Georgian Architecture

By: Noah Ruppel & Nick Valvano



www.building-history.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/Style/Georgian.htm




Georgian Architecture   1698-1720

This style originated in England in the late 1600's. This style is based forms following the classical principals of design developed by Andrea Palladio during the Italian renaissance. This style became extremely popular in England ultimately replacing the medieval style. By the 1700's the georgian style reached the American colonies by way of pattern books and manuals.

    This new style developed new concepts of living. The large number of rooms lead to the specialization of rooms for specific purpose. Such as different rooms for sleeping, eating, cooking, etc. Fire places became smaller and more efficient rather than aesthetic. Comfort and privacy became important to colonists as there wealth increased. Georgian style houses are built to fit in to there surroundings as well as climate. Puritan influences also played and part in Georgian style making ornamentation and size less important. The exterior was unpainted singles or clapboards. The houses were later painted white, red, or yellow. The roof was wooden shingled. The south shore still has many Georgian Style homes. Luckily most have remained private residences and have been changed very little.      
        In the late 1800's a revival of the georgian style took place and architects modified  the style to fit modern tastes and the new century. There are now original Georgian houses and "revival" Georgian houses. If you have experience with this style you will be able to separate the revival from the original.