Beloved for its recognizable features, American Colonial architecture has a distinct look that has stood the test of time. Still considered one of the most desirable styles for homebuyers currently scouring the housing market, colonial style homes are effortlessly welcoming, conveying an aesthetic of comfort, safety, and longevity.
There’s no question that this timeless style will continue to have a place in the American landscape, but how does it match up to innovative, on-trend building materials that may not have been available during the development of colonial architectural style? It turns out, with the right materials, you can build a colonial style house that features all the luxuries of modern building materials.
Take a look at some of the most recognizable features present in colonial style homes, and see just how fiber cement can be integrated seamlessly into this celebrated architectural style.
Symmetrical Design
One of the most recognizable features of American Colonial architecture is a symmetrical design. Typically, colonial style homes will have an even distribution of windows on either side with a central focal point at the door or entryway. Sometimes the focal point will be further emphasized with a staircase leading up to the door, visually dividing the structure in half.
Rectangular Form with Gables
Another classic component of colonial architectural style is a rectangular layout with angled gables. A rectangular layout partners well with the aforementioned symmetry, which is a favorite feature of colonial style homes. The angled gables add practicality to the structure as well as an additional living space at the top of the home. Because of the angled gables, the soffit is usually visible from the ground level, and fiber cement soffit can be integrated as a modern, high-quality building material that requires minimal upkeep.
Linear and Angular Ornamentation
In addition to the clean, no-frills layout of American Colonial architecture, linear and angular ornamentation is also common. Rectangular shutters, straight and measured porch columns, and simple, straightforward porch railing designs are all typical exterior features.
For modern homes, fiber cement trim can be an excellent choice for emphasizing the clean lines of a colonial style house without relying on traditional materials that will require significant repair and maintenance, like wood. In addition, colonial style homes with covered porches can integrate fiber cement beadboard at the ceilings for a durable design.
Several Stories High
Another telltale characteristic of colonial style homes is that they are almost always two or more stories high. Building a home took a lot of time and effort in the early days, which is why they were often built as efficiently as possible, meaning squeezing in multiple stories to accommodate several people residing at the same property.
Horizontal Panel Siding
Colonial style houses typically feature horizontal lap paneling, which is a look that can certainly be achieved with fiber cement siding. Available in smooth or textured wood grain designs, fiber cement provides a reliable and stylish way to achieve this classic colonial style look.
Shake Siding
If horizontal panel siding isn’t used on a colonial style house, you can bet that shake siding is! Shake siding, whether staggered or with a straight edge, can bring visual texture to a colonial style home, which really captures the attention of some homeowners. And there’s no need to rely on old-fashioned, irregular shake siding — you can get this cool colonial look with fiber cement shake!
Prominent Smokestack
A prominent smokestack is another recognizable feature of colonial style homes. Whether tucked to the side or prominently featured right in the center of the rectangular building, smokestacks bring texture and character to the look of a colonial style house, which is why many modern home builders have decided to keep this element of colonial architectural style.
All Terrains and Settings
If you tour the country, you’ll find that American Colonial architecture is present just about everywhere. Clearly, certain areas like New England may have a higher proportion of colonial style homes, but this distinct architectural style has left its impression throughout the country and in almost every terrain. This is one of the points where fiber cement scores big, since it has enhanced durability against the elements, including moisture, impact, sun exposure, wind, and insects, it’s an excellent material to rely on no matter what sort of terrain or climate you’re building in.
Easily Achieve A Colonial Look With a Modern Twist
No matter which features you decide to include in your colonial style house, remember that you can get this classic look without relying on outdated materials. By integrating fiber cement into your design plans, your colonial style house can have the Old World charm of American Colonial architecture with new and upgraded materials built to last and make your life easier. Talk about having the best of both worlds!
Contact a siding expert at Allura today to learn more about how fiber cement can achieve your colonial style home dreams.
