Creole Architecture Notes

1
Creole Architecture Notes

• Some things we already know!
• Some things we can learn!

2
Raised Creole Plantation Houses-Exterior

• House raised 6 to 8 feet on brick piers
• 2 stories high
• 1st floor used for storage
• attic not used
• 2nd floor living space
• Gallery- covered porch
• Gable or pitched roof
• Columns support roof
• Central chimney

3
Creole Cottages-Exterior

• House raised on brick piers
• 1 or 1 1/2 stories high
• Attic not used
• Gallery- covered porch
• Gable or pitched roof
• Columns support roof
• Central chimney

Image courtesy of Magnolia Mound Plantation,
Baton Rouge, LA.
4
Creole Houses-Interior

• Rectangular floor plan
• No hallways
• No stairs inside
• Cabinets beside rear gallery
• French Doors
• At least 2 rooms wide

5
Creole Houses-Interior Walls

• Walls made of bousillage, a mixture of Spanish
  moss and mud placed between the timbers to create
  a wall

6
Creole Townhouses

• No hallways
• Rear courtyard
• No stairs inside
• Narrow front balcony with wrought iron banisters
• Carriageway
• At least 2 stories
• 1st floor for commercial use
• 2nd floor living area

7
Pigeonniers

• Common on Creole plantations
• Contained nesting boxes for pigeons
• Provided meat and fertilizer
• 1 or 1 ½ stories
• 1st level storage/office
• 2nd level pigeon coop