Cape Cod House Design

Cape Cod houses are generally recognized by the following features:
• One and a half stories, with a single gabled roof
• Windows with multiple panes
• Chimney centered on one end of the exterior
• Very little trim, possibly with a small window above the entry way for decoration

Known in some parts of the United States as “cottages,” the Cape Cod home design style came the northeast with the first British settlers. Because the settlers had access to little in terms of building resources, they began to construct this style of home from mostly wood. Interestingly, the homes were constructed on slab made of wood. This was so that the home could easily be moved from one location to another.

Because of the limited resources, the original Cape Cod homes were quite small. Mainly, they consisted of one room and an entrance hallway. As time evolved, room dividing walls and additions were added to the original homes until they slowly evolved into the Cape Cod of today.

Today’s Cape Cod is much more luxurious and significantly larger than its ancestor style. Home plans for Cape Cod homes now include many rooms, and although they share the same exterior “feel” as the old homes, they definitely are much improved!

Unlike its predecessor, the modern Cape Cod home floor plan will generally show the kitchen located in the back of the home. Modern designers have created many renditions of the Cape Cod style for those who want to build a traditional home with all of the modern conveniences.

Layouts range from traditional “rooms” to open floor plans with large windows, cathedral ceilings, lofts and other modern features. Part of the attractive charm of the style is the ability to add an addition after initial construction, or the ability to place a deck or patio that spans the width of the home.

In keeping with tradition, these homes usually feature a central hallway or entranceway that leads into a relatively large living room. This living room is symbolic of the “parlor” of days gone by. Of course, there is usually also a large formal dining area and an eat-in kitchen.

Growing family sizes have necessitated adding a second bathroom at least to the Cape Cod layout, but that is generally easily accommodated on the first floor somewhere off of the main hallway.

The modern Cape Cod design is popular among first-time builders partially also due to the vast light and effective air circulation. And, of course the more open the floor plan, the more air and light that will surround the living space. The design lines of this style of home are sleek, and the exterior needs little in the way of decoration. The exterior options are limitless, from brick or stone to clapboard siding or cedar shingles. If you purchase plans for a Cape Cod home, your design options are nearly limitless.

This home building article by:
Michelle McClory with BuildingPlans.com

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