What Style is this House / Fourplex?

Question

I am hoping a contractor can share some knowledge here. I am interested in this property:

[IMG]http://i59.tinypic.com/2jadutv.jpg[/IMG] http://i59.tinypic.com/2jadutv.jpg

What style would you call this house with the box frame, flat roof and wood vertical shingles around the sides?  I don't like it at all. Can this be fixed or "pretty'd" for something reasonable.

Home is in Orange County, CA.

Thanks.

Heather Medina · Answer

I wouldn't call that a true Mansard roof, and the style isn't something of a time period or anything that would be defined (i.e. Bungalow, Prairie, Ranch, Craftsman, etc).  The roof looks like a parapet, which is done typically to hide mechanical equipment, or maybe they had intended for it to be a roof deck. The style of that in particular looks like what a lot of commercial building do to blend into a residential neighborhood.  I agree with Karen, it could be modernized.  It looks like from the photo it already has stucco.  I would clean that up and give it some contrast with a fresh paint color.  And the roof, I wouldn't stucco it because parapets are still designed with runoff in mind, it could leak and run down the inside of the walls if you made it stucco (but you would have to have a professional look at it closely, I can't tell from the picture).  I would consider a clean fresh asphalt shingle if your goal is to modernize it's appearance.

Account Closed · Answer

From the picture I can't tell if that's a true mansard. Do you have a picture that shows a close up of the vertical shingles? They don't look architectural or structural from the picture. Rather they look like a decorative attempt with shake (or fake shake) on box construction. The exterior walls don't look high enough to accommodate a mansard roof or any special feature, since there's no attic. If it's decorative, you can rip it off, repair/replace the stucco and go modern. Windows and doors can be replaced to fit a modern style pretty affordably. While your at it, cover that brick fireplace to match your final exterior texture (stucco or concrete).

IMO it looks like a great So Cal property to rehab with a combo of retro (50-60s) and modern elements, much of which can be done cost effectively. Tenants will love it. Of course, the numbers have to work.

IMO it looks like a great So Cal property to rehab with a combo of retro (50-60s) and modern elements, much of which can be done cost effectively.  Tenants will love it.  Of course, the numbers have to work.

Account Closed · Answer

The roofs are called "mansard" roofs.

Karen Margrave · Answer

Maybe @Heather Medina can weigh in. She's an architect in Santa Ana, and may have some thoughts on remodeling, etc too.

Karen Margrave · Answer

@Ryan Byrne  As I mentioned earlier converting that to a modern design would probably make the most sense, just rip off the shingles, put on a new stucco coat,etc. . Updating the windows and doors with more energy efficient ones, maybe do some type of stucco wall around the perimeter to give a little privacy. How close is it to the beach? Interiors probably need updated too, check out Cabinet Expo in Costa Mesa for cabinets, they're very reasonably priced.

Might be a great project, depending on the price yu can buy them for, and what the area values are.

Modern design is basically very clean simple lines. Maybe paint the fireplace, or reface it with stucco or new stone. Modern style

Jean Bolger · Answer

My understanding was the mansard roofs are also somewhat sloped and shingled on top... is that right?

I think K. Marie is right about the design. You could tweak that from ugly into into hipster pretty easily.

Ryan Byrne · Answer

Thanks @Sean S. . @Karen Margrave this is 4 units at 3,900 sqft, I dont have a full set of pictures. I do see these short "mansard" side roofing styles often in Orange County and wonder what people do with these. They don't seem particularly appealing or timeless.

Karen Margrave · Answer

Homes built as boxes are perfect candidates for modern design. That looks like it was built in the 70's not sure what architectural style it would be, may be a modern or contremporary. What are the specs on it? How many square feet, bedrooms, etc.?

Do you have any pics of the interior?

What Style is this House / Fourplex?

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