A Norman influence is perceptible in these constructions. But it has disappeared in the narrow facade by Mr. Beers
shown in Figure 3, and which is in the English Renaissance style; it is built of brick and stone.
When economy of space is no longer a desideratum, when the architect can spread out and give free rein to his fancy, he
displays his suppleness to still better advantage. This suppleness is one of the qualities which American architects employ with much charm in their villas and cottages. The same elements— porches, broad roof and towers.— are frequently repeated in them, but they are always varied and always possess an individual character. The porch, for example, which is an
indispensable adjunct of every American dwelling, takes on forms of the most diverse grace (Figures 4, 5, 6).
Sometimes, especially in rather pretentious residences, it is true that confusion results from the undue care bestowed upon the silhouette and the production of picturesque effects ; in the United States, as in France, there are certain favorite archi
tectural elements, and it is the exception not to find towers and turrets on a house that is at all above the ordinary.
The residence, the plan and facade of which are given in Figure 7, is a quite characteristic example of dispositions lacking in unity and appearing somewhat incoherent at a first glance, but which, on the whole, furnish scope for pleasing and
Fig. 7. House in Detroit, Mich.
Fig. 10. Private Mansion at Minneapolis.
shown in Figure 3, and which is in the English Renaissance style; it is built of brick and stone.
When economy of space is no longer a desideratum, when the architect can spread out and give free rein to his fancy, he
displays his suppleness to still better advantage. This suppleness is one of the qualities which American architects employ with much charm in their villas and cottages. The same elements— porches, broad roof and towers.— are frequently repeated in them, but they are always varied and always possess an individual character. The porch, for example, which is an
indispensable adjunct of every American dwelling, takes on forms of the most diverse grace (Figures 4, 5, 6).
Sometimes, especially in rather pretentious residences, it is true that confusion results from the undue care bestowed upon the silhouette and the production of picturesque effects ; in the United States, as in France, there are certain favorite archi
tectural elements, and it is the exception not to find towers and turrets on a house that is at all above the ordinary.
The residence, the plan and facade of which are given in Figure 7, is a quite characteristic example of dispositions lacking in unity and appearing somewhat incoherent at a first glance, but which, on the whole, furnish scope for pleasing and
Fig. 7. House in Detroit, Mich.
Fig. 10. Private Mansion at Minneapolis.