A Look At Local Architecture

When most people see, or hear, the word architecture they think of the “bones” of the building or the structure. The adornment or ornamentation or decoration, if you like, of the structure rarely crosses their mind and yet these are the very elements that define the architectural style. Over the next several weeks we are going to examine some of the architectural elements found in the area.

The Victorian Eclectic style dates back to about 1850 and its influence can be seen through to the early part of the 20th century. Architectural styles during this time no longer grew solely out of what had gone before in the places in which they originated. Now they were also influenced by buildings that travellers had seen in other countries.

Buildings constructed in the Victorian Eclectic style are highly decorative and exhibit stylistic influences so numerous that they do not fit into any one of the previous single styles of architecture. They are noted for featuring an unusual combination of elements from a variety of Victorian styles. Details from the Queen Anne, Gothic, and Italianate styles were borrowed most often, combining to create highly decorative surfaces. A list of common features follows:

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  Building had a square, symmetrical shape
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  Some featured brackets under the eaves
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  Pediments or the triangular space forming the gable end of a roof above the horizontal corner moulding
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  Gothic pointed arches
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  Sunburst detailing
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  Semi-circular arched windows
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  Oriel window (a form of bay window)
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  Dormers (a gabled extension built out from a sloping roof to accommodate a window)
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  Porches with spindle-work or flat, jigsaw cut trim

Windows of Victorian Eclectic style were typically individual casement, or single-hung windows with wood frames. On some occasions, metal frames were used to replicate the iron- work used on other details in the house. Doors were typically carved wood, or other ornate wood doors. Doors were also stained. In terms of colour scheme, these buildings were typically painted white with a second trim color. Sometime a third color was used on the window frames.

As to the origins of this style in Canada, there are two theories. The first relates to American landscape designer, horticulturist and writer Andrew Jackson Downing. His book, The Architecture of Country Houses, discusses the importance of both functionality and beauty in architectural style. The other theory is that, particularly when discussing homes that were built during the period, few of the buildings in the area were designed by architects. Many were built by local craftsmen adapting plans to meet their own or their client’s needs. Some were built as imitations of what these craftsmen had seen somewhere else and the adornments were a result of their own artistic license.