Brief Historical Background

The Modern Tudor style houses in America are revival houses built based on the Tudor houses of 16th century England. It is a popular house characterized by steeply pitched roof, usually side-gabled, tall narrow windows, decorative half timbering and massive chimneys. In order to understand the origin of the modern Tudor houses, we have to take a trip back to 16th Century England.

The original Tudor houses originated from the 16th century England. During that time Henry Tudor, his son and grandchildren destroyed medieval establishments & customs and began laying the seeds for the modern state. The increase of wealth and better standard of living increased the number of houses built in the Tudor period. The stability of the Elizabethan Age encouraged many to spend on the latest timber frame, stone or brick structure. Architects were unknown in the period, instead local masons and carpenters of varying skill would often plan and build the houses with the landowner supplying material and labor. Many Tudor houses in this period have stood for a long period of time. Tudor houses from this period represent the start of a more even distribution of the nation’s wealth. It is evidence that the poor can advance and improve their standing in society through hard work, ambition and education while displaying their standing through their new houses.

In general, the buildings in this period were built by local craftsmen with local materials. Heavy roofing materials restrict houses to steeply pitched roofs. Brick was used as a high status material. The Bricks were irregular sizes and thinner than modern day bricks with a thicker layer of mortar. The most common form was a diagonal grid. Stone was sometimes used with bricks for the corner stones. The type of stone used depended on the available stone in the area: Limestone, freestones and Granite. The color of the houses was based on the colors of the surrounding area.

Pic- pitched roofs, stone

Timber was the most widely used material. Timber framed houses were common. Oak was the first choice with Chestnut, elm and poplar also used. There are two forms of timber framed house. A crucks frame used slightly curving tree trunks cut in two down their length. A box frame house is a frame of vertical and horizontal timbers forming the shape of the house.

Pic- Timber framed Pic- Filled gaps

When the frame was complete, the gaps were filled in with thin sticks fitted vertically between beams with horizontal pieces woven in and out of them. Then mud, dung, straw and other materials were mixed and filled in. Bricks can also be used as infill. Thatch was the most common roofing material requiring a steep pitched roof. Oak Shingles and clay tiles were used in some areas.

Windows were usually part of the structure with vertical divisions. Doors were either formed out of an opening in a timber structure or from a separate solid wooden or stone frame. Chimneys were highly decorative and external to display the owner’s wealth.

Pic- Windows (Oriel, Semi Hex, casement)

In the late 17th century, Tudor houses went out of style. However, a revivalist movement in the 1860s brought back Tudor houses with asymmetrical facades, mixed timber framing, stone & brick and casement windows. The new Tudor houses usually have mock timber and bricks were sharp edged & regular. In the 1900s, the revival of Tudor style was popular in the mass housing market in England. It became a dominant style for the new semi-detached houses in the suburban area.

Tudor revival style houses were used for a large proportion of early 20th century suburban houses throughout the United States. An estimated 25 percent of the houses built during 1920s were Tudor style. The American revivalist expressions is loosely united by steeply pitched, front-facing gables and superimposed half-timbering. Many 1920s Tudor houses mimic closely the brick and stone exteriors seen on English prototypes. Local architects and their approach to Tudor design can vary greatly from the typical appearance and style of the classic Tudor houses. The variety of materials and detailing offered architects the use of asymmetrical house plans. This freedom in design allowed rooms to be oriented in any direction and windows to be placed where needed, rooms that were two stories high and wings placed at an angle. It also allowed studios, service rooms and later attached garages to be incorporated into the design. This freedom of design shaped the modern Tudor revival houses seen in American neighborhoods today.

What is your principal subtype?

Front Gabled Roof- sometimes includes a full width front porch.

Symmetrical Paired Gables- Dual twin gables

Single Dominant Mid Façade Gable- Usually characterized by one dominant Gable in the middle.

Front Facing Gable with Wing- Usually a front facing gable is placed on one side of a side gabled main house block.

Multiple Façade Gables- It has two or more dominant cross gables.

False Thatched Roof- This subtype mimics the picturesque thatched roofs of rural England with modern materials.

Parapeted Gables- This subtype is based on early Renaissance England and generally have masonry walls. This subtype is popular from 1880-1915.

What is the interior like for a Tudor style house?

During the 1930s in the United States, Tudor style homes were very popular across northern states. Tudor style homes’ Interior includes high ceilings with exposed heavy timber ceiling beams, small windows and decorative woodwork.

In the 1800s, the kitchen in the Tudor style house consists of iron & wood custom cabinetry with craftsmanship details. In modern Tudor homes, iron lighting fixtures and custom island cabinet will complement the rustic look of the Tudor house.

Pic – High ceiling with heavy timber ceiling beams & Iron lighting fixture

During the Tudor period, homebuilders were local craftsmen that used local natural material. Materials such as rock, plaster, oak wood, stone, copper and wrought iron were used to build a Tudor house. These finishes can add a feeling of warmth to the already beautiful Tudor home.

Tudor style home reminisces a period of craftsmanship and quality in house building. Fireplace with rustic stones and high ceiling timber beams create a grand look for the home. Tudor style houses induce a feeling of warmth, quality, freedom and class to the Homeowner.

What typical elaborations could enhance the look of a Tudor Style house?

Overhanging gables

Battlements

Transom windows

Oriel Windows

Tabbed masonry detail at door or windows

Strapwork

Chimney pots, Fake multiple shafts representing different fireplaces, Patterned brickwork in the chimney

Round Arch door