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Architecture/Dutch Colonial Addition

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Expert: Rikki Nyman - 11/14/2009


Question
We bought and renovated a 1920's Durch colonial a few years ago. The home has porches on both sides, though one is larger than the other.  We are now condsidering a second story addition, to add a study and laundry area.  Do you have immages I can view of second story additions to Dutch Colonials.  Seems a bit tricky with the roof line.  I am not opposed to a "unique additon" as long as it ties in the the home.  

Answer

c. 1925 Dutch Gambrel
Robin -

That gambrel roof line is a challenge when it comes to additions. The images I have seen of such remodels generally are just the lower level with a sun room or porch below and an open porch above.  One remodel though was a two-story addition from a c. 1925 ESSCO brochure for adding a sun room. I'm including an attachment for you so you can see how it was accomplished "back in the day." Another alternative is simply extending the roofline, though that could compromise the original integrity of the design.

Hope this helps!

Best regards,
Rikki Nyman
www.antiquehomestyle.com

Rikki Nyman

Expertise

Residential architectural questions concerning houses designed between 1900 and 1950, where the question pertains specifically to styles, designs, plans, building materials, color schemes, paint colors, interior finishes and so on. I am NOT qualified to answer engineering questions or issues involving construction methods, plumbing, electrical and the like. For example, I can describe what an appropriate color scheme would be for a vintage 1920s kitchen, or sources for plans for Storybook Style houses. I can not tell someone how to replace the electrical wiring in their old home.

Experience

I have been researching old houses and writing about them for more than five years. (See www.antiquehomestyle.com, which is my site.)

Organizations
Oregon Historical Society Architectural History Center, Portland Oregon

Publications
www.antiquehomestyle.com

Education/Credentials
B.S. History, Minor in Architectural Design

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