Our Custom American Craftsman Architecture Designs
Whether you’re looking for that definitive mountain escape or inspired woodland retreat, you’ll find plenty of inspiration with these thoughtful examples of American craftsman architecture design. If you’ve ever wanted to truly feel as if there’s no place like home, these designs should be right up your alley. Make sure to click each example for 3D tours and more – as well as our style-guide below.
What Makes A House Craftsman Style, Anyway?
American craftsman architecture was born in the mid 19th century and is mainly characterized by its rustic, modest, and handmade appearance. Timeless materials that contribute to the look include large wood beams, tapered columns, solid flooring of stone or wide planks, wood shingles, numerous fireplaces, and perhaps the signature craftsman design feature – the wrap-around porch.
Unlike American craftsman architecture of yesteryear, today’s homes can enjoy large windows, open floor plans, and flexible utilities that support smart-home technology and so much more. While originally designed with a no-frills ideology, today’s craftsman homes can be wildly luxurious while maintaining the design philosophy’s early material honesty as its distinctive and authentic feature. Here’s a little more about the nuanced styles of American craftsman homes.
What is mountain architecture?
Mountain architecture is a variant of traditional American craftsman architecture and as the name might suggest, it’s the most rustic of all the styles given their surrounding terrain. Often inspired by soaring peaks, lakes, and comfort during cold weather, mountain architecture exudes a tough, resilient quality, while embracing materials that facilitate warmth and comfort. Any proper example of mountain architecture exudes a wilderness conquering bravery that is 100% all-American!
Can American craftsman architecture work by the sea or a lake?
Yes! And in fact, you may know this type of craftsman home by another few names – sometimes referred to as coastal or bungalow. This type of American craftsman architecture is characterized by low pitched roofs, wide and deep porches, material simplicity and high gables and towers in some cases. Think North Carolina’s Outer Banks all the way up to coastal Cape Cod, York Beach, and beyond.
Can American craftsman architecture be found in the woods?
American craftsman architecture is especially at home in wooded environments and it’s perhaps here where these types of homes are (pun intended) most at home. With a woodland environment, the lines are usually blurred where the home and nature meet. Whereas mountain craftsman’s are more a statement piece on the land, the wooded craftsman blends into the natural materials and almost appears as if it has always been there amongst the trees. This particular style of American craftsman architecture is perhaps the most romantic.
What is prairie style architecture?
Prairie style architecture is another variant of American craftsman architecture characterised mainly by an abundance of horizontally layered lines. Where other american craftsman homes might favor pop outs, triangles, and rustic seams, prairie style architecture trends almost modern. Championed by Frank Lloyd Wright, prairies style architecture begins the transition from classic American to modern American with additional features such as built-ins and functional furniture that appears to be one solid form. In spite of this lean towards American modernism, prairie style architecture still embraces honest, natural materials as opposed to the sometimes austere-feeling concrete and glass of contemporary modern architecture.