Viewers need to watch this video more than once to absorb the content. These details are unknown in basic building and among the trades. This ia another great video. Keep them coming. I look forward to the next installment.
You’ll note that the cornice at the top of the entablature overhangs the capital. The cornice’s fascia molding, the corona, has a drip edge which water would drip from and clear the top of the capital, therefore protecting the abacus (the square part of the capital) from water. The alignment of the beam with the necking is a tectonic condition which brings the load down the column’s shaft instead of resting it on the edge of the capital, which would create a sheer condition. Traditional architecture fundamentally comes from construction first (building practice), the aesthetic is coincidental. My two cents.
Is there a formula for the correct diameter of the columns? I have heard , one inch diameter for every foot from the floor to the ceiling of the porch. What do you do with a 9 foot ceiling, go 10 or 8 inch diameter on the columns? Do the columns against the house have to be engaged to be historically accurate, do you even need columns against the house as a rule. I have also noticed that well done porches seem to have square piers against the house while the support columns away from the house are round and tapered. I know this is a lot but I feel it's important. Thanks for your attention to detail.
I agree it is important. You are measuring the distance between the porch floor and the beam it supports, not the porch ceiling. The rule i use is 1" for ever 1' of height plus 1. So an 8' column gets a 9" diameter column (measured at the base. Pilasters (typically square) should be engaged at the porch wall. This visually supports its better. Thanks.
I love classical architecture and even own a copy of How to Get Your House Right. I live in North Richland Hills and, as it happens, need to replace two columns with Roman capitals at my front porch. But the house isn't any particular style, so to give it more classical charm would mean doing more than simply replacing the columns. I'm cursed. I have Hull Architectural taste and a Handyman Connection budget.
I have been watching your channel and the ClassicistORG channel (4-part series on Classic Architecture) regarding Federal Period buildings, trim works, et al. Trying to learn the "vernacular", terms? in order to complete the form for National Register for Historic places. After watching the explanations on columns, I ran outside to check our front porch and ...I think our columns are set incorrectly. My husband rolled his eyes when I suggested they weren't correct, "...been that way for 100 years", he said. Well, maybe someday I 'll get them corrected. I don't like being "farbe". I enjoy your channel and all the information, very helpful. I have a lot to learn.
I am always surprised by how much “it doesn’t look right” is based on reality - a mantle that overpowers its supports, wood-clad steel-post columns that don’t look like they are strong enough to support the structure resting on them. Thanks for the video.
I had to go look at some of the stuff I built for my house. If I am fully grasping what is being said in this video then I accidentally got that correct. I built it before I ever became interested in this stuff or realized how neat it actually is.
Around here everyone builds columns out of concrete and rebar. Is the best way to rough in the column and then add a base, entasis and a capital with plaster afterward? I worry that is going to look fake.
These bad porches are what Calder Roth referred to as "Architecturally illiterate." I'm really enjoying your videos, and it's nice to see someone who care so deeply about building properly, with knowledge, and with quality. I think you'd really enjoy this video from Mr. Roth. ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-puuywxqijBU.html
This is great information Brent! Been a huge fan of the show and your traditional building for a long time. Just moved down to TX to a home with great potential in Bridgeport and was looking to get a car cover designed with column and beam to match the current front of my home. How can I get in touch with you?
I see what you are saying with traditional buildings. I think it looks a lot better with the cap under the beam though and you won't have as much water problems with it under the beam. Period correct okay, best buildings practices, I don't agree.
I am in agreement In classical construction the material used for this application were stone and marble much more resistant to the environment. I take that a static loads engineering analysis from the top down can size shape with proper proportionality to the materials loads carring capability
Let's agree to disagree. I'll fall back on 2000 years of building tradition. The capital under the beam only happens in the last 50 years. It is forgotten lesson of the past, in my opinion.
