I was recently requested to work on a winery that had a multitude of huge front portico columns that were failing from dry rot and age. They were American interpretations of Ancient Greek columns that were essential to the winery’s character and style. Unfortunately, most of these supports were so deteriorated, they had to be replaced.
Classical columns? This goes back to my college days of Greek/Roman architecture. Is this appropriate today? Essentially, the architectural style of the structures required something very historic and available. It took a lot of research to find anybody, any regional source, that provide these kind of columns. But that made me wonder, what was their value, and do we need to reinstall them?
Columns, decorated or simple, have been a primary source of building support since the Egyptians. The Greeks established specific categories, called the Orders of Architecture, as a system of rules that govern the proportions, layout, structure, and shape of a design of virtually all structures in the Western World. Up until the 19 century all construction treated them as an essential part of every building, public or private. Enough histrionics.
The Greek Revival style of porch became a fixture in the United States in the early to mid-19th century. It still has popularity today as East Coast Colonial and Plantation style. A walk around Napa Old Town will reveal countless examples of this style and function.
Architecture is all about resistance to gravity as well as horizontal forces such as wind or earthquakes and perhaps as important, cultural aesthetics. An integral part of the American dream is a front porch. Front porch columns or posts are more than functional, they differentiate the enclosed space from the outside and provide a welcome relief to the street. Columns and structural supports should be considered for all of the above.
If you're looking to renovate your existing home and porch, there are many ways to do it without incurring major construction costs on with contractors, structural engineers,, and most of all, avoiding architects. Most important, think about what style best suits your home and lifestyle. It can sometimes be as simple as repainting or restraining existing columns. That can make a huge difference. Installing a new surface material over wood columns can also give you a new look. Consider CFB, cement fiber board paneling, for resurfacing and added fire-resistance.
But don't ignore creating a edgy contemporary look for your country home with steel columns, individual or on cool angles. The object is to create a different vision of your home. Don't be afraid to experiment. You’ll never regret what you do, only what you don't do.
Chris d Craiker ALA/NCARB always enjoys a front porch that has a swing and a lemonade
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