expression. Do you see elements of your house here?
If you live in a house that is considered even slightly traditional, take a closer look at its facade, entry, windows and eaves. You are likely to find classical details such as a fluted column, a coffered ceiling, or a window framed with detailed molding. Ancient classical architecture remains the source for those elements and how they come together in a building that is elegantly composed and pleasing to experience.
Several residential styles developed out of the study of ancient classical architecture. Early classical revival, Greek revival and neoclassical are three. The homes below are either authentic examples of those styles or are heavily influenced by them. All are unique yet follow this specific discipline of architectural expression. Do you see elements of your house here?
In this modern home we can see allusions to early classical revival, particularly in the compound plan. Entirely symmetrical and equally proportioned fenestration is repeated at descending forms presenting a more complex elevation than other examples. Most newer houses have more complex plans like this one.
Greek Revival
Distinguished from early classical revival by a prominent cornice, the band of detail below the eave, this newer, single-level Greek revival presents a more modest profile than the previous examples yet adheres to the formal expression of its style.
Distinguished from early classical revival by a prominent cornice, the band of detail below the eave, this newer, single-level Greek revival presents a more modest profile than the previous examples yet adheres to the formal expression of its style.
In this updated Greek revival with generously proportioned Ionic columns, we can see an off-center entrance door. Notice the carefully considered proportions and details of the addition to the left of the original structure.
Greek revival was popular in the middle of the 19th century, and many urban townhouses were fashioned in that style, similar to the one shown here.
Historically, Greek revival was one of the most influential styles in American architecture. Indelible images persist of the grand plantation houses of the South, and many suburban developments are full of homes that exhibit the massing and form for which this style is known.
Historically, Greek revival was one of the most influential styles in American architecture. Indelible images persist of the grand plantation houses of the South, and many suburban developments are full of homes that exhibit the massing and form for which this style is known.
Neoclassical
In this neoclassical home the porch is two stories and extends the full width of the primary structure. Slender Tuscan columns support a flat porch roof. There are vast numbers of less articulated homes across the United States that resemble this style subtype.
In this neoclassical home the porch is two stories and extends the full width of the primary structure. Slender Tuscan columns support a flat porch roof. There are vast numbers of less articulated homes across the United States that resemble this style subtype.
Classical Lines in Modern Homes
While modernists promote the absence of ornament, they also incorporate the classical philosophy of order, proportion and repetition. Though this house is clearly modern, it is not difficult to see its resemblance to the other examples in its organization and massing.
While modernists promote the absence of ornament, they also incorporate the classical philosophy of order, proportion and repetition. Though this house is clearly modern, it is not difficult to see its resemblance to the other examples in its organization and massing.
This home is an amalgamation of historical references, some classical and others vernacular, medieval and modern. The elevation illustrates classical symmetry, balance and massing; the steeply pitched roof feels medieval; and the streamlined detail ultimately defines it as modern. Yet the home's setting also reflects the vernacular of similarly shaped homes in the vicinity.
Next: Does Your House Have Medieval Roots?
Next: Does Your House Have Medieval Roots?
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This authentic modern example of an early classical revival includes a dominant two-story porch supported by Tuscan columns with a second-floor balcony and a balustrade that joins into the columns. The association with Greek and Roman temples and other monuments that survived through the centuries is clear. Symmetry and repeated fenestration are key.