Craftsmen Series Question

[Cliff Bunyea]

Due to very slow sales in this area, we had a discussion this week about house designs- the craftsmen look.

I sub contract for an owner who says the the "craftsmen" look is selling well even in a slow market.

Of course, these houses he is referring to are in a primo location- in the most desirable County and near the city.
I told him you could probably put up a regular house there and somebody would buy it.

Since I have been the salesman & designer here for 22 years, I know things change. Many of my designs have that "craftsmen" look or can be converted to than look.

But, what is the definition of "craftsmen" look or series?

I told him I do not believe it is an architectural definition like "Williamsburg", Georgian",
Victorian", etc. According to the people I talk to (agents, clients, friends), it is the "Look".

Several items come to mind: wide trim, window grills(different from the norm), hardie-plank, corner trim, sometimes no shutters, various roof angles/gables, etc.

Is the "craftsmen" look in the "eyes of the beholder" or is this a issue defined by some key principals?

Your suggestions or answers will be helpful,

[Alaskan Son]

I'm working on a remodel right now, and this term has come up a bit in the design process. I don't know an exact definition either, but a few things come to mind:
-Covered entries with wide stairs, wide columns or column bases, and some type of post and beam roof.
-Gable eves with exposed beams and diagonal supports.
-"craftsman" style doors (especially at entry) with dentil shelf

I think the term "craftsman" is a self defining definition. Something a craftsman would do. Whatever looks the nicest and takes the longest time to do.

[dhowardaia]

Cliff-

You are mistaken that Craftsman is not an architectural style, like Victorian or Georgian.

It is characterized by wood or shingle siding (or perhaps both) with NO corner boards, relatively low slope roof with exaggerated eaves, porches with stacked columns, rock or clinker brick (or perhaps both), wide trim, often with the lintel extended beyond the jamb casing. See www.ci.glendale.ca.us/.../CraftsmanSurvey/Craftsman%20Style%20Guide-PDF%20Version.pdf

That being said, just sticking those attributes on any old plan will not make the house "Craftsman". Without proper attention to scale and massing, it will be "a swing and a miss".

Dorothy

[Allen Brown]

This is also known as the "Arts & Crafts" style circa: 1860-1925.

There is much detail about it in the book "The Elements of Style; An Encyclopedia of Domestic Architectural Detail", by Stephen Calloway.

[MTH]

I think the term "craftsman" is a self defining definition. Something a craftsman would do. Whatever looks the nicest and takes the longest time to do.[/QUOTE]

If I remember my architectral history classes, the "Craftsman" Style and in particular the "Bungalow" which was popularized by the Greene brothers architects was grown out of the "Arts and Crafts" movement begun I believe in the mid 1800's. I think today any house with tapered porch columns is passed off as "Craftsman" but actually, the style is defined by very clean and simple lines, rich wood tones, low slope roofs with large overhangs. etc. If my memory serves me correct, the Greene brothers studied Asian architecure and brough many of those elements into what would be considered a classic "Craftsman" style. Take a look at Japanese homes, low sloped roofs with large overhangs, exposed sculpted rafter tails, etc. Much like the Bungalow of the early 1900's. At least, that is what I remember from class. I'm sure a web search on the subject could help. Good Luck!

[Joe Carrick]

Mark,

You need to edit your post - put a [QUOTE] before the first line.

[Cliff Bunyea]

Michael,
Your suggestions are in line with these various agents & Harry Homemakers here.

Dorothy,
Your information is interesting. It looks like these cats here are taking a few ideas (not close to those in the article), "dressing" up the exterior (getting away from the "vinyl" look) and calling it craftsmen.

The manage attachments button is not working in Chief today or I would sent some of the exteriors in question.

[Allen Brown]

Yeah, I believe you're right Mark, the Popular Modern definition of Craftsman Style is a bit evolved from the "Arts & Crafts" style. But I gotta say, it is one of my favorite style of homes.

[Joe Carrick]

The Craftsman Style is a total package - not just the exterior. Doors, Windows, Cabinets, Interior Trim, Floors, Moldings are all are a part of the genre. Greene & Greene, Maybeck and others were proponents.

Today, many builders use some exterior details reminiscent of the Style but fail to complete the design as a whole. While you can purchase some cabinets that are close in appearance, the reality is that today's cabinets are not made the same way. In addition, there's an entire feel to how cabinets, doors windows and trim are done inside that should to be addressed.

Dorothy, Since your office is in Coronado I would imagine you have a lot of good local examples that you could point out.

[Cliff Bunyea]

Here are a few examples I drew that others think are craftsmen.

The houses just look dressed up to me.

Would you call them craftsmen?

[Joe Carrick]

Not really - you need to do a little research. There are several places on the web that give examples.

[Cliff Bunyea]

Joe,

Thanks. I will do just that.

Dorothy's information was interesting.

I think the owner owes me a large coffee.

[lbuttery]

only #5 comes close...

Lew

[Allen Brown]

Here's a couple shots of one I did. The homeowner was trying very hard to stick with traditional craftsman stylings, including lots of wood on the inside, built-ins, and 30" doors. I really tried to fight him on that issue, but he just wouldn't budge. I'll try to take some pictures this weekend of the finished project.

I thought it turned out to be a nice looking house, but it might have been over-built for the neighborhood.

[POLARA500]

If you want to see Arts & Craft homes do a search on Greene & Greene Architects. Not only did they design the homes but furniture, plates and lamps. Their detail to joinery is truly amazing. Search the Gamble House and look at the brick and stone work.

Richard