Housing and Interiors I

6.01 Architectural Features

Sherry Brooks

David W. Butler HS

Roofs: What’s your style?

Flat Roof

One of the most economical roofs to build. Usually not covered with traditional roofing materials. There will be some slope for drainage and is usually found on commercial buildings

Gable Roof

Most popular residential style roof. Simple and economical to build, allows good ventilation. Can be high or low pitched

Hip Roof

More complicated than the gable. Provides a cornice on all 4 sides of the house. Ventilation is not good as a general rule

Gambrel Roof

Often called a “barn” roof. Common with Dutch Colonial style. Permits headroom on top level of home.

Mansard Roof

Provides extra space on top floor of house. 2 slopes on all sides, with lower slope being steep and upper slope almost flat.

Shed Roof

Has more slope ELL: extension built at right angles to the

length of the structure

Architectural Features

Shingles

Thin, oblong pieces of material, usually wood, that are laid in overlapping rows to cover the roof and sides of structure

Clapboards

Boards with one edge thicker than the other laid in overlapping rows

Dormers

Structures projecting through a steeply pitched roof. Windows are called “dormer windows”

Stucco

Plaster material made of cement, sand, and lime used on siding of house

Pilasters

Decorative flattened columns that frame an area

Pediment

Triangular or arched decoration above a door or window

Broken pediment

Cornice

Decorative strip at the area where the roof and walls meet. Can be interior or exterior.

Fanlight

Small, semicircular, round, or oval window with fan-shaped panes of glass above a door

Portico

Tall, open porch supported by columns over the front entrance

Gingerbread

Lacy looking cutout wood trimming

Gingerbread (con’t)