Georgian Revival Architecture

Georgian Revival Architecture In Phoenix, Arizona

Georgian Revival Home Architecture Phoenix

Georgian Revival Architecture, or, the Georgian Style, with its long history in America, is among our country’s most consistently popular architectural styles.

One of the most common Colonial Revival sub-types is the Georgian Revival. Admired for its symmetrical design, classic proportions and decorative elements, it is commonly associated with the reigns of England’s King Georges, I through III and there are a handful in the Historic Central & Downtown Phoenix, Arizona Historic Districts.

English Architect Sir Christopher

In reality, however, it is directly tied to the work of English architect Sir Christopher Wren. Unequivocally the dominant architectural trend in the colonies between 1700 and the Revolutionary War, Georgian’s popularity slowed dramatically as architectural tastes began to change with the establishment of the United States and the emergence of our American Federal style and Period Revival Style homes.

Characteristics of Georgian Revivals

The Georgian style utilized many of the hallmarks of Renaissance design, for example, rigid symmetry in building mass, in window and door placement, and even in the layout of interior rooms.

Materials in Georgian Revival’s

Not surprisingly, interpretations of the Georgian style tended to vary with locale. In northern states, it was common to use wood with clapboard or shingle cladding. Occasionally the corners of the building were decorated with wooden quoins to imitate stone. Sometimes stone and stucco were used instead of wood.

Georgian Houses in the South

In the South, Georgian houses were occasionally constructed of stone and stucco, but Georgian style usually meant brick. The brickwork occasionally incorporated a horizontal belt course between the first and second floors.

A classic example of a Georgian with brick detail is Westover Plantation in Charles City County, Virginia. It is a house of exquisite proportions and detail built on the bank of the James River in Charles City County. Locally, a modest example of the style, built in the 1920s, is found at #10 Kalorama Circle NW.

Roofs of Georgian Revival’s

A hip roof, sometimes with dormers, typifies the Georgian style. Because of Georgian’s relentless symmetry, a more asymmetrical gable roof would be noticeably inappropriate.

The hip roof was popular with Christopher Wren, and therefore with all who admired and emulated his rules of design. When variations were sought, a roof would sometimes sport balustrades further embellished with decorative moldings and trim.

Windows in a Georgian Revival

Double-hung sash windows, along with small panes, or lights, usually 12 over 12, or 9 over 9, were the standard variations. They were typically incorporated as a stylistic embellishment. Georgians built of wood often had decorative pediments over the windows, while brick Georgians had decorative brick headers above a window.

Entrance of a Georgian Revival

As a vehicle for decoration, entrances were often fitted with pediments, broken pediments, arched tops, and ogee caps. In the North, wooden pilasters often flanked the entrance, while in the South, doorways were typically enhanced with tasteful brick patterns.