An Absurdly Exaggerated Example:
According to Buffalo as an Architectural Museum website,
“A Mansard roof is a roof with two slopes, the lower almost vertical to allow extra roof space for the attic rooms. The lower roof can have a straight, convex or concave shape. Sometimes the straight mansard roof can flare out at the bottom. The style is named after François Mansart (1598-1666). Traditionally, it can be found in many French styles, including Second Empire, Beaux Arts Classical, Richardsonian Romanesque.
In more modern examples, Mansard describes a slightly different incarnation. According to Virginia and Lee McAlester’s A Field Guide to American Houses,
Builders adopted this roof style as an inexpensive way to get a dramatic effect in their design. It was first used in apartment projects in Florida and in the Southwest. It was popular from the late 1960’s through the early 1970’s but persisted into the 80’s with modifications. Early versions seldom have through-the-cornice windows, a feature more common in recent examples. The style is characterized by slightly sloping upper walls covered with shingles or other decorative roofing materials.”
According to Alan Higgins Architectural Movements of the Recent Past guide,
Identifying Features:
- Oversized Mansard roof
- Roof on more than one level
- Deep set windows in Mansard
- Windows break through eave
- Recessed entries
- Small window openings
- Rectangular form
- Brick Veneer is most common
Sources:
- McAlester, Virginia and Lee. A Field Guide to American Houses. New York: Alfred A. Knopf, 1984.
- “Mansard Roof“. Buffalo as an Architectural Museum. http://www.buffaloah.com/a/DCTNRY/m/mansard.html
- Higgins, Alan. Architectural Movements of the Recent Past. PDF
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