The Tuscan Style of architecture is considered to be the oldest form of Italian architecture, and takes its name from the region of Tuscany in which it was developed. Tuscan Style architecture follows the lines of the ancient Roman villas with their curved walls and domed roofs. Tuscan Style architecture is characterized by a combination of round arches, columns and vaulted ceilings with large windows.
Tuscan Style Architecture – An Old World Charm
Italy has always been synonymous with art and culture. It has some of the most beautiful buildings of the world. The Renaissance and Baroque periods were especially rich in architecture and art. Among the most exquisite buildings are the churches and palaces. In this article, I’ll talk about a few of my favorite Italian buildings, and the way they have shaped my life.
From Siena and Pisa to Tuscany and Florence, these regions are full of charming villas built on the hills of the picturesque countryside. If you are fascinated by Tuscan architecture, you don’t have to live in Tuscany to enjoy these magical houses. The design of Tuscan-style homes has evolved over time and remains the preferred choice for homes in California and Florida, not to mention other sunny areas of the United States. In this article you will learn more about the design of houses in Tuscan style, their characteristics, history, similar types with famous examples and also some disadvantages of these houses.What is Tuscan-style architecture
Tuscan architecture is the traditional architecture of Tuscany, Italy, which makes extensive use of stone, wood, tiles and wrought iron. With its simple, clean lines inspired by Roman times, Tuscan architecture is a refined, rustic style closely linked to the Mediterranean environment of southern Italy. The houses decorated in this authentic style are inspired by the elements of nature. The crumbling stone walls of the farmhouses, the terracotta floors and the wrought iron fittings are just some of the many whimsical features of the Tuscan-style houses.
Where does the design of houses in Tuscan style come from?
Tuscan architecture has its origins in southern Italy. The style is based on the traditional Tuscan villas built in the early 1600s. Visitors to this region of Italy were so fascinated by Tuscan architecture that they decided to bring the concept with them. However, this style eventually lost its popularity in 1855. But interestingly, the United States saw the beauty of these houses and began designing houses in the same style in sunny regions like California, Los Angeles, Cincinnati and Florida. These American cities were the birthplace of Tuscan-style homes, where the new meets the old.
Definition of characteristics of houses in Tuscan style
External characteristics
The Tuscan architecture has unique outdoor spaces that immediately attract attention. The exterior of these houses is characterized by a simple but elegant decorative style. Most Tuscan-style homes have a Mediterranean feel and suggest outdoor living spaces and enclosed gardens. Some have dilapidated stone walls with vines or flowers and wrought iron doors. Another distinguishing feature is the colour of the tiled roof, which is usually brown, red or yellow. Thick external walls, stone or stucco Sandstone, stucco, limestone or marble are often used for the exterior of a Tuscan-style house. The goal is to make the house blend in with the surrounding nature. The thick stone outer walls are often accompanied by marble niches above the arches or windows. Terracotta tiles: This material is very common in countries with a warm climate. Terracotta is easy to make from natural clay, and you will often see this material used as shingles on the roofs of Tuscan-style homes. Terracotta is another design element that connects the house to its surroundings. Outdoor living spaces Tuscany has a Mediterranean climate all year round and because of the warmer temperatures, most Tuscan-style houses have patios, loggias or porches. Interior and exterior colors: Tuscan-style homes often have earthy tones of brick red with flecks of blue. The colors brown, yellow and green are used on the outside and inside of these houses.
Interior fittings
Plasters or stucco for walls Plaster is not only used for exterior walls. This is another building material that is readily available for the interior walls of a Tuscan home. Plaster is made of sand, lime and water. It is ideal for hot climates because it retains cool air and releases heat at night. Textured ceilings: Panelled or vaulted ceilings with wooden beams are typical features of Tuscan-style houses. These ceilings, along with the natural wood beams, add warmth. Traditionally, wooden beams were found only in rustic farmhouses, but they are gaining popularity in Tuscan country houses, especially those with high ceilings. The beams are richly textured or painted dark brown and the ceilings are decorated with stucco. Floors of terracotta or mosaic: tiles are usually the main floor covering in Tuscan-style houses. Whether stone, glass or granite, most modernized Tuscan homes use tile instead of parquet. Mosaic or terracotta tiles keep the floor cool, which is particularly pleasant in the hot summer months. Bare soil: Most Tuscan homes in Italy have bare floors to keep the house cool in the hot summers. The bare floor also adds to the simplicity of the old style, so the homeowner doesn’t have to clean the carpet or rugs or make sure they don’t get stained. Often there are large tiles or poured cement on the bare floor, with wall decorations in the background. However, if you don’t like walking on a bare floor, you can always cover it with rugs with interesting patterns. Runners are typically used in high-traffic areas such as stairwells and entryways, while wide, thin carpets are typically used for floors in living rooms and bedrooms. Decorative accents: An important accent, present in almost all houses in Tuscan style, is the wrought iron. However, because this material is outdated, it has been replaced with modern metallic accents that give this rustic interior a warmer tone. To brighten up a rustic Tuscan-style home, add colorful artwork or furniture. With the right design, Tuscan-style architecture can be both modern and classic. Combine cool and warm elements to create a relaxed and luxurious interior. Stone, stucco and terracotta are the main materials used in Tuscan houses. Mix it up by adding bright paint colors and light fixtures to enhance your rustic interior design.
Similar types of Tuscan architecture with examples
Italian Renaissance
This style is derived from the original Italian Renaissance architecture. In the early 1900s, American architects traveled to Italy to learn more about this fascinating 16th-century architecture. A century to live. This gave the Mediterranean houses a more authentic look with round arches, large wrought iron balconies and columns. This typical Italian Renaissance house has detailed windows on the ground floor and decorative consoles supporting overhanging eaves. These houses are generally more symmetrical than Tuscan houses. A famous example of the Italian Renaissance style is the Chapel of San Pietro in Rome, Italy, built in 1502. It was designed by Donato Bramante.
Italian style
Italianate architecture, a popular 19th century architectural style. The building, which dates back to the end of the 19th century, was inspired by the Italian Renaissance style, incorporating the picturesque features of rustic Tuscan houses. This style is easily recognized by the pitched roofs and deep eaves supported by decorative eaves or brackets. Natural materials such as brick, stucco or stone are used for the exterior. Most Italian-style houses have tall, round windows. The Ryers Mansion is a famous Italian-style building in Philadelphia. It was built in 1859 and is also known as Burholm Mansion.
Spanish colonial revolution
The Spanish neo-colonial architecture is influenced by the Tuscan style. This type of Mediterranean architecture is most common in Southern California and Florida. Unlike the intricate details of Italian Renaissance styles, Spanish Renaissance houses have simple, clean lines, with simple arches above the front doors and low gabled roofs. A good example of Spanish neo-colonial architecture is the famous Manila Hotel, designed by W.E. Parsons and built in 1909.
Mediterranean Renaissance
The neo-Mediterranean style house is inspired by the Spanish colonial and Italian Renaissance styles, but in a more modern way. These houses are actually a 21st century version. It is an example of the 19th century Tuscan architectural style, combining old and new. Hearst Castle in California is an excellent example. It was designed by Julia Morgan and is a beauty of Tuscan-Mediterranean architecture.
Disadvantages of houses in Tuscan style
Not suitable for cold climates: Tuscan style homes are not suitable for cold climates. They have large windows and high ceilings, making them difficult to heat in the winter months. In addition, the exterior plastering of these houses is not insulating. Traditional building materials, such as shingles, wrought iron, brick and stone, are designed for dry, hot climates. Therefore, these houses are not suitable for cold and snowy climates. High operating costs: The stucco on the facades of Tuscan-style houses is exposed to the sun all year round and needs to be cleaned regularly. Exterior walls should be waterproofed every two years to prevent moisture from entering. Foundation movements can also cause cracks in the plaster of the walls. Pest problems: Just because a Tuscan home doesn’t have wooden shingles doesn’t mean it doesn’t have pest problems. Termites can still enter these houses through cracks in the walls. Moisture can easily attract insects to the plaster. Therefore, you should have your home inspected by a professional pest control company. If you can meet the challenges above, a Tuscan-style rustic home will fit your lifestyle and may be the style you were looking for. These homes are ideal for warm climates with little or no rain or snow. See also the other articles.
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