Some friends and I were recently discussing the design of their new home when they stated they would like a Craftsman-style house. Being an architect of the present day, it is impossible for me to get on board with designing something today that looks like it was built a century ago. Being friends, I added this viewpoint to the discussion and things got interesting:
No, fists didn't fly. But the conversation turned to what a contemporary home influenced by a love of the Craftsman style would look like. We never quite pinned it down verbally (as this is an exercise that might take months on a drawing board), but even as we talked I grew excited about sharing this question with the Apartment Therapy community.
In the images up top, I've shown a few possible approaches to the question. First is a home that honors the lines and forms of the Craftsman style, but in contemporary materials and techniques. Second, is a home that was built today to look like a Craftsman-style home. And third is a purely contemporary form employing Craftsman materials, like wood shingles. The final image shows the Gamble House, an actual Craftsman-era masterpiece by Greene and Greene.
So, what do you think is contemporary Craftsman style?
Images: Lake Flato, bdarch.net, Hudson Architects, Mr. Exuberance licensed for use under Creative Commons
Which Wall Color Gives the Best Sleep?
Ana Creates a Community at Home
Good Food to Share 
The Big Book of Small, Cool Spaces 
Apartment Therapy Presents 
The Eight-Step Home Cure 
Z2 iPod Dock and Wi...
Soda Recipe: Homemade Ginger Ale
Second image nails it in keeping the craftsman feel and look. Third one just comes across as a modern structure.
This is easy. But I'm trying to figure out antique modern and vintage contemporary. Wait until they start using classical neue.
Great design should inspire but it should not be imitated. Building something today that looks like it was built a century ago is disingenouous.
Having said that I don't feel picture #2 looks like a genuine Craftsman-style home. It has the Craftsman materials but its lines, size, and landscaping scream 21st century Craftsman-influenced.
I kind of love all of them because they all have their own charm. I think the first is probably my favorite, though (without seeing the exterior) only because I love windows and light!
I think this is a great discussion, and timely for me. I'm a designer/builder/developer in Austin, TX and completed my second project last year -- a 2-unit condo. In our marketing strategy, I decided on the phrase "Contemporary Craftsman" to describe the aesthetic and evoke the kind of visuals you posted above: http://raywooddevelopment.com/home/category/5308-woodrow/
It's not for purists by any means, but it's a 5-Star green home and has elements of contemporary interior design with a contextual, craftsman-inspired exterior.
On the photos above, I think Lake Flato's work always stands at the head of the class. Beyond aesthetics, their work is influenced by the thoughtful CRAFTSMANSHIP from which the aesthetic derrives it's name and inspiration!
I think contemporary craftsman is a when all the ugly lamps, fans, and wagon-wheelish things, seen at the local lighting store ends up in the home of a someone under 45.
I support anything craftsman. Mass production of houses should be illegal, really. It completely changes the visual landscape and it is a semi-permanent thing that is not easily replaceable. It is making our society look cheap cheap cheap. We are leaving a legacy of cardboard houses to our children and it is so so sad.
Quality is no longer a factor. I think people who want to design their own homes or build their own homes should be given grants to knock down a McMansion and build in it's place. What gets me is that whole neighborhood particleboard mansions are popping up everywhere...so that there isn't even room anymore for someone who wants to build a quality home.
I kind of got off topic, but I guess my point is I don't care, anything done with some artisitc integrity is win-win in my book.
I would rather have a reproduction Craftsman then live in some Toll Brothers characterless McMansion myself, but to each his own.
A Craftsman can be greened/updated and that does not necessarily mean sizing the house up to mimic McMansions either, but then again, if that is what the client wants, then that is what they should get.
There are superb Japanese Craftsman styles in Seattle and modernized old Craftsman homes here on east coast that are updated inside and out without losing the basic, beautiful aesthetic.
I think it's possible to adhere to Craftsman ideals with a modern line. It's a timely proposition, given Craftsman homes tend to be smaller but custom-fit to a family's needs.
With the popularity of mid-century modern aesthetics... Frank Lloyd Wright's Usonian designs come to mind as bridging the gap between Craftsman ideals and modern lines.
Great architecture should stand the sense of time, which Gamble House does. So, if the Greenes (and Stickley, for that matter) were actually *ahead* of their time, what would be wrong with emulating their style today? Timeless means.... timeless. Sorry, Regina, but I'm with your friends on this one.
I got so excited when I saw this. I live in an actual 100 year old craftsman in Chicago, but have a very modern aesthetic, so I would say my home is contemporary craftsman! We have kept the integrity of all the structural aspects of our home, but painted the trim white (I know, gasp) to give it a fresh modern look. We have awesome midcentury pieces and lots of graphic art making it modern, but reminiscent at the same time :) I never thought I would live in a craftsman, honestly, but I LOVE it and am now drawn to every craftsman home I see. As far as reproducing the craftsman style, I am all about it. I think calling that disingenuous silly, but that's just my opinion.
What is it with architects wanting to make a 'statement'? I love architecture, but some architect's buildings are self-conscious look at me twaddle that are the equivalent of egotistical guitar solos.
I'm thrilled that you are touching on this issue Regina, because I see it as a key part of the design immaturity in North America.
Historical pastiche thrives in Europe too, but much less so than in North America. The danger of historical pastiche is that it is backward-looking, and essentially disrespectful to historical styles. It gets the principles all wrong, but lulls viewers into thinking that they are looking at an authentic historic building. This in turn contributes to the general lack of appreciation and understanding of historical styles and the inability to recognize and encourage good architecture.
Working in a traditional vernacular architectural style is tricky to do well, but it can be done. I like some of the work of Deborah Berke for example, but as far as I know, she hasn't done a contemporary craftsman residence.
I don't think there is a simple, pat answer... there are many possible design solutions depending on the skill and talent and vision of the architect (and in the latter parameter, of the clients as well).
To go to your examples above, the first image *might* be a possibility, but I just can't get past the horrible, tacky interior -- the furniture and art. The second is clearly the accepted view of a "contemporary craftsman", but in my view, it is an abomination. It violates certain craftsman principles, and tricks people into making believe it is authentic.
The third one is amusing, but almost too much of an aesthetic exercise, and not something that would go over well with the American public. It is too radical and lacks the comforts Americans expect. A key characteristic of the style are the heavy prominent horizontals of Craftsman homes, which the 3rd example is totally lacking.
I think the solution is to ask yourself what is so appealing about the craftsman style to you personally, and use that as the springboard.
When I think about it, I think most architects in town are actually working in the contemporary craftsman style, some projects more successful riffs, some more pastiche. It is a style most people feel comfortable with, and find comforting. Many of the variations involve the use of stone, and emphasize the strong horizontals, although reinterpreting the style with metal instead of wood.
(I find it sad that it is so difficult to move beyond a style that is 100 years old, that our community is not able to embrace truly contemporary design, but hey, maybe I should just move back to Europe and stop being disappointed...)
I built a prairie style new house a few years ago... exterior has large overhangs, some cedar shingle detailing, but Hardie board siding in a muted green colour... interior, lots of wood, built-ins, clerestory windows, lots of light, leather furniture, a few traditional craftsman bits of furniture
I love craftsman homes, but not for their aesthetic (which is great, but so are so many others) but for their quality, comfort, durability, and dignity. I see so much new construction that doesn't honor these principles, and perhaps that's the reason so many folks want a home that is backwards-looking.
I think Craftsman aesthetic of appreciation of materials,etc is still completely valid today. You don't need to rebuild a Craftsman house exactly as it would appear 100 years ago, but you can certainly honor and update that aesthetic.
I have always been in love with the Craftsman style! My great-grandparents had a craftsman when I was really little, and the way it worked out was so cute and lovely. That house inspires the way I think about design to this day.
I agree that #2 doesn't look 100% craftsman, but I love that: It has the aesthetic of a craftsman, but with the modern influences that make sense for newer construction.
I also agree with Robin Ganser - that the use of real craftsmanship is what makes the home. One of the things I take pride in is my own ability to build and put things together. Seeing good craftsmanship has always been a treat for me.
I've always been in love with older homes, and while I would love to have a true craftsman of my own, if I were to build new, it would have a very similar aesthetic to a craftsman - not because I can't "embrace truly contemporary design," but because it suits where I'm from, is in keeping with how I design, and is who I am.
A lot of the new construction in my mom's area is still clearly new, but takes some of the best of craftsman and re-interprets it into modern homes: clean lines, cedar shakes, stonework. But it is able to incorporate it in a way that is relevant now: modern kitchens, open floor plans, versatile bathrooms.
It's not only that I love the look of a craftsman, but what it says about the people who live there - the character of these homes is so important, and seeing that invigorated into new construction or remodels is a huge highlight.
You missed the point of the Craftsman philosophy when you mentioned "employing Craftsman materials, like wood shingles". There is no such thing as "Craftsman materials per se. The Craftsman philosophy calls for using local materials whatever they may be. For instance, on the coast in Central California is a Craftsman house built from local stone.
This was a reaction to architects who were building from materials like Carrara Marble in Sheboygan.
If wood is local to the area, great. If not, it should not be "imported" to build the house. If you live in Carrara, then Carrara marble would be a local material.
I don't care for number 3 - looks like a mobile home dipped in cedar. Number 2 is certainly 'inspired by' and uses many of the signature elements - I noticed the roof details in particular.
However, I chose to buy a real Craftsman and work with the smaller kitchen instead of getting a new construction with the LOOK of the period and none of the actual craftsmanship (pardon the pun - it was deliberate LOL).
BTW, I wouldn't call the Gamble a typical Craftsman house. It's the very top end in both size and materials.
Wikipedia sets out common architectural features such as low-pitched roof lines, gabled or hipped roof with deeply overhanging eaves, exposed rafters or decorative brackets under eaves, front porch beneath extension of main roof, tapered square columns supporting roof 4-over-1 or 6-over-1 double-hung windows, hand-crafted stone or woodwork and mixed materials throughout the structure.
The second picture is probably the best -attempt, but it will always be a challenge to re-create a modern building with the aesthetic and style of a historic building.
Ironically (if I am even using tha word correctly) the house I thought was the most attractive and "modern-looking" was the last one. I do like the little bump up in the lines of the house for the window in the second, it is really cute.
Threadbndr- I'm glad I'm not the only one who though the third picture looked like a mobile home covered in wood shingles.
A Craftsman house is a modestly-scaled, hand-built house using natural, local materials. I think that's still very much within our current green/sustainable aesthetic.
A Craftsman is NOT a McMansion with a few faux details tacked on. The first two "craftsman" pictures are about as authentic as a suburban "Tudor" house.
I would say that probably half the homes in DWELL fit the Craftsman philosophy, even if the end result looks different.
I'm so curious to see what other folks have to say about this. We bought an 85 year old american foursquare last year, partly because of the location and partly because it's a nice, sturdy, older brick home with a bunch of original stainedglass windows. It did not work as is for our family, though, since we live in the kitchen, and we bought it intending to add a large addition behind the dining room for a family sized kitchen. Now all that stuff is done, but I have to decorate. What on earth do I do? aieee!
One of the beautiful things about craftsman houses (I own a 1920s bungalow) is their scale - modest and yet gracious.
The houses in images 2 and 3 lack that gracious scale. The "real" craftsman in image 4, while large, shows it beautifully.
I grew up in Pasadena and actually was a docent for the Gamble house as a teen so this is biased opinion- but I think for a house being built over 100 years ago it is amazingly current and good argument fodder for your friends.
The philosophy behind the Greene brothers design (and there are several of their houses sprinkled about Pasadena and Greater LA) was definitely contemporary and modern (bringing nature inside, the use of natural materials, simple items/furniture but very clever in their usage etc)
Based on those ideas... I think that's why Craftsman style homes still resonate with people till this day. Def. a house style I would choose to buy when it comes time.
I was just reading over the comments, including my own. I meant stand the test of time, not sense of time. Funny mistake.
Surely any aesthetic and historic style can be reimagined in modern settings, using modern technologies and techniques, while still staying true to the ideals and appearance of the originals? I find there is so much more character and functionality in older homes (Victorian, Craftsman, etc) that just doesn't exist in suburban tract homes and McMansions. If I were able to build a brand-new dream house, it would certainly take aesthetic inspiration from and look more like older homes than what is typically built new today. I'd like to think that it's possible incorporate the values that informed those designs while making good use of modern and green elements, without losing the integrity of the original.
I have a strong opinion, that of the first three photos, only the first feels like what I envision a modern craftsman would look like (from the architectural standpoint- not decor). However, when I try and comment on 2 and 3, I note that I see them as a Mc Mansion form and an ideal modern gable form respectively, wrapped in craftsman skin or details. In saying this, I've indirectly asserted that "contemporary craftsman" must maintain a craftsman form (low pitched roofs, horizontal lines, deep eaves, the front porch...) Architecture is not soley defined by form-- should one instead take principles of craftsman design: "locally handcrafted wood, glass, and metal work creating objects that were both simple and elegant" (wikipedia)? Or maybe it is inspired by comfort for the family and house life? Or a combo? I'd look to modern artisans in wood, glass and metal (mostly wood) to see their forms and how that might be reinterpreted in a home.
I'm not an expert on architecture but there is a reason why the period was called " the Arts and Crafts Movement". Many people of that period wanted to get away from the opulence of the Victorian Era and the early Art Nouveau Era. The design concepts of the Mission or Arts and Crafts Era crossed over into the Art Deco Era which also had a more streamlined look and in theory used fewer materials (debatable). However, the Mission/Arts and Crafts Movement had a philosophy driving it: Only have what you use, functionality, then form; simplistic form, made from natural, quality materials, honoring nature, and displaying its beauty. As early as the 1860s people all over the world saw what is too apparent now: A belief that the more one has, the better person he is, or appears to be; an excess of "stuff" that is mostly useless, while some folks have little or nothing. And as a result, we fill dumps with discarded items with very little regard for the future. When I was growing up in the 50/60s and my father was in the USAF my mother only kept what could be packed or unpacked in day! I think that's a good idea; I'm working on that. There cannot be a "new" Mission style although it may be tweaked to have modern elements. Some folks just love the simplicity and grounded-ness of Mission and face it, some of these modern materials are junk If someone loves craftsman they'll just have to re-hab or find an architect who will work with them...Sorry if I ranted, I just see "The Movement" as more of an ideal.