The History of Shingle Style Homes in New England
New England is home to tens of thousands of charming Shingle Style homes. Nothing compares to its traditional design. You may have stumbled across them throughout the country, but the style originated as a variation of late 19th-century Victorian architecture on the East Coast.
For centuries it has embodied the rich histories and cultures of coastal communities from Connecticut to Rhode Island and Massachusetts. At Steven Mueller Architects, LLC, we believe the history of shingle style is integral to the architectural process. It fuels our creativity in sketching our clients' perfect traditional, urban, country, or coastal style home
Inspiration Behind Luxury Shingle Style House Plans
Queen Anne of Great Britain inspired the colonial-inspired shingled exterior. A few defining characteristics include heavy stone foundations, Palladian window, wide porches, and asymmetrical forms. The vast horizontal structure became a symbol of luxury and American individualism when it rose in popularity. Because construction was so costly during its emergence, it remained a style akin to wealthy coastal architecture in New England.
But the term shingle-style - also known as "seaside style" - was popularized by architectural historian and critic Vincent Skully in the 1950s. Historians believe the shingle style first appeared in Rhode Island's Newport Casino development in 1880. The project combined themes of leisure and sport, which had a massive impact on residential homes in the industry. Skully once referred to shingle-style homes as "the architecture of American summer."
By the early 1900s, shingle-style was no longer the sole preferred style of grand residences. Though, the charm transcended centuries. Today, the Shingle Style is a trending design for resorts, summer cottages, and vacation homes. As families move to suburban communities like Greenwich, CT, and Bedford, NY, urban shingle-style dwellings are gaining more popularity.
Features of the Shingle Style
The shingle-style can be seen as both classic and modern. What makes the style so distinguishable is its generous use of wood (stained cedar) shingles on the siding and roof. Natural hues of red and yellow cedar transform to a beautiful golden brown or silver as it ages over time.
We can assure you that not all shingle-style homes are alike. It can take on various forms, making this a perfect design-build if you want to incorporate a certain percentage of colonial details. The shingle itself can last up to 50 years without the need for a paint or stain job.
Keep in mind for a house to coin the term “Shingle Style” doesn’t mean the outside of the home has to be made entirely of shingles. The term can also be used to identify the type of Victorian home you’d like to emulate. While the exterior is known for being asymmetrical, the interior floor plan is often open.
If you're interested in building or renovating a shingle-style home in Fairfield County or Westchester County, you can reach out to our architect firm today. We bring our clients' visions to fruition and design high-quality residences in various styles. Contact us for more information.