LA Architecture
Understanding and Defining Architectural Styles in the Greater Baton Rouge Area
Acadian
Acadian — This American style originated in homes built by Acadian settlers to Louisiana. A hallmark of the style is a high pitched roof which typically contained
Cottage / Bungalow
Cottage / Bungalow–The style, often called the California Bungalow, was most popular between 1900 and 1920 and evolved into the Craftsman movement. An offshoot, the Chicago Bungalow, appeared in the Midwest, also in the early part of the century. It’s characterized by few material details, an offset entryway, and a projecting bay on the facade. You will find these in the Garden District, Capital Heights & Southdowns.
French
French Provincial –Balance and symmetry are the ruling characteristics of this formal style. Homes are often brick with detailing in copper or slate. Windows and chimneys are symmetrical and perfectly balanced, at least in original versions of the style. Defining features include a steep, high, hip roof; balcony and porch balustrades; rectangle doors set in arched openings; and double French windows with shutters. Second-story windows usually have a curved head that breaks through the cornice. The design had its origins in the style of rural manor homes, or chateaus, built by the French nobles during the reign of Louis XIV in the mid-1600s. The French Provincial design was a popular Revival style in the 1920s and again in the 1960s. New construction found in University Club, Lakes at Highland, Lexington Estates, and more.
New Orleans / Creole
The Creole Cottage, which is mostly found in the South, originated in New Orleans in the 1700s. The homes are distinguished by a front wall that recedes to form a first-story porch and second-story balcony that stretch across the entire front of the structure. Full-length windows open into the balconies, and lacy ironwork characteristically runs across the second-story level. These two- and three-story homes are symmetrical in design with front entrances placed at the center. “Creole French,” a variation of the basic Creole design, came into vogue in southern states in the 1940s and 1950s.
Ranch
Ranch–Sometimes called the California ranch style, this home in the Modern family, originated there in
Traditional
Traditional is a more modern style evolution of the Ranch home that was popular in the 50’s and 60’s. Like the ranch, the traditional architects created homes to sequester certain living activities–such as sleeping or socializing. The vast majority of those homes exhibit brick exteriors over frame construction. Narrow covered front porches that lie under the roofline are another typical feature. These homes were constructed largely from the 60’s to the 80’s a time of growth for the Baton Rouge area; therefore there are many “traditional” homes in our market. Large subdivisions such as Tara, Shenandoah