Good Architecture Books & Resources
DC Metro Area
insights on residential architec-
ture have been published in
House Beautiful, the New York Times, Southern Living, the Washingtonian, Washington
Post, Colonial Homes and Other periodicals. Ask the Architect appears frequently in the Times Mirror news group, and has been featured in titles published by Media General, Network Communications and others.
“I have a single story ranch that has vinyl siding. I would like to redo the entire front of the home with a mix of stone and Hardie board like material. Also I want to replace the current porch post with cedar post. Any suggestions were I can look to get some ideas? ”
Answer:
With the right design and materials, you can greatly enhance your period style Ranch house. To learn more about what is the most appropriate for your home, I would suggest you start with the book A Field Guide to American Houses: The Definitive Guide to Identifying and Understanding America’s Domestic Architecture by Virginia Savage McAlester (the new 2013 edition). Page 597 has a chapter on Ranch houses (1935 – 1975), which is an excellent resource.
Be careful to use the correct sort of stone treatment (I have seen a lot of odd things done that do not enhance the home).
McAlester’s book is also a good resource for anyone looking to educate themselves on different styles of architecture and learn distinguishing factors of each.
Conclusion
When it comes to updating your home, a little research can go a long way! Even reading just a few pages in a book or a reputable source online can set you in the right direction and give you the information you need to enhance your home in the best way possible.
Have another question? Want to know more specifics about period style homes? Feel free to contact us!
About Bruce
Bruce Wentworth, AIA, is a practicing architect whose insights on residential architecture have been published in House Beautiful, Southern Living, Washingtonian, Colonial Homes, and other periodicals.
