Federal-Style House

Federal-Style House

Definition

A Federal-style house, sometimes known as the Adam style, is an early American style of architecture that was popular from around 1780 to 1830. The design of these homes is heavily influenced by the Roman classicism as interpreted by the Scottish Adams brothers, which brought European stylistic influences to the American Colonial architecture. The key characteristics of Federal-style houses include their box-like shape, flat or low-pitched roof, and symmetrical façade with aligned windows and evenly spaced proportions.

Characteristics

• Box-shaped structure: The basic structural design of a Federal-style house is rectangular and symmetrical.
• Flat or low-pitched roof: These homes feature flat or gently sloped roofs, often with a balustrade railing at the top.
• Symmetrical fenestration: Windows and doors are usually arranged in balanced and symmetrical patterns. The entryway is often centrally located.
• Decorative elements: Details like elliptical fanlights, sidelights around the door, and decorative moldings or swags often accentuate the entryway.
• Classic proportions: Federal-style houses maintain balanced and proportionate dimensions, often using classical Roman elements.

Examples

1. Tudor Place, Washington D.C.: A historic Federal-style home built in 1816.
2. Octagon House, Washington D.C.: Dating from 1800, this notable structure combines Federal and Georgian styles.
3. Harrison Gray Otis House, Boston, Massachusetts: Built in 1796, an excellent example showcasing the Federal aesthetic.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: What era did the Federal style originate?

• A1: The Federal style originated in the early American period around 1780 and continued to be popular until about 1830.

Q2: What are the primary influences of Federal-style architecture?

• A2: Federal-style architecture is influenced by Roman classicism as interpreted by European architects like the Adams brothers.

Q3: How is the Federal style different from the Georgian style?

• A3: While the Georgian style features robust and often more ornate designs, the Federal style is recognized for its refined elegance and lighter, more restrained decorative elements.

Q4: Is the Federal-style house the same as the Neoclassical style?

• A4: The Federal style falls under the broader category of Neoclassical architecture but specifically reflects the early American adaptations of Roman classicism.

Q5: Can Federal-style houses still be built today?

• A5: Yes, Federal-style elements can be incorporated into modern homes through architectural plans that replicate the symmetrical, box-shaped designs and classic decorative features.

Related Terms

• Georgian Style: An earlier and more imposing style of colonial architecture characterized by its brick construction, symmetrical design, and classical detailing.
• Greek Revival: A subsequent architectural style that drew heavy inspiration from the architecture of Ancient Greece, it often features columns, pediments, and gables.
• Palladian Window: A large, divided window that is often used in Federal and Georgian architectural styles, characterized by a central arched section flanked by two narrower rectangular sections.

Online Resources

• Historic American Buildings Survey (HABS) - Detailed records on Federal-style houses (available at the Library of Congress).
• National Trust for Historic Preservation - Resources and articles on preserving and understanding historic Federal-style homes.
• Architectural Digest - Features and articles spotlighting historic and newly designed Federal-style houses.

References

1. McAlester, Virginia & Lee. (2005). A Field Guide to American Houses. Knopf.
2. Massey, James C., and Maxwell, Shirley. (2005). House Styles in America: The Old-House Journal Guide to the Architecture of American Homes. Penguin.
3. Poppeliers, John C., S. Allen Chambers Jr., and Nancy B. Schwartz. (2003). What Style Is It? A Guide to American Architecture. John Wiley & Sons.

Suggested Books for Further Studies

1. “American Houses: A Field Guide to the Architecture of the Home” by Gerald L. Foster
2. “Classic America: The Federal Style and Beyond” by Edgar Allan Tafel
3. “A Guide to American Architectural Styles” by Kristine Wilson

Real Estate Basics: Federal-Style House Fundamentals Quiz