I have bought a lot in an older neighborhood and want to build a new house that blends in with the other houses. What are some thoughts on what to do, what to avoid? What are some of the most common ways people attempting such a project err and end up with a house that doesn’t look accurate?
“The term ‘accurate’ is somewhat undefined here,” says Jim King, formerly of Little Rock, now with Early New England Restorations in Pawcatuck, Conn. “Historic neighborhoods, especially in Arkansas, have homes that date from the mid-19th century through modern times, so there are often a number of architectural styles represented in a single block.”
The Victorian era saw such styles as Second Empire, various Italianate styles, Queen Anne and Gothic Revival, King explains.The austerity movement of the 20th century brought Arts and Crafts, Prairie, Colonial Revival, Art Deco, and Modernist styles. Postmodern designs pepper the same neighborhoods, creating a pastiche of styles with completely different appearances, so finding an “appropriate design” is a matter of personal taste, comparative analysis, and legal guidelines, he adds.
“The first thing to do is work with an architect who is not only familiar with historic design work, but one that has already built modern era homes with historic details,” King advises. “This is perhaps the most important step in getting the right design.”
He says that anyone planning to build a new house in a historic area should learn early on of the neighborhood’s legal guidelines.
“If you are in a designated historic district, there are often restrictions on what can be built,” King explains. “Your architect will know this and can help to smooth out any problems. City planners and specific departments may also need to be consulted as they are responsible for making sure historic neighborhoods stay architecturally cohesive. Surprisingly, this includes taking architectural diversity into account.”
But, he adds, there is a fine line between creating a new house that evokes the style of a historic one and copying.
“It is important not to try to completely re-create an architectural type so close as to be imitative,” he says. “Modern homes should not pretend to be historic homes; it confuses the unfamiliar and mocks those with similar but authentic historic homes.”
Instead of attempting to exactly copy a historic house, it’s better to make sure of specific details, window types,and general lines. At the other end of the spectrum, don’t shy away from something different, such as Mediterranean or Mission styles, which can be found in historic neighborhoods. And those who stray too far into modern design will most likely find their neighbors objecting.
“Look at the neighboring homes and note what types already exist. Don’t try to build a home that looks like the neighboring homes, but check out all the types on the block, surrounding blocks,and the remaining area.”
Other factors to consider include house size in relation to the lot size, legal and comparative setbacks from property lines, building around old trees, and whether to include plans for a detached garage.
Do you have a decorating or remodeling question? We’ll get you an answer from an authority. Send your question to Linda S. Haymes, Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, P.O. Box 2221, Little Rock, Ark. 72203; or email: lhaymes@arkansasonline.com
HomeStyle, Pages 35 on 10/26/2013