Dutch style homes, also referred to as “Dutch Colonial” style homes, date back to the early 17th century when Dutch settlers arrived in present-day New York state. These homes typically feature a steep, pitched roof with side gables and a chimney in the center of the home.
The walls are generally constructed of brick or stone with shutters on the windows, and large Dutch doors on the front and back of the home. Inside the home, there are typically four large rooms opening off a central hall — one room on each side and one room at the front and back of the home.
The central hall typically includes a staircase and a large fireplace. Over time, Dutch style homes have become associated with a unique, traditional architectural style that blends elements of both English and Dutch styles.
Different areas of the country will feature slightly different takes on this style, but each home typically features elements of the original Dutch colonial design.
Where are Dutch style homes most common?
Dutch style homes are most commonly found in the United States Northeast region, particularly in the Mid-Atlantic and New England states, as well as in the Upper Midwest and parts of the Southwest. Dutch style homes were first brought to the United States by settlers from the Netherlands in the 1600s and 1700s, and have since become one of the most iconic American colonial architecture styles.
The Dutch Colonial Revival, which was popular in the early 20th Century, saw a resurgence of Dutch design in building and suburban home construction.
In terms of regional influences, Dutch Colonials in the East and the Upper Midwest often feature gambrel roofs, large glass windows, shuttered windows, and flared eaves. Some of the best examples of Dutch houses can be found in Philadelphia (Pennsylvania), Albany (New York), and Amherst (Massachusetts).
In the Upper Midwest, the Dutch Colonial Revival movement of the early 1900s saw traditional Dutch elements combined with many features of the English Tudor home style, such as brick trim, steeply pitched roofs, and bay windows.
In the West, Dutch style homes tend to be more angular in design than their counterparts in the East. In California, for example, Dutch style homes often have steeply gabled roofs, large windows, and wood siding in neutral colors, making them very popular for the region’s Mediterranean climate.
On the other hand, Dutch Colonials in the Southwest typically feature stucco walls and tile roofs, which are better suited to the region’s warmer weather.
What makes Dutch architecture unique?
Dutch architecture is unique for a variety of reasons. First, it has a strong connection to the country’s rich maritime and trading history. This is evident in the properties within the city of Amsterdam with many of the buildings taking inspiration from the Dutch Golden Age of the 17th century.
The city is known for its distinctive tall Dutch-style houses, which feature tall and narrow characteristic facades that lean out over an entrance gateway.
In addition, Dutch architecture has been heavily influenced by modernism, the hugely influential international style that originated in the 1920s. This was a reaction to the more ornate designs of the 19th century, offering a more streamlined and sleek style.
This can be seen in the many innovative housing projects and office complexes that have been built in the Dutch cities.
Another unique aspect of Dutch architecture is its focus on sustainability. This is particularly evident in the green energy policies that have been implemented in Dutch cities, with a push to reduce carbon emissions and incorporate renewable energy into their designs.
This has led to a number of architecturally significant buildings being built that demonstrate a strong commitment to a cleaner, greener future.
All in all, Dutch architecture is truly unique, with its roots in the country’s long and proud history and its modern focus on sustainability. It embodies the spirit of the Dutch people: ambitious, innovative, and forward-thinking.
How many stories does a Dutch Colonial house have?
The typical Dutch Colonial house usually has two stories, with a steep, side-gabled roof and large front porch. The second story is usually a gabled dormer, however, some Dutch Colonials may have just one story, depending on the size and scale of the house.
In addition, some Dutch Colonials may have extra stories in the attic space, although these are usually only accessible through the stairwell. The exterior walls are typically made of clapboard, although in some areas of the United States, Dutch Colonials may also have a stone or stucco finish.
Dutch Colonials historically had distinctive decorative shutters, although some homeowners may choose to leave them off or to add decorative louvered shutters.
What are the characteristics of a Dutch Colonial house?
Dutch Colonial houses are named after the style of architecture developed by settlers in the Netherlands, and later brought to the United States and Canada. Characteristics of Dutch Colonial homes usually include a gambrel roof, two full stories, and half- stories located between the roof and the first floor.
The roof typically has a bell-curve shape, with the walls having a curvy, curved appearance that make Dutch Colonial houses easily recognizable. Other common features of Dutch Colonial homes include closed eaves, clapboard or shingle exteriors, and multiple dormers.
Inside, Dutch Colonial houses often have fully paneled walls and wood floors. Staircases may have open risers and spindles, and doorways are typically arched.
What are Dutch eaves?
Dutch eaves are a type of roofline commonly seen in traditional Dutch architecture, particularly in Northern Europe. This style of eaves has triangular shapes protruding over the sides of the building, prevent snow and rain from collecting on the roof and eventually entering the home.
The eaves are wider at the bottom and can extend out as much as a few feet and the edges must be angled precisely to allow the water to slide off of the roof. In some cases, the eaves can even reach the ground, creating a unique and attractive appearance.
Dutch eaves are seen as one of the defining characteristics of traditional Dutch architecture, and can enhance the aesthetic of any home.
When were Dutch colonial houses popular?
Dutch colonial houses began to gain popularity in the United States during the early to mid-1800s, as more immigrants from the Netherlands arrived in the country. The style was especially popular in the mid-Atlantic and northeastern regions of the US, where many of these Dutch immigrants settled.
The style of Dutch colonial houses blended elements of Dutch architecture with elements of English colonial architecture. Many Dutch colonial houses featured side-gables or gambrel roofs, a hallmark of the style.
Other distinguishing features included the symmetrical shape of the house and a central entrance that was flanked by wings or roofed porches. The color palette of the houses was usually white, but there was room for some variation depending on the region — red, yellow, and green were all used.
The use of Dutch colonial houses declined in the early 20th century, but it still remains popular in some parts of the country.
What does Dutch built mean?
Dutch built is a term used to describe ships or boats built specifically in the Netherlands. The Dutch are well known for their shipbuilding capabilities, with many of their ships constructed using strong and durable materials.
This has enabled them to remain competitive in the industry for many years. Dutch built ships and boats range in size, from small fishing boats to large cruise ships. The use of traditional methods and modern technology in their shipbuilding processes has allowed them to consistently produce vessels of the highest quality.
They are renowned for their quality construction, superb engineering, and above all, safety. Dutch built ships have been used by many countries around the world, including the USA, UK, and Australia, in both commercial and nautical settings.
They are renowned for their strength and durability, making them the perfect choice for voyages of all kinds.
What is a gambrel house?
A gambrel house is an architectural style popularized during the colonial period in America, dating to the 1600s. It is characterized by two symmetrical sides that slope downwards, forming an upside-down U shape.
The two sides are connected by a horizontal beam at the top, which is often decorated with moldings, such as dentils, acting as an aesthetically pleasing frame for the house. At the bottom of the gambrel, a double-pitched roofline is formed, which provides a spacious upstairs area while reducing the overall volume of the roof.
This can be thought of as a way to gain space by “borrowing” from the roof and redistributing it into the upstairs rooms of the house. Popularized in New England, this style of home was often seen in rural areas, but could also be found in cities.
Its versatility and simplicity has made the gambrel a popular style for many decades and is still seen today.
What makes a house a Dutch Colonial?
A Dutch Colonial is a style of house originally developed in the United States, and inspired by Dutch Colonial architecture of the Netherlands. It is typically characterized by its gambrel roof, which is a roof that dips down before turning sharply and forming a low, angled ceiling.
It often has dormer windows placed underneath this roofline, as well as end gables that may have some overlap. Its main entrance typically follows a central stairway, flanked by two main rooms on each side and other secondary rooms.
The overall style of the house combines elements from the traditional colonial architecture of America and the Dutch architecture from the Netherlands, making it unique for its distinct style. Other notable features found in a Dutch Colonial house may include clapboard siding, shutters linking each window, corbeled chimneys, and doors with fan or semi-circle tops.
What was one of the most important characteristics of the Dutch housing style?
One of the most important characteristics of Dutch housing style is its level of comfort and practicality. Dutch homes are typically characterized by a simple design and functionality, which emphasizes practical and comfortable living spaces.
Dutch homes often have a relatively small footprint and often feature open floor plans as well as a few defined spaces. Dutch houses also pay attention to details such as decorative elements that provide comfort and privacy.
Many Dutch homes also have judiciously placed windows that bring in light and air and conserve heat in the winter months. Additionally, the use of colors to brighten up the room is common. All these characteristics contribute to transforming a practical space into a cozy, inviting home.
What is the difference between a Colonial and a Dutch Colonial?
The difference between a Colonial and a Dutch Colonial is largely based on their architectural style. A Colonial style home typically has a symmetrical and balanced exterior, volumes of cubic mass in a rectangular shape, and elements such as a pediment over the front door and dentils along the roof line.
A Dutch Colonial has the same symmetrical design, but typically has an asymmetrical gambrel roof with curved eaves, a decorative entryway, and a wooden front door. Additionally, Dutch Colonials often have traditional Dutch shutters.
Both styles can have examples that date from the 1600s to the present day, but the traditional Dutch Colonial style was most popular in the early- to mid-1900s.
How would you describe Dutch architecture?
Dutch architecture is characterized by its stunning use of brick, various styles of gables, stepped gables, and a slate roof. Gothic, Renaissance, Dutch Classicism and Baroque styles are often seen in the form of grand public buildings, churches, canal houses, and country houses.
Dutch-style windmills, bell towers, warehouses, fortifications, canals, bridges, traditional wooden houses, and barns are also iconic architectural elements of Dutch architecture. On the more contemporary side of Dutch architecture, the Netherlands is also home to several innovative designs from the likes of architects such as Rem Koolhaas, Ben van Berkel, and more.
Dutch architecture and design have a wide range of influences from all over the world, and display a balance of local influences and international inspiration. Overall, Dutch architecture is defined by its classic and modern combination of architectural styles and its chic and efficient use of space.
What is the architectural style of the Netherlands?
The Netherlands is home to a variety of architectural styles, with influences from the Renaissance, Baroque, and Dutch Classicism periods of the 17th century all being evident. The Dutch Baroque style is especially popular, and is characterized by high gables, stepped facades, and ornate decorations.
The classicism period saw an increase in simple but elegant structures, while the rococo style of the late 18th century combined lighter colors and asymmetrical designs. In the 19th century, Dutch architects began to incorporate Gothic and even some Modernist influences into their work.
The most iconic architectural style to come out of the Netherlands is the “Amsterdamse Stijl” or Amsterdam Style, which emerged in Amsterdam in the 19th century. This style combines elements of classic Dutch architecture, such as stepped gables, flat roofs, and tall, slim windows, with more ornate Baroque decorative elements.
This style can be seen in Amsterdam’s famous canal houses, which are a common feature of the cityscape. In recent years, contemporary Dutch architecture has featured an increase in larger structures, utilizing modern building materials like glass, steel, and concrete.
What is Amsterdam architecture called?
Amsterdam is home to an abundance of architectural styles dating back hundreds of years. Many of the city’s buildings are classic examples of Dutch architecture which is characterized by a blend of styles from the Gothic and Renaissance periods.
Common features of this architectural aesthetic include stepped gables (leveled facades with sides that protrude out) and ornate decorations such as intricate carvings and carved window frames. Dutch houses often boast tall, lean shapes and are slightly curved, while churches feature grandiose spire-like gables.
Amsterdam is also home to neo-Gothic structures, modernist structures and a wide array of other imported designs including French, Spanish and English styles. And of course, Amsterdam’s iconic canals are lined with postcard-perfect views of residential homes with gabled facades.
All of these elements combined make the city’s architecture truly unique and distinct.
How are Dutch houses built?
The construction of Dutch houses has evolved over time and is now largely defined by the Netherlands Building Decree. Generally, Dutch houses are built using a combination of brick and insulation. Brick is a popular material in the Netherlands due to its abundance and durability, however it can be costly and time consuming to maintain, so insulation is often used to help keep the house warm and reduce energy costs.
The Dutch Building Decree outlines the construction requirements for houses in the Netherlands, including insulation requirements and the materials used for the building envelope, i. e. the walls and roof that enclose the building.
Houses must meet these requirements in order to gain certification and permission to be built. Typically, the building envelope consists of an inner wall made of brick, a thick layer of insulation such as mineral wool, and an external layer of brick or wood.
This provides increased insulation and helps lower energy bills.
In addition to the materials and insulation used to construct the building envelope, Dutch houses also require an air-permeable and soundproof membrane that acts as a watertight barrier. This membrane helps protect the building from dampness and water damage.
The Netherlands also has very strict regulations regarding the energy usage of houses and buildings, with the aim of reducing energy consumption and emissions. This includes requirements for the use of energy-efficient windows, insulation and other energy efficient materials and features.
To summarise, Dutch houses are typically constructed using a combination of brick and insulation according to the regulations of the Netherlands Building Decree. The building envelope consists of an inner and outer layer of brick or wood, encased in a thick layer of insulation, and an extra air- and soundproof membrane.
Requirements such as insulation, energy-efficient windows and other energy-saving measures are also put in place in order to reduce energy consumption and emissions.
