Perfect Thanksgiving, Perfect Family Home
Do you know the difference between Craftsman and Northwest Craftsman? Or Contemporary and Modern?
For most of us, the nuances between architectural styles are subtle at most, causing a breakdown in communication between agent and new home buyer when searching for new home construction.
Once you have an understanding of the differences in common architectural styles found in the Northwest, you can successfully seek out architects and new home builders who offer floorplans in the architectural styling you prefer.
Here is a list of popular architectural styles commonly found in the desirable west side communities of Bend and Central Oregon, including the golf community of Tetherow, historic Downtown Bend, and the mixed-use community of Northwest Crossing.
Historic Roots: The Bungalow first emerged in California in the 1880’s. It’s low-pitched roof and smaller footprint was a direct opposition to the large, elaborate stylings of the then-popular Victorian homes. The direct translation of the word bungalow is “small, thatched home.”
Bungalow Styling: Today’s bungalows are defined by their low-pitched, gabled or hipped roofs and covered front porches. Bungalows are usually one or one-and-a-half stories, with dormers and a sloped roof.
Historic Roots: The Craftsman style home was popularized at the turn of the 20th century by architect and furniture designer Gustav Stickley in his magazine, The Craftsman.
Craftsman Styling: Taking a note from the simplistic styling and removed ornamentation of the Bungalow, a Craftsman home was once defined as a house “reduced to it’s simplest form.” The lack of character was seen as a way for the home to blend with its surrounding landscape.
Today’s Craftsman homes are defined by overhanging eaves, gabled roofs, wide front porches, and pedestal columns, with exterior finishes that blend with the surroundings: often stone, wood, or stucco. Nature and natural define the Craftsman home; large doors and windows, natural elements, and clean lines all attempt to blur the lines between the interior and the outside landscape.
Northwest Craftsman Architecture
Historical Roots: Taking notes from its bigger brother, the Northwest Craftsman is a Pacific Northwest architectural take on the traditional Craftsman.
Northwest Craftsman Styling: Incorporating elements unique to the Pacific Northwest, the Northwest Craftsman is simple in design with elements of mostly wood: wood exterior, wood shake roofing, and hardwoods inside. “Bringing the outdoors in” is achieved with natural light streaming in from large windows and doors, and interior finishes that complement the natural beauty of the Northwest region.
Historical Roots: Dating back from 1950 to 1970, Contemporary architects coined the term to describe the home for the “Modern family.”
Contemporary Styling: Identified by tall, odd-sized windows, lack of ornamentation, and unique use of materials such as stone, brick, and wood, Contemporary homes are generally one-story tall with exposed beams, and simple styling that blends with the surrounding landscape. Contemporary homes are often devoid of frills and decoration, but build character through asymmetrical shape, and large, open spaces.
Historical Roots: Made popular in suburban Chicago in 1893 by Frank Lloyd Wright, this early 20th-Century style home is still common throughout the Midwest, and a popular choice for North Westerners because the intent behind the design was to bring inhabitants closer to the natural world outside, as well as physically and psychologically meeting the needs of its dwellers.
Prairie Styling: Prairie houses can by boxy and symmetrical or low-slung and asymmetrical. The concept behind the Prairie home is a box subdivided into smaller boxes. Sweeping horizontal lines, wide-open floor plans, small rows of windows, and discipline with ornamental elements all define this mid-century home. Exteriors often contain a single-story porch with massive square supports, and stylized floral and circular geometric terra-cotta or masonry ornamentation around doors, windows, and cornices.
What’s your architectural preference? We can do it!
Greg Welch Construction specializes in a variety of popular Northwest home stylings, including Craftsman, Prairie, and Contemporary house styles. Whether maintaining the architectural integrity of a historic remodel, or working with local architects to create a new Mid-Century Modern home collection, Greg Welch Construction is able to work with client and architect to ensure beauty meets livability and sustainability.
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