I'm going to be doing a major remodel on our lake house, and was wondering what architectural style it is. Any suggestions are greatly appreciated!
tduds
Sep 28, 21 12:26 pm
Contractor modern.
atelier nobody
Sep 29, 21 2:09 pm
I'd've said "builder contemporary", as "modern" might be seen as implying an actual style, even with the "contractor" qualifier, while "contemporary" is almost totally meaningless, and who knows whether it was built by a licensed contractor or an "owner-builder".
tduds
Sep 29, 21 2:36 pm
Good point. Also "Contractor Contemporary" has that nice alliteration going for it.
So... I'm doubting OP's honesty here. Likely a GC flipper or a slimy realtor.
Wood Guy
Sep 28, 21 1:24 pm
That's what passes for a lake house in Texas? My property actually abuts a lake but I don't call it a lake house because it's a 1/4 mile (sorry--0.4km) walk to get there.
Everyday Architect
Sep 28, 21 1:25 pm
Listing says the architectural style is "traditional."
Glad we solved the OP's problem/crisis.
Wood Guy
Sep 28, 21 1:34 pm
To be fair, the listing says "sale pending," and the interior is dated despite some contemporary updates, so there is a chance that the OP is the prospective buyer and really is planning on a renovation. A slim chance, but...
Almosthip
Sep 28, 21 3:08 pm
To be fair
Wood Guy
Sep 28, 21 3:12 pm
Oh look and I was right. Boom. (Letterkenney +++, at least in small doses.)
Chad Miller
Sep 28, 21 3:17 pm
Wood - never be fair with people wanting free architectural services.
atelier nobody
Sep 29, 21 2:12 pm
Is that "Miller's Corollary to Fields's Law"?
(cf Fields, W.C., Never Give a Sucker an Even Break. Universal Pictures, 1941.)
Chad Miller
Sep 29, 21 2:46 pm
I think so atelier.
Chad Miller
Sep 28, 21 1:22 pm
Wow. The OP is a lying douche who wants free architectural services.
I'm shocked! SHOCKED I SAY.
dutchirons
Sep 28, 21 2:02 pm
Wow, this is quite a crew. Not sure what I lied about. I close on the house tomorrow. Did you need the financial details to provide a simple opinion? I can see this forum is just a bunch of frustrated architects that have greatly overvalued their opinions. I'm guessing architects that have thriving careers aren't spending working hours on a forum. My mistake for looking for an architect here.
Trying being helpful, and you might get more/better clients.
Everyday Architect
Sep 28, 21 2:13 pm
If you were here looking to hire an architect to help with the remodel, why didn't you just say so? We'd be more than happy to help with that.
Non Sequitur
Sep 28, 21 2:18 pm
Our professional opinions are worth $$$. You got got great value for what you paid for so I don't know why your complaining.
Chad Miller
Sep 28, 21 2:45 pm
duchirons - so you came to the forum to ask questions of frustrated architects who have overvalued opinions?
Let me guess - you already have the remodel all designed and just need someone to draw up the plans for permitting.
Sure . . . .
tduds
Sep 28, 21 4:23 pm
You think you're the first prospective buyer / investor / flipper / high school student to pop in here with a "What style is this house?" thread? My dude, you're not even in the top 50. These threads get snarky responses because, by & large, they're not interesting, they're repetitive, the OP never sticks around, and the regular posters are sick of them.
This is a forum for architects to socialize & kvetch amongst ourselves. You'll find a lot of positivity and knowledge in the threads that are interesting to architects. Sorry this isn't one of them.
tduds
Sep 28, 21 4:30 pm
In immediate retrospect that was harsher than it probably needed to be. Still, do a quick search, these threads are a dime a dozen and they never go well.
Donna Sink
Sep 28, 21 10:17 pm
No, not overly harsh. I love kvetching with my archinect family.
Everyday Architect
Sep 29, 21 12:56 am
I don't have any examples on hand, but I swear there have been times when people come in and have been upfront that they are looking for advice on how to find and hire an architect and those threads have gone really well. It's the ones like this that end up going poorly for the OP. I'm convinced that if the OP came in with the following, they'd be really happy with the replies:
"I close on this house tomorrow. I'm going to be doing a major remodel on it. I don't know what the architectural style of the house is, or if that matters, but I'm wondering how I can engage with an architect to help me. Any suggestions are greatly appreciated!"
midlander
Sep 29, 21 4:25 am
your observation is accurate, but in my experience training clients / the public how to communicate is a futile endeavor. better just to be understanding and patient.
b3tadine[sutures]
Sep 29, 21 5:51 am
mid, you know you're right, but these same people would never conduct their own professional affairs in that way, and then all of a sudden gain some superior knowledge down the road, during the design, and construction phases...maddening.
Donna Sink
Sep 28, 21 3:37 pm
OP, here is a real answer: the house does not have a style. Lots of historic homes do have a “style”, but it doesn’t matter what their style is, because style is just a word that’s a way for realtors to explain a house. The only style this house should be is what you want it to be. And if you can afford to buy that house you can afford to buy the time of a designer to help you make it your own style.
Volunteer
Sep 28, 21 4:53 pm
I think is is a generic modern style with some elements borrowed from the past. The wrap-around porch around the single room facing the lake indicates a deep-south colonial aspect, as does that portion of the house being elevated. The large chimney makes the home more substantial than a first look would indicate. The rest of the house in the back looks borrowed from a plain vanilla ranch house and from the side view it appears pure ranch style. For starters I would paint the whole house an off white, including the columns to bring it all together and add some landscaping across the front and sides. later on you can decide what you want to do.
Lots of possibilities here. You could go from Creole Cottage to full-blown modern. Good luck.
Jay1122
Sep 28, 21 5:06 pm
Looks like typical 2x4 spec build with extra porch area to me. Just personal opinion. I don't think hiring an architect is worth the money to remodel a typical 2x4 spec build. Most of the time, the remodel is just kitchen, bathroom, change sidings, windows, etc. replace in kind. Use that money to hire a competent contractor is more bang for the bucks.
But If you are looking to fully gut the house and turn it into some kind of uniquely shaped high performance modern house. With superior thermal, acoustical performance. Unique finishes and constructions. Then you should definitely hire an architect. But that renovation cost will cost more than the house you buy. So I doubt it.
b3tadine[sutures]
Sep 28, 21 6:43 pm
I calm in peace
Non Sequitur
Sep 28, 21 7:26 pm
42 internets points for you.
Donna Sink
Sep 28, 21 9:13 pm
OMG beta this is the best!
Josh Mings
Sep 28, 21 6:55 pm
Don't be talking about no style up here here. We wear all black, so we have none.
b3tadine[sutures]
Sep 28, 21 7:16 pm
I resemble that remark!
Chad Miller
Sep 29, 21 12:17 pm
I'm more an earth tones type of guy . . .
Josh Mings
Sep 29, 21 12:18 pm
I never wear black, unless it's a metal shirt. I'm not kidding.
Chad Miller
Sep 29, 21 12:47 pm
I'm the same. I have one black dress shirt but it's part of a 1930's gangster costume.
tduds
Sep 29, 21 1:12 pm
I'm a pale redhead I look terrible in black. I think I also avoid it specifically to buck the Architect stereotype. I like colors!
SneakyPete
Sep 29, 21 1:52 pm
I have lime green pants.
Josh Mings
Sep 29, 21 2:04 pm
We have an older guy in our office that doesn't like when I wear Terracotta color pants.
Chad Miller
Sep 29, 21 2:05 pm
That guy is just jealous. That guy can fornicate himself with a sharpie.
atelier nobody
Sep 29, 21 2:18 pm
I was just in a conversation the other day about weather in Southern California and mentioned I had to completely relearn how to function as a design professional when I couldn't wear black turtlenecks anymore...
Josh Mings
Sep 29, 21 2:24 pm
Chad, he's actually extremely knowledgeable regarding exterior envelope so less fornicating sharpies, more giving him crap back then asking questions.
Chad Miller
Sep 30, 21 2:11 pm
At least have him sketch up a detail before he uses the sharpie on himself. ;)
,,,,
Sep 28, 21 7:57 pm
It is hard to tell from the parallax in the photograph. It appears to be a diy game room and porch addition to a typical 1 story suburban house. If true, it needs the services of a skilled archinect.
midlander
Sep 28, 21 8:30 pm
like people, not all houses have identifiable style. this is a mishmash of elements that looks a bit awkward though carefully done. i think sometimes people asking "what's my style" questions are doing the equivalent of online personality tests, trying to find some hidden meaning where maybe there isn't one.
my advice is find an architect who starts with a focus on the landscape. those are some beautiful trees which deserve more consideration (and space!) than the current house provides.
midlander
Sep 28, 21 8:40 pm
i'd also note the original house behind the porch looks like a basic 1930ish bungalow, but has been substantially altered. sort of over-upgraded to be honest, taking a modest small cottage and adding on increasingly high quality constructions.
Everyday Architect
Sep 28, 21 8:56 pm
The RE listing notes the home was built in 1987. It could still be made in '87 to look like a '30s bungalow ... but the house is younger than I am.
midlander
Sep 28, 21 9:09 pm
i see. i wonder if it was rebuilt or something. the porch addition clearly was done by a different team than the original house and with a much better budget for windows and trim...
midlander
Sep 28, 21 9:22 pm
yeah so mid80's bungalow style, with an awkward megaporch addition ;D google maps definitely shows its part of a strip of 80s exurban development
midlander
Sep 28, 21 9:23 pm
maybe we can call this style "Reaganite Exurban"
Donna Sink
Sep 28, 21 10:21 pm
“Megaporch addition” is good! But “mid80’s bungalow” isn’t a thing…but I love that you Google mapped it, midlander! Jeez seriously, how did we get anything done before the internet?!
Orhan Ayyüce
Sep 29, 21 1:32 pm
Btw, what's wrong with this house? To me, a licenced architect in California, nothing wrong with it. I wouldn't want to work on it and contribute shit to a landfill somewhere. What a wasteful ego of 'I'm gonna make it mine' that exist in American homeownership. Is this in a gator country?
JLC-1
Sep 29, 21 2:11 pm
bingo! I commented in other thread about second or third homeowners buying houses they don't like and then "how can I make it my "style"".
Chad Miller
Sep 29, 21 2:15 pm
I do find it odd that OP calls it a
'lake house' when there isn't a lake within 20 miles of the site. Maybe the OP meant 'ditch with water'. Must be a Texas thing. I hear they go wild for hills.
tduds
Sep 29, 21 2:35 pm
The interiors are pretty bland and unlikely to last much longer. The exterior is fine. Some modest finish upgrades ought to be enough.
JLC-1
Sep 29, 21 2:36 pm
yes, this is small in comparison to the client that bought a log home, and didn't like logs.
Chad Miller
Sep 29, 21 2:44 pm
Meh, I don't mind the interiors. I'd change the casework for sure but other than that it would be a swanky 'lake house'. If there was a lake that is.
Wood Guy
Sep 29, 21 3:09 pm
It looks like it's exactly a mile from the house to Canyon Lake. But that's still far from being a lake house.
Chad Miller
Sep 29, 21 2:19 pm
Since we have the listing for the property . . . if the OP buys it then his name and all his info will be public record. Just an FYI for future people who want to post stuff like this. Your anonymity is not guaranteed so be careful and play nice.
Volunteer
Sep 29, 21 4:08 pm
The house is in Texas 'Hill Country' where limestone is very available and popular for houses. Many historic homes reflect the architecture of the early German settlers, quite a few mimic homes in the south of France, and there quite a few modern ones as well.
TIQM
Sep 30, 21 11:14 am
"I can see this forum is just a bunch of frustrated architects that have greatly overvalued their opinions. I'm guessing architects that have thriving careers aren't spending working hours on a forum.“
That’s a bingo!
ivanmillya
Sep 30, 21 12:34 pm
You just say bingo...
Volunteer
Sep 30, 21 1:48 pm
Any yet, here you are.
Chad Miller
Sep 30, 21 2:12 pm
Actually, I only spend time here when I'm eating lunch or using the restroom.
JonathanLivingston
Sep 30, 21 3:26 pm
Me too. Explains all the shit posting I guess.
Volunteer
Sep 30, 21 3:32 pm
For what its worth, here is a renovation on steroids. It would go well in the Texas Hill Country.
I'm going to be doing a major remodel on our lake house, and was wondering what architectural style it is. Any suggestions are greatly appreciated!
Contractor modern.
I'd've said "builder contemporary", as "modern" might be seen as implying an actual style, even with the "contractor" qualifier, while "contemporary" is almost totally meaningless, and who knows whether it was built by a licensed contractor or an "owner-builder".
Good point. Also "Contractor Contemporary" has that nice alliteration going for it.
I don't see a lake so it can't be a lake house.
That'll be $200 consultation fee please.
Side note... for anyone interested:
https://www.coldwellbankerhome...
So... I'm doubting OP's honesty here. Likely a GC flipper or a slimy realtor.
That's what passes for a lake house in Texas? My property actually abuts a lake but I don't call it a lake house because it's a 1/4 mile (sorry--0.4km) walk to get there.
Listing says the architectural style is "traditional."
Glad we solved the OP's problem/crisis.
To be fair, the listing says "sale pending," and the interior is dated despite some contemporary updates, so there is a chance that the OP is the prospective buyer and really is planning on a renovation. A slim chance, but...
To be fair
Oh look and I was right. Boom. (Letterkenney +++, at least in small doses.)
Wood - never be fair with people wanting free architectural services.
Is that "Miller's Corollary to Fields's Law"?
(cf Fields, W.C., Never Give a Sucker an Even Break. Universal Pictures, 1941.)
I think so atelier.
Wow. The OP is a lying douche who wants free architectural services.
I'm shocked! SHOCKED I SAY.
Wow, this is quite a crew. Not sure what I lied about. I close on the house tomorrow. Did you need the financial details to provide a simple opinion? I can see this forum is just a bunch of frustrated architects that have greatly overvalued their opinions. I'm guessing architects that have thriving careers aren't spending working hours on a forum. My mistake for looking for an architect here.
Trying being helpful, and you might get more/better clients.
If you were here looking to hire an architect to help with the remodel, why didn't you just say so? We'd be more than happy to help with that.
Our professional opinions are worth $$$. You got got great value for what you paid for so I don't know why your complaining.
duchirons - so you came to the forum to ask questions of frustrated architects who have overvalued opinions?
Let me guess - you already have the remodel all designed and just need someone to draw up the plans for permitting.
Sure . . . .
You think you're the first prospective buyer / investor / flipper / high school student to pop in here with a "What style is this house?" thread? My dude, you're not even in the top 50. These threads get snarky responses because, by & large, they're not interesting, they're repetitive, the OP never sticks around, and the regular posters are sick of them.
This is a forum for architects to socialize & kvetch amongst ourselves. You'll find a lot of positivity and knowledge in the threads that are interesting to architects. Sorry this isn't one of them.
In immediate retrospect that was harsher than it probably needed to be. Still, do a quick search, these threads are a dime a dozen and they never go well.
No, not overly harsh. I love kvetching with my archinect family.
I don't have any examples on hand, but I swear there have been times when people come in and have been upfront that they are looking for advice on how to find and hire an architect and those threads have gone really well. It's the ones like this that end up going poorly for the OP. I'm convinced that if the OP came in with the following, they'd be really happy with the replies:
"I close on this house tomorrow. I'm going to be doing a major remodel on it. I don't know what the architectural style of the house is, or if that matters, but I'm wondering how I can engage with an architect to help me. Any suggestions are greatly appreciated!"
your observation is accurate, but in my experience training clients / the public how to communicate is a futile endeavor. better just to be understanding and patient.
mid, you know you're right, but these same people would never conduct their own professional affairs in that way, and then all of a sudden gain some superior knowledge down the road, during the design, and construction phases...maddening.
OP, here is a real answer: the house does not have a style. Lots of historic homes do have a “style”, but it doesn’t matter what their style is, because style is just a word that’s a way for realtors to explain a house. The only style this house should be is what you want it to be. And if you can afford to buy that house you can afford to buy the time of a designer to help you make it your own style.
I think is is a generic modern style with some elements borrowed from the past. The wrap-around porch around the single room facing the lake indicates a deep-south colonial aspect, as does that portion of the house being elevated. The large chimney makes the home more substantial than a first look would indicate. The rest of the house in the back looks borrowed from a plain vanilla ranch house and from the side view it appears pure ranch style. For starters I would paint the whole house an off white, including the columns to bring it all together and add some landscaping across the front and sides. later on you can decide what you want to do.
Lots of possibilities here. You could go from Creole Cottage to full-blown modern. Good luck.
Looks like typical 2x4 spec build with extra porch area to me. Just personal opinion. I don't think hiring an architect is worth the money to remodel a typical 2x4 spec build. Most of the time, the remodel is just kitchen, bathroom, change sidings, windows, etc. replace in kind. Use that money to hire a competent contractor is more bang for the bucks.
But If you are looking to fully gut the house and turn it into some kind of uniquely shaped high performance modern house. With superior thermal, acoustical performance. Unique finishes and constructions. Then you should definitely hire an architect. But that renovation cost will cost more than the house you buy. So I doubt it.
I calm in peace
42 internets points for you.
OMG beta this is the best!
Don't be talking about no style up here here. We wear all black, so we have none.
I resemble that remark!
I'm more an earth tones type of guy . . .
I never wear black, unless it's a metal shirt. I'm not kidding.
I'm the same. I have one black dress shirt but it's part of a 1930's gangster costume.
I'm a pale redhead I look terrible in black. I think I also avoid it specifically to buck the Architect stereotype. I like colors!
I have lime green pants.
We have an older guy in our office that doesn't like when I wear Terracotta color pants.
That guy is just jealous. That guy can fornicate himself with a sharpie.
I was just in a conversation the other day about weather in Southern California and mentioned I had to completely relearn how to function as a design professional when I couldn't wear black turtlenecks anymore...
Chad, he's actually extremely knowledgeable regarding exterior envelope so less fornicating sharpies, more giving him crap back then asking questions.
At least have him sketch up a detail before he uses the sharpie on himself. ;)
It is hard to tell from the parallax in the photograph. It appears to be a diy game room and porch addition to a typical 1 story suburban house. If true, it needs the services of a skilled archinect.
like people, not all houses have identifiable style. this is a mishmash of elements that looks a bit awkward though carefully done. i think sometimes people asking "what's my style" questions are doing the equivalent of online personality tests, trying to find some hidden meaning where maybe there isn't one.
my advice is find an architect who starts with a focus on the landscape. those are some beautiful trees which deserve more consideration (and space!) than the current house provides.
i'd also note the original house behind the porch looks like a basic 1930ish bungalow, but has been substantially altered. sort of over-upgraded to be honest, taking a modest small cottage and adding on increasingly high quality constructions.
The RE listing notes the home was built in 1987. It could still be made in '87 to look like a '30s bungalow ... but the house is younger than I am.
i see. i wonder if it was rebuilt or something. the porch addition clearly was done by a different team than the original house and with a much better budget for windows and trim...
yeah so mid80's bungalow style, with an awkward megaporch addition ;D google maps definitely shows its part of a strip of 80s exurban development
maybe we can call this style "Reaganite Exurban"
“Megaporch addition” is good! But “mid80’s bungalow” isn’t a thing…but I love that you Google mapped it, midlander! Jeez seriously, how did we get anything done before the internet?!
Btw, what's wrong with this house? To me, a licenced architect in California, nothing wrong with it. I wouldn't want to work on it and contribute shit to a landfill somewhere. What a wasteful ego of 'I'm gonna make it mine' that exist in American homeownership.
Is this in a gator country?
bingo! I commented in other thread about second or third homeowners buying houses they don't like and then "how can I make it my "style"".
I do find it odd that OP calls it a 'lake house' when there isn't a lake within 20 miles of the site. Maybe the OP meant 'ditch with water'. Must be a Texas thing. I hear they go wild for hills.
The interiors are pretty bland and unlikely to last much longer. The exterior is fine. Some modest finish upgrades ought to be enough.
yes, this is small in comparison to the client that bought a log home, and didn't like logs.
Meh, I don't mind the interiors. I'd change the casework for sure but other than that it would be a swanky 'lake house'. If there was a lake that is.
It looks like it's exactly a mile from the house to Canyon Lake. But that's still far from being a lake house.
Since we have the listing for the property . . . if the OP buys it then his name and all his info will be public record. Just an FYI for future people who want to post stuff like this. Your anonymity is not guaranteed so be careful and play nice.
The house is in Texas 'Hill Country' where limestone is very available and popular for houses. Many historic homes reflect the architecture of the early German settlers, quite a few mimic homes in the south of France, and there quite a few modern ones as well.
"I can see this forum is just a bunch of frustrated architects that have greatly overvalued their opinions. I'm guessing architects that have thriving careers aren't spending working hours on a forum.“
That’s a bingo!
You just say bingo...
Any yet, here you are.
Actually, I only spend time here when I'm eating lunch or using the restroom.
Me too. Explains all the shit posting I guess.
For what its worth, here is a renovation on steroids. It would go well in the Texas Hill Country.
Before
After