DOI issue:
Nr. 211 (September, 1914)
DOI article:Nixson Hopkins, Una: Some phases of domestic architecture in the Southwest
DOI Page / Citation link:https://doi.org/10.11588/diglit.43456#0222
Some Phases of Domestic Drchitecture in the Southwest
plaster, with all the conveniences of modern-day
living.
For many, many years the adobe was the only
type of domestic architecture worthy of recording,
the term “adobe” designating the architectural
form as well as the material.
But with the advent of eastern capital, together
with the attendant haste of those who accom-
panied it, another style of architecture rapidly
developed. The new houses of wood were quickly
built; badly designed, over-balanced skyscrapers,
extensively ornamented with frills from the mills
tacked on all the available spaces. They had not
one redeeming feature to justify them. Following
California bungalow, heralded as something new,
easy to care for and of comparatively low cost,
soon swept over the land, deteriorating, to be sure
as it became more and more pretentious, ambi-
tious to assume the airs of a conventional house.
Next came a short period when there was a
pitiful attempt to adapt the main characteristics
of the wonderful old missions to domestic archi-
tecture. But so complete was the failure that
it was soon abandoned.
Within the past few years southern California
has grown rapidly in popularity, as a place of all-
the-year-around residence for people of culture and
wealth. Notable architects, attracted by the great
Photograph by Robert Lewis Burn
A HOUSE SHOWING THE INFLUENCE OF THE OLD SPANISH ADOBE
this unfortunate era came the fatal boom days,
and when it had burst a veritable army of people
possessed Tand, but little money with which to
build upon it. Not having money for houses,
they built barns and lived in them, hoping later
to erect substantial places. But as time passed
and financial conditions improved slightly, the
barns were fixed up. Porches were built, pergolas
were added, all kinds of simple built-in features
were invented—and lo! the California bungalow
was upon us. Delightful small houses of red-
wood, showing the natural construction, were
built, following the barn period. They were for
the most part planned by laymen, and no end of
ingenuity was brought to bear on the building.
Every man knew his own front door those days,
because likely he had designed it himself. The
possibilities in this climate, as well as by a very
desirable clientele, have established themselves
here, bringing their own traditions and the fruits
of their education and experience in many other
climes. The result is—the flower of domestic
architecture in the Southwest to-day is composite.
It is a pleasing flower, however, and might be
indigenous to many climes; for here is the great
melting pot for the world’s best domestic archi-
tecture.
People making homes in southern California,
generally speaking, have travelled widely, and
each has brought his own preference for a home—■
his own castle in Spain. It may be, in reality,
a Spanish house, white-walled, with a glorious
courtyard, where a fountain reflects the bloom of
acacia and myrtle trees; or perhaps a sojourn in
XLVIII
plaster, with all the conveniences of modern-day
living.
For many, many years the adobe was the only
type of domestic architecture worthy of recording,
the term “adobe” designating the architectural
form as well as the material.
But with the advent of eastern capital, together
with the attendant haste of those who accom-
panied it, another style of architecture rapidly
developed. The new houses of wood were quickly
built; badly designed, over-balanced skyscrapers,
extensively ornamented with frills from the mills
tacked on all the available spaces. They had not
one redeeming feature to justify them. Following
California bungalow, heralded as something new,
easy to care for and of comparatively low cost,
soon swept over the land, deteriorating, to be sure
as it became more and more pretentious, ambi-
tious to assume the airs of a conventional house.
Next came a short period when there was a
pitiful attempt to adapt the main characteristics
of the wonderful old missions to domestic archi-
tecture. But so complete was the failure that
it was soon abandoned.
Within the past few years southern California
has grown rapidly in popularity, as a place of all-
the-year-around residence for people of culture and
wealth. Notable architects, attracted by the great
Photograph by Robert Lewis Burn
A HOUSE SHOWING THE INFLUENCE OF THE OLD SPANISH ADOBE
this unfortunate era came the fatal boom days,
and when it had burst a veritable army of people
possessed Tand, but little money with which to
build upon it. Not having money for houses,
they built barns and lived in them, hoping later
to erect substantial places. But as time passed
and financial conditions improved slightly, the
barns were fixed up. Porches were built, pergolas
were added, all kinds of simple built-in features
were invented—and lo! the California bungalow
was upon us. Delightful small houses of red-
wood, showing the natural construction, were
built, following the barn period. They were for
the most part planned by laymen, and no end of
ingenuity was brought to bear on the building.
Every man knew his own front door those days,
because likely he had designed it himself. The
possibilities in this climate, as well as by a very
desirable clientele, have established themselves
here, bringing their own traditions and the fruits
of their education and experience in many other
climes. The result is—the flower of domestic
architecture in the Southwest to-day is composite.
It is a pleasing flower, however, and might be
indigenous to many climes; for here is the great
melting pot for the world’s best domestic archi-
tecture.
People making homes in southern California,
generally speaking, have travelled widely, and
each has brought his own preference for a home—■
his own castle in Spain. It may be, in reality,
a Spanish house, white-walled, with a glorious
courtyard, where a fountain reflects the bloom of
acacia and myrtle trees; or perhaps a sojourn in
XLVIII