Page 123 - State College, PA Design Guidelines

• 06.28.2018

CRAFTSMAN

(1905-1930)

The Craftsman style was the dominant style for smaller houses built
throughout the country during the period from about 1905 until the early
1920s. While the craftsman style is not common in State College’s historic
districts, the bungalow form that most Craftsman style features are added to
is common in the historic districts. One-story vernacular examples are often
referred to as bungalows. However, the term “bungalow” came to refer to
more than just the Craftsman style, and therefore, Craftsman examples were
often referred to as California bungalows.

Identifying features of the Craftsman style include:
• Low-pitched, gabled roof with wide, enclosed eave overhang
• Roof rafters usually exposed

• Decorative (false) beams or braces commonly added under
gables
• Porches with roof supported by tapered square columns

• Columns or piers frequently extend to ground level
• Commonly one or one-and-a-half stories high, although two-
story examples can occur

Four principles subtypes can be distinguished:

• Front-gabled roof: About one-third of this subtype. Porches,
which may either be full- or partial-width, are almost evenly
divided between those sheltered beneath the main roof and
those with separate, extended roofs. Most examples of this
subtype are one story, but one- and-a-half- and two-story
examples are not uncommon.

• Cross-gabled roof: Cross-gabled examples make up about one-
fourth of Craftsman houses. Of these, three-quarters are one-
story examples; dormers occur on about 20 percent. Porches
are varied, but by far the most common type is a partial-width,
front-gabled porch, its roof forming the cross gable.

• Side-gabled roof: About one-third of Craftsman houses are
of this subtype. Most are one and one-half stories high with
centered shed or gable dormers. Porches are generally contained
under the main roof, sometimes with a break in slope. Two-story
examples commonly have added, full-width porches.

• Hipped roof: These make up less than 10 percent of Craftsman
houses; they are almost equally divided between one- and two-
story examples. This subtype is similar to some simple Prairie
houses, which normally lack the exposed rafters and other
typical craftsman details.

CHAPTER 9 • APPENDIX • INFORMATIONAL 117