New Dominion Virginia, Architectural Style Guide
Minimal Traditional (1935-1950)
F
irst appearing during the Great Depression, Minimal Traditional houses flourished in the late 1940s and early 1950s . Simple and economical, this style was particularly well-suited to large tract-housing developments which gained popularity after WWII. As its name implies, the Minimal Traditional style is a simplified form based on traditional cottages and bungalows stripped of ornament or detailing. These basic, generally one-story houses employ a square or rectangular plan with small rooms clustered around a central point. Roofs have a low or intermediate pitch with closed, shallow eaves. Often, the front elevation features a projecting gable or awning. Typical siding materials include wood, asbestos, aluminum and brick.
Defining Characteristics: • • • • • • • • •
Low or intermediate pitched roofs Square or rectangular plan with overall boxy appearance Minimal ornament Generally small with a single story Side-gable or hip roof Closed eaves with little or no overhang Often feature projecting front-facing gable or awning Use a variety of siding materials including wood, brick, asbestos, and aluminum Generally one-story, though one-and-one-half story variations exist
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Bottom: Houses in Virginia Heights Historic District, Arlington Co. All other houses in Richmond and Henrico Co. (Photos 2013, M. Bezirdjian & L. McDonald)