While the United States has been a sovereign country for quite some time now–over two hundred years—its colonial past is still very much seen in the various elements that govern daily living in America. From the culture, the music and the food, the modern-day United States still carries the contributions of the many settlers who came to the New World looking for great treasures and finds that could be brought back to Europe. The architecture was also likewise influenced a lot by the Europeans who built edifices in the places they settled as they tried to get a piece of America for themselves. Even today, the designs of these colonial style homes are much sought after by the American people.
Here are the various features of colonial houses in the United States.
English
As one would expect, the most prevalent type of colonial housing was the one attributed to the sailors from the British Isles. The designs of the houses are also call late medieval since these become very popular in the New World during the 17th century. The features of these houses included the steep ceiling and a singular stone chimney that emerges from the middle of the house.
Houses with this design have very small windows, since glass was quite a luxury to be taken to the colony. The houses were mostly made out of brick and other building materials that give the edifice a very imposing façade.
French
The French also had their chance to step on the American heartland. The French wasted no time when they went from the island of Hispaniola to Louisiana to influence the locals with their signature French culture. They went up the Mississippi river and up to the state of Missouri, traces of French influence can still be felt in the area.
Due to the general location of the French colonies, most French colonial houses were constructed on lumber posts. These were meant to keep the house on top of the water if ever the Mississippi river overflowed. The cottage was usually a one storey building that also used the bottom compartment in between the posts as a storage area and spare room during the months when the water level was low.
Spanish
Spanish colonial housing is so easy to find that you won’t even need to have maps to find most of them in the country. These types of houses are very evident in Florida and Texas and can be found in other locations along the Gulf Coast. They are usually finished in a fine lime mortar that gives the building a very white glow. There is also generous use of wood in these buildings.
Any of these looks can be translated to more modern takes that can still be useful and attractive in today’s market. That is exactly what a lot of architects are doing—reining in nostalgia with old houses with the modern sensibilities of today’s lifestyle. Colonial style housing does not only influence American architecture, but more importantly, these help preserve our rich culture, deeply rooted in traditions from our forefathers.
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