8 Types Of Architecture To Inspire Your Builds

British architecture is revered globally for its class and variety. From the striking patterns of Tudor homes to the grandiose stonework of Victorian builds, architecture in the UK is constantly evolving. So, in this article, we’ll be taking a look back at some of the most popular types of architecture used throughout the centuries in the UK. Whether you’re interested in a career in architecture or need some inspiration for a project of your own, keep reading as our experts in architectural design in Northampton walk you through these top styles.

Types Of Architecture Used In UK Houses

The UK has developed an immensely diverse range of architectural styles as a result of regional and foreign influences. Before the mid-17th century, homes were constructed using local materials for practicality, giving each region its own unique style. Over time, as travel became easier, the UK began to adopt styles from other countries, like France and Italy. Each architectural style outlined below is a product of this regional and global influence.

• Pre-1500s Architecture
• Tudor Architecture
• English Baroque Architecture
• Georgian Architecture
• Victorian Architecture
• Gothic Architecture
• Arts And Crafts Housing Movement
• Modern Architecture

Pre-1500s Architecture

Cottages are a staple of British architecture, and their roots can be traced all the way back to the Middle Ages. Originally built for peasants with just enough money to buy a small amount of land, cottages have become a symbol of the cosy British countryside. Architecture from before the 1500s is relatively simple and is almost always constructed from local materials. It can be defined by these features:

• Relatively small with low eaves
• Exposed beams
• Small timber-style windows

If you’re using pre-1500s architecture to influence your build, try sticking to natural materials like wood and stone for the flooring and a slate or thatched roof. This will help create the modest and homely feel that characterises the architecture of this period. For more home-building advice, check out our recent article.

Tudor Architecture

As Britain moved into the Tudor era at the end of the 15th century, architecture underwent a drastic transformation from the humble cottages of the Middle Ages to grand manors. Tudor architecture was the style of choice for just 75 years, but its impact can still be seen in modern British homes. In the late 19th century, Tudor Revival architecture became popular as people tried to emulate the style that quickly went out of fashion. Tudor builds aimed to impress, and they can be defined by striking features like:

• The Tudor arch (a wide, short, pointed archway)
• Steep gables
• Mullioned windows
• Exposed timber
• Black and white exterior

If you’re planning on creating a Tudor-influenced property, begin by focusing on the form. The roof should be steep, and the chimney should be tall. Incorporate a Tudor arch where possible — the most likely place for one is around a door or over a window, but you could also use it inside for openings between rooms. The windows are also very important. Try to use lots of smaller panes held together by lead rather than one large pane.

English Baroque Architecture

In the late 17th century, western European Baroque architecture began popping up all over the UK. Characterised by curving shapes, ornate finishings and chiaroscuro lighting, this style was seen as a symbol of power, so wealthy families and royalty adopted it. Following the Great Fire of London in 1666, architects like Christopher Wren had plenty of creative freedom to rebuild the city as they wished. This was when English Baroque architecture became unique to England, and why this style still dominates large parts of London. Some of the UK’s most famous buildings, like St Paul’s Cathedral and Blenheim Palace, are impressive examples of English Baroque architecture.

While this striking architectural style isn’t possible to use in every build, you can take plenty of inspiration from it. For example, Baroque architecture intelligently contrasts light and dark to add more depth to its facade. Additionally, if you want to make a statement with your interior, Baroque architecture features vaulted ceilings that are often painted to make the room feel more open.

Georgian Architecture

Georgian-style homes make up a considerable portion of the properties you’ll find in British cities today. In the 18th century, foreign influences were growing in the UK, which is reflected in the architecture. Georgian homes drew upon elements of Greek and Roman architecture to create a clean and stylish exterior. This type of architecture can be identified by its:

• Symmetry
• Sash windows
• Uncluttered facade
• Panelled, painted front doors
• Double piled layout

Georgian architecture is all about proportion and balance, so this is essential if you’re using it to inspire your build. Homes from this era feature what is known as the ‘golden ratio’. This is a formula to determine the proportions of windows, doors, and other elements- you can learn more about it in this article from Westbury.

Victorian Architecture

Victorian architecture refers to the style used during the reign of Queen Victoria from 1837 to 1901. It encompasses many overlapping styles and still defines a significant amount of the architecture in UK cities and towns today. At this point in the architectural timeline of Britain, space began to increase in value, so houses got taller and narrower. Victorian-era housing reflects the socio-economic state of the UK at the time and was built to accommodate people of all income levels.

Perhaps the most recognisable form of Victorian UK architecture is terraced housing. These houses are found all over the UK and were built to maximise the available space. They share a party wall and sit in rows. Some of the most common features of a Victorian terraced house include:

• Large sash windows
• Duo pitch gable roof
• Decorative trims and colourful details
• Bay windows

Gothic Architecture

Gothic architecture has come in and out of fashion throughout British history, but it experienced a major revival during the Victorian era. Having originated in 12th-century France, it became the style of choice for Christian buildings like churches and cathedrals. However, Gothic architecture transcended religion in the 18th and 19th centuries and began being incorporated into residential properties. The style is defined by:

• A lack of symmetry
• Emphasis on height
• Intricate stonework and decoration
• Pointed arches and windows

If you’re planning on building a large property with grand features, you may be able to pull off some of the ideas that feature in Gothic architecture. Roofs should be steeply pitched and arches should feature wherever possible for vertical emphasis. Inside, leave timber exposed and make your ceilings as high as possible.

Arts And Crafts Housing Movement

The arts and crafts housing movement came about in the early 20th century to push back against the rigid designs of Georgian and Victorian architecture. The style is inspired by barns, farms and cottages to create a more natural and homely feel. Those at the forefront of the movement placed an emphasis on creative craftsmen and local materials. Arts and crafts houses can be identified by:

• Asymmetry
• Ornamentation that shows off craftsmanship
• Mixed roof pitches with low eaves
• Natural materials

This is a fun style to incorporate in your self build projects as you have plenty of creative freedom. That said, your material choices should be determined by the region. The roof is a key feature in many arts and crafts homes, so try to break it up with several pitched sections and gables facing both front, back and side. If you’re in need of architects in Northampton or any of the surrounding areas to help design your arts and crafts home, contact our team of architectural technicians at Amico.

Modern Architecture

Modern architecture refers to the style of strict functionalism and minimalism that saw an increase in popularity in the mid-20th century. It’s a common sense approach to design, and many of the most famous buildings in the UK, like the Barbican Centre in London, feature this style. Modernism uses simple materials in simple ways to create complex designs. It usually features the following:

• Sharp, rational outlines
• Geometric shapes
• Practicality
• Flat roofs
• Smooth surfaces

In order to embed this architectural style in your builds, you’ll need to think about every design choice practically. Modernist homes are usually open-plan and simple, so don’t overthink it. It’s also worth noting that modernist homes work best when starting from a clean slate. If you’re renovating an existing property, incorporating modernist architecture will be more difficult.

Which Style Will You Choose?

Evidently, British architecture has evolved massively throughout history, and that is one of the reasons it is so popular around the world. From the grand exteriors of Tudor properties to the minimalistic layout of modernist designs, there’s something for all architectural tastes. When it comes to your construction projects, try not to feel restricted by a single architectural style. Many of today’s contemporary designs take inspiration from a number of the styles outlined above to create a nicely balanced home.

If you’re looking for architects in Leicester or any of the surrounding areas to support your project, be sure to get in touch with our team of architectural technicians at Amico. We’ve completed over 1500 projects, so we are expertly placed to bring your ideas to life, whatever your chosen style of architecture.