STEP TWO
Colonial architectural styles are characterized by elegance, symmetry, proportion and the use of ancient Greek and Roman elements such as columns, pediments, and decorative moldings.
Georgian
Named after the four British monarchs named George—King George I, II, III, and IV. Heavily influenced by the principles of classical Greek and Roman architecture. Known for its proportion, balance, and elegance, this style features symmetrical facades, decorative detailing and a formal form.
Fig. Georgian Style House
| Era | 1780-1850 |
|---|---|
| Form | Rectangular. Symmetrical. |
| Storeys | 2-3 |
| Façade | Symmetrical facades, often five bays wide (occasionally three or seven), with a central entrance. Brick or stone exteriors although early or rural examples use wood bevel siding. Decorative quoins at corners for added formality. |
| Roof | Moderately pitched gable or hip roofs, sometimes with dormers. Decorative cornices with dentil molding along the roofline. Rooflines were often simple and understated compared to later revival styles. |
| Windows | Double-hung sash windows, typically with small panes (6-over-6 or 12-over-12). Symmetrically arranged on the facade, with smaller windows on upper floors. Decorative lintels or keystones above windows. |
| Details | Central entry doors, often framed with pilasters and topped with a transom or fanlight. Sometimes the entry is highlighted by a pediment or small portico supported by columns. Interior layouts are formal and divided, with central hallways flanked by rooms. Minimal ornamentation compared to later styles, focusing on proportion and craftsmanship. |
Neoclassical
Similar to Georgian style but more refined detailing. Inspired by the monumental designs of ancient Greece and Rome, emphasizing symmetry, proportion, and classical detailing. Features columns, pediments and symmetrical façades. Often used for larger, stately homes.
Fig. Neoclassical Style House
| Era | 1810 - 1850 |
|---|---|
| Form | Rectangular or square, with balanced and symmetrical layouts |
| Storeys | 2-3 |
| Façade | Symmetrical facades, often five bays wide (sometimes three or seven), with a central entrance. Smooth stone or brick exteriors. Prominent entry porticos, often supported by grand columns. |
| Roof | Low-pitched gable or hip roofs. Wide cornices with dentil molding or decorative friezes. |
| Windows | Tall, rectangular multi-pane windows, often double-hung (6-over-6 or 12-over-12). Palladian windows (a central arched window flanked by two smaller rectangular ones) are a hallmark. Decorative surrounds, shutters, or pediments over windows. |
| Details | Columns and pilasters in classical orders, often flanking entryways or supporting porticos. Grand doorways with fanlights or transoms and sidelights. Increasingly decorative cornices. |
Regency
Sophisticated and understated in appearance. Characterized by low, temple shape and classical proportions with restrained neoclassical ornamentation.
Fig. Regency Style House
| Era | 1820 - 1870 |
|---|---|
| Form | Low, rectangular, symmetrical. |
| Storeys | Most commonly 1 or 1.5. Sometimes 2. |
| Façade | In bays: 3 to 5- bay fronts. Traditional brick patterns. Brick, stone or wood bevel siding. |
| Roof | Hip, may have dormer, often has iron cresting. Decorative cornices and wide eaves, sometimes with dentil molding. |
| Windows | Tall, narrow multi-pane “French” windows, extending nearly floor-to-ceiling. Tripartite windows (a central large pane flanked by two narrower panes) are common. Decorative window surrounds, sometimes with classical pediments. |
| Details | Elegant entry doors, often with fanlights or sidelights, framed by pilasters or simple columns. Restrained exterior ornamentation, focusing on smooth surfaces and delicate classical elements. Verandas or colonnaded porches in elaborate examples. |
Classic Revival
Drawing inspiration from the architecture of ancient Greece and Rome. Known for monumental columns, symmetrical facades, and classical detailing. Imposing columns (often Ionic, or Corinthian) and pediments, creating a monumental and formal appearance.
Fig. Classic Revival Style House
| Era | 1890 - 1940 |
|---|---|
| Form | Rectangular, symmetrical layouts with a balanced, formal appearance. |
| Storeys | 2 |
| Façade | Symmetrical facades with evenly spaced windows and a centered entryway. Smooth stone, stucco, or brick exteriors, often painted in neutral colours. Pedimented porticos or grand entry porches supported by columns. |
| Roof | Low-pitched gable or hip roofs, sometimes featuring a flat roof with balustrades. Sometimes featuring a temple gable. Wide cornices with dentil moldings and classical friezes. |
| Windows | Small-paned sash , usually 9-over-9 or 6-over-6. Front temple gable often includes a round (ocular) window. |
| Details | Grand entry doors framed by sidelights, transoms, and classical pilasters. Columns in classical orders (Doric, Ionic, or Corinthian), supporting porticos or full-width porches. Ornate pediments, cornices, and moldings emphasizing symmetry and proportion. Formal landscaping with grand staircases, walkways, and balustrades. |
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-This guide provides a brief, highly graphical overview of Canada's architectural heritage, highlighting the defining characteristics of various building styles and types across different historical periods. We love older Parks Canada publications.
Parks Canada. Buildings of Canada: A Guide to Styles and Types. 1980, https://www.historicplaces.ca/media/7173/buildingsofcanada.pdf.
-This guide, commissioned by an East coast municipality, is quite comprehensive. It provides more detailed information on the architectural styles that are common in Canada.
Town of Sackville. Heritage Architecture Style Guide. 10 Mar. 2014, https://sackville.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/Heritage_Architecture_Style_Guide_Final_10March2014.pdf.
-This book provides a comprehensive overview of major architectural styles and building terminology in Ontario from the late 18th century to relatively modern times.
Blumenson, John J.-G. Ontario Architecture: A Guide to Styles and Building Terms, 1784 to the Present. Fitzhenry & Whiteside, 1990.
-A concise introduction to considering the architectural character of your home is provided in the U.S. Department of the Interior National Park Service Cultural Resources - Preservation Guides. The National Park Service preservation guides are a great resource in general and well worth exploring.
-This book outlines what to look for, what to do and what not to do when working on important building details.
Cusato, Marianne, and Ben Pentreath. Get Your House Right: Architectural Elements to Use & Avoid. Sterling, 2007.
-This book provides an excellent detailed guide to American residential architecture (basically the same as Canadian architecture).
McAlester, Virginia Savage. A Field Guide to American Houses (Revised): The Definitive Guide to Identifying and Understanding America's Domestic Architecture. Knopf, 2015.
-This book provides detailed information on building elements.
Benjamin, Asher. The American Builder's Companion. Illustrated ed., Feb. 26, 2009, Dover Publications.
-This book provides detailed information on building elements indicating scale and proportion.
Radford, William A., Bernard L. Johnson, and Charles P. Rawson. Radford's Portfolio of Details of Building Construction: A Remarkable and Unique Collection of Full-Page Plates, Accurately Drawn and Reproduced to Exact Scale. Complete Details for Every Style of Interior Trim, Including Special Built-In Features. Illustrated ed., Dover Publications, Aug. 31, 2012.
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