Garrison House Style Design Tips

The garrison house is an example of the rice architectural history of the United States and our inheritance from the styles of the Old World.

Garrison House Style
In some ways, the garrison house style resembles an old fashioned fortress. This house style is traditionally made from timber, logs or stone. A garrison home is usually two stories, with the second story overhanging jutting out over the first story in the front of the house, a telling characteristic of this house style.

The first floor of a garrison style house typically has the front door centered in the middle of the building with windows spaced equidistance away from the door on both sides. The windows are usually accented with shutters. More modern versions might also include a covered porch with columns on the first floor with an attached garage. The first floor generally contains the living areas of the home, with the family area located behind the garage facing the backyard.

The second story also has shuttered windows placed symmetrically across the front. These windows might be smaller than the first story's windows. The second floor usually holds all of the bedrooms. The chimney might be located in the direct center of the house or at the end of the house.

Traditionally, the exterior lines of garrison house styles were fairly uncomplicated. However, today's designs can include dormers, arches and gables to add to the visual appeal of these homes' exteriors. Modern floor plans also tend to be more open and airy as opposed to floor plans of the past.

The garrison house style has an historical flair that ties in with the past. However, this home style is also flexible enough to accommodate modern tastes and innovations.