Historical Plans of Georgian Homes

According to the National Park Service, the Georgian style of architecture was dominant in the U.S. throughout the 18th century. This period is named for the Kings of England named George, who ruled the country consecutively from 1714 to 1820.

Symmetry

• The website Ontario Architecture website notes that three basic principals guided Georgian architecture in North America: symmetry, simplicity and solidity. Georgian buildings were designed with a minimal amount of detai on the exterior and a balanced facade.

Balance

• The National Park Service website explains that the placement of windows and doors visible from the exterior of Georgian homes were mathematically formulated to express a balance of design features across the exterior of the house. The placement of chimneys also moved from central in the roof (during the earlier baroque period) to a planned placement on the end of the house.

Roof

• The overall design and plan of a house changed throughout the Georgian period, including aspects such as the style of roof. The National Park Service explains that early Georgian buildings were usually designed with a two sided gambrel roof. In later Georgian architecture, the roof design had changed to a four-sided, equally-sloped hipped roof.