You are here:

Architecture/Minimal Traditional

Advertisement

Expert: Rikki Nyman - 6/16/2010


Question

Tacoma house
I would like to find out if my house (built in 1943, Tacoma, WA)is Minimal Traditional?  It is clinker brick.  I am planning to add an upstairs bath (gable end dormer) on the back side of the house.  What style/type of windows should I buy?  I was planning to install double hung.  But would like to find out if a "cottage style" (uppper is slightly smaller than the bottom) was done, or should I stay with the standard double hung. Or the 2 over?

I have additional photos, but having problems uploading them

Answer
Randy -

Your house is wonderful and very unusual. I would love to see additional images and discuss your window questions. You can reach me through www.antiquehomestyle.com.

It's taken me some time to get back to you because I've been doing some research. To answer the question of your home's style, I would say it is Minimal Traditional, but really there is more to it than that. The clinker brick is a Craftsman legacy, as it was incorporated "artistically" into earlier bungalow and Craftsman-style homes built through through the 1930s.  It's also Art Moderne. In sum, it has the Minimal Traditional lines, but a very modern aesthetic.

Because of the diversion of materials during WWII, few new houses were built. The number varies depending on location and local conditions, but there is often a story behind the houses that were put up during the War years. Anything you can find out is going to be interesting. I'd check local sources closely for any info I could dig up. You may even discover the plan and/or architect.

As for the windows ... please consult a local historical preservation organization before you make substantial changes. Your house is so beautiful and unusual that I think you fall into that category of home owners who should proceed with caution with respect to remodeling or renovations. I think it may have both cultural and historical significance. That said, I would go for something as close to the original wood windows as possible. Though not cheap, I'd have them custom made if necessary because your house has a very strong character that is worthy of preservation.

Let me know if I can help!

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

©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.