Residential Architectural Styles
The information below has been provided by GRAR and you can more information as well as pictures on the GRAR website. You can find it on the member side of the GRAR website under the Tools & Resources Tab. Click on MLS & Tech Tools and then on Residential Architectural Styles to scroll through the list. To log into the member side of the GRAR website, visit grar.com, click on Member Login in the upper right hand corner, and then enter your MLS User ID – without the ‘ric.g’ in front – and password when prompted.
A-Frame
This residential design is characterized by a steep triangular roofline that forms the shape of the letter “A.” The roof extends all the way to the ground or to a foundation, creating walls that are angled inward, and the house typically has a smaller footprint with two sloping sides that meet at the top.
A-frame houses were popularized in the mid-20th century and were often used as vacation homes due to their affordability and ease of construction. They are commonly made of wood, but can also be constructed with other materials such as brick, stone, or metal.
A-frame houses are known for their distinctive appearance and efficient use of space. The interior of the house typically has an open plan with high ceilings and a loft area, which can be used as a bedroom or additional living space. The A-frame design also allows for large windows, which provide ample natural light and can take advantage of scenic views.
This stunning barndominium in Hamilton was listed by Karen King with Independence Realty and sold by Kevin Kroondyk with Greenridge Realty in January of 2022.
Barndominium
A barndominium is a type of building that combines a barn with a living space. They typically feature a large open area that is used as a workspace, storage area, or garage, with a living space or apartment built above or adjacent to it. They are often constructed with metal or steel framing and can be designed in a variety of styles, from traditional to modern. Barndominiums have become increasingly popular in rural areas as a way to combine a functional workspace or storage area with a comfortable living space.
This lakeside berm home in Casnovia includes many of these environmentally-friendly characteristics. It was listed by Chris Petter with Revive Realty and sold by Andrew Miller with Revive Realty.
Berm
A berm house is a unique architectural concept designed to be partially or fully embedded into the earth.
Key elements of this design include: construction into a slope or hillside; use of the earth’s natural insulating properties to improve energy efficiency and to reduce the need for heating and cooling systems; strategic placement of windows to harness natural light and passive solar heat; a roof that is flat or gently sloped to provide an opportunity for green or living roofs; mechanical ventilation systems to ensure a constant supply of fresh air while preventing moisture buildup; and an interior design that maximizes open living spaces and minimizes partition walls. These homes are designed to harmonize with the natural environment and minimize energy consumption.
Chuck Fisher and Dale Stuckey with Greenridge Realty listed this sharp bi-level home in Sparta last year. It was sold by Barbara Brown with Five Star. This home is a perfect illustration of the staircase in the entryway.
Bi-level
A bi-level house is a type of residential design that features two distinct levels, typically separated by a short flight of stairs. When you enter a bi-level home, you immediately encounter a staircase from which you must choose to go up or downstairs. Bi-level houses offer levels within the home that are distinctly different from second stories or basements. These levels are staggered, not stacked. Depending on how the layout has been configured, usually, you’ll find common areas up the stairs like a living room, kitchen, dining room, as well as bedrooms. Downstairs can be a family or recreation room, laundry room, and maybe a guest bedroom or garage space, as well.
The property located at 2111 Lake Drive SE in East Grand Rapids, which was listed by John Postma with REMAX of Grand Rapids and sold by Ken Grashuis with Greenridge Realty in 2022, is a beautiful example of bungalow architecture. The home was originally constructed in 1921 and has been meticulously restored and renovated to offer present-day amenities without losing any of the bungalow charm.
Bungalow
These narrow, rectangular, one and one-half story houses originated in California during the 1880’s. The style then moved eastward to the Midwest in the early 20th century, where it remained popular until the Great Depression. Bungalow architecture often emphasizes natural materials such as wood, stone, and brick. They have low-pitched gabled or hipped roofs with broad eaves, which help to create a horizontal emphasis and provide shade and protection from the elements. They often feature covered porches at the entry, an efficient floor plan, and large windows for natural light.
This Cape Cod charmer, located in Hastings, was listed by Justin Peck with Miller Real Estate. It sold and closed early this year.
Cape Cod
Some of the first houses built in the United States were Cape Cods. The original colonial Cape Cod homes were shingle- sided, one-story cottages with no dormers. During the mid-20th century, the small, uncomplicated Cape Cod shape became popular in suburban developments. A 20th- century Cape Cod is square or rectangular with one or one-and-a-half stories and steeply pitched, gabled roofs. It may have dormers and shutters. The siding is usually clapboard or brick.
This beautiful home in Stanwood is a great example of a chalet. It was listed by Tim Wright with Five Star Real Estate and sold by Jason Schuringa with Five Star Real Estate.
Chalet
Chalet style architecture is a distinctive architectural style inspired by the traditional alpine chalets found in mountainous regions of Switzerland, Austria, and Germany. This style originated in the mid-19th century and became popular in resort areas and mountainous regions around the world.
Key features of chalet style architecture include: steep roof, wide eaves, exposed structural elements, decorative woodwork, large windows, natural materials, and cozy interiors.
Micah Childress with Five Star Real Estate listed and sold this beautiful colonial home on Chandler Dr. in Hudsonville.
Colonial
America’s colonial period encompassed a number of housing types and styles, such as Cape Cod, Saltbox, Georgian, and Dutch Colonial. However, when we speak of the true Colonial style, we often are referring to a rectangular, symmetrical home.
Features often include double-hung windows with small, equally sized square panes, bedrooms on the second floor, small or medium size porch, and central front door that opens that opens to a staircase.
The Colonial and Traditional architectural design terms are often used interchangeably as they share many of the same characteristics. Most notably, a Traditional design features a rectangular, symmetrical home w/central front door, evenly spaced windows (often with shutters), and bedrooms on the 2nd floor.
This stunner on Whitneyville Dr. in Ada that was listed in 2021 by Bluhouse Properties (Nick Holtrop) and sold by Greenridge Realty (Madeline Witt) is a great illustration of contemporary architecture.
Contemporary
Contemporary architecture is a broad and evolving style (often open to interpretation) that reflects design trends and technological advances of the present time. It can combine elements from different architectural styles and incorporate innovative materials and construction types.
Characteristics typically include: simplified forms, clean lines, geometric shapes, sustainable and recycled materials, energy efficient systems, integration with nature, large windows, skylights, glass facades, and functional, open spaces.
This East Grand Rapids beauty on Cambridge hits all the marks of a Craftsman design. It was listed by Donna and Tim Anders with Berkshire Hathaway and sold by Justin Blevins with Greenridge Realty.
Craftsman
Popularized at the turn of the 20th century by architect and furniture designer Gustav Stickley in his magazine, The Craftsman, the Craftsman- style bungalow reflected, said Stickley, “a house reduced to its simplest form… its low, broad proportions and absolute lack of ornamentation gives it a character so natural and unaffected that it seems to blend with any landscape.”
The style, which was also widely billed as the “California bungalow” by architects such as Charles Sumner Greene and Henry Mather Greene, featured overhanging eaves, a low- slung gabled roof, and wide front porches framed by pedestal-like tapered columns. Material often included stone, rough-hewn wood, and stucco. Many of these homes have wide front porches across part of the front, supported by columns.
This beautiful farm house in Grandville was only on the market for two days in 2020. It was listed by Kelli DeHaan with Five Star Real Estate and sold by Sue Hayes with Key Realty.
Farmhouse
This design draws inspiration from traditional rural farmhouses and combines elements of simplicity, functionality, and rustic charm.
Characteristics often include: Rectangular or square shaped exterior, large porches, abundant windows for natural light, wood floors, fireplace(s), built-ins, wood accents, and a kitchen that serves as the heart of the home.
This gorgeous log home on 10 acres in Howard City was listed by Stacey Pummill with EXP Realty and sold by Matthew Mouser with 616 Realty.
Log Home
As the name suggests, log homes are a distinctive type of residential construction that utilize logs as the primary building material. This style has a long history and is associated with rustic charm, natural beauty, and a connection to the outdoors. Key features include:
- The logs are typically obtained from large trees, such as pine, cedar, spruce, or fir.
- The natural variations in the wood’s color and grain make these homes unique and visually appealing.
- The interlocking design of the logs creates a strong and stable structure.
- Log homes often have open floor plans, exposed log walls and log ceiling beams, large windows, and fireplaces.
Log homes are not considered maintenance free. They must be sealed and stained periodically to protect them from moisture. Additional maintenance is necessary as well, such as pest control to prevent wood-boring insects, chinking and caulking to fill gaps between the logs, and checking for cracking since logs can develop cracks as they age.
MCM enthusiasts will appreciate this home in NW Grand Rapids that was listed and sold by Rob Hogerwerf and George Guyott with 1st Advantage Realty last year. It checks all the boxes!
Mid-Century Modern
This design movement emerged in the mid-20th century, roughly from the 1930s to the late 1960s. It is characterized by a unique blend of functionality, simplicity, and an emphasis on integrating the natural surroundings into the built environment.
Key elements include: clean, geometric lines; open floor plans; large windows; integration between indoor and outdoor spaces; an abundance of natural materials (stone, wood, glass); flat or low-pitched roofs; post and beam construction; and, of course, iconic furniture and interior design.
This cozy Jenison home is a classic illustration of ranch style architecture. It was listed by Josh Maly with Century 21 Affiliated and sold by Sue Prins with Five Star Real Estate in 2021.
Ranch
Ranch style architecture (also known as a rancher or California ranch) is often associated with suburban and rural housing developments.
Key features often include: single-story design, low/long profile, open floor plan that allows for ease of mobility from room to room, fireplace, large windows, sliding glass doors, deck or patio, attached garage, and an adaptability that has contributed to its enduring popularity.
Corey Lee with Five Star Real Estate listed this classic quad-level home near downtown Belding and it was sold in just 4 days by James Chertos with Bellabay Realty.
Quad-Level
A quad-level is a variation of the traditional split level design. It has four distinct levels or floors, each separated by short flights of stairs. The upper level usually contains bedrooms and bathrooms, the mid or main level typically holds the kitchen and living room, the lower level is partially below ground and might offer additional bedrooms or a family room, and the basement level is completely below ground and is usually used for storage. This design is intended to maximize space on a smaller lot.
Take a look at this SE Grand Rapids home that was listed by Vung Mang while with Five Star and sold by Racine Bamwanya while with Key Realty. Both are now with Blue Beacon Realty LLC. It is a great illustration of a classic tri-level home!
Tri-Level
This design offers three distinct levels, each with a specific function. Similar to the quad-level, it is intended to maximize living space on a relatively small lot or to create separation between living areas.
Characteristics include: The spaces are staggered with the lowest level often underground and/or beneath the garage serving as utility space; the main level is typically at ground level and includes the living areas, and then there is a third level for bedrooms (although they can sometimes be reversed with living areas on the upper level and bedrooms on the main level). The levels are accessed via two sets of staircases that can be open or enclosed. Decks or patios are common to promote use of outdoor spaces.
This charming Tudor in Grand Rapids was listed by Pete Bruinsma with Grand River Realty in 2021 and was sold by Mark Brace with Berkshire Hathaway.
Tudor
Tudor style architecture gained popularity in the late 19th and early 20th centuries as a romanticized revival of England’s architectural heritage. It was often used for residential buildings, including cottages, manor houses, and even some larger public and institutional structures.
The style’s combination of rustic charm, historical references, and warm aesthetic continues to inspire architects and homeowners to this day, and variations of Tudor architecture can be found in different parts of the world. Key elements include: steeply pitched roof with multiple gables and roof lines, pointed arches, decorative brickwork, narrow windows, exposed beams, fireplaces, wainscoting on walls, wood floors, ornate lighting fixtures, and cozy nooks.
This beauty on Crescent NE in Grand Rapids is a great illustration of Victorian architecture. It was listed by Angela White with Apex Realty and sold by Carlos Rubante with Key Realty.
Victorian
Victorian style architecture refers to the trends and designs that were prevalent during the Victorian era, which spanned most of the 19th century.
Key elements include: elaborate detailing, asymmetrical designs where different parts of the façade don’t mirror each other, steeply pitched roofs, towers and turrets, bay windows, elaborate porches with decorative railings, eclectic influences (Gothic, Italianate, Queen Anne), stained glass windows, and exteriors in a wide range of often vibrant colors.