Second Empire House Floor Plans

This second empire or french second empire style was desired as the latest mondern design in the late nineteenth century especially with the inclusion of the french mansard roof.

Second empire house floor plans.

Second empire designs are generally boxy in plan though not always symmetrical as a tower or bay may be a prominent feature. A second empire home plan offers attic or living space on the top floor. Previous photo in the gallery is second floor plan john milton odell house concord north carolina. Second empire house plans were modeled after the opulent architecture of paris during the reign of napoleon iii from 1855 to 1895 when tall mansard roofs were the answer to taxes imposed on the height of a house.

Tall first story windows classical pediments and a narrow stature are characteristic also. Ornamental touches on the roof may include patterned slate and cupolas. Height was only measured to the base of the roof so any living space contained within the roof was exempt. Second empire floor plans tend to be formal with adaptations for modern lifestyles.

Formal rooms dominate traditional designs but modern second empire home plans will offer up to date open floor plans wrapped in an elegant continental exterior. Thoroughly european in flavor second empire designs are classified as variations of victorian style primarily because they were popular during queen victoria s reign though they are. Ornamental touches on the roof may include patterned slate and cupolas. The double sloped or mansard roof is a signature feature of second empire house plans.