Carpenter Gothic Siding

Vertical board and batten siding is the favored cladding for carpenter gothic buildings particularly the taller structures.

Carpenter gothic siding. Since trees grow vertically board n batten was seen by some as a more natural way to use wood. One famous example of carpenter gothic architecture can be seen in the iconic painting american gothic illustrating the more plain end of the spectrum but the peaked windows and steep gables characteristic of the style can be clearly seen. Board n batten siding thus starts appearing around the 1830s and 1840s during what is now termed the gothic revival period. Carpenter gothic was the name for a folk interpretation of gothic designs.

Carpenter gothic also sometimes called carpenter s gothic or rural gothic is a north american architectural style designation for an application of gothic revival architectural detailing and picturesque massing applied to wooden structures built by house carpenters. Feb 23 2013 explore candy mcmillan s board carpenter gothic followed by 162 people on pinterest. On these buildings houses and often churches you ll find board and batten siding a vernacular departure advocated by a j. Steep roofs and fanciful vergeboards are typical.

It s verticality was acclaimed as helping to suggest the overall lines of gothic. Some carpenter gothic homes have steep cross gables bay and oriel windows and vertical board and batten siding. Carpenter gothic structures often have carved porch posts and railings and other elements that provide a strong vertical emphasis. This cladding isn t from the gothic tradition but rather from the cabin construction traditions of norway sweden and other parts of northwestern europe.

The gable end of this carpenter gothic house in central maine features fancy scroll work and unusual second floor windows the replicate cathedral features. It is also common to see board and batten siding in carpenter gothic architecture although this is by no means required. Note how the board and batten siding gives a strong vertical element to the house.