Architecture is a term that combines the art and the technique required to design buildings. This foundation process is done before the construction phase begins, resulting in many architectural styles throughout history. Now, you can see various buildings flaunting amazing and unique architectural designs. The architectural designs have evolved throughout the years, adapting to different cultural, climate, and landscape needs. This rundown includes some of the most popular architectural designs throughout history, from buildings in ancient Rome and Greece to the contemporary architecture of today.
8 Iconic Architectural Designs for Houses
1. Classical Architecture Design
Classical architecture design is an umbrella term for the building style that originated in Rome and Greece. It has influenced centuries of architectural design movements worldwide, including Greek Revival and Neoclassic architecture. Some of the most popular buildings today are based on ancient Greek and Roman designs.
Classical architecture design focuses on proportions and symmetry, columns with iconic, Doric or Corinthian detailing. The use of materials like brick, marble, and concrete are its salient features. The classical design motifs like medium-pitched roofs, interior moulding, boxed eaves, broken pediments over the entrance, and decorative door surrounds.
Classical architecture was replaced by contemporary and modernist architecture in the 20th century but it continues to be built with a rebranded name, ‘new classical style.’
2. Renaissance Architecture Design
Renaissance architecture came in early 15th-century Florence, Italy. It is characterised by precise proportions and symmetry as portrayed by the grandeur of St. Peter’s Basilica, which is the best example of this architectural design.
Renaissance Architecture spanned two centuries, not only flourishing architecture but also human and art ideals. It produced multi-disciplinary giants, including Michelangelo and Leonardo da Vinci. It also incorporated geometry and many plans of the building included symmetrical squares. The style is characterised by classical elements and ashlar masonry such as columns, domes, lintels, pilasters, pediments and arches. It focused on bringing light and air to the space, a nod to the thoughts and ideals of the Renaissance.
3. Tudor Architecture Design
It originated in England during the Tudor period, starting in 1485; this architectural design evokes old-world charm and storybook cottages. Tudor homes were built by craftsmen who combined Gothic and Renaissance design elements to create a transitional style that spread throughout England.
It was reborn in the United States in the 1890s and remained at its peak through the 1940s. These architectural home designs feature signature half-timber detailing, a long, vertically placed wood beams that make a two-toned exterior. It often features red-toned brick with ornate detailings around the chimneys, windows and entryways.
4. Colonial Architecture Design
Colonial-style architecture came into light under colonial rule in the United States in the 1600s and 1700s. It remains one of the most famous architectural home designs throughout the US. The term colonial is the shorthand for the historical building style introduced by British colonists in New England. It is also known as the Colonial Revival style, which gained more popularity in the 20th century.
It also includes different architectural styles that demonstrate the multicultural influence of early settlers in the US, such as Georgian, saltbox-style homes, Cape Cod, Spanish Colonial, French Colonial, and Dutch Colonial.
The home designs include symmetry, a rectangular or square shape with a centred door. The windows match and there are at least two or three stories of the house. These architectural designs have curb appeal and often come in modular shapes, giving redesigning opportunities.
5. Cape Cod Architecture
Cape Cod architecture is a signature style that gives appealing and homey feelings. Cape-Cod houses have timeless silhouettes, with elements like pine wood, fireplaces, cedar shake, clapboard, side shingles, oak and beam framing and wood flooring.
These types of architectures gained popularity in the 1920s and 1950s in the U.S. and became an economical solution during the postwar and Depression-era housing boom of the 1940s and 1950s. Even today, Cape Cod-style houses evoke a nostalgic appeal with new builds.
6. Neoclassical Architecture
Neoclassical architecture refers to a style of buildings built during the revival of Roman and Classical Greek that started around 1750 and further got the limelight in the 18th and 19th centuries. Neoclassicism is characterised by more grand-scale classical volumes.
Some of the well-known buildings and institutions in the US and Europe are neoclassical in design, like the White House and the U.S. Capitol building.
7. Italianate Architecture
Italianate architecture refers to 19th-century styles of building that were inspired by 16th-century Italian architecture combined with a romanticised past. This also broke some strict rules around formal classical architecture.
This style was born in 1802 when architect John Nash built the first Italianate villa in England. The style gained popularity and became the popular building design choice in both urban and rural settings in the US in the 1860s after the Civil War.
8. Modern Architecture
Modern architecture refers to the design of architecture that flourished in the early to mid-20th century. this architecture is about functional design, clean lines, open floor plans, and built-in storage. Its focus is on materials like concrete, steel, iron, wood, glass, stone and brick. It integrates architectural designs into the natural landscape while bringing the outdoors inside with the use of large windows to let in air and natural light.
Modern architects like Frank Lloyd Wright redefined a new era of architecture, following functional design and a host of midcentury architects with midcentury modern furniture that make it even more popular today.
Also Read: 9 Popular Staircase Designs
Final Word
Architecture design is all about making a good, functional, aesthetically appealing building that evolved throughout the years. Many architectural designs are being used in various types of buildings worldwide regardless of their nostalgic or historical vibe. From modern to neoclassical, all the designs have some unique aura and visual appeal. Many builders still use the old classical designs to give a more natural and nostalgic look to the building. Interestingly, now the preferences are shifting back towards the minimalistic, natural designs of the buildings.
