House Types Domestic architecture in Utah represents a continuation of broader American patterns, so the house types identified in this chapter are generally typical of the country as a whole. The buildings are grouped according to their basic form or shape. The first five categories in the chapter are difficult to distinguish without inspecting the interior, since all have symmetrical facades parallel to the ridgeline of the roof. It is their specific floor plans that truly identify them, although the double cell can generally be recognized by its even number of door and window openings in contrast to the single-cell hall-parlor types. Also, central-passage houses are usually (but not always) larger than those with a hall-parlor plan. The remaining types, including the side-passage house with its distinctive offset door, can all be identified by their exterior appearance. Several examples of each house type are presented in an effort to demonstrate the stylistic and compositional variety found within each category. Readers will notice that two of the house types, the bungalow and the period cottage, are not accompanied by floor plans. In these cases field investigation has not progressed to the extent that specific subcategories have been identified. But since it seemed wise to point out areas needing further research, these large, general categories have been included in an effort to acknowledge their importance in Utah architecture. We hope that continued investigation by future researchers will more fully describe and explain these important forms.
Fig. 10: A row of c. 1890 side-passage cottages in Salt Lake City. These buildings show a mix of stylistic elements usually called Victorian Eclectic.
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