This question often comes up as we have our initial meetings with our clients.
They want a “Cape Cod” style house. But, what does this really mean? Today, Cape Cod homes boast all types of architectural features. Over these next few blogs, we will be show examples of specific types of architecture that we find here on Cape Cod.
The first Cape Cod style home that we are going to explore is Gambrel architecture.
The Gambrel features the typical two-sided roof, but with two slopes on each side; the upper slope is positioned at a shallow angle, while the lower slope is steep. The advantages of this design include a sloped roof, while maximizing the inside headroom. This extra headroom allows for a complete second or third story to be built.
Did you know that the oldest known gambrel roof in America was on the second Harvard Hall at Harvard University built in 1677?
There are claims that the style originates from the: Spanish, Portuguese, Dutch, and English mariners who had visited or settled in the area of Southeast Asia and saw dwellings with this roof style. We are glad that it has found its way to Cape Cod!
This home in Orleans has the gambrel roofline in the front with plenty of room for three windows.
We are currently working on this new home build in Harwich. The house showcases the Gambrel architecture.
Sometimes the gambrel style is called the “barn style”.
Here is an updated barn that we remodeled completely inside and out. These homeowners now have a great place for extra company to stay, or the ability to work in the upstairs office. See all of the project pictures here.
