Georgian style buildings are simple, confidently dignified, rectangular
blocks with carefully balanced facades. The style was named for the English
Kings George I through George IV who reigned from 1714 to 1830. Georgian buildings
were influenced by Andrea Palladio, a 16th century architect, who promoted
classical rules for proportions and symmetry, in Four Books of Architecture.
Popular guides were: British Architect (Abraham Swan) and Mechanick
Exercises (Joseph Moxon).
Massing
Height to Width Ratio: simple facade, wider
than high. Roof: gable or hipped, low to medium slope, minimum overhang. Facade Arrangement: flat plain surfaces with simple detailing,
approximately 25% openings. Rhythm: always an odd number (3,5,7) of rectangular openings,
symmetrically located and equally spaced.
Elements
Entry: central location usually with a transom panel and
often a pair of side lights, results in a cross hall plan. Windows: always an odd number of vertical sliders on the
front facade in rectangular openings. Porch: infrequent use of small porch or portico only large
enough to provide an airlock. Roof: low to medium slope always gable or hip, minimal
overhang. Chimney: one or two at each end and within the walls of
the building, symmetrically placed. Dormers: rare usually gabled and added during renovations.
Details
Entry: 6 panel door with top 2 smaller, transom/sidelight
small multiple panels, simple dentil moulding sometimes used. Windows: divided into numerous lites separated by thin
muntins to give 6,9,or 12 panes in each sash. Technology of the
period produced rippled/flawed glass. Entablatures are limited
to simple trim, sometimes with dentils. Porch: simple column with chamfered corners, window and
doors as to the right. Walls: wood shingles or clapboard siding. Roof/Wall: simple cornice sometimes with dentils or modillions. Chimney: usually simple corbel band at top. Colours: often off white with green sashes and shutters.
