Expert: Richard Taylor, AIA - 5/14/2004

Question
I currently have a flat roofed contemporary house.  I want to change the exterior to prairie style.  The walls of the house are 12' tall from the ground including foundation height.  I want deep depth to the eaves and a hip style roof.  What slope to the roof do you recommend to conform to traditional prairie style?  Will also be adding traditional brackets under the eaves.  What is the maximum depth of the eaves you recommend for cosmetic reasons. Any websites you recommend for pictures?  Thanks, ron

Answer
Ron:

Thanks for your question!

You've asked something quite complex; the pitch of the roof and depth of the overhangs are variables depending upon many other factors including the overall size and shape of the house and it's ability to structurally support deep overhangs.  The roofing material will also affect your options for pitch.  And perhaps Prairie may not appropriate for your house - maybe some other substyle of the Arts and Crafts movement would work better for what you're starting with.

A change as big and as expensive as what you're contemplating needs more attention than what I can give you in this forum, and more than you can get looking at pictures on websites.  It really requires on-site study to do it right.

There are plenty of good books out there that document Prairie Style variations starting with the many volumes on FLW's work (and other architects who also designed in the style).  I'd start with Dover Books, Rizzoli Books, and Taunton Press.  All of those publishers have excellent books on house styles.  Dover has a very good Prairie plan book from the 1920's.

Better yet, contact a local architect or designer to work with you on coming up with some design concepts.  Most architects will be happy to do a few inexpensive sketches for you to get you started on the right track.

Hope this helps!

Richard Taylor, AIA
Richard Taylor Architects, LLC
www.rtastudio.com