Greek Revival House Plans

What defines the Greek Revival style?

Greek Revival style is an architectural style that became popular in the early 19th century in the United States and Europe. This style was inspired by the classical architecture of ancient Greece and the renewed interest in classical antiquity during that period. Several distinct features characterize Greek Revival home plans:

• Columns. One of the most recognizable features of Greek Revival architecture is the use of large, prominent columns, typically in the Doric, Ionic, or Corinthian orders. These columns support the front porch or portico, which is a key element of the style.
• Symmetry. Greek Revival house plans often exhibit a balanced, symmetrical façade with evenly spaced windows and doors.
• Pediments. Greek Revival homes often have a triangular pediment above the entrance, supported by columns. The pediment may be plain or adorned with decorative elements such as sculptures, reliefs, or friezes inspired by ancient Greek art and mythology.
• Roof. These homes typically have a gabled or hipped roof with a moderate to low pitch. The eaves are usually adorned with a wide trim known as a cornice, which may be supported by decorative brackets or dentil molding.
• Entrances. The front door of a Greek Revival home is often framed by sidelights (narrow windows on either side of the door) and a rectangular or elliptical transom window above the door. These elements create an imposing and formal entrance.
• Windows. Windows in historic Greek Revival house plans are typically tall, narrow, and rectangular, with multi-pane glazing. They may have decorative surrounds or moldings and are often aligned vertically and horizontally for symmetry.

What materials are used in Greek Revival architecture?

Greek Revival architecture is traditionally constructed from materials like brick, stone, or stucco. In the United States, wood is also a common building material, with clapboard or wooden siding used to mimic the appearance of stone or stucco.

Where are Greek Revival houses most common?

Greek Revival houses throughout the United States are particularly prevalent in the Northeast, Midwest, and South. States such as New York, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Virginia, and Georgia have many examples of Greek Revival architecture.

This architectural style was popular during the early to mid-19th century due to its association with the ideals of ancient Greek democracy, which resonated with the young American nation. While the style is not as popular today, you can still find many historic Greek Revival house plans in these regions, often preserved as historic landmarks.

How many floors does a Greek Revival house have?

A typical Greek Revival house typically features one to two stories, with the occasional variation of two-and-a-half stories. The one-story Greek Revival house plans, also known as temple-front houses, were inspired by the design of ancient Greek temples, showcasing a prominent portico with a row of large columns.

The two-story Greek Revival homes often exhibit a central entryway framed by sidelights and a transom. At the same time, the two-and-a-half-story version may include a half-story within an attic or a mezzanine level. The number of floors in a Greek Revival house is not fixed since the architectural style is more characterized by its symmetrical facades, classical detailing, and iconic columned porches.

What type of roof does a Greek Revival house have?

A Greek Revival house typically features a gabled or hipped roof. Gabled roofs are characterized by two sloping sides that meet at a central ridge, forming a triangular shape at the end walls, while hipped roofs have four sloping sides that meet at a single point or peak.

In both cases, these roofs have a relatively low pitch, which contributes to the classic and stately appearance of the house. In addition, the roof's eaves often extend beyond the facade, creating a wide overhang, sometimes adorned with decorative elements such as cornices, dentil molding, or friezes.

What is the difference between Greek Revival and Neoclassical?

Greek Revival and Neoclassical are two distinct architectural styles that share common roots in classical antiquity. Both styles emerged as reactions to the earlier Baroque and Rococo styles, seeking to revive classical architecture's simplicity, elegance, and harmony. However, there are key differences between the two types.

Greek Revival, as the name suggests, draws its inspiration specifically from the architecture of ancient Greece and is characterized by features such as symmetrical facades, prominent porticos with columns, entablatures, and pediments. Greek orders, such as Doric, Ionic, and Corinthian, are prevalent in the design of columns and other decorative elements. In addition, Greek Revival home plans often feature simple and unadorned surfaces, emphasizing the form's structural clarity and purity.

On the other hand, Neoclassical architecture encompasses a broader range of influences, including ancient Greek and Roman elements. The style emerged mid-18th century and continued into the early 20th century. Neoclassical architecture seeks to evoke the grandeur and monumentality of classical buildings while adhering to principles of proportion, balance, and symmetry. Critical features of Neoclassical architecture include columns, pilasters, domes, pediments, and entablatures, often with more intricate ornamentation than in Greek Revival.

What is a Greek Revival farmhouse?

A Greek Revival farmhouse combines the architectural elements of the Greek Revival style with the functional and practical requirements of a farmhouse. Key features of a Greek Revival farmhouse include symmetrical facades, a gabled or hipped roof with a low pitch, and a prominent entrance.

Greek Revival farmhouses are usually one to two stories high and may have additional living or storage spaces in an attic or a wing attached to the main structure. The exterior is often clad in clapboard or brick, and the overall appearance is characterized by simplicity, clarity of form, and restrained ornamentation.

While the Greek Revival style lends a sense of elegance and grandeur to the farmhouse, the focus remains on practicality and efficiency, supporting the agricultural lifestyle.