Architectural Styles: Which Will Work Best For My Home?
For many people, the opportunity to build your home from the ground up is a dream come true. Designing your property exactly how you want it, down to the last detail. It’s exciting! With so much creative freedom, however, deciding between architectural styles can be a challenge. After all, it’s not something you’ll be able to change with ease. As such, it’s important that you know your options.
Popular architectural styles for new home builds
Gothic
Gothic architectural styles evoke the design choices of medieval cathedrals dating back as far as the Middle Ages. Trademarks of the gothic style include pointed archways, stained glass windows, and ornate features. Interior spaces typically utilise fireplaces, wooden ceiling beams, stone, and dark-stained hardwood.
Cape Cod
Named after the signature style of Cape Cod, Massachusetts, Cape Cod homes are typically one- or two-story. They’re wide and rectangular shaped, featuring symmetrical windows and shutters on either side of the front door. This style encompasses steep roofs, shingled exteriors, and a large, central chimney. Cape Cod homes date back as far as the 1600s, inspired by the UK’s thatched cottages.
Tudor
Tudor-style homes can encompass anything from quaint cottages to countryside manors. They feature steep pitched gable roofs, brick exteriors, elegant masonry and stonework, half-timbering, and leaded glass windows. Darker woods, brick, and stucco are used for the exterior elements of the home. Similar dark, decorative wooden ceiling beams and trims will feature within its interior.
Modern
Modern architectural styles flourished in the early 20th century. They favoured clean and minimal lines, open and well-defined floorplans, and a generous use of glass and windows. Materials in modern homes include concrete, glass, steel, iron, brick, wood, and stone. The focus of the modern style is to integrate the building into its natural surroundings.
Contemporary
This style largely overlaps with modern architecture, essentially reflecting the styles and tends of the present day. Contemporary homes try to create a sense of flow between their interior and exterior designs. This includes opting for large open spaces, an abundance of natural light, and a simple material palette. Sustainability is a key component of contemporary architecture, within both its design and construction.
Farmhouse
Whilst often considered to be a form of contemporary architecture, we thought the farmhouse style deserved its own section. This practical, minimalist design type offers functionality above all else. Tailor-made for families, these homes host large open rooms, a spacious kitchen, connecting porches, and are typically two-stories tall. Exposed wooden beams, a neutral colour palette, and simple materials are common features amongst farmhouse-style homes.
Contact us!
There’s so much to get right when it comes to building your dream home from scratch. From identifying the best materials and ideal architectural styles to bringing everything together, it’s no wonder people get overwhelmed. If this is the situation you’ve found yourselves in, Munday + Cramer are here to help! For more information about how we can help, call us on 01245 326 200 or click here!