Second Empire House Floor Plans

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.

Second empire house floor plans.

A second empire home plan offers attic or living space on the top floor. The double sloped or mansard roof is a signature feature of second empire house plans. 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.

Tall first story windows classical pediments and a narrow stature are characteristic also. Get expert advice from the house plans industry leader. 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.

The first drawing is the perspective view of a house built from these plans in the 1870s in flushing new york. 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. Ornamental touches on the roof may include patterned slate and cupolas. Previous photo in the gallery is second floor plan john milton odell house concord north carolina.