There are various types of architectural styles used in America throughout the past decades. The amalgamation of different construction techniques, colors, and shapes has created distinct neighborhoods, cultural subsets, and cities in America, setting each one apart from its nearby neighbor.
Most of the architectural styles are adopted from other countries and ethnic groups. With architecture that constantly adapts to the current weather conditions and consistent climate, the way a home is constructed increases the house’s efficiency, temperature regulation, and aesthetics.
History of Spanish style homes in America
First – what are Spanish style homes?
Spanish style homes are widely popular throughout the United States, particularly in warmer climates. You may find neighborhood upon neighborhood of this home style in places like Palm Springs, Florida, suburban neighborhoods in California, and the southwestern United States.
Constructed from the 1600s until the mid-1800s, this style is still copied today in hot and humid states. With similar architecture, such as small windows, wooden beam roofs, white stucco exterior, and window panes, this style is recognizable as you drive down the streets of Santa Barbara or Palm Springs. You can visit the site to find homes for sale.
Spanish style homes construction
Spanish style homes are made from indigenous materials that are native to the area. The adobe wall is usually found in Arizona, while rock walls are more common in Palm Springs, Florida. Another exterior material commonly used is the classic white stucco, helping retain the heat during the day and letting it go at night to cool off the house’s interior.
When comparing Spanish style homes to more ‘traditional’ architecture in America, like row-style homes or Tudor architecture, you may immediately notice the influence of other cultures in this design. With different shapes, intricate detailing, and various materials used in construction, Spanish style homes bring a global feel to the plainer homes we see in America’s suburban neighborhoods.
What was the Spanish Revival?
Although the majority of these houses were first built from the 1600s until the 1800s, the style stayed widely used throughout the United States. Today, many realtors and architects copy the older style, using wooden support beams, inner courtyards, elaborate arches, chimneys, and detailed window dressings.
For those who live in hot and humid climates, shopping for Spanish style homes can be the smartest choice. If you live in the midwest, like in Chandler, Arizona, or in the south, like in Palm Springs, Florida, a Spanish style home has naturally cooling methods that can make the heat more bearable in the summer months.
In modern society, architectures are embracing the Spanish Revival – building Spanish style homes in hot climates to embrace the functionality, aesthetic, and unique styling of the homes built in the 17th, 18th, and 19th centuries.
Conclusion
Spanish style homes are an important architectural style that is still extremely popular in the country today. With open arches, stucco walls, interior courtyards, and detailed window dressings, this ornate architecture combines style and function with its natural cooling methods and improved air flow for hot climates like those in Arizona, California, and Florida.
