Georgian

 Georgian Architecture : (1720 - 1800)

The Georgian method of design directly originated from the work of Sir Christopher Wren, a popular English architect. The style itself dates back to the early reign of King George I and it became very prevalent in America during the 1700’s. However, the popularity of Georgian homes diminished during the establishment of the US and the growing development of the Federal style. Although early Georgian architecture has perished in the cities of the northeast, many of the earliest buildings still remain in the cities of the eastern seaboard. (1)

Areas of Use:

Georgian homes can be found today in cities such as Georgetown, Williamsburg, and Annapolis. They have been preserved and protected because of the slower economy. The Georgian style, however, was initially popular in New England as well. (1)

Materials:

Homes of the north were built with wood and clapboard or shingle cladding. Although the Georgian style is mainly associated with brick siding, Southern Georgian homes were mainly built using stone and stucco. Very often, the entrances were fitted with a combination of pediments, arches, and pilasters made from a range of different materials. (1)

Characteristics:

Georgian Style homes are sometimes associated with the colonial era and share similar characteristics to this style of home. This style also makes use of Renaissance design elements found in European architecture. Typically, they are built with hip style roofs with or without dormers. The Georgian style is mainly characterized by a noticeable use of symmetry in the window and door placement, shape of the house, and placement of columns and chimneys. Ornately decorated moldings and trim also add to the elegant style of these homes. (2)



Famous Houses:

- Gunston Hall: Mason Neck, VA

- Dumbarton Oaks: Washington DC

- MacPhaedris-Warner House: Portsmouth, NH

- Stratford Hall: Stratford, VA

Links

References:

http://www.askthearchitect.org/architectural-styles/georgian-style-architecture (1)

http://architecture.about.com/od/periodsstyles/ig/House-Styles/Georgian.htm (2)

http://www.vintagedesigns.com/architecture/virginiageorgian.htm (3)