Overview
The Federal style was an American adaptation of the popular English architecture designed by Robert and James Adam during the late 18th and early 19th centuries. The "Adam" style of architecture was named for two brothers who were Scottish architects. This approach to design was called the Federal style in America because of its popularity with the leaders of the new nation. Adam buildings featured graceful proportions and elegant simplicity similar to the Georgian style, but it is distinct and unique in many ways.
The designs of Robert and James Adams were as significant to western architecture during their time as the Palladian movement was during the 16th century. Robert Adam traveled to Italy to study the Roman ruins and was inspired by the proportions and shapes of rooms as well as the colorful interiors that he found. He developed a sophisticated interpretation of the details and ornamentation that were used in classical architecture. By using these elements in his buildings, he gained great popularity in both England and America.
The Federal and Georgian styles are very similar, however, a Federal home is easily differentiated and recognizable from a Georgian structure. Federal architecture tends to have more delicate and refined decorative elements than the more severe Georgian detailing. The formal ornamentation and rhythm of proportion is much more subtle in Federal structures. Surfaces are simpler and less ornate.
Distinctive Features
Compared to the Georgian style, Federal homes are typically more subdued and very delicate in ornamentation.
Decorative chimneys are slender, well-defined and prominently displayed on the roof that is gabled or hipped with a very shallow pitch.
A decorative balustrade often accentuates the very top of a hipped roof or surrounds the entire roof of the home, resting just above the eave. In such cases, the roof is so low-pitched that it is barely visible behind the balustrade.
Federal homes often have two full stories plus a shorter attic story, in addition to the roof structure, making the entire building very tall. However, the width of the main façade typically equals the height so as to give the front elevation a square or slightly rectangular proportion.
Brick is the most common exterior building material for Federal style homes and stone quoins are frequently utilized to distinctly mark the corners. Wood siding is also used on occasion in lieu of brick.
A decorative or simple string course of brick is used on the exterior of some Federal homes to differentiate the various floor levels within the structure.
Windows and Doors
Palladian architecture had an important influence on the design of Federal style homes.
Blinds or shutters are a common feature on Federal style windows.
Semi-circular and semi-elliptical fanlight transoms were first used in the Federal style to adorn the main entrance to the building. Side lights are another common feature for the Federal front door.
The Federal style front door is decorated with panels and is often covered by a small portico, supported by classically ordered columns or pilasters.
The use of double-sash windows that begin at the floor and rise to the regular window height is a distinctly "Federal" feature. This makes the proportions of a Federal style window more slender than usual.
Windows are usually divided with thin mullions into six panes per sash. The upper sash can be rectangular or arched at the top.
