Step Two Determine Scale

1
Step Two Determine Scale Massing
Different massing helps to define the style.

• - In the rare occasion where the addition is
  larger than the original building, it is often
  helpful to join them with a smaller connector
  piece which separates the larger masses.

Original garage with new house addition. The new
house addition is separated from the smaller
garage to break up the overall massing.
2
Step Two Determine Scale Massing
Façade elements should have similar scales.
Wrong
Correct
- The larger scale picture windows shown on the
left are not in keeping with the scale of the
original building. To keep the scale down,
separate the windows from each other and use
windows of similar size. Also, the double-hung
windows with 6 over 6 muntins division help to
further define the residential scale.
3
Step Two Determine Scale Massing
Façade elements should have similar scales.

• The scale of materials also has an effect on the
  appearance of the building.
• Here, the clapboard siding of the new addition
  does not match the siding on the original house.
• Even if a different material is used, it is best
  to use them in a way which the scale is
  consistent.
• Note the inappropriate use of shutters on the new
  windows.

4
Step Three Roof Design
Try to keep consistent proportions of façade
elements.

• Gable and eave overhangs on the new addition
  should generally try to match those on the
  original design when possible.
• - Overhangs on smaller roof areas, such as
  dormers, typically do not have to be as large as
  the main roof. However, their roof lopes should
  be consistent.

Roof dormers add an additional scale reduction to
the overall design, especially to large roof
areas. They should be used instead of skylights
whenever possible. If skylights are desired, they
may be more appropriate on the back of the house.
5
Step Four Proportions
Different treatments for same openings...a
missed opportunity.
Example A Five narrow casement windows that do
not match the rest of the windows in the house.
These owners would rather have double hung
windows that match the others.
Example B The same opening could have been used
for three double hung windows like the rest of
the house (Pictured above). Instead, they
installed five narrow windows because they
thought they had to be the same width as the
older casement windows.
6
Step Four Proportions
Try to keep consistent proportions of façade
elements.

• - Façade elements such as windows or decorative
  items should be kept in similar proportions
  between the old and new construction. It might
  not always be possible, for example, to find an
  exact match to an old window, but it is usually
  possible to match the proportions.

Old Window 3-0 x 6-0 (Twice as tall as it is
wide) New Window 2-8 x 5-4 (Twice as tall as
it is wide)
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Step Five Fenestration
Try to keep a consistent percentage of
fenestration (openings in a façade).
38 Open
18 Open
The fenestration percentage is a quick way to
determine if the size and spacing of your windows
and doors is compatible with the original design.
Typically speaking, if the percentage is more
than twice the original amount, your windows are
too big, too close together, or both. In this
example, the opening percentage is more than
double, and is beginning to look out of character.
8
Step Six Façade Composition
Determine an organizational theme for the façade.

• Example of Symmetry.
• Both the original building and the new addition
  each have symmetrical façades.
• This is generally the simplest design and most
  easily recognizable.

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Step Six Façade Composition
Determine an organizational theme for the facade.

• Example of Rhythm.
• Both the original building and the new addition
  each use similar rhythm spacing to define their
  window placements which helps to tie them
  together.
• This is a more complex composition to experiment
  with, but can lead to very interesting designs.

A
A
A
B
B
10
Step Six Façade Composition
General points to remember

• Try to take design cues from the original
  structure whenever possible.
• - Generally speaking, an easily recognizable
  pattern (such as symmetry) is the most successful
  façade design. You can also experiment with more
  complex designs that create rhythms and patterns
  by themselves and with the original façade at the
  same time.

• Try to avoid large amounts of blank wall on the
  front facade.
• - Avoid placing windows or doors too close to an
  adjoining wall or exterior corner.
• The front façade is usually the most important
  part of the exterior design, and should try to
  reflect the overall character of the original. If
  necessary, the side and rear façades can have
  more flexibility.

11
Step Seven Material Selection
General points to remember

• Any transition from one material to another
  should be accompanied by a hard edge where one
  material abuts a right angle turn that stops it
  and begins the start of the new material.

• Whenever possible, try to match the same
  materials used on the original building.
• Smaller scale, natural materials such as wood
  clapboard or brick are generally preferred.
• Try to keep the detailing consistent. If the trim
  around the existing windows is 4 wide, do the
  same on the new windows.
• - Cheaper materials dont always mean a cost
  savings.

12
Porch Design Restoration

• Typically the front steps should align with the
  main entry for formal design.
• End of porch should stop short of corner.
• - Width of porch should be divided equally into a
  regular pattern of columns. This does not always
  have to align with the spacing of the windows,
  and often times does not. However, if possible,
  it strengthens the façade composition and
  provides a more formal design.

A well designed front porch makes a house more
inviting and provides a relaxing atmosphere.
13
Porch Design Restoration

• Provide at least 8 of space below the second
  floor windows to reduce rain water splash-back
  and for proper flashing.
• Porch roof materials should ideally match those
  on the main roof.
• Provide a diversion for rainwater and snow over
  the porch stairs. This has the added benefit
  marking the entry point and adding a scale
  reduction element.

14
Porch Design Restoration

• The overhang and slope of the porch roof does
  not need to match the main roof, and typically is
  much less.
• Provide a return post or pilaster up against the
  house.
• - For best results, the porch should be deep
  enough to accommodate some chairs and a small
  table for gathering.

15
Porch Design Restoration
Typical Column Design
Capital
The use of the optional pedestal feature provides
an area to accept the railings and creates an
area above for a more intricate design if desired.
Shaft
The proportion of a column or post is very
important. Columns should not appear too thin or
spindly to carry the weight above them. At the
same time, they should not appear too thick.
Typically, this means about 10-20 times as tall
as it is wide.
Pedestal (optional)
Base
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Restoration

• Restoration work
• Only remove as much of the existing materials as
  you have to.
• - Do work in small batches, using hand tools when
  possible.
• - The final appearance of the work is the
  priority in historical restoration. The actual
  materials or methods used are secondary.
• - Avoid the temptation to replace finish wood
  with pressure treated wood unless it is properly
  weathered or a hidden structural element.
  Pressure treated wood