When In Rome...... Keeping It Right

 My drive to the local grocery store or my hair salon has me entranced as I pass by wonderful turn of the century homes. I cannot pass by these homes without noticing the craftsmanship and architectural detail that is unsurpassed  today only by current building materials that were not available one hundred years ago. As entranced as I am by these perfect examples of architectural principle , I am equally dismayed by the  mass quantity of new homes built today that do not follow proper aesthetic architectural guidelines.  Even if a home is structurally sound, it can  still be architecturally incorrect.

 I find  it amazing how our building practices of today are ever influenced by Greek and Roman scholars from ancient civilization. Something as simple as a porch /entry column placement has it roots in the ingenuity of its ancient builders.  Bottom line, if it was good enough for the Greeks and The Romans (whose ancient ruins are still standing) it should be good enough for us.


Here are the guidelines for changing out, or adding columns ( which are a great feature) if done right to your porch or entry. ~ Nadia

Photo Source Southern Living Magazine

Column Placement

 1. To properly position, the column body ( or shaft) should align with the outer edge of the entablature (see sketches above).


 2. Likewise, the columns capitol juts out beyond this upper structure, allowing its weight to be directly and evenly distributed on the column.


 3.The beam above the capitol of the column should be constructed so that it equals the minimum width or diameter of the column shaft. 

 ( Source Robert Martin)




 * Note *  In follow up  to a very good question,

 " What are the guidelines for choosing the correct style of columns or roof to complement the facade?".


 The answer is, the formula for column placement remains the same. The style of column, and roof line, are based upon the architectural style of the structure.

Building With History: Columns from Brent Hull on Vimeo.