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Posted by on May 10, 2006, 12:24 pm
NOTE: I'm re-posting this, hoping for some comments that are actually
useful and sincere. I really appreciate any *real* advice from someone
who actually knows what they're talking about. That said...
I'm having a general contractor build a house that I designed using
Broderbund's 3D Home Architect software. It's a 2-story colonial, or
maybe you'd call it a colonial revival. Here is a link to something
that is similar...
http://www.originalhome.com/gallery/gallery_baseplan1.html
Our builder is very competent, but he's not very savvy when it comes to
traditional architecture. Most of his houses are basic ranches. He's
done some colonials and cape codes, and the workmanship is excellent,
but I've noticed some annoying shortcomings when it comes to design,
like the windows are not spaced uniformly, or he'll just leave out the
center window on the second story, or he won't allow the proper amount
of space between windows for shutters. I've mentioned some of these
things, and his comments have included, "We'll I'm not a big fan of
shutters, anyway." ...but this is a colonial!!! (Again, see the link
above for the traditional look I'm trying to accomplish.) Other
concerns include roof pitch, window trim, the front portico, door and
baseboard trim, etc.
So here's my question... Is there a book or online resource that I can
refer to for information about standards for colonial architecture,
like dimensions, proportions, window spacing, etc? I really want this
guy to build our house, but he just needs a little help to make sure he
doesn't overlook some important details that could make the house look
really silly.
Please help. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
John
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Posted by 3D Peruna on May 10, 2006, 5:14 pm
john@vieth.info wrote:
> NOTE: I'm re-posting this, hoping for some comments that are actually
> useful and sincere. I really appreciate any *real* advice from someone
> who actually knows what they're talking about. That said...
Rico DOES know what he's talking about. You just didn't like his answer.
If it was easy there wouldn't be architecture schools, right? Design is
something that doesn't just "happen". And in architecture design has
implications related to the constructibility. You like shutters, right?
How are you attaching them? What's the substrate? I'm sure you'd
like something that isn't going to house birds or bats or wasps behind
them, right?
>
> So here's my question... Is there a book or online resource that I can
> refer to for information about standards for colonial architecture,
> like dimensions, proportions, window spacing, etc? I really want this
> guy to build our house, but he just needs a little help to make sure he
> doesn't overlook some important details that could make the house look
> really silly.
Yes...there are books. Try Amazon.com. But if you're looking for
construction details, then no, you'll need an architect. You probably
won't find a "rule of thumb" book, though. Just books that discuss the
style and the details.
The design you're looking for will really require somebody who has
design ability. And it won't be cheap...neither the design itself or
the materials or the installation or the finishing. One of the reasons,
IMHO, that "colonial" type traditional architecture has fallen out of
favor is the craftsmanship required to do it right. That kind of
craftsmanship is very hard to find and even more expensive.
You want doors and windows to make sense, good proportions, etc. Hire a
professional designer. You'll be money ahead in the long run...and much
happier with the final product.
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