Mediterranean style homes are often built in the Southwest.
The Mediterranean, or what is sometimes called
Spanish/Mediterranean, is a design marked by flowing design and predominately open floor plans. This creates a feeling
of openness and is excellent for entertaining.
Many of the design elements of the Mediterranean style is reminiscent of Italian villas, Spanish Revival or Mission style
architecture. Normally characterized by a stucco exterior and tile roofs, these homes are popular in the Southwest due to
the cooling effect of the tile roofs.
A close cousin to the Mission and Pueblo style architecture, Mediterranean style homes are characterized by arched window
and door openings, inset deeply into the walls. The climate is a major factor in building this type of home. The large
number of sunny days and the cooling effect of the elements of this design make it a sure winner for the desert Southwest.
Mediterranean houses usually have these features:
Doors & windows are frequently arched
Low-Pitched roofing with red-tiles (Spanish Tile)
Exterior stucco walls (often in pastel hues)
Window deeply recessed giving an appearance of thick walls
Asymmetrical layout and open, airy living spaces
Archways and exposed wooden beams frame the rooms
Some Mediterranean homes have:
Rectangular or L-plan
Asymmetrical with front porch
Arcades with arched openings
Occasional use of colored ceramic tiles for ornamentation
Can be one or two stories
Recessed entry
Balconies and window grilles, made of wrought iron or wood.
scrolled or tile-capped parapet walls
Articulated door surrounds.
Feature detailing is sometimes done in keystone.
Tile is used to accent the walls, roofs, floors, countertops, showers and walkways.
Tile along with limestone, granite, brick and concrete and pebbles are also used in floors.
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