Exploring Various Victorian Architecture Styles
The term “Victorian” does not really refer to an architectural style. Instead, it refers to a historical period which began after the reign of Queen Victoria of England. Technically, any home architectural style which became prominent between the dates 1840-1900 is considered “Victorian”.
Much to everyone’s surprise, Victorian architecture structure comes in many different styles. These include Queen Anne, Second Empire, Italianate, and Stick-Eastlake. The varieties are products of the developments in transportation and construction during the Industrial Revolution.
Queen Anne
This is probably the most recognized architectural style under the Victorian period. As of today, you can still see many homes in the Southern and Western parts of the U.S. which fall under the Queen Anne style.
As a whole, homes and buildings that fall under this Victorian architecture style have wide wrap-around porches matched with multiple balconies and chimneys. They also have peculiar floor plans which have round structures that look like towers. In addition to that, many Queen Anne homes have large bay windows that pretty much signify the image of “gingerbread houses”.
Italianate
This architectural style is largely inspired by the artistic designs which were popularized during the Italian Renaissance period. If you want to get a glimpse of Italianate homes, you can find many old dwellings in the San Francisco area and the East Coast. For more modern varieties, you can also stop by the Garden District of New Orleans.
If you are not very familiar with this style, you’ll know you’re staring at one the moment you see some houses which have towers, multiple small chimneys, and tall and narrow windows out front.
Stick-Eastlake
Houses that fall under this Victorian architecture style are predominant in the Northeast area. In general, the “stick” houses refer to those homes which have steep roofs and overhangs. These homes also have wood shingles that cover the roofs and walls. To pose a more decorative appeal, stick homes also have square bay windows. Architects often refer to the style as “Eastlake”.
Second Empire
This category incorporates many French elements that were very popular during the period of the Second French Empire. Most of the houses in the Northeast and Midwest areas of the United States are inspired by this style. There are also many state institution offices and public buildings which incorporate this design – from the Philadelphia City hall to Washington’s Old Executive Building.
Houses that fall under this Victorian architecture style have rectangular towers that are matched with steep mansard roofs. The tips of these roofs are often crested with an iron trim. GP
Posted in Victorian Architecture on February 5, 2009 - 4:48 pm by admin |
