The Homes of Hammond’s Ferry are inspired by numerous historic housing styles typical to the Central Savannah River Area. Some of these styles may be viewed by using the menu above.
Vernacular
This style is simple and purely American. Dating from the arrival of the first settlers, it persists to this day. Frugality rules material choices—wood siding, brick chimneys, metal roofs. Essential elements include simple saltbox masses with additions and appendages. Gabled roofs, gable-end chimneys, and windows of similar sizes in a balanced but not overly rigid composition are all typical features.
Federal/Adam
This style was prevalent from 1780 until around 1840. Simple, austere forms are detailed with decorated cornices and pediments. Entrances include fan lights and sidelights. Exterior cladding may be clapboards or, occasionally, fine brickwork. Façades are understated and emphasis is placed on the fine tailoring of the building. Windows are large and regularly spaced. Typical colors are white, cream, and light gray.
Greek Revival
Dominant in the South from about 1830 to 1860, Greek Revival symbolized the affinity Americans felt with the ideals of Greek democracy. Built of wood or masonry, forms are boxy with consistent cornice lines and low-pitched gabled or hipped roofs. Porches range from the full-width, two-story version to the small stoop variety. Columns are round.
Italianate
This romantic style, inspired by the Renaissance houses of Italy, was popular around 1840. Broad, bracketed cornices on shallow roofs; tall arched windows; iron balconies; massive entrance doors; and clustered porch columns are hallmarks of this style. Façades may be symmetrical and dignified, or asymmetrical, with a casual, rural quality. Paint colors are earth tones with emphasis on browns, terra cottas, and golds.
Queen Anne/Folk
This style, a revival of late Medieval styles in England, dominated American architecture in the late 1800s. Asymmetry was the general rule, with steeply pitched roofs and front gables. The wood-frame structures are decorated with spindles, columns, pediments, and other ornaments. Railroads brought pre-made trim work to almost every American town resulting in the proliferation of the quintessential gingerbread house.
Colonial Revival
This style, inspired by the Centennial of 1876, was part of America’s affection for its Colonial past. Partly a reaction to the excesses of Victorian architecture, Colonial forms include simple shapes, including L-configurations or wings and additions. Rooms are larger than in authentic Colonials. Roof forms range from steep to shallow, hipped to gabled. Dormers are common, as are front or side porches and trellises. Windows are larger than their historic prototypes.
Craftsman (Bungalow)
By the late 1800s, Americans were disillusioned with mass production and the Industrial Revolution. They sought designs and materials that were simple and natural—stone, timber, hand-blown glass, hand-forged ironwork, and brick were used to create architecture that was harmonious with nature. This style reflects the landscape with asymmetrical forms. Interior spaces extend to the outdoors and boundaries are blurred. Colors are natural—sage green, taupe, and soft grey.
Villa/Italian Renaissance Revival
Popular from the late 1800s through the 1920s, this style was inspired by Italian country villas. The building form is simple with emphasis placed on academic detailing. The style was adapted to American tastes, and features shallow hipped roofs, extended cornices, brackets, colonnaded porches, and broad terraces. Paired arches, Palladian windows, ornate ironwork, and mosaics are common features. Exteriors are brick, stone, or stucco. Roofs are clay tile.
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