Classic Style Homebuyers are rediscovering the classic elegance that
a raised floor design adds to the look of the American home.
Drive through the older neighborhoods of your community. The
homes with ageless grace and beauty are usually raised. Visually,
the raised foundation functions as a pedestal, enhancing curb
appeal regardless of architectural style.
Uplifting Comfort Inside the raised floor home, there are special qualities
that nurture the body and soul. The feeling is warmer, more
intimate. Raise the floor above the ground and the visual perspective
changes. The feeling is more secure. An ordinary view from the
window becomes a vista. There is calm and quiet above the din
of street noise. The subtle "cushion" of a wood floor system
provides a more comfortable walking surface, putting less stress
on the back, legs, and feet.
Ups & Downs of the American Home Since Colonial days, the foundation of the American home
has experienced its "ups
and downs." Today, homebuyers are rediscovering the classic
style, comfort, and practicality of the wood-framed raised floor
system.
Georgian — The strong stature
of this Georgian style residence is enhanced by raising it above
ground. The portico is transformed into a ritualistic entry
process with the addition of a few steps. It punctuates the building's facade versus yielding a mundane transitional space.
A more evocative entry concedes to the prominence of the raised residence.
Caribbean — The dual-pitched
roof form envelopes the expansive, wrapping porch space of this
rural abode. By raising the structure, one becomes more contained
in this space producing a welcoming, social feeling. Sometimes
adding height to a structure can be overpowering but here it
is celebrating.
Bungalow — The simplicity of
the interaction of two masses, the entry porch and the house,
creates this Bungalow style. The porch mass maintains a presence
in both the slab-on-grade and raised-floor versions, yet competition
develops with the house in the slab-on-grade version. The slight
elevation of the raised Bungalow amplifies its simple design.
A small gesture such as this keeps one form from overpowering
the other.
West Indies — The exposed piers
of the raised residence elongate the narrow, linear porch columns,
in turn, stretching its height beyond its physicality. The heavy,
flat presence of the slab-on-grade model can be contrasted to
the strong, welcoming air of the raised model. Raising the design
simply allows the West Indies style to visually own its site
instead of weighing it down.
Building Professionals Speak
"From the beginnings of architecture, well-designed homes have all
had a top, middle and a bottom. The introduction of slab-on-grade
foundations removed the 'bottom' and the homes look awkward. As I
review home styles with my clients, typically the houses they like
are elevated. A lot of this goes back to historical associations."
Kevin Harris, Architect — Baton Rouge, LA
"Usually my clients are asking for traditional houses. A raised
floor provides architectural proportioning that is much more enticing
than slab-on-grade. Then I explain the flexibility that a raised
floor allows with adjustments and changes to plumbing and other
mechanicals."
Dennis Brady, Architect — New Orleans, LA
"With a traditional style, such as a Williamsburg
look or a raised cottage, the elevated first floor adds
something to the overall aesthetic of the project. Typically,
people like to have that raised front porch."
Derry Hargett, Architect — Mobile, AL
"A conventional foundation benefits from the aesthetics and the
function of the house. You have tremendous flexibility to make modifications
with a raised floor. On slab, you're cast in concrete. With a
raised floor, you can adjust the construction schedule to meet your
trades. We can get the house underway and not have to wait for the
plumber. With slab, you can't pour until the plumber finishes."
Carson Looney, Architect — Memphis, TN
"I have a little saying that has always served me well with clients,
'Good home building should be a marriage between practicality and
aesthetics.' The raised floor works in both respects with homes of
all sizes. Homebuyers are discovering that truly wonderful and
aesthetic spaces can be built on a smaller scale with quality lumber,
adding nice amenities and finishes. A raised foundation enhances
their investment."
