WELCOME TO OUR CRAFTSMAN PAGE
One of the things that we really love about being custom home builders is that we get to choose what we build. I know that this may sound a little pretentious, but if your read our biographies, we’re not new to the business, we choose to be homebuilders because it’s our passion and we also reserve the right to choose those jobs that we are interested in and passionate about. Whether it is a custom home for a very discerning customer or a style such as the Crafts
man Style.
So, we choose (as one of our passions) to build Craftsman Style homes whenever the opportunity presents itself. It is a passion of ours and we feel the style reflects some of our philosophical beliefs about our lives and business. Gustav Stickly (one of the founders of the craftsman style) said the following:; "We have planned houses from the first that are based onthe big fundamental principles of honesty, simplicity, and usefulness..." We like to think that this reflects our personal philosophies as well.
First of all, what in the world is a Craftsman home?
Well, the hallmark of a true craftsman home is it’s simplicity, strong construction and the lack of elaborate and ornate architectural adornments. Most true Craftsman homes were 1 ½ stories with exposed rafter tails on the overhangs and used local building materials (such as locally available stone and lumber) for the exteriors.
Where did Craftsman homes come from?
Most would agree that three people were largely responsible for the Craftsman style of home. Gustav Stickley, Charles Sumner Greene and Henry Mather Greene. These three gentlemen were home designers and furniture builders during the Arts and Crafts era in the first two decades of the 20th century. They began to design Craftsman homes that were practical, understated, simple in style and layout but not at the expense of good construction … all qualities of the furniture that they were designing and building. Most of these homes were designed to appeal to a growing middle class population during this time period and were built by local craftsman who style had strong roots in homebuilding as a craft and not as a just a job.
What are the hallmarks of a Craftsman Style home?
Let’s start with simplicity. Simple, understated and practical floor plans
. Often just a few large rooms with plenty of natural woodwork.
Windows. Detailed mullion work (grids) often painted contrasting colors totheframe and many of them to flood the simple interiors of the home with plenty of natural light.
Porches. Most true Craftsman homes will have recessed porches, terraces,pergolas and entrance ways. These provided plenty of space to enjoy the outside elements without being exposed to them. Due to the construction techniques of this period, porch floors were all constructed of wood, no cold hard concrete to be found!Very practical indeed.
Built in furniture: Many Craftsman homes featured very practical use of space by employing the use of built in furniture. Book cases were the norm however one could also find desks and display shelves in odd little nooks and crannys.
Roof pitch. As a rule, most Craftsman style homes have a very low roof pitch. In areas of high snow accumulation, you can find exceptions to this.
Wide overhangs. Generous roof overhands with exposed rafter tails were found
in this style. With their low roof pitch and large overhangs, these homes provided protection from the elements on all four sides and as well as some degree of cooling efficiency afforded by the large overhand shading the exterior of the home during the warm summer months.
Use of natural building materials. Cedar shakes, wooden lap siding and native stones were all highlights of a true Craftsman style home.
So, how do we accomplish all of this today?
At MorningStar Homes, we have tried to imbue our Craftsman style homes with as many elements of a true Craftsman home as possible. Local and National building codes, lack of period correct materials, and knowledgeable craftsman make some of this a challenge, but one that we relish. We have worked hard to put together a team that can take these elements, blend them with current technology and deliver a delightful Craftsman Style home that will blend into it’s setting and provide you with many years of old work practicality and enjoyment.
These homes are special. Typically the right setting is usually an expensive one (inside the beltline) and the attention it takes during construction can mean a longer build time (9 months to year is not unusual). If you are looking for a piece of American history and heritage and are up to the challenge, give us a call. We would love to help you realize your Craftsman dream.
Thank you for your consideration.
The MorningStar Team
Footnote: We have not attempted to provide a complete history of the Craftsman Style or the Arts and Crafts movement. Much information can be found on this for the person desiring more detail. Resources used for this webpage and for additional information can be found below.
RESOURCES
Craftsman Homes- Architecture and Furnishings of the American Arts and Crafts Movement
Craftsman Bungalows: 59 Homes from The Craftsman
More Craftsman Homes
Fine Homebuilding Great Houses. Craftsman-Style Houses.
117 House Designs of the Twenties
The Old House Book of Cottages and Bungalows
Homes & Interiors of the 1920's
The American Bungalow - 1880-1930
Greene and Greene #1 - Architecture as Fine Art
Architecture of the Arts and Crafts Movement
Redesigning the World: William Morris, the 1880's and the Arts and Crafts
The Art that is Life: The Arts and Crafts Movement in America, 1875-1920
Chapters in the History of the Arts & Crafts Movement
The Arts and Crafts Movement
The Arts and Crafts Movement: A Study of It's Sources, Ideals and Influence on Design Theory
Gustave Stickley: The Craftsman