Details of Traditional Construction

Neoclassical

• In the United States' formative years, Classical Greek and Roman construction styles were highly prized for their clean lines, symmetry and sheer size. Modern buildings that adopt details from these styles are called neoclassical and feature pure geometric forms, open, airy rooms and usually at least one of the several styles of columns used by ancient Greek and Roman architects: Corinthian, Doric and Ionic. Neoclassical construction styles are further divided into four main variations: Greek Revival, Idealist, Rationalist and Federalist.

Colonial

• The standard Colonial construction style, which features a basic four-on-four room house plan, a central hall and stair case, is one of the most popular architectural styles in America. This traditional construction style came into fashion during the mid-1700s for its space and symmetry, and identifying details include a central doorway flanked by two windows, five windows across the second floor and either a central fireplace or a pair of fireplaces, one on each house end. In addition to the traditional New England Colonial construction style, German Colonial, Dutch Colonial, Georgian Colonial and French Colonial styles are also prevalent in buildings across the United States.

Spanish

• The traditional Spanish style of construction calls to mind the Spanish influence in Florida, Texas and American Southwest during the United States' early years. Buildings constructed in the traditional Spanish style feature a great deal of ornamentation, red-tile roofs and thick stucco walls to keep interiors cool during hot summer months. Wrought-iron is prominent in entrances and windows of traditional Spanish-style buildings, as are heavy columns, rounded doors, irregularly placed windows, ceramic tile floors and an asymmetrical building front. The Spanish style of construction incorporates ideas and details from the Mediterranean, Native Americans of the Southwest, Africa and Portugal, and it is also known as Neo-Mediterranean style, Pueblo Revival style and Mission style.

Victorian

• The North American Victorian style of architecture became popular during the last half of the 19th century. Victorian homes and buildings are typically multi-story, adorned with turrets or gables and highly ornamental - a stark contrast from earlier, more baron construction styles. Factory-made building materials made the inclusion of decorative detail possible in practically every area of the Victorian home, including roof lines, entrance ways and in each room. The Victorian style of architecture is divided into several variations, each distinct in its own way: the Queen Anne style, the Gothic Revival style, and the Italianate style, to name a few.