Southern House Plans In Detail
If you live in the great South, that is the Southern United States, you know that houses are different down here. Especially the older ones that are more than 100 years old, with their majestic gables, high ceilings, to the porches that span the entire circumference of the home. Southern homes are large with tall ceilings with pitched or gabled roofs. Dormers are common as well, which is a window that projects vertically from the sloping roof.
These large homes are much like the ones found in old movies such as Gone With the Wind, built around the civil war era. Nearly all are 2-story, with very high ceilings to accommodate the humid climate of the South. A wraparound porch is almost standard because this supplies shade to all parts of the home during the summer, as well as giving a place for the dogs to cool their heels.
Nicer ones also have columns that run the length of the front of the home, and sometimes even around one side or the other as well. This gives them a grand appearance, but also provides for a solid home that is built to last for many decades. Homes from the 18th century still stand strong today in many parts of South Carolina and Georgia.
Other features of the Southern mansion include railings that run the length of the porch, some ornate but others simple in decoration. Balconies are a mainstay of these homes as well, most used simply for aesthetic reasons rather than practicality. Many have Palladian windows, which are windows with a large window that is divided into three parts. The center section is larger than the two side sections and is usually arched.
Of course what would a Southern mansion be without some giant Oak trees in the yard, towering over the land like sentinels? These also served a purpose, providing much needed shade in the summer. Other vegetation was also important in this area, many times the large Royal Palm trees were found in these areas, and typically add that southern charm to the estate. Of course the Oak trees must have a bit of Spanish Moss hanging down to be truly authentic. This is a type of vegetation that is found only in the Deep South and is much sought after to bring that old-time feel to a home.
Many builders nowadays are trying to recreate the old Southern-style homes of old, and some are very beautiful indeed. Of course the main difference is that these newer homes are much more energy-efficient, although the high-ceilings are still made a standard. With all new and updated amenities that people never dreamed of during the Civil War era, these newer homes capture the best of both worlds! Take a look at the best mediterranean house plans today.
MIT Professor Walter Lewi’s Physics 801 Lecture 31