Cape house plans are architectural designs for a specific style of house that originated in the Cape Cod region of Massachusetts. These homes are typically characterized by a symmetrical facade with a central chimney, a steeply pitched roof with dormers, and a simple, rectangular floor plan.
Cape house plans have been popular for centuries due to their functional design and timeless appeal. They are well-suited for a variety of building sites and can be easily customized to fit the needs of any family. In recent years, Cape house plans have experienced a resurgence in popularity as people seek homes that are both stylish and affordable.
In this article, we will explore the history of Cape house plans, discuss the different types of Cape houses, and provide some tips for designing your own Cape house plan.
Here are 8 important points about Cape house plans:
- Simple, rectangular floor plan
- Symmetrical facade with central chimney
- Steeply pitched roof with dormers
- Functional design
- Timeless appeal
- Well-suited for a variety of building sites
- Easily customizable
- Popular for centuries
Cape house plans are a great choice for anyone who wants a stylish and affordable home. They are well-suited for a variety of building sites and can be easily customized to fit the needs of any family.
Simple, rectangular floor plan
One of the defining characteristics of Cape house plans is their simple, rectangular floor plan. This type of floor plan is efficient and easy to build, and it allows for a variety of different room configurations.
The rectangular floor plan of a Cape house typically consists of a central hallway with rooms on either side. The front door typically opens into the hallway, and the living room is usually located at the front of the house. The dining room and kitchen are often located at the back of the house, and there may be a den or family room on one side of the house.
The second floor of a Cape house typically consists of bedrooms and bathrooms. The master bedroom is usually located at the front of the house, and the other bedrooms are typically located at the back of the house. There may also be a bathroom on the second floor.
The simple, rectangular floor plan of a Cape house makes it a versatile and adaptable design. This type of floor plan can be easily modified to fit the needs of any family, and it can be used to create a variety of different styles of homes.
Here are some of the advantages of a simple, rectangular floor plan:
- Efficient and easy to build
- Allows for a variety of different room configurations
- Versatile and adaptable
- Can be used to create a variety of different styles of homes
Symmetrical facade with central chimney
Another defining characteristic of Cape house plans is their symmetrical facade with central chimney. The symmetrical facade creates a sense of balance and harmony, and the central chimney is a focal point of the house.
The symmetrical facade of a Cape house is typically divided into three bays. The central bay is typically wider than the side bays, and it often features a front door with sidelights and a transom window. The side bays typically feature windows on the first and second floors.
The central chimney is typically located in the center of the house, and it is often surrounded by a chimney breast. The chimney breast is a decorative feature that can be made of brick, stone, or wood. It can also be used to create a fireplace or stove.
The symmetrical facade with central chimney is a classic feature of Cape house plans. It creates a sense of balance and harmony, and it is a focal point of the house.
Here are some of the advantages of a symmetrical facade with central chimney:
- Creates a sense of balance and harmony
- Is a focal point of the house
- Can be used to create a fireplace or stove
- Is a classic feature of Cape house plans
Steeply pitched roof with dormers
Cape house plans typically feature a steeply pitched roof with dormers. A steeply pitched roof is one that has a slope of 45 degrees or more. This type of roof is designed to shed water and snow quickly and efficiently. It is also more resistant to wind damage than a roof with a lower pitch.
Dormers are small windows that are installed in the roof of a house. They are used to provide additional light and ventilation to the upper floors of the house. Dormers can also be used to create a more interesting and visually appealing roofline.
The steeply pitched roof with dormers is a classic feature of Cape house plans. It is a functional and attractive design that has been used for centuries.
Here are some of the advantages of a steeply pitched roof with dormers:
- Sheds water and snow quickly and efficiently
- More resistant to wind damage than a roof with a lower pitch
- Provides additional light and ventilation to the upper floors of the house
- Creates a more interesting and visually appealing roofline
If you are considering building a Cape house, be sure to include a steeply pitched roof with dormers in your plans. This type of roof will provide your home with a classic look and feel, and it will also help to protect your home from the elements.
Functional design
Cape house plans are renowned for their functional design. This type of design is characterized by a well-thought-out floor plan that maximizes space and efficiency. Cape houses are also typically built with durable materials and finishes that are easy to maintain.
One of the key features of a functional Cape house plan is the central chimney. The central chimney serves as a focal point of the house and helps to distribute heat evenly throughout the home. It also provides a convenient location for a fireplace or stove, which can be used to provide additional heat and comfort during the winter months.
Another important feature of a functional Cape house plan is the use of built-in storage. Built-in storage can be found in a variety of places throughout the house, including closets, cabinets, and drawers. This type of storage helps to keep the house organized and clutter-free. It also makes it easy to find what you need, when you need it.
Cape house plans also typically feature a well-designed kitchen. The kitchen is often the heart of the home, and it is important to have a kitchen that is both functional and stylish. Cape house kitchens typically feature plenty of counter space and storage, as well as a well-designed layout that makes it easy to cook and entertain.
The functional design of Cape house plans makes them a great choice for families of all sizes. These homes are well-suited for a variety of building sites and can be easily customized to fit the needs of any family.
Timeless appeal
Cape house plans have a timeless appeal that has endured for centuries. This type of house is characterized by its simple, rectangular floor plan, symmetrical facade with central chimney, and steeply pitched roof with dormers. These features combine to create a home that is both stylish and functional. Cape houses are also known for their durability and low maintenance requirements, making them a great choice for families of all sizes.
One of the reasons for the timeless appeal of Cape house plans is their versatility. These homes can be easily customized to fit the needs of any family. For example, a Cape house can be expanded to add additional bedrooms or bathrooms, or it can be modified to create a more open floor plan. Cape houses can also be built with a variety of different materials and finishes, so they can be adapted to suit any taste or budget.
Another reason for the timeless appeal of Cape house plans is their historical significance. Cape houses were first built in the Cape Cod region of Massachusetts in the 17th century. These homes were designed to withstand the harsh New England climate, and they quickly became a popular style of house throughout the region. Cape houses have since been built all over the United States, and they remain a popular choice for families today.
If you are looking for a home that is both stylish and functional, a Cape house plan is a great option. These homes have a timeless appeal that has endured for centuries, and they can be easily customized to fit the needs of any family.
Here are some of the advantages of a Cape house plan with timeless appeal:
- Versatile and can be easily customized to fit the needs of any family
- Historical significance and have been a popular style of house for centuries
- Durable and low maintenance
Well-suited for a variety of building sites
Cape house plans are well-suited for a variety of building sites. This is due to their simple, rectangular floor plan and their relatively small footprint. Cape houses can be built on narrow lots, and they can also be built on sloping lots. They are also a good choice for building on difficult terrain, such as rocky or sandy soil.
- Narrow lots
Cape houses are a good choice for narrow lots because they have a relatively small footprint. This means that they can be built on lots that are only 20 or 25 feet wide. Cape houses can also be built on lots that are irregularly shaped.
- Sloping lots
Cape houses are also a good choice for sloping lots. This is because they have a low profile and a simple, rectangular floor plan. This makes them less likely to be damaged by wind or rain. Cape houses can also be built on lots with a steep slope, as long as the foundation is properly designed.
- Difficult terrain
Cape houses are also a good choice for building on difficult terrain, such as rocky or sandy soil. This is because they have a strong foundation and a simple, rectangular floor plan. Cape houses can also be built on lots with poor drainage, as long as the foundation is properly designed.
- Small lots
Cape houses are also a good choice for small lots. This is because they have a relatively small footprint. Cape houses can be built on lots that are as small as 1/4 acre.
The versatility of Cape house plans makes them a great choice for a variety of building sites. Whether you are building on a narrow lot, a sloping lot, or a lot with difficult terrain, a Cape house plan is a good option.
Easily customizable
Cape house plans are easily customizable to fit the needs of any family. This is due to their simple, rectangular floor plan and their modular design. Cape houses can be expanded to add additional bedrooms or bathrooms, or they can be modified to create a more open floor plan. Cape houses can also be built with a variety of different materials and finishes, so they can be adapted to suit any taste or budget.
- Add or remove rooms
One of the great things about Cape house plans is that they can be easily expanded to add additional rooms. For example, a Cape house with three bedrooms can be easily expanded to add a fourth bedroom or a home office. Cape houses can also be expanded to add a second story, which can provide additional living space or storage space.
- Modify the floor plan
Another advantage of Cape house plans is that they can be easily modified to create a more open floor plan. For example, a Cape house with a traditional closed-off floor plan can be modified to create a more open floor plan by removing some of the walls between the rooms. This can create a more spacious and inviting living space.
- Choose different materials and finishes
Cape houses can also be built with a variety of different materials and finishes, so they can be adapted to suit any taste or budget. For example, a Cape house can be built with a traditional wood frame and clapboard siding, or it can be built with a more modern steel frame and stucco siding. Cape houses can also be finished with a variety of different interior materials, such as hardwood floors, tile floors, or carpeting.
- Create a unique home
The versatility of Cape house plans allows you to create a home that is truly unique. You can choose to add or remove rooms, modify the floor plan, and choose different materials and finishes to create a home that perfectly suits your needs and tastes.
If you are looking for a home that is both stylish and functional, a Cape house plan is a great option. These homes are easily customizable to fit the needs of any family, and they can be built with a variety of different materials and finishes to suit any taste or budget.
Popular for centuries
Cape house plans have been popular for centuries due to their timeless appeal, versatility, and durability. These homes are well-suited for a variety of building sites and can be easily customized to fit the needs of any family.
- Timeless appeal
Cape house plans have a timeless appeal that has endured for centuries. This is due to their simple, elegant design and their ability to be adapted to a variety of architectural styles. Cape houses can be built with a traditional wood frame and clapboard siding, or they can be built with a more modern steel frame and stucco siding. Cape houses can also be finished with a variety of different interior materials, such as hardwood floors, tile floors, or carpeting.
- Versatility
Cape house plans are also popular for their versatility. These homes can be easily customized to fit the needs of any family. For example, a Cape house with three bedrooms can be easily expanded to add a fourth bedroom or a home office. Cape houses can also be modified to create a more open floor plan, or they can be built with a variety of different materials and finishes to suit any taste or budget.
- Durability
Cape house plans are also popular for their durability. These homes are built to withstand the elements, and they require minimal maintenance. Cape houses are typically built with a sturdy foundation and a simple, rectangular floor plan. This makes them less likely to be damaged by wind or rain. Cape houses also have a low profile, which helps to protect them from wind damage.
- Affordability
Cape house plans are also popular for their affordability. These homes are relatively inexpensive to build and maintain. This is due to their simple design and their use of common building materials. Cape houses can also be built on small lots, which can further reduce the cost of construction.
The popularity of Cape house plans has endured for centuries due to their timeless appeal, versatility, durability, and affordability. These homes are a great choice for families of all sizes and budgets.
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