Page 69 - State College, PA Design Guidelines

• 06.28.2018

Materials

Historic primary building materials in the neighborhood include masonry,
horizontal wood lap siding and board and batten siding. These materials are
key to the character of the historic districts.

Exterior materials and finishes have a significant impact on the appearance
of a building. New building materials should reflect the range of textures,
modularity and finish of those employed historically. They also should
contribute to the visual continuity of the area and should meet all Building
Code requirements. Materials used in new construction should be durable.
5.15 Use building materials that appear similar in scale,
texture and finish to those seen historically in the context.
a. Use materials that were used historically including wood, brick,
stone and stucco or alternative materials similar in appearance to
those found in the historic context.
b. Use masonry materials with a proportion similar to masonry
materials used on historic buildings.
c. Use materials that are proven to be durable in State College’s
climate.
d. New materials that convey characteristics similar to historic Use building materials that appear similar in
materials may be considered if they have a similar appearance, size scale, color, texture and finish to those seen
and shape to traditional materials. For example, composite historically in the context. (Top and bottom
photos - Winnetka, IL)
materials often meet these requirements for appearance, while
materials including metal, vinyl siding or unfinished concrete block
are typically discouraged.
e. Imitation or synthetic materials, such as aluminum or vinyl siding,
imitation brick or stone, and plastic are inappropriate.

Use building materials that appear similar in scale, color, texture and finish to those seen historically
in the context. The building above does not incorporate materials that were seen historically or create
a similar scale to those seen historically. (Boulder, CO)

CHAPTER 5 • NEW CONSTRUCTION • HARB REVIEW REQUIRED 63