English Tudor Half Timber Construction

Today's post is a continuation of yesterday's - my class for my daughter's girl scout troop on architecture. The second style I wanted to teach the girls was the English Tudor Half Timber Style. Throughout my neighborhood, it will be easy to show the girl scouts examples of the Half Timber construction. Historically the first permanent dwellings constructed by British settlers were based on those they had known in England- and were patterned after half-timber construction. This architecture is easily identified by the heavy dark timber beams, that are then filled with what was historically a wattle and daub (interlaced branches covered in mud and clay) or brick nogging. With the brick nogging, bricks were arranged in such a way to fill the area between the timber beams.

This construction, as found in America is sometimes called Tudor- although the Tudor period was officially over before Jamestown was even settled. However- some of the Tudor influence can be found in more genuine examples of half timber construction.

Characteristics of what I will refer to as the English Tudor Half Timber Construction include:

1. Two to three stories
2. Rambling Design
3. Half Timber construction with wattle and daub or brick nogging
4. The use of the Tudor arch over doorways and fireplaces
5. Second story overhang or jetty
6. Sharp Gables


7. Small paned leaded windows
   


8. Clustered and or buttressed chimneys
9. Oriel and bay windows

10. Projecting porch or doorway

A gable is the triangle formed in the architecture from a high pitched roof.

In this home, notice the overhang jetty, the bay windows, buttressed chimney, small panes and of course, the half timber construction.

This is an example of an oreil window. They are similar to bay windows, but notice that they don't extend to the base of the building, but rather tuck back in- with just the window nook protruding from the architecture of the building.

In this home, notice the high pitched roofs, sharp gables, small window panes and half timber construction.

Here is a nice close up of the half timber construction. Today, the half timber style is simply cosmetic, rather than structural. They don't fool anyone...

Here you see high pitched gables, small window panes and half timber construction.

The wattle and daub would traditionally be white washed- and sometimes the brick nogging would also be white washed- making it hard to tell it was brick, unless seen close up. The sharp two tone color pallet make this one of the most easily identifiable styles of architecture.

Combining stone with the half timber construction is very common. The stone selection would traditionally be a charming cobblestone style used in combination with the half timber.

Here is another quintessential example- small window panes, classic color combination of half timber construction, a Tudor arch over the doorway, and a protruding second story with rambling design.

Here is an example of the Tudor interior. It is identifiable by the high pitch of the wood ceiling.

When I refer to clustered of buttressed chimneys- I am referring to chimneys like those in the photo to the left. The clustered chimneys are the multiple clusters that you see. What I mean buy buttressing is the stepped design of the trunk of the chimney.

Here is a close up of what I referred to as a second story overhang or jetty. Also shown here is a classic diamond shape small paned window and Tudor arched doorway.

Here is a contemporary example of half timber construction- I include it as it is a less traditional color pallet, yet still a very good example- incorporating the half timber brick construction, sharp gables, and bay windows.

Here is a close up of the Tudor arch. Notice the subtle pitch at the top?

Here is another Tudor arch- this time found in the door.

This fireplace is a contemporary design from Old World Stone Works, incorporating a classic Tudor arch. Using selections like this in a Tudor style home, when doing renovations, would be an excellent selection- having consistency with the architecture. So often, out architecture is so "watered down" in style- it can use a little boost- rather than further watering it down with inconsistent interior selections.

That is perhaps a bit much for the girl scouts- do you think? I'll go through it quickly as to not bore them. :)