If you look around Austin, you’ll see several styles of homes. From the 1920’s cottages of Tarrytown and bungalows of Hype Park, to the contemporary and modern homes of today, Austin is home to many architectural styles. Custom home builders in Austin must be versatile in their knowledge of style and design to suit the needs of Austin’s eclectic inhabitants. At Sterling Custom Homes, we are well prepared to build the style home of your choice. But how do you know what style fits you best? Follow our blog series on architectural styles to gain insight into your taste in design and style.
Spanish Colonial
It’s no mystery that architectural styles have influence on other architectural styles over time. The same is true today as we build luxury homes in Austin. The Spanish Colonial movement dates back to when the Conquistadors began to build after they dropped anchor in Central America. The Spanish and Mexican influence on architectural design continued to evolve during the early 20th century with the Spanish Colonial Revival. Evan though the style continues to be tweaked and modified, homes today remain influenced by these certain Spanish Colonial features:
Thick, stucco-clad walls — Traditionally, these walls are ideal for warm environments. They absorb heat during the day and then radiate heat during cooler evenings.
Small, open windows — Smaller windows, originally sealed by wrought iron grates rather than glass panes, are situated on the home to best capture breezes while avoiding the direct rays of the sun.
One story — The Spanish Colonial is the ancestor of the Ranch-style house. It’s not uncommon for Spanish Colonial homes now to be two stories.
Limited ornamentation — Ornamentation on these informal homes was often limited to arches on entranceways, principal windows and interior passageways. More elaborate homes might feature intricate stone or tile work, detailed chimney tops and square or round towers.
Wooden support beams — Wooden roof supports project out over the exterior walls in classic Spanish Colonials.
Inner courtyard — Historically, the courtyard let families move the cooking (and the heat and steam it brings) outside. Today, patios, porches and courtyards serve as informal gathering spots for family and friends.