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PATTERN BOOK and

ARCHITECTURAL GUIDELINES

for

The Village of Red Hook, New York

May 20, 2013

Village of Red Hook: Pattern Book and Architectural Design Guidelines

Acknowledgements Village of Red Hook Board of Trustees Ed Blundell, Mayor Brent Kovalchik, Deputy Mayor Jay Trapp, Trustee Jennifer Norris, Trustee Steve Zacharzuk, Trustee

Village of Red Hook Zoning Board of Appeals George Beekman, Chairman Roger Husted Co-Chairman Charles Erik Cuthell Paul Duntz Caroline Rider

Village of Red Hook Planning Board Everett Pearsall, Chairman Mark Mirando Beth Pagano David Pearson Donald Hanson

Village of Red Hook Pattern Book and Architectural Guidelines Committee Brent Kovalchik, Architect/Intermunicipal Task Force Barbara Beilenberg, Egbert Benson Historical Society Claudine Klose, Egbert Benson Historical Society Christopher Klose, Egbert Benson Historical Society/ Town of Red Hook Economic Development Committee Maynard Ham, Egbert Benson Historical Society/Owner and Restorer of the A.J.Davis Chamberlain Cottage at Maizeland, Red Hook, NY Juliet R. Harrison, Red Hook Community Arts Network/ Red Hook Area Chamber of Commerce

In cooperation with:

STEPHEN TILLY, Architect

Stephen Tilly, AIA, LEED AP Elizabeth Martin

FUNDED IN PART BY GRANTS FROM:

Hudson River Valley Greenway Furthermore, a program of the J.M. Kaplan Fund New York State Council on the Arts


Table of Contents

Introduction p. 1 I. Patterns for Planning

1. General Design Considerations p. 22. Site Planning: Streets, Lots and Open Space p. 3

•Site Planning and Landscape p. 4 •Streets and Set-backs p. 6•Open Space p. 7

3. Planning Traditional Neighborhood Developments •Approvals and Submissions p. 10•Housing Types p. 10

4. Planning for Sustainability p. 11 II. Patterns for Downtown

1. Guidelines for the General Business District • Planning Considerations:

Red Hook General Business District p. 14• Site Orientation-Infill Development Plan p. 15• Building Mass and Articulation p. 15• Arcades, Galleries, Mews and Alleys p. 16• Pavement Materials and Textures p. 16• Plantings Downtown p. 17• Street Furniture p. 17

2. Patterns for Commercial Buildings • Facade Treatment and Materials p. 18• Storefronts p. 19• Recommendations for Storefronts p. 20• Recommendations for Upper Levels p. 21• Roofs and Roof Materials p. 21• Fire Escapes p. 21• Signage p. 22

III. Patterns for Residential NeighborhoodsPatterns for Houses1. Similarity and Dissimilarity p. 252. Townhouses: Special Recommendations p. 26 Two Family or Double Houses p. 273. New Construction and Additions p. 28-334. Style p. 345. Roofs p. 36

• Chimneys p. 36


• Dormers p. 36• Gutters and Downspouts p. 36• Flashing p. 37• Roof Ventilation p. 37• Rooftop Equipment p.38

6. Exteriors • Facade Treatment and Materials p. 40• Siding p. 40

7. Windows p. 42-448. Skylights p. 45 9. Entries and Doors p. 46

• Door Hardware p. 4610. Porches, Porticoes and Stoops p. 48-4911. Ornamentation and Details p. 50-51

• Painting p. 52

Patterns for yards 1. Planning p. 49

• Local Precedent p. 49• Historic precedent p. 50

2. Fences p. 523. Walls p. 534. Things in the Yard p. 54-555. Cars p. 566. Paths and Paving p. 577. Water management & Conservation p. 588. Grade Changes p. 599. Vegetation p. 60-6110. Exterior Lighting p. 6211. Sustainable Landscape-Marrying Traditional & Green p. 63

AppendicesNote: the appendices are not afterthoughts. They offer references in depth for the topics in the text.

A Information Sources for Designers & Builders p. 64B Descriptions and Definitions p. 66 C Building and Landscape Elements p. 73

1Village of Red Hook-Pattern Book and Architectural Design Guidelines

PATTERNS for RED HOOKIntroductionPurposeThepurposeofthePatternBookandArchitecturalDesignGuidelinesistoserveasanillustratedguideforthearchitects,buildersandresidentsoftheVillageofRedHookastheyplannewprojectsintheTraditionalNeighborhoodDevelopmentdistricts,designinfillbuildingsintheGeneralBusinessDistrictoradjacentneighborhoods,andcontemplatechangestotheexistingbuildingstock.ThedesigngoalistoenhanceandextendRedHook’sbestbuildingtraditions,topromoteunitywithoutdiscouragingdiversity.Patterns for Red Hook is intended to:1.Describe,forresidents,developersandvisitors,communitypatternsandcelebratecommunitystrengthsthatcanbethebuildingblocksforfuturedevelopment.

2.Assistresidents,developers,volunteerboardsandstaffinplanningchangewhilepreservingandintensifyingtheVillage’suniquecharacterinenvironmentallyresponsibleways.

Readers will find three levels of guidance:1. Assistanceforownersandbuilderslookingforinformationonstylesandpractices,sensiblepreservationandenergyconservingtechniques,andlandandgardenplanning.

2. Recommendationsofsoundarchitecturalpractice.3. Regulationsrecommendedforplanapprovals.

ThiswrittenguideisenhancedbyapictorialDesignVocabularycategorizedbylandusetype,residential,commercialandmixed-use.ThephotographswereselectedtoillustratebuildingsandarchitecturaldesignswhichreflecttheoveralldesignintentfortheVillageofRedHook.Tounderstandstylereferencesandunfamiliarterms,pleaseseethetheappendices.

Village Board AdoptionUponadoptionbytheVillageBoard,thePatternBookandArchitecturalDesignGuidelineswillserveasacomponentoftheVillage’sComprehensivePlanexpressingthevision,goalandrecommendedarchitecturalstyleforfuturedevelopmentintheVillage.Assuch,itmayserveasthebasisforfutureamendmentsoftheVillage’sZoningLaw.

Pattern Books in the Hudson ValleyTheHudsonValleyisthehomeofAmericanpatternbooksgoingbacktothework,mostfamously,ofAndrewJacksonDowningandCalvertVauxinthefirsthalfofthe19thcentury.Theirguideswerepersonal,andcontainedadviceaboutstyle,living,architecture,décor,landscaping,horticultureandevenanimalhusbandry,nineteenthcenturypredecessorsoftoday’sshelterpress.Thepresentguidepropoundsavillage’sviewofitsfuture.ItisadistillationofaconsensusintheVillageofRedHookaboutwhichaspectsoftheexistingvillagenewdevelopmentshouldemulate,whichcurrentarchitecturalfeatures,stylesanddevelopmentpatternsshouldserveasguidesforthefuture,andwhich,ifany,newpatternsshouldbeaddedtoguidenewdevelopmentinthe21stcentury.

Village of Red Hook-Pattern Book and Architectural Design Guidelines2

1. General Design Considerations

RedHook’sarchitecturedisplaysgreatvariety,notauniformstylefromaparticularera.Itexpressesanevolution,withstrongexamplesoferasofsettlementandgrowthforalmosttwocenturies.ManypartsoftheVillagecontributetoitsuniqueappeal.ThisPatternBookseekstoidentifycommunitycharacteristicswhichshouldguidechange.

Newandrenovatedbuildings,landscapes,andstreetscapesshouldreflectthescaleanddesignfeaturesrecommendedinthePatternsforRedHook.

Asageneralrule,buildingsshouldreflectacontinuityoftreatmentinavarietyofwaysby:

• Maintainingthebuildingscale.• Theuseofsubtlygraduatedchanges.• Maintainingbasecourses.• Theuseoffrontporchesonresidentialbuildings.• Maintainingcornicelinesincommercialbuildingsofthesameheight.• Extendinghorizontallinesofwindowanddooropenings.• Echoingarchitecturalstyleanddetailanddesignapproaches.• UsingbuildingmaterialsandcolorsrecommendedintheArchitecturalGuides.

However,thegeneralruleshouldnotresultinarigiduniformity.Designersshouldtaketheircuesfromtheexistingcommunity,whichdisplaysadegreeofvarietyandsurprisewithinacoherentandpleasingoverallcontext.

I. Patterns for Planning

2011 Aerial photo of Red Hook


2. Site Planning: Streets, Lots and Open Space

Designofanewneighborhoodcan:

• Fosterprideofownership.• Offerrealmsofprivacy.• Encouragesharedusesandactivities.• Offervarietyfordifferingtastesandneeds.• Provideanenvironmentbothappealingandsecureforchildren.• Provideasafeandmanageableenvironmentfortheelderly.• Encouragehealthyoutdooractivity.• Incorporateregionalnaturalfeatures.• Supportlow-carbonfootprintlivingpatterns.• BuildonthebestdefiningfeaturesofRedHook’sexistingneighborhoods.

Red Hook Tradttional Neighborhood Development (TND) Extension Illustrative Plan

An Existing Traditional Neighborhood in Red Hook. Sidewalks are necessary in new neighborhoods.


Site Planning and Landscape

Newneighborhoodsshouldencouragewalking.Walkingdestinationswithintheareagetpeopleoutofcars,intothepublicrealmandengagedinthecommunity.

Thesedestinationscanbevestpocketparks,landscaped(school)busstopswithcomfortableshadedseating,agazeboorothershelternearasignificantview,orafenceddog-park,tonameafew.Thesefeaturesshouldpunctuatetheresidentialfabric.UninterruptedwalkwaysshouldleadtotheentranceofacontiguousVillagerecreationareaorconvenienceshoppingareassothattheneighborhoodconnectswiththelargercommunity.

Walkable neighborhood parks and natural open space enhance quality of life in adjoining residential areas.


Accesstonaturalsystemsisknowntoimprovehealth.Ahealthycommunityaffordsresidentseverythingfromenticingwindowviewsofgreenerytoengagingwalkingtrailsthroughthenaturalworld.Communitysatisfactiongrowswhenanareaiscomfortablywalkable,wheninsummeritiswellshaded,inwintershelteredfromthewind,atnightadequately(butnotoverly)lit,andwhenbuildingsandyardsareinterestingtolookat.

Aneighborhoodismemorablewhenitretainselementsfromitspast—maturetrees,managedwaterways,enduringcountrylanesandrubblestonewalls.Allcontributetoasenseofplaceandconnectchildrenofthe21stcenturywithRedHook’shistoricwaysoflife.


Streets and Set-Backs

•Ingeneral,streetsshouldbelaidoutinarationalgridpattern.Blocksshouldbesmallenoughtopassthe“strollertest”;awalkaroundtheblockshouldbecomfortableforaparentpushingastrollerwithayoungchildintow.•Inimportantcases,thegridmaybeabandonedorwarpedtoaccommodatechangesintopography.Anoff-gridsinglestreetmayweavethroughneighborhoodsandopenspace,offeringboththehousesonthestreetandthetravelerpassingthroughvariedsitevistas.•Eachstreetblockisapublicroom.Thefrontfacesofbuildingswithsimilarset-backsonoppositesidesofthestreetdefinethe“walls”ofthepublicspace.Streettreesofavarietyofspeciesincontinuousplantingbedsshadethepublicspaceandthesidewalksonbothsidesofthestreet.Lowwalls,fencesorhedgescanseparatefrontyardsfromsidewalks.Theyshouldnotinterferewithaclearviewofstreetactivityforreasonsofcommunityandchildsafety.•Withineachblock,thebuild-to(frontset-back)forhousesshouldbeconsistent.Smallvariationswithinablockareencouraged;excessivedeviationsarenotrecommended.Anewstructureinaninfilllotshouldgenerallyreinforcethedominantsetbackpatternofthestreet.•Thebuild-to(frontset-back)lineshouldnotbeuniformthroughouttheneighborhood.Adjacentstreetsmayhavedeeperorshouldowerbuild-tolines,increasingtherichnessoftheresidentialfabric.•Structuresoncornerlotsshouldobeythebuild-tolinesofbothstreets.

Lots

Eachblockshouldbecomposedoflotsofvaryingsizesconsistentwithapprovedzoning(seewww.redhooknyvillage.org/zippacket.htm).TheintentionistoprovideflexibilitysothatnewdevelopmentcanachievethevarietyandcharacterofsettlementoftheexistingVillageneighborhoods.

Wheneverpossible,nomorethanthreecontinuouslotsshouldbeofidenticalshapeanddimensions.Ontheseadjacentlots,theformandspacingofeachhouseshouldbedistincttoavoiduniformity.Vegetationinsideyardscanfurtherdelineatethepublicandprivatezonesofeachpropertywhileofferingdistinctivefeaturestoeachlot.

maps?

New districts and infill development should take their cues from existing neighborhoods.

GOOD: New construction should reinforce the setback pattern, but small variations provide welcome variety and relief.

Front yards should obey prevailing front yard setbacks (A & B) on each street at corner lots.

Vary spacing & form of houses & site approach on similar lots; maximum of 3 identical contiguous lots recommended (see zoning).


Open Space

a. Openspacebetweenbuildingsshouldbepositive,logicallyandarchitecturallydesigned.Thisguideencouragesmultiplebuildingsonalottoberelated,“inconversation”withoneanother,notstand-aloneboxes.Suchmultiplebuildingsmaybeorganizedaroundcourtyards,greens,gardensorquadranglesthatencouragepedestrianactivityandincidentalinteractionamongusers.Smaller,individualizedgroupingsofbuildingsareencouraged.Buildinglocationsshouldpermitadequatefireandemergencyaccess.

b. Exteriorpublicandsemipublicspaces,suchascourtyardsorplazas(e.g.storeparkinglotsnorthonBroadway)shouldbedesignedtoenhancesurroundingbuildings,andprovideamenitiesforusers,intheformoftexturedpaving,landscaping,lighting,streettrees,benches,trashreceptacles,orotheritemsofstreetfurniture,asappropriate.Courtyardsshouldhaverecognizededgesdefinedonatleastthreesidesbybuildings,walls,elementsoflandscaping,andelementsofstreetfurniture,inordertocreateastrongsenseofenclosure.

c. Spaceshouldbedesignedforcarssothat,incommercial,institutionalorresidentialsettings,carsdonotoverwhelmthecomfortandintimacyofatraditionalvillagecommunity.Devicesare:•Denseevergreenscreeninginampleplantingbedsbetweenzones.• Bordershadetreesandtreeislandswithinparkinglotstocoolandbeautify.•Anetworkofclearpedestrianwalkwaystominimizepeople/carconflict.•Useofdarkskylightfixturestosafelylightparkingareaswhilereducinglightspillbeyonddriveandlotlimits.

• Inclusion,wherespacepermits,ofpedestrianamenitiessuchasbenchesandtrashand recyclingreceptaclesasinotherpublicspaces.

• Roof-shadedparking;lightcoloredroofscanhavehighreflectancecomparedtoasphalt,reducingheatabsorption;theycansupportphotovoltaicpanelstogenerateelectricity,orgreenroofstobothaddcoolingandfilterstormwater,reducingandslowingitsdischargeintostormdrains.

Portion of Red Hook Village Center Illustrative Sketch Plan showing infill (red) compatible in scale and location, reinforcing the street line for the most part, and related open space development possibilities. Additional parking screening would be desirable.


Excerpted from Red Hook Traditional Neighborhood Illustrative Sketch Plan (see http://www.redhook.org/).


3. Planning Traditional Neighborhood Developments

Approvals and Submissions

a. TheVillagePlanningBoard(orArchitecturalReviewCommittee)approvessketchplansandelevationsofallbuildingsandtheblocklocationswithintheTraditionalNeighborhoodDevelopment(TND)wheresuchbuildingsmaybebuilt.

b. Atthestartofconstructionofthefirstdwellinginanyblock,thedeveloperprovidestheRedHookVillageZoningEnforcementOfficer(ZEO)withamapoftheblockindicatingthebasemodeltypeelevationsofhomesproposedtobebuiltintheblock.ThismapisupdatedbythedeveloperuponsubsequentbuildingpermitapplicationfortheblockwhenpermitsaresoughtfromtheBuildingInspector/ZEO.SeetheVillageZoningCodefordetails.

Housing Types

a. TNDApartment–adwellingunitsharingabuildinglotwithotherdwellingsoruses,andhavingaminimumsizeof600squarefeetofgrossfloorareaandamaximumsizeof1,200squarefeetofgrossfloorarea.ThedefinitionofTNDApartmentdoesnotincludeTNDDuplexandTNDTownhouse.TNDApartmentsmaybeforrentorforsale.

b. TNDCottage–adetachedsinglefamilydwellingunitthatdoesnotexceed1,200squarefeetingrossfloorarea.

c. TNDDuplex–twodwellingunitsplacedoneontoporanotherorattachedside-by-sidesharingoneormorecommonwalls.

d. TNDHouse–adetachedsingle-familydwellingunitgreaterthan1,201squarefeetingrossfloorarea.

e. TNDTownhouse–asinglefamilydwellingunit constructedinagroupofthreeormoreattachedunits inwhicheachunitextendsfromfoundationtoroofandwithanopenspaceonatleasttwosides.

TND Cottage.

TND Side by Side Duplex.

TND House.

TND Apartment: separate dwelling unit on the back of the same lot.

TND Townhouses.


4. Planning for Sustainability SustainabilityisafundamentalprinciplefordevelopmentinRedHook.Sustainabilitybeginswithlandplanningthatcreatescompact,walkableneighborhoods.Newbuildingsinturnshouldhaveatinyenvironmentalfootprint.Forbuildings,theobjectiveisminimizationoftheamountofmaterialandenergyconsumedduringconstructionaswellasduringoperation.Smallerbuildingsusefewerresourcesthroughouttheirlifetime.NewhousesshouldmeettheU.S.DepartmentofEnergy’sEnergyStarHomeRatingstandards.BuildingsshouldmeetorexceedstandardssuchastheU.S.GreenBuildingCouncil’sLEEDforHomesprogramor,atthemoreaggressiveend,theLivingBuildingChallengeorPassiveHouseCertifications.Forlandscapeandespeciallyforguidanceonsoundwatermanagement,www.sustainablesites.orgexplainsasustainablesiteinitiativeexpandingonthescopeofLEEDforNeighborhoodDevelopmentSustainableSites.

InformationonlocalsustainabilityinitiativesandresourcesisavailableintheEnergy and Climate Action Plan for the Town and Villages of Red Hook and Tivoli, New York(July,2012)(redhook.org/PDFs/CAC).InformationisalsoavailablefromCentralHudson(savingscentral.com),stateagenciessuchasNYSERDA(nyserda.ny.gov)andFederalagenciesincludingtheDepartmentofEnergy.Thepreservationandrepairofbuildingsisasustainableactivity.Thepreservationmantraof“retain,repair,replace”complementsthesustainabilitytrioof“reduce,reuse,recycle.”

ManybuildingsinRedHookwerebuiltbeforetheeraofcheapenergyandretainuseful“green”featuressuchasporchesorlargeoverhangsshadingtheinterior,shadetrees,operablewindowsandshutters,andwinddrivenatticventilators,featuresalsousefulfornewbuildings.Retainingthesefeaturesismoresustainablethanaddingnewsolarcollectorsorgeothermalsystemswhichrequirelargeamountsofenergyfortheirmanufactureandinstallation.Mostimportantly,theenergyperformanceofallbuildingsshouldbemonitoredandimprovedwhereverpossible.

Treeshelterbelts,bio-swales,raingardens,shrubbordersforwildlifehabitatandporouspavingareamongmanyappealingfeaturestoenhanceapropertyandimproveitsenvironmentalcitizenship.

New techniques like infra-red photography (above) and blower door testing (below) highlight leaks and help builders make new and existing buildings efficient while retaining character.

Porch shades the house, saving energy for cooling. Porous paving reduces runoff & recharges the aquifer.


II. Patterns for Downtown

1. Guidelines for the General Business District

Planning Considerations: Red Hook General Business District

ThenucleusoftheVillageofRedHookisitsGeneralBusinessDistrict(GBD),whichisthedense,active“urban”coreoftheVillage.

Toensurethatbuildingsenhancethelocalsenseofplace,theyshouldincorporate,incontemporaryexpression,themassing,scaleandproportionofdetailingfoundinRedHook’sbesthistoricstruc-tures..

Thecarefullyobservedpatternsofexistinghistoricbuildingsshouldguidenewconstruction,renova-tions,andadditionsinthismanner.Thisdoesnotmean,however,thatthereisnotaplaceforneworinnovativecontemporaryarchitectureinornearthedowntown.Thebestwaytopayhomagetohistoricbuildingsiswithadesigneffortthatisequaltothearchitecturalandbuildingcrafttraditionsthatproducedtheoriginalstructures.Respectforthescale,formandmaterialsoftheolderbuildingscaninfusethedesignofanadditionorinfillbuildingwithoutdictatingthatitbeanimitation.Copycatstructuresarenotencouraged.Takinginspirationfromthepastdoesnotmeancherry-pickingarchi-tecturalgesturesfromdisparatesourcesto“historicize”anewstructure.


Site Orientation – Infill Development Plan

Buildingsshouldbearchitecturallydistinctivethroughoverallprofile,entrancetreatmentanddetailing.Buildingswithmorethanonefaçadefacingapublicstreetorinternalopenspaceshouldprovideenhancedfaçadetreatmentsonthesecondarysidesofthebuilding(e.g.RHVparkinglot/PrinceStreet/SouthBroadwayshoppingplaza,etc.)

Buildingsshouldfacepublicstreets,andhaveentriesonthoseprimaryfacades.Buildingsshouldnotbeorientedtowardaparkinglotunlesstheyarepartofaninterior-blockplaza.

Buildingsoncornerlotsaresignificantstructureswithatleasttwofacadesvisiblefromthestreet.IfdeemedappropriatebythePlanningBoard,suchbuildingsmaybedesignedwithaddi-tionalheightandarchitecturalembellishments,suchascornertowers,toemphasizetheirlocation.

Historicorarchitecturallysignificantbuildingsshouldbeprotectedfromdemolitionorencroachmentbyincompatiblestructuresorsitedevelopment.TheSecretaryoftheInterior’sStandardsforRehabilitationofHistoricPropertiesareausefulguideforrenovatingarchitecturallyorhistoricallysignificantbuildings.

Focalpointsorpointsofvisibleterminationshouldbeoc-cupiedbyprominentstructuresthatemployenhancedheight,massing,distinctivetreatments,designedlandscaping,orotherdistinguishingfeatures.

Building Articulation and Mass

Theensembleeffectofcommercialbuildingsdeterminesthecharacterofthedowntown.Thedowntownexperiencemustsatisfytwokindsofusers—pedestriansandpeopleincars.Buildingrecognitionshouldbeeasyatdrivingspeedswhilevarietyandarticulationcanbesavoredatwalkingspeeds.Whileeachbuildingshouldbedistinctive,theuninterruptedsequenceofbuildingssharingthesamefrontageset-backservesasadefiningenclosureforthedowntownpublicwayandestablishesasenseofplace.Bothvarietyandconsisten-cy—perceptibleathumanscale—shouldgovernplanningfordowntownimprovementsandnewconstruction.

Variation and offsets add interest to the streetscape.

A mural extends the retail presence and interest to the secondary side.

Passages to parking lots should be treated as improved public space, not neglected leftovers.

Infill buildings should reinforce the street line with location and entries.


Arcades, Galleries, Mews and Alleys

Arcadesandgalleriesprovidepartialshelteroverstorefrontwindowsandsidewalks.Mewsandalleysconnectthemainsidewalkwithfeaturesbehindstores.Employthesefeaturestoextenddowntowncharactertosupportingoff-streetspaces.Takecuesfromneighboringbuildingsforarchitecturalcompat-ibility

Pavement Materials and Textures

Theparkwayinfrontofcommercial/mixed-usebuildingsshouldbepavedwithbricktomatchthepattern,fielddimen-sion,brickdimensionsandcoloroftheexistingparkway.Openspacesforstreettreesshouldbeprovided.Theareabe-tweentheedgeofthesidewalkandthebuildingfaçadeshouldbepavedwithmaterialsimilartothatcurrentlyexistinginthepedestriancirculationsystem.Sidewalksofgenerouswidthsaccommodatebothstrollingshoppersanderrand-runnersandallowroomforcafesandotherfairweathercommerce.Curb-ingistobemadeofgranite,orexposedconcreteinasquaresectionandshouldconnecttoandmatchexistingcurbing.

Additions (in red) set to the rear of existing building and lot.

An arcade can provide welcome shelter.

Brick paving provides compatible infill in the Village Center.


Theacoustic,thermal,visual,waterpermeabil-ityandtactilepropertiesofthepavingmaterialsshouldbeappropriateforpedestrians.Modularmasonrymaterialssuchasbrick,slate,andcon-cretepavers,orgriddedcast-inpavingmateri-als,suchasconcreteslabs,shouldbeusedonsidewalks,pedestrianwalkways,pathways,crosswalks,publicorsemipublicplazas,court-yardsandopenspaces.

PlantingsPlantingsstrategicallydeployedenhancethepedestrianexperiencewithinthedense,built-uplimitsofthedowntown.Openspacesforstreettreesshouldbeprovidedalongcommer-cialstreets.Severaltreesplantedtogetherincontinuoustreepitsimprovetreesurvivalandarerecommendedwhereextensivepavementincreasesstress.TheRedHookVillageGreenCommitteemaybeconsultedtoadviseonloca-tionandsizeoftreeplantingareas.Well-main-tainedshrubs,perennialsandannualsinsmallplotsandcontainersinjectwelcomevitalityintocentervillageshopping.

Street Furniture

Streetfurnitureincludesbenches,wasteandrecyclingcontainers,planters,telephoneboothsbusshelters,bicycleracks,waterfountainsandbollards.Streetfurnitureshouldbecompat-iblewiththearchitectureofthesurroundingbuildings,thecharacteroftheareaandotherelementsofthestreetscape.Thedesign—mate-rials,scale,andcolor—ofstreetfurnitureshouldbesympathetictoitsarchitecturalcontext.Seatingshouldbedeployedalongcommercialstreetsinarhythmtofostercomfortablewalksbetweenstoppingplaces.

Even narrow planted areas, at grade (above) or in planters (below), can have an important impact in a pedestrian area..

Shading, from trees (below) or canopies (above) provide welcome relief in a heavily paved area..


2. Patterns for Commercial Buildings

Façade Treatment and Materials

Allsidesofabuildingexposedtothepublicshouldhaveanarticulatedbasecourseandcornice.Thebasecourseshouldalignwitheitherthekickplateorsilllevelofthefirststory.Acornicewhichterminatesorcapsthetopofabuildingwallmayprojecthorizontallyfromtheverticalfaceofthebuildingandmaybeornamentedwithmouldings,brackets,orotherdetails.Themiddlesectionofabuildingmaybehorizontallydividedatthefloor,lintel,orsilllevelswithabeltorstringcourse.

Longunbrokenroofs,windowlesswallsorserviceareasvisiblefromthepublicviewarediscouraged.Whereawindowlesswallisnecessary,theuninterruptedwallcanberelievedby12”offsets,masonryarticulation,falsewindows,trellises,recessedorprojectingdisplaycases,andlandscaping.

Façadetreatmentandfaçadematerialsforcommercialand/ormixedusebuildingsinclude:•Woodorcompositeclapboard.• Brick(brownandredrange)laidinEnglish,Common,orFlemishbond,withmortarjointsnotexceeding½inch,allmortarjointstobestruck.

• Stucco.• Boardandbatten.

Inmixed-usebuildings,thereshouldbeadiscernablediffer-enceinfacadetreatmentbetweengroundfloorcommercialusesandupperlevelcommercialorapartmentuses.Thecornicelineabovethegroundfloordelineatestheretail/commercialzone.Differentcolors,designsorsetbacksdifferentiatecom-mercialandresidentialentrances.Distinctexteriormateri-als,signs,awnings,andexteriorlightingfurtherhighlightthebuidling’scommercialfloorlevel.

Allmechanicalequipment,whetherrooforground-mounted,shouldbecompletelyscreenedfromcontiguousproperties,andadjacentstreetsinamannerthatiscompatiblewiththearchi-tecturaltreatmentoftheprincipalbuilding.

Market and Broadway c. 1949. The typical 3 part commercial arrangement with storefront base, sign course and projecting top cornice has shown great durability over time.

Side walls are animated by the glazed storefront enclosure, upper floor porch, windows and other decorative touches.

Wood clapboard is part of the traditional Village Center material palette.


Storefronts

Storefrontsarethewelcomingfaceofcommercialdistrictsandakeyelementinbuildingfacades.Attractivestorefrontsencouragepedestriansorpassersbyinvehiclestoslowdown,lingerandshop.

RedHookboastsanotablecollectionof19thcenturyandearly20thcenturycommercialbuildingsinitsGeneralBusinessDistrict.Manyofthebuildings’facadeshavesurvivedintactandcontinuetoreflectpopulararchitecturalstylesoftheiroriginalconstructionperiod.Mostare2-3storymixed-usebuildingswithcommercialspaceonthefirstfloorandresidentialabove.Masonryfaçadesframerecessedentrywaysandshowcaselargeplateglassdisplaywindows.Storefrontsconnectbuildingsdirectlywiththepedestrianworld.

Increasingappreciationofhistoricdowntownsandcommercialdistrictsisbasedontheirarchitecturalcharacterandtheeconomicdynamismtheyprovide.Mostcommercialdistrictsuccessstorieshavehadhistoricpreservationasamajorcomponent.Thoughtfulchangesandcarefulrehabilitationscanincreasebusinessforowners,increasepropertyvalues,andattractvisitors.

Storefrontsarefrequentlyalteredbychangesinuseandtoexpresscontemporarytastes,andintheprocessbuildingsriskanerosionoftheirhistoriccharacter.Maintaining,preserving,andrestoringhistoricstorefrontsisespeciallyimportanttodowntowncharacter.Wellpreservedbuildingsprovideenduring“packages”forthechangingcontentsofaretailzone.Alterationsthatreplaceorconcealoriginaldetails(wood,brick,glass,etc)detractfromabuilding’sinherentcharacter,asdoreplacementmaterialssuchasvinyl,fiberglass,oraluminum.Alterationsthatchangethesizeofthestorefrontopeningordisplaywindowareaalsodiminishitshistoriccharacter.

ThegeneralpatternisthatstorefrontdesignshouldbebasedupontraditionalRedHookexamples.

Good examples on Market Street of variations on the traditional 3 part (storefront with lower sign cornice or arcade, upper band and upper cornice) commercial building pattern.


Recommendations for Storefronts:

• Emphasizeprimaryentriestostorefrontsthroughtheuseofarchitecturalfeaturessuchasroofs,recessionsintothefacade,pilastersorotherdetailsthatemphasizetheentrance.

• Distributewindowstoachievethegenerallyconsistentrhythmofvoidsandsolidsoftraditionalbuildings.

• Locatewindowstobe26to36inchesoffthegroundwithhighlintelsconsistentwithtraditionalwindowproportions.

• Allocateamaximumof70%ofthegroundfloorfaçadeareaforprimarydisplaywindows.Proportiondoorways,windows,andotheropeningsinthefaçadetoreflectpedestrianscaleandmovement.

• Usetraditionalcanvasawningswithoutinteriorilluminationinbuildingswithmultiplestorefronts,andusecompatibleawningsasameansofunifyingthestructure.

• Retainandpreservestorefrontsandelementssympathetictosurroundingcommercialbuildingsanddistricts,includingmaterials,dimensions,colors,signagetypes,andspecialfeaturessuchasdisplaywindows,transoms,mid-cornicesandlighting.

• Erronthesideofsimplicityratherthanornateness.• Retainoriginalinsetentries.

Traditional Storefront Features

DISPLAYWINDOWS&TRANSOMS

SIGNBAND

SUPPORTINGCOLUMNS&PIERS

ENTRANCESKNEEWALL

UPPERCORNICE

26-36”


• Usestorefrontcontentstoprovideinteresttopassersby.• Lightstorefrontinteriorstoprovideinterestandsecurityatstreetlevelintheevening.• Locatetransomwindowsaboveawnings.• Avoidaluminumframed-plateglass“storefronts”.• Avoidsolidmetalsecuritygatesorroll-downmetalwindows.Linkorgrill-typesecuritydevices

areacceptableonlyifinstalledfromtheinside,withinthewindowordoorframes.Securitygrillsshouldberecessedandconcealedduringnormalbusinesshours.Installsecuritygrillswhichprovideasenseoftransparency,inlightcolors.

Recommendations for Upper Levels:

• Primaryfaçadewindowsonthesecondfloorshouldbeaminimumof24inchesfromthecorner.• Theouterglazingoftheprimaryfaçadewindowsshouldbesetbackaminimumofthreeinches

fromtheouterplaneofthewall.Ataminimum,adecoratedlintel,faceframe,anddripmoldoverthedoorsandwindowsarerecommended.

• Truedividedlightsorsimulateddividedlightsareacceptable.Clip-onmuntinsarediscouraged;• Fixedorretractableawningsareacceptableonupperlevelswhereappropriate,iftheydothefol-

lowing:a.complementthebuilding’sarchitecturalstyle,materials,colors,anddetails;b.donotconcealarchitecturalfeatures,suchascornices,columns,pilasters,ordecorativedetails;c.donotdisruptthebalancedlookofthefaçade;andd.aredesignedasanintegralpartofthefaçade.Canvasisthepreferredmaterial,althoughotherdurablefabricsmaybeused.Metaloraluminumawningsarenotrecommended.

• Air-conditioningunitsintransoms,withcondensatedripsontheentries,arediscouraged.

Roofs and Roof Material

Flatroofsmaybeappropriateinconjunctionwithcommercialuseswhenenclosedbyacontinuousparapet.Parapetsshouldbesetataheightrequiredtoconcealmechanicalequipmenttothesatisfac-tionofthePlanningBoard.Flatroofsshouldhaveanarticulatedcornicelinethatgenerallycorre-spondstoaconsistentcornicelineontheneighboringbuildings.

Flatroofsshouldbeavoidedonone-storybuildingsandarerecommendedforuseonbuildingswithaminimumoftwostories,providedthatallvisiblyexposedwallshavearticulatedcornicesthatprojecthorizontallyfromtheverticalbuildingwallplane.

Fire Escapes

Fireescapesarenotrecommendedonabuilding’sfrontfaçade.Onnewbuildingsrequiringasecondmeansofegresspursuanttothelocalbuildingcodes,internalstairs,exteriorstairs,orothercode-com-pliantmeansofegressshouldbeused.


Signage

Historicallyduringthe19thandearly20thcentury,signswereakeyfeatureofstorefrontsandcontinuetodaytoshapethecharacterofabusinessdistrict.WithintheGeneralBusi-nessDistrict,signageshouldbecompatibleindesignwiththehistoriccharacterofthedistrictandshouldbeinstalledinamannerthatdoesnotdiminishordamageimportantarchitec-turalfeatures.Size,materials,graphics,andlegibilityofthetypeface,color,andmethodofattachmentmustbeconsideredwhendesigningnewsignageforthehistoriccommercialarea.

Inthecommercialarteries,signageisoftenmultipliedbymerchants’perceptionsthatmoresignsandbiggersignswillimprovetheirbusiness.Infactlegibilityisoftenimprovedbysigncontrolsthatreducethevisualclutterand“noise”inthevicinityofthestore.Limitinglettersizeandthenumberofsignspermittedperestablishmentcanfurtherthesegoals.

Signsinthecorebusinessdistrictshouldbeexclusivelyonbuildingsthemselvesratherthanonseparatesignstandardsorpoles,thoughsmall(lessthan6sf)signsmaybeacceptableinfrontyardsifrequiredforidentification,andiftheyavoidclut-ter,asnotedintheillustrationtotheleft.

SignageonBroadway(Route9)andMarketStreet(Route199)areoftendirectedatpeopleinvehiclesmovingathigherspeeds.Someofthesignsareindependentpolesignsratherthansignsonbuildings.Largerlettersizesmaybeappropriatethere.Illuminatedsignsshouldemphasizestencilcutillumi-natedlettersratherthanbacklitsolidlettering,sincethatwillreducestraylight,glareandclutter,whileenhancingthemes-sagegoingtopeoplepassingby.

Recommendations:

• Installsignsinscalewiththewholebuildingaswellasthestorefront.

• Makesignscompatiblewiththegraphics,colorsandstyleofthebuildinganditsneighbors.

• Locatesignsonthetraditionalsigncorniceoverthefirststoryonoldercommercialbuildings.

Standoff lettering is effective and reinforces the architecture.

State highway signage may help motorists passing through but it does harm to village character.

Uncoordinated signage leads to clutter.

Small side mounted “flag” signs can animate the streetscape.


Aneighborhoodshouldincluderelatedbutdistinctwell-fashionedbuildingsinasettingthataffordsbothsharedpublicspaceandvistasandalsoprivateretreatswithpersonalsignatures.Readbelowfor:

• Patterns for Houses:Buildingsandbuildingcomponents• Patterns for Yards:Siteimprovements,openspace,plantings,gardens

1. Patterns for Houses: Similarity and Dissimilarity Nothreedetachedhomeswiththesamebasicplanandstyleshouldbeconstructedwithin250feetofeachotheronthesamestreetunlessthereissubstantialdifferentiationinthefrontelevationinatleastthreeofthefollowingfeatures:porchandwindowconfiguration;roofstyle;exteriormaterialsonatleast50%ofthefrontfaçadeofthehouses;thewidthoflotand/orhouse.

Ablockconsistingofbetweenoneandtenlotsistobedevelopedwithaminimumofthreediffer-entbasemodeltypehomes.Blocksconsistingofbetweenelevenandthirtylotsshouldbedevelopedwithaminimumoffourbasetypes.Eachbasemodeltypehomeinanyblockshouldhaveatleasttwoalternativefrontelevationscontainingvarieddesignfeaturesaslistedabove.

Buildingsshouldrelatetoeachotherinscaleanddesign.Collectionsofbuildingsshouldachieveacontinuityoftreatmentandconsistentscalethroughcarefuldesign:byintroducingsubtlygraduatedchanges;bymaintainingbasecourses;bytheuseoffrontporchesorstoops;bygenerallymaintainingcornicelinesinbuildings;byextendinghorizontallinesofwindowsanddoors;andbyechoingandadaptingarchitecturalstylesanddetails,designthemes,andmaterialsfromthelocalcontext.

There is a long tradition of repetitive builder’s houses in the U.S. (see above). Over many years, modifications and landscape changes bring variety as in Red Hook (left below) and Ossining NY (right below). New developments can build in that variety using simple elements like porches and exterior treatment (right above).

Patterns for Residential NeighborhoodsIII.


2. Patterns for Townhouses: Special Recommendations

Townhousesshouldhaveacoherentarchitecturalstyle,vocabularyandcolorschemefortheensem-ble,witharticulationandvarietyintroducedwithinthatensembletoidentifyanddifferentiateunits.TheVillageZoningCodeputsitthisway:“Unitsshouldprovideinterestthroughtheuseofvaryingforms,architecturaldetailandpositioningonthesitewhilemaintainingcontinuityasoneproject.”

Nomorethaneighttownhouseunitsshouldbebuiltinarow.Ifthereareeightunitsinarowwithinthatfabric,thenthereshouldbeacommonpedestrianpassagewaytotherearalley,courtyard,parkorothercommoncommunityspace.

Thefacadesoftownhousesonelevationswhichfacestreetsshouldbecladinbrick,woodorfiberce-mentcompositeclapboardsiding,orwithboardandbattensiding.Openorcoveredstoopsarerecom-mendedontownhouses,althoughporchesarealsoacceptable.Balconiesandporchesshouldbemadeofwood,woodcompositeand/orearthbasedmaterialssuchbrick,stone,fibercementsidingand/orstucco.Railingsshouldbemadeofwood,woodcompositeormetal.Vinylwindowsandshutters,plasticgutters,orsimilarmaterialsarediscouraged.Avarietyofarchitecturalfeaturesandbuildingmaterialsisrecommendedtogiveeachbuildingorgroupofbuild-ingsadistinctcharacter.

Attached townhouses or rowhouses, as contemplated in the Red Hook illustrative plan, right, face a special challenge in creating variety within continuity.

Through techniques like those shown in the sketches above, it is possible to create variety in attached buildings, whether in wood frame (left) or masonry bearing wall (right) building traditions. Front garages, required by site constraints in this case, are not recommended.


There is a robust tradition of double house design in the Hudson Valley, with many examples to inspire contemporary designers.

Two-Family or Double Houses

Two-familyhousesanddoublehousesareaspecialcategoryofattacheddwellings.Theysharesomeofthesamecharacteristicsasdetachedsinglefamilyhouses,aswellasthoseofattachedtownhouses.Asuccessfultwo-familyhouseoftenlookslikeamediumtolargedetachedsinglefamilyresidence.Nevertheless,tobesuccessful,eachunitoftenneedstohaveitsentranceandidentityclearlyexpressed.

Unliketownhouse,whicharealwayssidebyside,twoandthree-familyhousescanconsistofeitherside-by-sideexamplesorunitoverunitarrangements,wheretheupperunitorunitsarereachedbyastaircase.

ThereisalongtraditionofdoublehousesintheHudsonValley.TheU.S.MilitaryAcademyatWestpointhasexamplesofthishousetypefromthenineteenthcentury,wheretheywereoftenusedasOfficers’Housing.OtherexamplescanbefoundinWappinger’sFallsandotherlocationsinDutchessCounty.

Townhouses can be built in a variety of materials and with varying degrees of articulation, from significant changes in shape in the wood-frame example on the left above to a more subtle sequence in the masonry and wood frame example on the right...


3. Patterns for Houses: New Construction and Additions

Newconstruction,additionsandrenovationscanquicklychangeneighborhoodcharacter.Guidelinescanreinforcethoseaspectsofcharacterthatthecommunityconsidersmostpositive,suchasresidentialscale,streetsidearticulation,appropriatebuildingplacementontheproperty,ratioofbuilttounbuiltareaonthesiteandarchitecturalstyle.Theguidelinesshouldcommunicatesharedgoalsthatchallengeratherthanlimitthecreativityofdesignersandbuilders.

Allbuildingprojectsarerenovations,dependingontheperspectivefromwhichtheyareviewed.Anewporchonahouseisarenovationtothatbuilding;anewhouseonavacantlotisarenovationtotheneighborhood.Anewdevelopmentiseffectivelyarenovationtothelargerlandscapeofthevillage.Theguidanceateachscalecomesfromthebestaspectsofthestyleofthebuilding,thefeelingoftheadjoiningbuildingsandtheoverallcharacterofthelargerneighborhoodandcommunity.

Scaleandplacementarethemostimportantcharacteristicstocontrolfornewbuildings;stylisticdetailsaresecondary.Fresh,creativearchitecturalapproachesshouldnotbediscouragediftheyrepresentalevelofeffortandexcellencethatmeetsthehistoricorneighborhoodstandard.Thebestbuildingsthathavesurvivedfrompreviouserasdonothavetobesurroundedbyhalf-heartedfacsimilesofthemselves;theymaybenefitmorefromthebesteffortsofourownera.Insomecasesquiet“background”buildingsmaybethebestapproach,ratherthanaggressivestructuresthatcallattentiontothemselvesorupstageexistinglocalfavoritesorlandmarks.

Traditional forms can be adapted to contemporary uses, as in the passive solar cottage design, above.

© Tilly©

Tilly

© Tilly

Designs for new houses at different scales,like those on the right of each pair above & below, can learn from the best examples of traditional houses in the Village, like those on the left.


new construction should reinforce the rhythms and spacings of the existing neighborhood

Infill construction should reinforce alignments such as cornice lines, height, porch lines, and floor elevations from the neighboring buildings.

Recommendations for New Construction:

• Sitenewbuildingsandtheirlandscapeelementssotheyfollowtheneighborhoodpatternsoflotplacementwithsimilarsetbacks.

• Sizenewstructuressotheyaresympatheticinscaletoexistingbuildings.

• Siteaccessorystructuresbehindtheprimaryone.• Usematerialscompatiblewiththecontext.• Respectthefaçadedesignsandrhythmsofnearby

structures.• Protectsignificantexistinglandscapefeatures

duringconstruction.(See“Trees”inlandscapesection).

• Donotcreateartificialmoundsorlandformsunderoraroundnewstructures;groundfloorlevelshouldrelatetotheexistinggradeinamannersimilartoneighboringbuildings.

• Donotmirrororcloselycopyanadjacentexistingbuilding.

• Donotoverwhelmtheneighboringbuildingswithoutofscaleconstruction.

• Usematerialsconsistentwithaprevailingneighborhoodpalette(forexample,clapboardsandshingles,orstoneandstucco).

• Adoptandacknowledgeestablishedneighborhoodpatternsandmotifs.

• Usecontemporarybuildingtechniques,includingsustainablemethodsandmaterials.

• Donotpositionanewprincipaloraccessorystructuretodisruptimportantlocalviewsorsettlementpatterns.

• Donotuseobviouslyimitativematerialsinthevicinityoftheactualmaterialbeingimitated.

• Donotuseconjecturetodesigninanimitativestyleorbuildingforminconsistentwiththecontext.

New infill structures, like the boxy, incompatible middle building above, should not disrupt the scale and character of the surrounding neighborhood.


Dutch Colonial Form Side Hall/Greek Revival Form

Center Hall/Federal-Greek Revival Form Picturesque Cottage Form


Illustrations from:

HOUSING DESIGNED to BUILD NEIGHBORHOODS

Affordable House Plans Inspired by Dutchess County Traditions

Dutchess County Planning Department Publication

ThesedesignsshowthattraditionalDutchessCountyhouseformscanbeadaptedforcontemporaryresidences.

ThesedesignsarepartofatoolkitofpatternswhoseusecanensurethatnewdevelopmentslookandfeelathomeintheircontextandconnecttoDutchessCountydesigntraditions.

Neo-Colonial Form

Arts & Crafts or Bungalow Form

Two-Family Federal Form

Multi-Family Federal Form


Additions

Anacuteobserverofanadditiontoanintacthistoricbuildingshouldbeabletodistinguishthenewworkfromtheoriginal.Theadditioncanusematerialsandproportionsoftheoriginal,oritcanbeadistinct,contemporarydesign.Ineithercase,theadditionshouldnotoverpowertheoriginalandshouldsitwellinitslargercontext.

Recommendations for Additions:

• Siteadditionssotheyarelessprominentthantheexistingbuilding,whichingeneralmeanslocatedtothesideorrear.

• Sizeadditionssotheyaresubordinateinscaletotheexistingbuildinganditsneighbors.

• Studyapproachesthatcreateconnectorstoindependentvolumesratherthanadditionsthat“fattenup”anddistorttheoriginalvolume.

• Offsetratherthanalignadditionswiththeplanesoftheexistingbuilding.

• Meldsmallchangesintotheexistingarchitecturalcomposition.

• Adoptacleardesignapproachtotherelationshipbetweenexistingandnewconstruction.Useaconnectoror“hyphen”betweentheoriginalstructureandanadditioninadifferentstyleorformanddistinguishclearlybetweenthem.

• Harmonizematerialsonnewadditionswithexisting.• Undertakenewadditionsandadjacentorrelatednew

constructionsothat,ifremovedinthefuture,theessentialformandintegrityoftheexistingpropertyanditsenvironmentwillbeintact.

• Protectsignificantexistinglandscapefeaturesduringconstruction.(SeeTreesinlandscapesection)

• Donot obscureorremovethebestorcharacter-definingelementsoftheexistingstructure.

• Donot aligntheplaneofnewworkwithexistingandtherebyerasetheoutlineorshapeoftheoriginalbuilding.

• Donot juxtaposenaturalmaterialswithimitationmaterials.

Successful strategies for expansion that retain the character of existing buildings include the creation of pavilions that are linked by a con-nector or “hyphen”, as in the three examples above.


• Donot overwhelmtheoriginalorneighboringbuildingswiththesizeorshapeoftheaddition.

• Distinguishbetweenexistingandnewconstruction.• ReviewandfollowtheSecretaryoftheInteriorStandards

forRehabilitation(seeAppendixA).• Payspecialattentiontomaterialtype,profiles,ornament,

exposureandtexture.• Harmonizenewworkwithexistingpatternsofsolid

(siding)andvoid(windows).• Donotmovehistoricstructuresaroundonthesiteorto

anothersiteunlessitisthelastresorttosavethestructure.• Donotdeconstructandrebuildexistingbuildingsunlessit

istheonlymethodofsecuringthestructure.• Donotlocatenewworkwhereitimpactshistoricfabric.• Donotcreatepseudo-historicadditions.

Compatible side additions, slightly set back, (above and below) preserve the identity of the original structure.

additions are best to the rear (above) NOT in front (below).

YES

NO

Rear additions (above and below) are subordinate to and do not damage the character of the original house volume.


4. Patterns for Houses: Style

RedHook’searlysettlement,itseconomicgrowthduringthe19thcenturyandtheearlydecadesofthe20thleavesuswithtoday’swealthandvarietyofhistoricarchitecture.FewofRedHook’sbuildingsneatlyfallintoasinglestylecategorytoday.Architecturaltrendsoverlapandevolve.

Buildingschangeastimepasses,needsandfashionschange,owners’financesshiftandnewbuildingtechnologiesbecomeavailable.ManyofRedHook’sbuildingshavebeenincrementallymodifiedovertime.

Asarule,RedHook’shousesaresimple,solidexamplesof19thand20thcenturyAmericanbuildingcraft,notexceptionalexamplesofanindividualstyle.Nevertheless,itishelpfultounderstandarchitecturalstylestoevaluateeachbuildingprojectsothatthenewworkreinforcesthestyleorblendofstylisticelementsparticulartotheneighborhood.PleaseseetheAppendicesforstylereferencesources.

Toensurethattheyenhancethelocalsenseofplace,newbuild-ingsshouldbeeithertraditionalintheirarchitecturalcharacter,orbeacontemporaryreworkingoftraditionalstylesandformswithrespecttoscale,proportion,characterandmaterialsofhis-toricstructures.Buildingsshouldbearchitecturallyindividual-izedthroughinfrastructure,entrancetreatment,anddetailing.Duplexesmaybedesignedtoappearasasinglebuilding,suchasalargesinglefamilydetacheddwelling.

Balconies,stoops,openporches,decks,baywindows,raiseddoorways,chimneysandawningsprotectingfromthefrontfaçademayliewithinthefrontyardforallhousingtypes.Innewdevelopments,buildingdesignsshouldvaryintermsoffootprint,architecturalelevations,windowplacement,typeofroof,height,frontentrance,andporchlocations.Colors,materials,andarchitecturaldetailshouldbelimitedinnumber,compatibilityandrepetitionthroughouttheneighborhood.

AsamplingofRedHook’sarchitecturalvarietycanbeseenonthefacingpage.

Second Empire or “Chateauesque”.

American “Four Square” (plus Victorian spindled porch).

One of those hybrids: “Free Classic Queen Anne/Italianate”.

Italianate.


Greek Revival:1849 Chamberlain Cottage by A. J. Davis. 2nd Empire/ Chateauesque.

Mid-Century Modern.

Bungalow--perhaps a kit or catalogue house.

This is a hybrid, a simple Greek Revival cottage with decorative Victorian cutout columns and brackets.

A compact “Working-man’s Tudor”. Sears and other suppliers sold many similar models. This may be an example of a catalogue house.


The retention of the arched insets and base flashing are good. The metal cap should be smaller.

This traditional gable dormer has a good scale; the valley and sidewall flashings should be improved.

Gutters and leaders should be tidy and match siding and trim colors and conditions.

5. Patterns for Houses: RoofsRoofshapeandmaterialarekeycharacterdefiningbuildingelements.Newbuildingsmayemploynewmaterialsbutshouldalsoemulatepatternsandinheritcraftlessonsfromolderbuildings.Thesearchitecturalfeaturesshouldbeusedtogivevariousplansdistinctivearchitecturalquality.

Chimneys Traditionalchimneyswerebuiltinkeepingwiththebuildinguseandstyle.Manychimneysaremadeofbrickorstone.Awaterproofandstablechimneymusthavesoundmortarjointssuitableforthemasonryunitsitismadeof.Tore-pointanexistingchimney,selectmortartomatchtheexistingmortarinstrength(softerthanmodernmortar,whichhasmorePortlandcementandlittleornolime)andcolor.Amasonexperiencedwitholdbuildingswillknowhowtomatchthemortarnotonlyinstrength,cementcolorandsandgranulesizeandcolor,butalsoinjointspacingandprofileaswell.Themortarmustbesofterthanthemasonrysothatitcanadjusttosettlementandvibrationandalsonotcrackthemasonryasitmoves.

DormersAdormerisavolumeprojectingfromaslopedroof.Adormerwindowisaverticalwindowinthatprojection.Thesize,numberandshapeofdormershaveamajorimpactontheappearanceofthestructure.Witharepair,thedormer’souterwallsshouldmatchtheexteriorwallsofthebuilding.Donotwraproofingmaterialarounddormerwalls.

Gutters and downspouts Guttersshouldbearchitecturallycompatiblewiththestyleofthebuilding.Dischargespoutsshouldhavesplashpadsorbedischargedintocisternsorraingardens.Yankeegutters,divert-ers,concealedgutters,andboxguttersshouldbecompatiblewiththeprevailingarchitecturalstyleofthebuilding.Multiplegutterconnectionstoasingleleadershouldbeavoided.

Earlyguttersweremadeoftin,wood,copperandgalvanizedmetals.Morerecentguttersareoftenmadeofaluminumandvinyl.Properwatermanagementiscrucialtothelifeofabuilding.Keepingguttersandleadersleaf-freeandintactprotectsthewallsofthebuildingfromwater-scouring,reduceswatermigratingintothebasementandstormwashoutofsoilaroundthebuilding.Copperandstainlesssteelhavethe


This chart provides guidance when combining metals, such as copper and aluminum. (2006 John Wiley & Sons, Best Practices Guide to Residential Construction)

Traditional roof furring provides ventilation for shingles above.

Mechanical systems should be concealed to the extent possible.

longestusefullife,asmuchas100years,ormore.Galvanizedsteelcanlastfor50yearsormorewithpropercare,anditslifetimecanbelongerifitiskeptpainted.Plastic,aluminumandvinylguttershaveashorterlifetime,partlybecausetheyaremoreeasilydistortedordamaged.Newnon-leadcoatingsareavailabletosubstituteforlead-coatedcopperorlead/tinflashingandsolders.

Dissimilarmetalsmaydamageeachotherthroughaprocessknownasgalvanicaction.Chartsliketheaboveareavailablethatindicatewhichmetalscanbeusedtogetherinspecificapplications.

Flashing Thematerialusedforflashingwilloftendeterminethelifetimeofaroofsystem.Tileorslate,forexample,mightwelloutlastgalvanizedflashing.Careintheselectionandthecraftofflashingisfundamentaltoallroofingprojects.

Roof Ventilation Roofswilllastlongeriftheystaycoolandcandryout.Therearetraditionalaswellascontemporarytechniquesforkeepingroofscoldanddry.Theyincludeventilationoftheatticundertheroofortheuseofspacersundertheroofingtoallowairmovementfordryingandcooling.Withtheadventofunventedatticsforenergysavings,thespacertechniquemustbeused,employingwoodorplasticspacersor“smart”bumpymembranesthatallowairmovementunderroofing.Onpitchedroofs,theairmustexitthroughventsattheridge.Theseventsshouldbeinstalledtominimizetheirvisualimpact.Someventsallowtheoutlettobeononeside,sotheycanbefacingawayfromthemostimportantview.

Original sunburst & special dormer details still carry the day in spite of the reduced glass openings of replacement windows.


Rooftop Equipment

Thereisavarietyofkindsofequipmentthattendtocluttertheexteriorsofbuildings,includingtheroofs.Theyincludeplumbingvents,fanoutlets,airconditioningcondensers,TVantennas,satellitedishes,electricalserviceboxesandmorerecently,renewableenergyfeaturessuchassolarpanelsorwindturbines.Itisimportanttounderstandthefunctionofeachitemtosuccessfullyminimizethenegativeimpactithasonappearance.Itissometimespossibletoeliminatefeatures,ortonegotiateanalternativeinstallationwiththeserviceproviderorinstaller.Carefulplacementisthefirststep,followedbyvarioustechniquesforscreeningandcamouflagingtheequipment,minimizingtheexposurefromthemostlikelyvantagepointsaffectingneighborsorthepublic.

Recommendations:

• Rooftypesshouldbefrontorsidegable,mansard,hipped,orsaltbox,oracombination.Largerbuildingsmayrequireacombinationofrooftypesandpitchestobreakupthefaçade,solongastheyareconsistentwiththearchitecturalstyleofthebuilding.

• Crossgablesanddormersshouldbeusedtodistinguishonebuildingfromitsneighbor.Dormersmaybehipped,gable,shed,pedimentedoreyebrow.

• Slopedroofsshouldhaveaminimumpitchof9:12,exceptforporchesandsheds,whichshouldbenolessthan2:12.Roofsshouldbecoveredinshingles(dimensionedasphalt/fiberglass,slate,wood)ormetal(standingseam).Wherehippedroofsareused,theminimumpitchshouldbe8:12.

• Bothgableandhippedroofsshouldprovideoverhang-ingeavesonallsidesthatextendaminimumofonefootbeyondthebuildingwall.Exposedraftertailsandbracketsarerecommendedforoverhangingeaves,whereappropri-atetothearchitecturalstyleofthebuilding.Architecturalembellishmentsthataddvisualinteresttoroofs,suchasdormers,chimneys,cupolas,andothersimilarelementsareencouraged.

Laminated solar panels integral to roof (above) reduce visual impact by comparison to panels (below).

Equipment placement could be better inte-grated with the building.

Satellite dishes & antennae create clutter and are water entry points.


• Understandthenatureoftheexistingroofsheathingandroofventilationbeforeinstallingorreplacingtheroofingsystem.

• Selectaflashingmaterialcompatiblewiththeroofingma-terials.

• Usenewroofmaterialscompatiblewithanynearbytradi-tionalmaterialsindesign,composition,dimension,pattern,texture,coloranddetail.

• Whendesigningdormersinnewstructures,studythestyle,shape,materialsandtrimdetailingofsuccessfultraditionaldormers.

• Keepthescaleofdormerssubordinatetothelargerroofform.

• Selectmaterialsandinstallationappropriateinmaterial,scaleandtexturetothestyleofthestructure.

• Lengthenthelifeoftheroofandbuildingthroughregularinspectionandmaintenance:cleanguttersanddownspouts,repairflashing,repainttrim,maintainventilation,fixleakspromptly.

• Placenewparaphernaliasuchasanairconditioningunit,satellitedishorsolarpanelontheroof(s)leastvisibletothepublicway;usebuilding-integratedfeatures(forexamplephotovoltaicsystemsintegratedintoroofingmaterialorsolarcellsimbeddedinglasswindowsorskylights).

• Fireplacechimneysshouldbecladineitherbrick,stone,stucco,orclapboardandlocatedatgableendsorcentrally.

• Chimneytopsshouldhavepracticalordecorativedetails,e.g.corbelling,overhanging,capstone,etc.toprotectthechimneyandpunctuatetheroofline.

• Anyotherfluesshouldbefinishedtomatchthecoloroftheroof.

• Ininfillorrenovation/additionprojects,mimiccloselyandpreserveoriginalroofformsincludingshape,pitch,line,overhangandintegralfunctionalordecorativefeatures.

• Inexistingbuildings,useappropriatetechniquestoinstall,maintain,protectandrepairtraditionalfeatures,materialsanddetails.

SOME POPULAR HISTORIC ROOF FORMS IN Red Hook

GABLE FRONT

CROSS GABLE

MANSARD

GAMBREL PYRAMID

Red Hook has many distinctive roofs.


Clapboards are the prevailing siding material, occasionally complemented by fancy shingling, as in this “fish-scale”gable treatment.

6. Patterns for Houses: Exteriors

Façade Treatment and MaterialsExteriormaterials,colorsandarchitecturaldetailsshouldworktogethertocreateaconsistentresult.Buildingsshouldemploythematerials,colorsandde-tailsintegraltotheirparticularstyleandsympathetictoRedHook’sexistingbuildingstock.

Thearchitecturaltreatmentofthefrontfaçadeshouldbecontinuedinitsmajorfeaturesaroundallvisiblyexposedsidesofabuilding,toensureaconsistencyofstyle,materials,colorsanddetailsonallsides.Blankwallorserviceareatreatmentsarenotrecommendedforsideand/orrearelevationswhicharevisiblefromthepublicview.

Allresidentialbuildings,exceptforseniorhousing,shouldberaisedaminimumof18inchesabovetheresidentialsidewalkgrade.Allvisiblefacadesshouldcontainanarticulatedbase.Theabovegradefounda-tiontosillheightshouldbecoveredwitheitherbrick,split-faceCMU,brickpatternconcrete,orotherma-sonrysolutionappropriatetothearchitecture.

Siding

InRedHook,historicbuildingsarecommonlycladinwood,brick,andstucco.Residential,commercialandinstitutionalbuildingsalsooccasionallydisplayattractivestone,terracotta,andmetalsurfacematerials-appropriatelyexpressingthevarietyofstylesandtastesincorporatedinto18th,19th,andearly20thcenturyarchitecturaldesigns.Surfacematerials,details,texturesandfinishesareintegraltoabuilding’scharacterandvalue.

Recommendedfaçadematerialsforresidentialbuildingsincludewoodorcompositeclapboardandshingles,brick(English,Common,FlemishBond),orwoodboardandbatten.

Considertexture,pattern,scale,anddetailoforiginalexteriorwallandtrimmaterialwhenbuildingneworrepairingdeterioratedexteriorwallsandtrim.When

Exterior materials require good maintenance, including the brick, half-timbering and stucco of this Tudor Revival.

Components of a typical late 19th century house exterior.


Board and batten siding is a Red Hook pat-tern.

Well installed shingling and a carefully execut-ed color scheme work together-note gutters and leaders painted to match siding & trim.

repairing,selectivereplacementisusuallyallthatisnecessary.Matchthecharacteristicsoftheoriginalmaterialsuchasthedistinctbondingpatternofabrickwall,thetextureanddepthofwoodsiding,andthethreedimensionalqualityofwoodmolding.

Replacingorcoveringupwallmaterialswithartificialsidings(vinyl,aluminum),cementboard,fauxstoneorbrick,stucco-likecoatings,orothernon-compatiblematerialsisnotappropriate,sinceitdiminishesthearchitecturalintegrityofthebuilding.Installationofthesematerialsoftenmeansremovingorconcealingvaluablearchitecturaltrimanddetails.

Althoughfrequentlyadvertisedas“maintenancefree”or“lowmaintenance”manycontemporarysidingproductsprovenottobeasdurableastheoriginalmaterials,andtheirrecentproductionmakesthemlessenvironmentally-friendly.

Recommendations:

• Vinylandaluminumsidingarenotrecommended.Cementfibersidingisrecommended,especiallywherecombustibilityisaconcern.

• Brickleftnaturalwithitsfiredfinishwillrequirelessmaintenance,butpaintedbrickisanoptionwithprecedentinthebusinessdistrict.

• Buildingsusingclapboardorsimulatedclapboardshouldhavebetween3½inchesto6inchexposure.

• Cornerboardsshouldnotbelessthanfourinchesormorethaneightinchesandshouldprotrudefromthesidingsurfacetocreateashadowline.

• Ininfillprojectsoradditions,matchnearbymaterialsinthickness,exposure,profileandtexture.

• Useexteriormaterialsthataretraditionallyconsistentwiththecharacterandformofabuilding,basedonregionalpractices.

• Maintainandrepairthematerialsurfacesanddetailsofexteriorwallsusingmaintenanceandmethodsappropriatetothespecificmaterial.

• Replaceamissingexteriorwallfeaturewithanewfeatureordetailthatisbaseduponaccuratedocumentation(photographs,writtenrecords,etc.)oftheoriginal;newdesignsshouldmatchexistingelementsinscale,material,anddetail.

Natural (above) or painted brick (below) are acceptable patterns.

Narrow exposures (4”) of clapboards add a rich texture and character to a facade.


Traditional windows often were shaped to a gable end as above and below.

There are many historic round-top windows in Red Hook, but they have been overused in new construction.

A hood and ornament can add grace to a double hung window.

7. Patterns for Houses: WindowsWindowsadddepthandvarietytobuildingfacadesandarecriticalindeterminingabuilding’scharacter.InRedHook,onefindsmanywindowstyles:doublehung,casement,tilting,awningandfixed.Thewooddouble-hungwindowismostcommoninresidentialbuildings,andcanbefoundinhousesofavarietyofarchitecturaltypes.

Windowsprovideddaylightandventilationbeforeelectriclightingandairconditioningsystems.Innewconstructionwindowscanandshouldmeetthehighestlevelofenergyefficiencyandweather-tightnessandstilladapttoavarietyofstylesandcontexts.Theperformanceoftheentirewindow,includingitsframe,shouldbeevaluatedwhenmakingaselection,ratherthanlookingatonlytheratingsofthewindowglassitself.

Tobecontextualinaninfillproject,newwindowsshouldadapttheproportionsandlocationsofwindowsinsimilartraditionalbuildingtypesinthevicinity.Inaddition,thenewwindowsshouldusekeyfeatures,suchasmuntinprofiles,railandstileproportionsandglazingpatterns,whichareimportanttocreatingthecharacterofthebuilding.Newwindowswithexteriorratherthanremovableinteriormuntinswillcastshadowsandhaveatraditionalappearance.

Forrenovations,retainandrepairwindows,sincereplacementwindowsrarelyhaveanattractiveeconomicpaybackandhavealargecarbonfootprint.Repairislessdisruptivetoanexistingbuilding’sfabric.Replacementalsonormallyrequirescompromisesinappearance.Commonconditionssuchasflakingpaint,brokenglass,failingputtyorjammedhardwareareeasilyrepairedanddonotrequirereplacement.Ifawindowcomponentisbeyondrepair,replacein kind onlythedeterioratedelementwhilekeepingtherestofthewindow.

Oldwindowscanachieveahighlevelofenergyefficiencyifcareistaken.Makesuretheinteriorandexteriortrimistightandwellcaulkedaroundthewindowunit.Re-puttyaroundglasspanes,installweatherstrippingaroundthesash,installpulleyseals,andrepairorrehabilitatesashlockssomeetingrailsmeetandcanbepulledtogethertightlytoeliminatedrafts.Addinteriororexteriorstormwindowsforadditionalwinterprotection


Shutters should follow the proportions in the diagram above, as in the example below.

Above: a well-proportioned traditional double hung window, with head flashing, casing and sill.

shutter width= 1/2 window widthshutter height=window height

Recommendations:

General• Allwindows,withtheexceptionofstorefronts,should

beverticalinproportion.Truedividedlightwindowsorsimulateddividedlightshouldbeusedinaccordancewiththestyleofthebuildings.Donotusewindowswithsnap-ongrids.

• Doorsandwindowsthatoperateasslidersarediscouragedalongstreetfrontages.

• Sidelights,iftheyexist,shouldnotbelessthan12inchesinwidth.Fanlightsortransomwindowsmaybeplacedabovedoors.Transoms,fanlightsandsidelightsshouldhavetruedividedlightswherecompatiblewiththearchitecturalstyleofthebuilding.

• Windowsshouldbearchitecturallycompatiblewiththestyle,materials,colorsanddetailsofthecontext.Windowsshouldbeverticallyproportioned.Totheextentpossible,upperstorywindowsshouldbeverticallyalignedwiththelocationofwindowsanddoorsonthegroundlevel,includ-ingstorefrontordisplaywindows.

• Whereappropriatetothearchitecturalstyle,shuttersshouldbeprovidedonallwindowsfrontingastreetorvisiblefromthepublicright-of-way.Eachshuttershouldbepropor-tionedtocover½thewidthofthewindow.

Windows on Residential Streets:• Glazingontheprimaryresidentialfaçadeshouldnotex-

ceed30%ofthatfaçade.• Nomorethanthreewindowsshouldbegroupedtogether

ontheprimaryfaçade.• Firstandsecondstoryprimaryfaçadewindowsshouldbe

proportionedvertically,exceptforgablewindows,whichmaybesharedsolongasthegroupingiscompatiblewiththearchitecturalstyleofthebuilding.

• Theouterglazingofthewindowshouldbesetbackamini-mumoftwoinchesfromtheouterplaneofthewall(actualdimension).

• Atminimum,thereshouldbeafaceframedecorativelintelanddripmouldaroundwindows.

• Aminimumof3inchcasing/trimatthewindowjambsisencouraged,wherecompatiblewiththematerialandarchi-tecturalstyle.Retainmaterialsandrepairexistingwindows.


Windows in Renovations, Additions and Adaptive Reuse:

• Matchoriginalmaterials,dimensions,glazingandtrimwhenreplacingunits.

• FollowEPAleadpaintprecautions.• Installstormwindowsorscreensthatdonotobscurethe

originalwindows;fordouble-hungwindows,forexample,alignthehorizontalbarorrailwiththeoriginalmeetingwindowrail;installwoodoraluminumstormandscreenwindowsincolorsthatmatchtheoriginalwindowcasingorpaintthemaccordingly.

• Implementaregularmaintenanceplan.• Payattentiontotheenergyperformanceofyourwindow

system.• Matchshutterstyle(forexamplelouveredorrecessedpan-

eled)tooriginal.

High Performance Double-Hung Window Rehabilitation:

• Removestops(notepre-drilledgrommetholesatleft).

• Removeexcesspaintonwindowsash.

• Replacechainsorropes.

• Installinterlockingweatherstrippingall sidesofsashandjambs.

• Replacepartingstripsasrequired.

• Installpulleysealsoverpulleys.

• Lubricaterunnersonjambs.

• Installhighqualitystormwindow(metal tripletrackversionshownatleft).

Above: correct installation of shutter and storm window; below: incorrect shutters.


do retain & restore original assemblies

don’t use frames that contrast with roof color

do retain & restore original materials

do allow clearances for drainage--this case is a little too tight

8. Patterns for Houses: SkylightsAskylightisatwo-edgedsword.Itcanbringwelcomelightintoabuilding’sinterior.Atthesametime,itcancreateuncomfortableconditionsintheinteriorinsummerandwinterbyvirtueofheatgainorheatloss;anditcandisruptanoldorhistoricbuilding’sappearance.

Thepatternforskylightsisthatingeneraltheyshouldnotbevisiblefromthestreet.Inoldbuildings,skylightsareoftenaddedtomakeuseofpreviouslyunusedspacessuchasattics.Theirinsertion,however,shouldbecarefullydesigned,andtheyshouldbenolargerthanabsolutelynecessary.Fromasustainabilitypointofview,whiledaylightcanreduceartificiallighting,theincreaseinair-conditioningloadsfromaninappropriatelydesignedskylightwouldmorethanwipeoutthepotentialenergysavings.Whereskylightsexist,theycanoftenberepairedorcarefullyreglazedwithcontemporaryglass.

Recommendations:

• Locatenewskylightsawayfromtheprimarypublicview.• Lookforwaystointroducelightfromverticalwindowsor

clerestoriesratherthanskylights.• Useflat,lowprofileskylightsfollowingtheroofslope.• Installmoveableshadingunderneathtoreduceheatgain.• Matchtheskylightframetotheroofingcolor.• Makeskylightsassmallaspossible.• Donotinstallbubbleskylightsorskylightsbuiltuponhigh

curbs.• Donotinstallskylightsneartheeavesoroverhangatthe

loweredgeofaroof.• Donotusereflectiveglass.


Successful entries consist of an assembly of elements including railing, step, molded sur-round and finally the doors themselves.

Door, surround, rail and lights all work together.

The door as the centerpiece of a welcoming entry sequence.

9. Patterns for Houses: Entries and DoorsDoorsareamongthemostheavilyusedbuildingelements,subjecttointensewearandtear.Theyarealsoakeycharacterdefiningelementthatshouldbecarefullychosentoreinforcethebuilding’sstyle.Beforebuyingastockdoorthatmayormaynotbecompatible,itisworthacloselookatRedHookdoorpatterns:thedoorsofexistingbuildings.

Matchkeyfeatures,suchasglazing,railandstileproportions,andpanelsizes,ascloselyaspossibleinordertoreinforcethecharacterandarchitecturalintegrityoftheneighborhood.Decorativetrim,entablatures,sidelightsandtransomsareassignificantasthedoor.Thesekeyfeaturessubtlycontributetoadesign’ssenseofauthenticity.Contemporarymaterials,suchasvinylandaluminum,areinappropriate.

Whetherdesigningstorm/screendoors,orreplacingwornoutunits,builderswillfindthatthenewinstallation,properlyweatherstripped,cancontributetoenergyefficiencyinthebuilding.Storm/screendoorsshouldbeconstructedofwoodandshouldbeastransparentaspossible,providingmaximumvisibilityofthehistoricdoor.Avoidinstallinganystorm/screenwithverticalstiles,inappropriateornamentation,orofanin-compatiblematerial.

Forexistingbuildings,acyclicalmaintenanceroutineshouldincluderegularinspection,carefulrepair,andpainting.Avoidreplacinganoriginaldoorunlessthedoorhasdeterioratedbe-yondrepair.Usetheoriginalmaterialifavailable.

Door HardwareDoorhardwareisfoundinadiversityofsizes,shapes,materi-als,finishesanddetails.Individualhardwarecomponentsvarywiththesizeofthedoorandthestyleofthebuilding.Largerdoorsrequireheftierhinges.High-stylebuildingscommonlyhaveheavilyornamentedpieceswhileanearly20thcenturystyleresidencemightemploystockhardwarefromacontempo-raneousmail-ordercatalog.

RepairsHardwareprovidesalevelofarchitecturaldetailthataffectsabuilding’simpression.Knobs,rosettes,hinges,locksandback-platesshouldbeconsistentinapearance.


Recommendations for New Construction:

• Architecturalelementssuchaslintels,pediments,columns,porticos,porches,overhangs,railings,balustrades,fan-lights,transomsandsidelightsshouldarticulateentrancesanddoors.Thedoors,togetherwiththeseelements,shouldbearchitecturallycompatiblewiththestyle,materi-als,colorsanddetailsofthebuildingasawhole.

• Secondarydoorsshouldnotbeontheprimarystreetfa-çade.Whereemployedonsecondaryfacades,thesedoorsshouldbearchitecturallyconsistentwiththebuilding’sstyle.Secondfloorbalconydoorsshouldbehingedsingle-leaforFrenchdoor.Slidingdoorsshouldnotbeusedwhereswingingdoorscanbeinstalled.

• Sidelights,whereplanned,shouldnotbelessthan12inchesinwidth.Fanlightsortransomwindowsmaybeplacedabovedoors.Transoms,fanlightsandsidelightsshouldhavetruedividedlightswherecompatiblewiththearchitecturalstyleofthebuilding.

• Usesustainablyharvestedwoodorcertifiedgreencomposites.

Door Patterns for Renovation and Expansion:

• Matchtheoriginaldoortypeandoverallconfigurationofglass,panelsanddetail.

• Useappropriaterepairtechniquestomaintain,protectandrepairexistingfeatures,materialsanddetails.

• Installawoodstormorscreendoortoincreaseenergyef-ficiency.

• Selectastormdoorthatprovidesmaximumvisibilityoftheprimarydoor.

• Usecolorsthatarecompatiblewiththedoorandtrimpaintschemes.

• Installweatherstrippingandcaulkingtodecreaseenergyloss.

• Whenrenovating,retaindoorsurrounds,trimanddetails,suchasdecorativeentablatures,moldings,pilasters,side-lights,andtransoms.

• Regularlypaintorvarnishexteriordoors. • Retainandreuseoriginalhardware,reconditionifneeded. Red Hook has many great examples (above)

of entrances that set patterns to be followed in new buildings.


Welcoming entry porches will shed water away from the arrival path.

10. Patterns for Houses: Porches, Porticos and StoopsPorches,porticosandfrontentrancesareprominentelementsofabuildingfaçadeandplayamajorroleindefiningabuild-ing’scharacter.Theparticularsoftheseentrancefeaturesareindicatorsoftheeraandstyleofthebuilding.BuildersshouldlearnfromtheexistingpatternsinandaroundRedHook.

Assignificantfeaturesofthe“face”ofabuilding,andmore-overaspatternsfornewconstruction,existingporchesandporchdetailsshouldbepreservedthroughongoingmainte-nanceandpromptrepair.Characterdefiningelementsincludeoverallsizeandproportion,columns,brackets,railings,balus-trades,balusters,stepsandlattice(seeglossaryinappendices).

Traditionally,porchesareoutdoorlivingspaceswhereresi-dentscanrelaxandalsoobserveandgreetpassersby.Porchesandporticosshelterpeoplefromtheweatherastheyarriveandleavethebuilding.Theoverhangofporchesfacingsouthandwestshadefrontwindowsandcoolthebuilding,andtheyareoftenlocatedtoreceiveprevailingbreezes.Porchfloorsareusuallyfinishedwithtongueandgroove,paintedpineboardsorientedperpendiculartothebuildingandslopingfromthebuildingfacetotheporchexterior.Theyareoftenbuiltonpiers,withlatticeworkbetweenthepierstoimprovetheap-pearanceanddeteranimalsfromenteringandnestingundertheporch.Thesefeaturespresentspecialchallengestothoseplanningtobuildorrenovate.Ideallyporchesshouldremainasopenroomsandshouldnotbeenclosed.

Intheyearsfollowingoriginalconstruction,manyresidentshaveenclosedporches—someaddingscreensagainstinsects,somecreatingsunroomswithanarrayofeitherseasonalorpermanentwindows.Somehavefullyenclosedtheirporcheswithsolidmaterialsandfewwindows.

Newworkonenclosedporchesnotoriginaltothebuildingshouldattempttorestorethearticulationandtransparencyofthepreviousporchbyspacing,recessingandenlargingwin-dowsanddoor(s)toobeytheoriginalporchpattern.

Some traditional porch entries rely on their gutters to shed water.


Recommendations:

• Residentialunitsshouldhaveaporch,coveredportico,ordecorativeentranceontheirstreetfaçade,oronbothstreetsidesoncorners.

• Frontporchesshouldbelocatedonthefaçadefacingthesidewalkandmaybewrappedaroundthedwelling’ssidewall.Theminimumporchsizeshouldbe8ft.fromthefrontwalltotheenclosingporchrail.Theporchlength,ifarchitecturallycompatibleandfeasible,shouldbe10ft.

• Porchsuperstructuresshouldbefacedwithwood,syntheticwoodproducts,orbrick.

• Porchescanincludechamferedpostsormorecomplexstyleswithelaboratespindlework,friezesandspandrels.

• Porchroofsshouldbesupportedbyposts,piers,orcol-umns.Postsshouldbeaminimumoffiveinchesbyfiveinchesandthewidthshouldbeproportionedtotheheightataminimumratioof1:10.

• Columnsshouldbeofclassicproportionsandhaveacor-rectentablatureasdeterminedbythearchitecturalstyle.

• Balustersand/orspindlesshouldbeaminimumof1½inchesandbeinstalledwithamaximumdistancebetweenfinishesofnomorethan4inches.

• Allporchcomponentsshouldbestainedorpainted.• Porchesmaybeenclosedwithscreens.Thescreenframing

shouldbestylisticallycompatiblewiththeporch.• Providearchitecturalreliefwithcoveredporticos,small

decoratedroofsonfrontcolumnsorsupportedbywall-mounteddecorativebracketsoveraraisedstoop.

• Stoopsandstepsshouldbebrick,slate,woodorstone.• Railingsandbanistersshouldbepaintedorstainedwood,

syntheticwoodorwroughtironwitharchitecturalemphasisonthecornersandnewelposts.

• Stepsshouldbeaminimumof36incheswideandshouldbeplacedonthefrontsideofthestoopplatform.Alterna-tiveentrytreatmentsshouldbeemployedforhandicapandsenioraccessibility.

• Decksinrearyardsshouldbenomorethan21inchesabovegrade.PropertyownersshouldnotalterexistingpropertygradeswithoutPlanningBoardapproval.

Red Hook provides an encyclopedia of porch styles, shapes and materials for the designer.


Ornament often has a dressier side (right above) facing the major street.

Ornament often celebrates the functions of architectural elements.

11. Patterns for Houses: Ornamentation and Details

Exteriordecorationof18thcenturybuildingsfollowedlocalbuilders’craftsmanshiptraditions.Inthe19thcentury,patternbooksofferedawealthofdesignideastobuilders,andmanyornamentalfeaturesweremassproducedofferingawidearrayofdecorationtomiddleclasscustomers.Withthisinformationandthesematerialsavailable,buildersandtheircustomersexploredstylesastheyneverhadbefore.Thisleavespresentbuildersandpropertyownerswithintriguingpuzzlestosolve.

Understandthestyle(s)ofanexitingstructureorestablishaclearstylisticapproachforanewdesign.Recognizeandemploycommonornamentalfeaturesinthedevelopmentoftheproject.Notesurfacematerials,textures,andfinishesthatdeterminethecharacterofadecorativefeature.

Whenrenovating,retainandreconditionallsurvivingoriginalexteriordetails.Manydecorativeelementscanbeeasilyrepairedthroughsecuringloosecomponents,cleaningandpainting.Extremelydeterioratedfeaturescanbereplacedtomatchtheexisting.Insomecases,missingorseverelydeterioratedornamentationonthefrontfaçadeofabuildingcanbereplacedwithornamentfromawalllessvisibletothepublic.Ifexactreplicationofafailedormissingelementisnotpossible,areplacementshouldbefabricatedwiththesamesize,scale,texture,andthree-dimensionalityofthemissingfeature.

Whenbuildingnew,adaptivelyreusingorexpanding,decorationshouldbedesignedbasedonthecontextorhistoricimagesordocumentation.AvoidinstallingfeaturesborrowedfromstylesandhistoricperiodsnotfoundintheVillage.

Mostexteriordecorativeelementsareexposedtoweatherandsubjecttodeterioration.Usedurablematerials,andprepareandprotectthembeforeinstallation.Somecontemporarysubstitutematerials,suchasfiberglassfordetails,areacceptable.Forexistingfeatures,routineinspectionswillidentifykeyfeaturesthatrequirespecialattentionandupkeep.Followingamaintenanceplanwillpreserveornamentalmaterialsandfeatures,preventcostlyrepairsorreplacement,andretainabuilding’sarchitecturalintegrity.

Flourishes like those above and below are often found on porches and entries.


Recommendations:

• Substantialtrimboardsshouldbeusedatgablesandeaves,insizesandshapesappropriatetothearchitecturalstyle.

• Trimornamentmaybeelaboratedtoanyofthefollowing:• Plainordecoratedfrieze.• Overhangingeavesofaminimum12incheswithor

withoutexposedraftertailsinconformitywiththebuilding’sarchitecturalstyle.

• Boxedcornice.• Denticulatedand/orbracketedcornices.• OrnateVictorianbracketedcornices.

• Tighteavesshouldbefinishedbymolding.Windowswithdecorativelintels,sillandsidetrimareencouraged.Doorstrimmedwithdecorativelintelandcasingswithbackbandsareencouraged.Cornerboardsshouldbe4”widemini-mum.

•Decorativeelementssuchaspergolas,cupolas,andbelve-deresareencouraged,whereopportunityexists,toprovideemphasistostructureslocatedinprominentpositions.

• Towersmaybeconsideredonbuildingslocatedinpromi-nentpositionsabletoaccommodatespecialarchitecturaltreatment,suchascornerlots.Towersshouldnotextendmorethan15feetabovetheroofridgeline(seezoningcode).Theyshouldbeincharacterwiththearchitecturalstyleofabuilding.Atower’sfloorplanshouldnotexceed15feetby15feet.Zoningboardapprovalmayberequirediftowerexceedsthemaximumbulkregulationheightre-quirements.

A simple ornament like this sill console can dress up an entire facade.

This Red Hook pattern shows that even mak-ing a garage or outbuilding facade can be the occasion of great beauty by arranging its basic elements and using color skillfully.

A graceful tower punctuates a corner lot.


Paint Colors

Paintcolorsshouldbeappropriatetothestyleandsettingofthebuilding.Colorselectionshouldnotonlyenhancethebuildingbeingpaintedbutalsocomplementsurroundingbuildings.

Simplecolorschemesforwallsanddecorativefeaturesarepreferable.Thecolorsselectedforthestorefrontportionofacommercialbuildingshouldbeusedthroughoutthepaintedexterioroftheoverallbuilding.Thisunifiestheupperandlowerportionsofthebuilding’sfaçade.19thandearly20thcenturycolorschemesoftenemploy4ormorecolorstodistinguishbody(siding)and3otherelements,oftenincludingdoors,windowsashandtrim.Therearenumerouspublicationsthatillustrateapproachestopaintcolors(seebibliography).

Forexistingbuildings,apaintanalysiscanpaygreatdividendsinidentifyingthehistoryofthebuilding.Usingcarefullyremovedpaintchipsor“bullets”,atrainedconservatorcanmicroscopicallyidentifythecolorsandpainttypesusedonanexistingbuildingexteriorortheinteriorindifferenteras.

Assumethatpaintlayersplacedbefore1973containlead.AnyworkthatinvolvesthoselayersmustfollowtheEnvironmentalProtectionAgency’srules.Seeappendicesforcontactinformation.

Paint sampling in the final location can ensure that the colors work as intended in day-light, which tends to make colors look lighter and often cooler than on small paint chips.


NewlandscapesinRedHookcanfollowfavoritehistoricpatternswhilebenefitingfroma21stcenturyunderstandingofenvironmentalsustainability.Infact,thereisasynergybetweentraditionalgardeningandnewgreen,low-impactlandmanagement.

Local PrecedentWhilethereisinterestingvarietyinRedHookyards,thegeneralityisthattheyfollowsemi-ruralresidentialconventions,demonstratingaplanningapproachfromthemid-19thcenturypatternbookssoinfluentialintheHudsonValley.Often,themostpresentablelandscapeelements—tendedlawns,shrubs,treesandflowers—arefoundinfrontofthehouse.Functionalelementssuchasawoodpile,playequipment,toolshed,barbequeequipment,andvegetablegardenmaybefoundintherear.ConsistentwithRedHook’sruralcharacter,hidingfunctionalandsometimesunsightlyelementsdoesnotappeartobeashighapriorityasinsuburbanneighborhoods.Manyneighborhoodsare“porous”withviewsamongbackyardsandgardens.Recommendations:

• Newdevelopmentsshouldallowforanopen,rural—even“farmyard”look.• Apreferredapproachistocreatevisualseparationsbetweenornamentalandutilitarianfeaturesin

properties.• Whilemaintaininganoverallconsistencywithinablock,landscapeplansfornewhousesshould

mimictheindividualexpressionfoundhousetohouseinexistingneighborhoods.

1. Patterns for Yards: Planning

There are often views through yards that should be encouraged to maintain Village character.


Historic PrecedentInthe19thcentury,Downingandhisdisciplescounseledtheswellingranksofsuburbanandvillageresidentsonhowtomanageandenjoytheirsmallplotsofland.Hediscouragedfencesandplantingsblockingviewsofthefrontofthehouse.Massproductionofthemanualreelmowerallowedhomeownerstogrowlawns,featuresstronglypromotedbyDowningandothertastemakers.Ideally,frontlawnsofindividualpropertiesweretoruntogethersoneighborswouldshareviewsoflongexpansesofgrassupanddownthestreet.Noteveryonefollowedthesedirectives,butthelawn“fashion”asasuburbanfeatureendures.ForthosewishingtorecreatelandscapeofaparticularperiodinRedHook’shistory,thebestreferencesareparticularperiodphotographsofthatplace,andcontemporaneouswritingsbypastresidentsdescribingtheirpropertyandgardeningefforts.Lackingthisinvaluabledocumentation,worksbyAndrewJacksonDowningandotherslayoutthedesiredtrendsofthemid-nineteenthcentury.(seeappendicesforguidestohistoricplantings)TheEgbertBensonHistoricalSocietyisaresourceforphotographsoflocalscenestoguidelandscaperecreations.

FoundationplantingsbecamecustomaryonlyaftertheFirstWorldWarwhenbuildingconstructionincludedexposedmasonryfoundationsmadeofunsightlyutilitarianmaterials.Beforethat,buildingandporchfrontswereonview,oftenpunctuatedbyaselectfewornamentalshrubscarefullyplaced.

Andrew Jackson Downing’s recommendations for land use included model plans for properties that anticipate many of the features now recommended in contemporary treatises on low-impact, sustainable landscaping.

In the plan at the right, from Victorian Cottage Residences (Dover reprint, New York,1981), Downing porposes a plan “for a pleasant suburban residence” that includes A, the house, B, the carriage entry, D, the stable, G, a lawn with trees and shrubs, F, a kitchen garden conveniently placed to get manure for the hot-beds from the stable, and a fruit garden of dwarf trees at I.

With native plantings for shade, screening and habitat, and local food production, this plan from 150 years ago is freshly relevant to our current environmental concerns.


Recommendations:

• Maintainagenerallyopenfrontyard.• Whilemaintainingclearopenviewsbetweenhouseandstreet,reducetheareadevotedtolawn

byusingshrubs,perennialsandgrassesthatwillincreaseplantdiversityandreducewatering,mowing,fertilizerandpesticideuse.

• Considerlimitingtheuseoffoundationplantingsunlessthebaseofthebuildingneedstobeconcealedortherearespecialprivacyconcerns.

Postcards and other documents can serve as useful references for those searching for ideas or inspiration for the design and arrangement of their yards. One can look to these documents for ideas about plantings , about hardscape and about the relationship between outdoor and indoor space

This may be especially true for those interested in recreating landscapes, but it can also be instructive for people wishing to make their outdoor spaces sympathetic to a new house in a traditional neighborhood design.


2. Pattern for Yards: Fences

Fencesareusefultoenclosepets,constraintoddlersandprotectgardensfromdeerandwanderingneighbors.Fencesaremandatedaroundswimmingpools.Highfencesattheperimeterofapropertyandespeciallyatthefrontpropertylineareunwelcomingandisolatethepropertyfromthecommunity.Opaque(solid)fencesaffordprivacyandscreenclutterfrompublicview.Inrareroadconfigurations,anopaquefencemayprotectgroundfloorwindowsfromtheheadlightglareofturningcars.Fencingshouldservenecessarypracticalpurposeswhilecontributingtotheappealoftheneighborhood.Inthe19thcentury,thedesignanddetailingoffencingwaspartofthebuilder’scraft,sowhenfencingwasused,itoftencoordinatedwellwiththehouse.Recommendations: • Exceptforpoolenclosures,fencesonpropertylinesshould

benomorethan3½feettall.• Entrances,gatesandcornersshouldbearticulatedwith

decorativeposttreatment.Specificdesignemphasisshouldbegiventothepatternofpicketsandpostfinials.

• Solid(opaque)fencesshouldbeinsideandrearyardsonly.• Wallsandfencesshouldbearchitecturallycompatiblewith

thestyle,materialsandcolorsoftheprincipalbuildingonthesamelot.Treatmentsforfrontyardsinclude:• Stoneorbrickwallswithastoneorcast-stonecap,• Woodorsyntheticwoodpicketfences.• Decorativemetalfences,masonryandstonepiers

• Fencesshouldbemadeoftraditionalmaterialse.g.wood,stone,brick,wroughtiron.Compositewoodisalsoacceptable.

• Highway-styleguardrails,stockadeorcontemporarysecurityfencing(chain-link,vinylstrip,barbedorrazorwire)arenotrecommended.

• Framedlatticepanelenclosuresmaybeemployedtowardthebackofthepropertytohideunsightlyoutdoorfeatures.Unlesshistoricimagesfromanexistingpropertyshowthelatticegridinadiagonalorientation,thelatticegridshouldbeinstalledonvertical/horizontalaxesandstainedorpaintedtoharmonizewiththehouse.

Split rail fencing is a rural pattern to adopt at the edges of fields and open spaces.

Metal fencing (above and below) is an attractive and durable pattern for more developed portions of the Village. It can be made of cast iron, wrought iron, steel or aluminum.

Picket fences are a traditional pattern.


3. Pattern for Yards: Walls

Historically,dry-laidrubblestonewallsinfarmlandwerebuiltofrocksclearedfromagriculturalfields.InVillagesettingsandonpropertiesofprosperouscitizens,mortaredstoneorbrickwallsarticulatedwithpiersandcapswerepopular.Recommendations:• Selectwallmaterialsinkeepingwiththebuildingsonthe

property.Choicesincludedry-laidstonewalls,mortaredstonewalls,mortaredbrickwalls,concretewallswithstoneorbrickveneer.

• Avoidcontemporaryinterlockingconcreteblocksandtimberconstruction(so-calledrailroadties)inareasinpublicview.

• Ifapropertyincludessalvageablesitefeatures,repairsshouldbeconsistentwiththeconstructioneraofthesiteelement.Matchstoneorbrick,mortarcolorandconstructiondetails.

Low dry-laid wall provides excellent drainage for garden bed.

Weep holes at base of large retaining wall relieve water pressure.

Mortared brick wall at sitting height with a brick coping.

Front yard or entry drive treatment: dry-laid stone with an orhanmental cast-stone or carved stone cap. Traditional dry-laid gravity wall in a rustic style.


4. Patterns for Yards:Things in the YardForallneighborhoods,thegoalshouldbeto“furnish”theyardinkeepingwiththecharacteroftheneighborhood.Proposedimprovementsonapropertyshouldharmonizewiththecharacterofthehouseandthecharacterofsimilarneighboringproperties.TheBuildingDepartmentcanadvisewhichoftheitemslistedbelowcallforVillagereview.

Items include but are not limited to:AirconditioningequipmentBackupgeneratorClothes-dryingstructureorropesCompostpileorcontainerDoghouseGarageGardenhouseGazebo,pergola,arborOrnamentalgardenpoolorwaterfeaturePermanentbarbequeinstallationorfirepitPermanentbuilt-inoutdoorfurniturePlayequipmentPropanetankRainbarrelSolarpanelssecuredtogroundSplashblockSportsparaphernalia—basketballhoop,soccergoaletc.Storagestructure/toolshedTrashandrecyclingcontainersVegetablegardenWadingorswimmingpool,spaandpoolequipment

Ifresidentschooseacommunitybecauseofitsintegrationof“designed”andnaturallandscapefeatures,effortstoscreennecessaryutilitarianelementsarerecommended.Airconditioningequipment,propanetanks,plasticwadingpoolsandotherelementsinterferingwiththebeautyofeachpropertymustbelocatedtohavetheleastvisualimpactonpassersby,onneighbors,andontheresident’senjoymentofhisorheryard.

Unused vehicles and equipment are best stored where screened from public view.

A timeless garden element enhances a shady yard.

Screening would reduce the impact of this equipment collection.


Unscreened splash block.

Recommendations:• Fornewutilitystructures,usematerialsandformscompatiblewiththeprinciplebuilding.• Ifelementssuchassplashblocksandrainbarrelsmustbelocatedatfrontcornersofthe

building,theymaybescreened.• Unsightlyequipmentandrecyclingandtrashstorageareasmaybescreenedfrompublicviewat

thegroundlevelusingmasonry,orwoodenwalls,landscaping,hedgingoracombinationthereofthatiscompatiblewiththearchitecturalandlandscapecharacteristicsofthebuilding.

• Foryardelementsneedingrepair:rehabilitate,replaceinkindexistingelements.Takematerialandcolorcuesfromtheexistingprimaryandaccessorybuildingsonthepropertysotheyhaveafamilyresemblance.

Try to screen household and play equipment to minimize impact on adjacent properties.


5. Patterns for Yards: Cars

ByfarthemoststrikingchangeinthelandscapesinceearlierdaysinRedHookisthevastincreaseinnumbersofcars,thelossofgreenspacetopavingforthestorageofcarsandthewideningandhardeningofroadandpathsurfaces.Sacrificeoflawnandgardenspaceinthefrontyardforsupplementaryparkingcompromisestheproperty’scharacter.

Recommendations:• Useexistinggaragestostorecarwhentheyarenotinuse.• Locatesupplementaryopenairparkingatthebackofthe

propertyiffeasible.• Screensupplementaryopenairparkingwithvegetationor

fencing.• Reducethepaveddriveandparkingarea.• Asphaltshouldbeminimized.• Forasinglefamilyhousehold,trytandemparkingrather

thanbuildingadouble-wideparkingbay.• Consideracombineddrivewiththenextdoorneighbor.

Withsharedmaintenanceandplowing,individualcostsarelower,stormwaterrunoffisreducedandplantsintheadditionalunpavedareawilllowerambienttemperaturesinsummerwhiletakingupCO2.

• Consideropengridpavementifanticipatinginfrequentandtemporaryneedforadditionaldriveareaandoff-streetparking.Thishoneycombstructure,inter-plantedwithgrass,cangivetheimpressionofcontinuouslawnwhilebeingstructuredtoholdtheweightofacar.Carsparkedforlongperiodsoftimewillshadeoutandkillthegrass.Heavytrafficwillkillthegrass.

• Usegravelasadrivesurfaceiftheslopeisnotsogreatthatonlyahardcontinuoussurfacewillbepractical.

• Considerdoubleribbonpavingstripsingrassleadingtorearparking.

• Plantree,vegetationstripsandislandsaroundthepaving.• Containstormwaterrunningoffthepavementinaslow-

percolatingswaleorraingarden.• Donotlightmorethannecessaryforsafety.• Donotparkcarsinthefrontyard.

Informal parking tracks (above & below) allow more green-and less paving-on the property.

Open grid paving supports grass & stays green if use is light.


6. Patterns for Yards: Paths and Paving

Pathsandpavementshouldbesafeandcomfortabletonavigate.Aswithdrives,residentsshouldtrytominimizestormwaterrunofffromimpervioussurfaces.Pavingabsorbsandholdsheat,soreducedpavingwillyieldlowertemperaturesaroundthehouse.Light-coloredpavingholdslessheatthandark-coloredpaving.

Recommendations:• Useporouspavingiffeasible:gravel,flagstones,concrete

paversorsevereweatherbrickpaverswell-laidonacompactedperviousgravelbed.

• Avoidobviouslyfakesimulatedstoneandpavinginornamentalpatternsinconsistentwiththebuilding’scharacter.

• Reviewaccessibilityrequirementsandapplicablecodeswithbuildingcodeofficialsifarampiscontemplated.

• Pathsforhandicapaccessintoabuildingmusthavean8.3%(orshallower)slopewithflattenedlandingsatdesignatedintervals;ahandrailisrequirediftheslopeisgreaterthan5%.ConsulttheBuildingDepartmentforadditionallocalregulations.

• Provideasmoothwheelchairtravelsurface.Rampsonaslopinggrademaybeconcrete,tightlyspaced,mortaredflagstoneorpavingunits.Foranaturalramp,awell-compactedgravel/stonedustsurfaceispreferabletogravelalone.Forarampraisedabovegrade,surfacingcanberot-resistantwood,treatedwoodorwoodcomposite.

• Integrateaccommodationsforwheelchairaccessintotheoveralldesignoftheproperty,keepingthepublicfaceofthebuildingunencumbered.Forprivatehouses,trytoplacetherampleadingtothefrontentrancealongthesideofthehouseorinanotherlessvisiblelocation.Thehouseshouldcontinuetofollowthepatternsoftheneighborhood.

• Ifahandrailalongtherampisnecessary,selectadesignthatwillbeleastconspicuousandcanbeeasilyscreened.Ifthehandrailmustbevisible,selectarailingconsistentinmaterialandcolorwiththeporchrailorothertrimonthehouse.

Bluestone paths on stone dust and gravel bed are a vintage pattern.

Stepping stones (above) form attractive paths and allow maximum water absoption.

Brick pavers can make a graceful, stable path.


7. Patterns for Yards:Water Management & Conservation

Changingweatherpatternscallforincreasedcautioninwatermanagementduringandafterconstruction.

Recommendations:• FollowguidancefromRedHookbuildingofficialsand

NewYorkStateStormWaterManagementDesignManual(Aug2010orlater).

• Observedrainagepatternspriortoundertakingchanges.• Thoroughlyassesstheimpactofachangeonneighboring

propertiesandwaterways.• Employrobustcorrectivemeasurestomitigatenegative

impacts.• Tothegreatestextentpossible,relyonrainfalltoirrigate

plantings.Avoiduseofpotablewaterforlandscaping.Bio-swales,raingardens,minimalandporouspavingandcollectedroofrun-offforgardenwateringallcontributetowaterconservationandaquiferrecharge.

Old-time sustainable watering method.

Rain Garden: 2/3 of roof runoff at this property is piped to a gravel reservoir beneath this garden

Bio-swales channel, filter and absorb stormwater, reducing the need for expensive, carbon-intensive infrastructure

Cisterns are traditional features with a renewed relevance for water conservation.


8. Patterns for Yards: Grade Changes

Shapinglandwellmakesforlivablelandscapes.Itrequirescarefuldesignandengineering,soundconstructionandcleverwatermanagement.

Recommendations:• ConsulttheRedHookBuildingDepartmenttolearnwhatkindofprofessionalservicesare

necessarytodesignandfilethework.• Consultanengineerorlandscapearchitecttoassessthesafetyandaestheticsofaproposed

change.Ifappropriate,commissionprofessionaldrawingstoensurethatstormwaterissuesareaddressedandtheworkmeetsstandardsforhealthandsafety.

• Onslopingsites,recognizetheimpactchangesmayhaveonpropertiesaboveandbelow.Changesmayaffectviews,availablesunshineanddrainagepatterns.

• Donotbuildhighretainingwallstosupportoversizedflatareasthatlackprecedentinthecommunity.

• Consultanarboristaboutwhatmeasuresareneededtoprotectvegetationifgradechangesareanticipated.Proposedconstructionmayaffectatree’srootsystemsoseriouslythatthetreewilldieorbetoodangeroustokeepontheproperty.(seeTreesfollowingpages)

Misplaced fill (suffocating tree root systems) and construction activity killed all trees near this work.

existing grade

existing grade

proposed grade

proposed grade

NO

YES

Shape land in harmony with existing topography

Handicapped access should use natural grade to the extent possible to minimize the visual intrusion of a structured ramp.


9. Patterns for Yards: VegetationWhenplanningplantings,inventorystrongfeaturesofaproperty—trees,rockoutcroppings,naturaldrainageconfigurations,solarorientation,notableviews—thatmaybeassetstopreserveandexploit.

TreesTreesarecharacter-buildersinaneighborhood,somerisingtoinformallandmarkstatus.MaturetreesimpartasenseofhistorywhilecoolingcommunitiesandtakingupCO2.Ideally,tobemostsustainable,apropertyshouldincludeamulti-generationalcollectionoftrees,soyoungertreescansucceeddecliningold-timers.Beforeremovingatree,assesswhatthelossofshadewilldotothetemperatureofthehouse(andairconditioningbills),totheneighbor’sproperty,andtothecomfortofthepublicwaybytheproperty.

Most fine roots supporting tree life grow in the top 6 inches of soil.

Tree Root Area Rule of ThumbYoung Trees:• Measurediameteroftrunkat4½feetabovegrade.• Multiplyresultsby0.75.

A 9” diameter young tree should have a circle of undisturbed soil with a radius of 6.75 feet—total diameter of 13.5 feet.

Mid-aged Trees:• 1.0timestrunkdiameterat4½feetabovegrade

Old Trees:• 1.25to1.5timestrunkdiameterat4½feetabovegrade

A 40 inch diameter tree should have a circle of undisturbed soil with a radius of 60 feet—total diameter of 120 feet.


Tree preservationTherootsystemofamaturetreeextendswellbeyonditsdripline(seeillustration).Mostofitsrootsarefoundinthetop6to24inchesofsoil.Changesingrade—eitherdiggingandcuttingroots,oraddingsoilandsmotheringroots—haveaprofound,enduring,negativeeffectonthehealthofthetree.Insteadoftrenchingwithinrootzones,useofanaugerorair-spadeisrecommendedtoinstallundergroundpipingandutilities.

• Avoidmajorsoildisturbancewithinrootzonesoftrees.

• Avoidparkingontherootzonesoftrees.

• Donottoptrees.(Seeappendicesformoreinformationontreesandconstruction.)

Plant selectionFromearlyEuropeansettlement,therewasanexchangeofseedsandplantsbetweenthenewandoldworlds.AmericangardenersrelishedplantsimportedfromEuropeandtheOrient,soafaithfulreconstructionofahistoricRedHookgardenmightincludeso-called“exotic”plantsusedwhenthecommunitywasyoung.Today,whilemanyexoticscoexistwithnativeplantsasgoodneighbors,someimportedplants(suchasNorwaymaple,Japanesehoneysuckle,barberry,porcelainberry)haveproveninvasiveandthreatennativeecosystems.

Recommendations:• Inkeepingwithcontemporarytrends,consideruseofnative

plants.• SeekspeciesadaptedtoRedHookgrowingconditions,

totheparticularsoils,slope,moistureandsunexposureofeachgardenandtotheanticipatedcapacityforgardenmaintenance.

• Usetraditionalpopularexoticsknownnottoinvadethelocalecosystem.

• Selectwater-thriftyplants.Ifirrigationisnecessary,usedripirrigationandmoisturesensorstominimizewateruse.

• CheckwithlocalgardenersandtheDutchessCountyCooperativeExtensiontolearnwhichplantsare“least-likely-to-be-eaten”bydeerandotherbrowsinganimals.

• Considertheimpactofgardenchangesontheneighborsandonthecharacterofthestreet. Drought tolerant plants predominate in this

cottage garden.


10. Patterns for Yards: Exterior Lighting ExteriorlightingwasminimalduringmostofRedHook’sdevelopment.Inthe20thcentury,aporchlightorsconceatthedoorshowedthewaytothefrontentrance.Streetlightsifanywerewidelyspaced.Heavyuseoflandscapelightingonresidentialpropertiesonlytookholdinthemiddleofthe20thcentury.Today’sresidentsareaccustomedtomoreoutdoorilluminationanddependonitforsecurity.Newunderstandingsabouttheenvironmentalandcost-benefitsofreducedlandscapelightinghaveproducedtheDarkSkyinitiative(seeAppendixC).ThisapproachtoexteriorlightingdovetailswitheffortstoapproximatethecharacterofhistoricRedHook.

Evenilluminationcanimprovenightvision.Understandingnightvisionwillhelpyouplanappropriateexteriorlighting.Eyesadapttolowlightlevels.Theglareofadirectlightsourceoverridesthatadaptation,andblindstheeyestopotentialhazardsindarkerareasthatwouldotherwisebevisible.

Recommendations:• Increasegeneralvisibilitybyreducingglare.• Lightthepropertysoitcontributestothesafetyand

continuityintheneighborhood.• Forway-finding—e.g.thepathstothefrontdoor,garbage

enclosureandgarage—andlightingforoutdoorrecreationareas,useinconspicuouscontemporary“darksky”

fixturesthatconcealthelightsourcewhileilluminatingpaths,drives,andpatios.• Ifdesired,useilluminationwithoutspilltolightthestreet

address.• Adoptwaystoreduceelectricityusesuchastimers,lightor

motionsensorsandfluorescentorLEDlamps.• Chooseporchandfrontdoorlightsconsistentwiththe

periodofthehouse.• Donotallowlighttrespassfromonepropertytothenext.• Donothaveoutdoorlightsonlongerthanfunctionally

necessary.• Forexistinghouses,donotchoosegenericold-fashioned

fixturessuchasnauticallanternsandcoloniallamplightsforeigntothecharacterofthehouse.

• Donotthrowlightonfacades,treesandshrubs.• Donotuseunshieldedexteriorfloodlights.

Electrified sconces have become a conven-tion for exterior lighting of traditional houses.

Graceful early to mid-20th c. style downlights can be lamped with LEDs and CFLs to be relatively efficient, and shielded for minimal glare and “Dark Sky” compliance .

Low level, shielded liighting is best for path and landscape illumination.


11. Patterns for Yards:Sustainable Landscape -- Marrying Traditional and GreenTominimizethecarbonfootprintandwateruseoflandscapechanges,landplanningshouldbuildonthestrengthsofthesite,conserveareasunspoiledwherepossible,andcorrectproblemswithsimpleefficientmeasures.

Amongobjectivesare:

• Protectundisturbedsoils.• Workwiththecontoursoftheland;donottrytooverpowerthem.• Followhigheststandardsforstormwatermanagementanderosioncontrol.• Minimizeimpervioussurfaces.• Compostonsiteasmuchorganicwasteaspossible.• Preservehealthyexistingvegetationwherepossible.• Selectarea-appropriatedroughtandfloodtolerantplants.• Avoiduseofinvasiveplantsnon-nativetothelocalecosystem.• Selectplantsandfeaturesthatrequirelittlemaintenancefromfossilfueledequipment.• Conserveon-sitewater;minimizeuseofpotablewaterforlandscaping• Preventfertilizerrun-offintowaterways.• Minimizeuseofpesticides.• Planthelandtoencouragewalking.

64 Village of Red Hook-Pattern Book and Architectural Design Guidelines

AppendixA:InformationSourcesforDesigners&BuildersTraditional Neighborhood Design/Smart Growthhttp://www.nrdc.org/smartgrowth/issponsoredbytheNationalResourcesDefenseCouncilandcon-tainsasetofresourcesforhomeowners,buildersandothersondesigningandplanningcommunitiesinanefficient,environmentallyfriendlymanner.

CongressfortheNewUrbanism,availableonlineat http://www.cnu.org,

“Neighborhood Street Design Guidelines: An ITE Proposed Recommended Practice,” ITEJournal,ITE,2004.

RobertSteuteville,PhilipLangdon,etal.(2009), New Urbanism: Best PracticesGuide,FourthEdition.Ithaca,NY: NewUrbanNewsPublications.

BrianOhm,JamesLeGro,andChuckStrunser(April,2001;approvedbytheWisconsinLegislature:July28,2001), A Model Ordinance for a Traditional Neighborhood Development. Madison,WI:Uni-versityofWisconsinExtension. www.urpl.wisc.edu/people/ohm/tndord.pdf.

Rural by Design,RandallArendt,ElizabethA.Brabec,LincolnInstituteofLandPolicy,Environmen-talLawFoundation,UniversityofMassachusettsatAmherst.CenterforRuralMassachusetts

A Pattern Book for Neighborly HousesTheInstituteforClasicalArchitecture&ClassicalAmericaNY,NY.HabitatforHumanity,byUrbanDesignAssociates,PittsburghPA2007.

PeterCalthorpe(1995), The Next American Metropolis: Ecology, Community, and the American Dream, 3rdedition.NewYork,NY:PrincetonArchitecturalPress.

Traditional BuildingTraditional BuildingAnexcellentresourceforlocatingmanufacturersandtradesmen.www.traditionalbuilding.com

www.oldhouseonline.comopenstoanarrayofOldHouseperiodicalsandmore.Old House Journal Magazine,Old-House Interiors,Early HomesOld House Journalisfullofusefularticlesforbuildersandhomeowners,andespeciallyownersoftraditionallydesignedhouses.Published6timesayear.Manyarticlesarealsoavailableonlineatwww.oldhousejournal.com

Foulks,WilliamG.Historic Building Facades. The Manual for Maintenance and Rehabilitation.NewYork:JohnWileyandSons,In.,1997.

Poore,Patricia.The Old House Journal Guide to Restoration.NewYork:PenguinBooks,1992.

Taylor,Julie,ed.Northeast Preservation Sourcebook.Vienna,VA:PreservationPublications,LLC,1999.Adirectoryof6,500regionalpreservationsuppliers,includingmanufacturers,contractors,anddesignprofessionals.Updatedfrequently.


TheNationalTrustforHistoricPreservationoffersusefulguidanceforownersofvintagebuildingsonsuchsubjectsasweatherizationandleadpaint.AvisittotheirwebsitelinksyoutocountrywideeffortstomaintainAmerica’slegacy.http://www.preservationnation.org/issues/

NationalParkService(NPS)/DepartmentoftheInterioroffersrestorationstandards,designguidelinesandusefultechnicalinformationincludingtheentirepreservationbriefsandtechnotesseries.Aneasytouse,detailedandillustratedguidetotheSecretaryoftheInterior’sStandardsforRehabilitationisavailableatwww.nps.gov/history/hps/tps/standguide/

PreservationBriefsprovideguidanceonpreserving,rehabilitatingandrestoringoldandhistoricbuild-ings.http://www.nps.gov/history/hps/tps/briefs/presbhom.htm

TechNotesaresimilartoPreservationbriefsandoffercasestudiesofrestorationproblemsandsolu-tions.Theyareavailableat:http://www.nps.gov/history/hps/tps/technotes/tnhome.htm

HistoricNewEnglandHistoricNewEnglandoffersinformationonsubjectssuchashistoricpaintcolors,fundingsources,findingcontractors,andmore.SeeespeciallytheirPreservationandPublicationslistings.www.historicnewengland.org

Sustainable DesignWilson,Alex,Your Green Home, A Guide to Planning a Healthy, Environmentally Friendly New Home, NewSocietyPublishers,Canada,2006.Thisisagoodgeneralguidetogreenhousebuildingfromaleaderinthefield.

BuildingGreen/EnvironmentalBuildingNews: areliable,up-to-datesourceforthelatestinformationongreenbuildingproducts,research,andpractices. http://www.buildinggreen.com.

Sustainable LandscapesThompson,J.WilliamandSorvig,Kim,Sustainable Landscape Construction: A Guide to Green Building Outdoors. Washington,D.C.,IslandPress,2000.Authoritativediscussionofenvironmentallyprogressivelandscapeplanningandconstructionapproaches.Excellentguidanceonwateruse,energyconservation,sustainablemaintenance.

StyleThefollowingarebasicillustratedguidestoAmericanHousestyles:

Baker,JohnMilnes,American House Styles,W.W.Norton&Company,NewYork1994

McAlester,VirginiaandLee,A Field Guide to American Houses, AlfredA.Knopf,NY1986

Walker,Lester,American Shelter, an Illustrated Encyclopedia of the American Home, TheOverlookPress,Woodstock,NY1981.


AppendixB:DescriptionsandDefinitionsGlossary of Common Architectural TermsSomedefinitionsshownbelowarequotedfromCyrilM.Harris.Dictionary of Architecture & Construction.NewYork:McGraw-Hill,Inc.,1993.SomearequotedfromBakerH.Morrow.A Dictionary of Landscape Architecture.Albuquerque:UniversityofNewMexicoPress,1987.

arch –acurvedstructuredesignedtosupportweightabove.Archescanalsobeusedasadecorativeelementonanexteriorfacade.Typesofarchescanincluderound,pointed,segmental,andTudor.

architrave–inclassicalarchitecture,thelowestmemberoftheentablature,thebeamthatspansfromcolumntocolumn,restingoncolumncapitals.

backplate–aflatpieceofwoodormetalonawallorceilingtowhichfixturesorfittingsareattached.

back prime–toapplypaintorstainonthereverseorhiddensideofanobject,usuallyforprotectionagainsttheweather;withwood,toprovideprotectionfrommoisturesowooddoesnotcuporbecomedistorted.

baluster–ashort,vertically-orientedmemberdesignedtosupportahandrail.Arowofrepeatingbalustersformabalustrade.

bay–averticalopeningontheexteriorfaçadeofastructure.Thistermiscommonlyusedtodescribeabuilding’sexteriordimensions.Forexample:4bayswide,5baysdeep.

bay window–awindowinaprotrudedbay,orthebayitself.

board and batten–atypeofwallcladdingforwood-framehouses;closelyspace,appliedboardsorsheetsofplywood,thejointsofwhicharecoveredbynarrowwoodstrips.

bonding pattern–arepeatedpatternofmasonryunitsinaplanarsurface.

brace–astiffenerinawallassembly,oftendiagonal.

bracket–anyoverhangingmemberprojectingfromawalltosupportaweight(suchasacornice)actingoutsidethewall.

cheek wall–anarrow,uprightsectionofwall,oftenformingthesideofamasonryelementsuchasaporchorstoop;inlandscapeconstruction,awallbuiltalongsideaseriesofstepstoretainabuttingearth.

clapboard–atypeofhousesidingconsistingofhorizontalbeveledpiecesofwoodthatarethinneratthetopthanthebottom.

column–avertically-orientedstructuralsupport.InClassicalarchitecture,theappearanceandconfigurationofcolumnsonagivenstructurewasbasedupononethreeschoolsofdesignknownasDoric,Ionian,andCorinthian.


compressive strength–themaximumcompressivestresswhichamaterialiscapableofsustaining.consolidation–bindingwoodfibersorotherfragmentstogetherwithamaterialsuchasepoxytoachieveanintact,durableform.

corbel–aClassicalarchitecturalelementconsistingofadecorativemoldingextendingfromawallforstructuralsupport,decorativepurposes,orboth.Usuallymasonry.

corner board–aboardwhichisusedastrimontheexternalcornerofawood-framestructureandagainstwhichtheendsofthesidingarefitted.

cornice–amoldedhorizontalprojectionormoldthatcrownsorfinishesthetopofamall,façade,buildingorstorefront;theuppermostandmostprominentpartofaClassicalentablaturecourse–alayerofmasonryunitsrunninghorizontally,sometimesasadecorativeband.

crenellation–adecorativeroofelementdesignedtolendtheappearanceofaMedievalcastlethatconsistsofaseriesofverticalcutoutsmadeintoaparapet.UtilizedattimesinGothicRevivalarchi-tectureandvarioussubtypes,suchasCollegiateGothic.

dentil –small,tooth-likemoldings,usuallyfoundonastructure’scornice.

dormer–astructureprojectingfromaslopingroofthatusuallyhasaverticalwindoworventdoublehungwindow–awindowwithtwosashes,oneofwhichslidesovertheother.

downspout–averticalpipe,oftenofsheetmetal,usedtoconductwaterfromaroof-drainorguttertotheground,subsurfacepipe,splashblockorcistern.

dutchman–asmallpieceorwedgeinsertedasfillertostopanopening,or,asmallpieceofmaterialusedtocoveradefect,tohideabadlymadejointetc.

eave–onaroof,theundersideoftheportionoftheroofthatprojectsbeyondtheedgeofawall.entablature–inClassicalarchitecture,beamsorhorizontalband(molds)supportedbycolumnsfaçade–theexteriorfaceofabuildingwhichisthearchitecturalfront,sometimesdistinguishedfromtheotherfacesbyelaborationofarchitecturalorornamentaldetails.

entasis - theintentionalslightconvexcurvingoftheverticalprofileofataperedcolumn;usedtoover-cometheopticalillusionofconcavitythatcharacterizesstraightsidedcolumns.

facade–externalfaceorelevationofabuilding,especiallytheprincipalfront.

fanlight–asemicircularwindowopeningoveradoorway.SeealsoTransom.

flashing–athinimperviousmaterialplacedinconstruction(e.g.inmortarjointsandthroughairspacesinmasonry)topreventwaterpenetrationand/ortoprovidewaterdrainage,esp.betweenaroofandwall,andoverexteriordooropeningsandwindows.

fascia –aflatboardwithaplainverticalfaceattheeaveslevel.Rainguttersareoftenmountedonit.

frieze–thecentralportionofaClassicalentablature,locatedbetweenthearchitravebelowandthecorniceabove,alsohorizontaltrimconnectingthesidingandcorniceatthetopofafaçade(exterior)orwall(interior).


gable roof –atypeofroofcontainingatriangle-shapedverticalsurfacebetweenaroof’sridgeandeaves.

galvanic action–anelectrochemicalactionwhichtakesplacewhendissimilarmetalsareincontactinthepresenceofanelectrolyte,resultingincorrosion.http://www.pemnet.com/design_info/galvanic.htmlgivesabasicdescriptionofthephenomenon.

galvanized metal–galvanizedironsheetmetalofironcoatedwithzinctopreventrusting;usedex-tensivelyforflashings,roofgutter,gravelstops,flexiblemetalroofing,etc.

gambrel roof–atypeofroofinwhicheachofitssideshastwodifferentslopesbetweenthecentralridgeandtheeaves.CommonlyfoundonDutchColonialstructures.

glazing–settingglassinanopening;theglasssurfaceofaglazedopening.

glazing bar–oneoftheverticalorhorizontalbarswithinawindowframewhichholdthepanesofglass;amuntin.

half-timbering–theuseofexposedwoodframingonexteriorofastructure.OriginallyusedonMe-dieval-erastructuresinEurope,itiscommonlyassociatedwithTudorRevivalstructuresintheUnitedStatesandisoftenfalsehalf-timbering,purelyadecorativeelement.

hipped (hip) roof –aroofwhichslopesupwardsfromtheadjoiningsidesofabuilding,requiring“hip”raftersatthecorners.

keystone–onanarch,thestonelocatedatthehighestpoint,definingthepositionoftheotherstonesthatmakeuptherestofthearch.

knee wall–alowwallthatislessthanonestorytallandnormallymeetsaslopingrooforceiling.

lancet window–alsoknownasapointedarchwindow,thesearenarrow,tallwindowsinwhichthetopoftheopeningiscurved,withthetwoverticalsidesmeetingatapoint.CommononGothicRe-vivalstructures.

lattice–anetwork,oftendiagonal,ofstrips,rods,bars,laths,orstrapsofmetalorwood,usedaspro-tection,screeningorforairy,ornamentalconstructions.

laylight–aglazedopeninginaceilingtoadmitlight(eithernaturalorartificial)toaroombelow.

leader–averticalpipe,oftenofsheetmetal,usedtoconductwaterfromaroof-drainorguttertotheground,subsurfacepipe,splashblockorcistern.

lime mortar–amortarmadebymixinglimeputtyandsand;oftenusedinhistoricmasonrybecauseofitsflexibilityandcompatibilitywithsoftermasonryunits.

lintel–ahorizontalmemberlocatedaboveawindoworotheropening.

louver–anassemblyofsloping,overlappingbladesorslats;maybefixedoradjustable;designedtoadmitairand/orlightinvaryingdegreesandtoexcluderainandsnow;esp.usedindoors,windowsandtheintakeanddischargeofmechanicalventilationsystems.


mass–thephysicalsizeandbulkofabuildingorstructure.

medallion–adecorativecircularorovalshapedornament.

meeting rail–inadouble-hungwindow,thehorizontalmemberatthetopofthelowersash,orthehorizontalmemberatthebottomoftheuppersash.

modillion–ahorizontalbracketorblockattheundersideofacornice.

molding–amemberofconstructionordecorationsotreatedastointroducevarietiesofoutlineorcontourinedgesorsurfaces…asoncornices,capitals,bases,doorandwindowjambsandheads,etc.maybeofanybuildingmaterial,butalmostallderive…fromwood…orstoneprototypes.

muntin–asecondaryframingmembertoholdpaneswithinandwindow,windowwallorglazeddoor;alsocalledaglazingbar,sashbar,windowbar,ordivisionbar.

oculus-acircularwindoworopening,oftenplacedinacentrallocationonastructure’sfaçade.

parapet–awallattheedgeofaroofline,oftenextendingbeyondit,thatdefinestheendofthestruc-ture’sfaçadeandthebeginningoftheroof.

pediment–thetriangularsurfaceofagableroof,orasimilarly-styledtriangularmoldingsurroundingawindoworentryway.

pilaster–anengagedcolumnorpier;asimulatedpillarthatprojectsslightlyfromthewall,oftenwithcapitalandbase.

plumbing vent–orstackventorsoilventpipe;apipepenetratingtheroofthatventssewergassesfromhouseholddrains.

portico–aporchorcoveredwalkconsistingofaroofsupportedbycolumns,oftenatastructure’sentry.

profile–inarchitecture,theoutlineofabuiltassembly.

quoins–decorativebrickworkorstoneworkutilizedatthecornersofastructure’sexteriorwalls.

rafters–rectangulartimbersusedintheconstructionofpitchedroofssupportingtheroofcovering.

rail–ahorizontalpieceinaframeorpanelingasadoorrail,orintheframeworkofawindowsashridge–lineattheintersectionofupperedgesoftwoslopingroofsurfaces.

rosette–aroundpatternwithacarvedorpaintedconventionalizedfloralmotif;acircularorovaldecorativewoodplaqueuseinjoinery,suchasoneappliedtoawalltoreceivetheendofsstairrail;anornamentalnailheadorscrewhead.

sandblast –tousesand,propelledbyanairblastonmetal,masonry,concrete,etc.,toremovedirt,rust,orpaint,ortodecoratethesurfacewitharoughtexture.


sash–aframethatenclosesawindow’sglasssurface.

sheathing–thecovering(usuallywoodboards,plywood,orcompositeboards)placedoverexteriorstuddingorraftersofabuilding;providesabasefortheapplicationofwallorroofcladding.

shingle–aroofingunitofwood,asphalticmaterial,slate,tile,concrete,asbestoscement,orotherma-terialcuttostocklengths,widths,andthickness;usedasanexteriorcoveringonslopingroofsandsidewalls;appliedinanoverlappingfashion.

side light–aframedareaoffixedglassatthesideofadoororwindow.

sill –thelowesthorizontalmemberatthebottomofawoodframedwallintowhichpostsandstudsaretenoned.Italsoreferstothelowesthorizontalmemberinaframeoropeningforawindowordoor.

skylight –inaroof,anopeningwhichisglazedwithatransparentortranslucentmaterial;usedtoadmitdiffusedlighttothespacebelow.

soffit –theexposedundersurfaceofanyoverheadcomponentofabulding,suchasanarch,balcony,beam,cornice,lintel,orvault.

spacer bar–ametalorplasticelementusedtoseparatelayersofarchitecturalglass.

splash block–asmallmasonryblocklaidonthegroundbelowadownspouttocarryroofdrainageawayfromabuildingandtopreventsoilerosion.

springer–theloweststoneoneachsideofanarch.

stile–oneoftheuprightstructuralmembersofaframe,asattheouteredgeofadoororwindowsash.

stucco–anexteriorwallcoveringmadeofplasterappliedoverwoodormetallath.

terra-cotta–hard,unglazedfiredclay;usedforornamentalworkandroofandfloortile.

tongue and groove flooring-woodflooringboardsjoinedbytheinsertionofthetongueofoneboardintothecorrespondinggrooveoftheadjacentboard.

transom–aglazedareaorwindowlocatedaboveadoorwayorotheropening.

valley–thetroughorgutterformedbytheintersectionoftwoinclinedplanesofaroof.

voussoir–awedge-shapedstoneusedintheconstructionofanarch.

waterfall awning–rigidcurvedmetalframeworkwithastretchedawningcover.

window hood–aprojectedarchitecturalelementoverawindowopening;alsocalledahoodmoldorlabel.


Sustainable Landscape Planning: Glossary of Green Building Terms

DefinitionsculledfromaglossaryfromaLEED(LeadershipinEnergyandEnvironmentalDesignoftheU.S.GreenBuildingCouncil)publicationforNewConstructioncanhelpyoumanageyourpropertyinenvironmentallydesirableways.

biodiversity - thevarietyoflifeinallforms,levelsandcombinations,includingecosystemdiversity,speciesdiversity,andgeneticdiversity.

drip irrigation - ahigh-efficiencyirrigationmethodinwhichwaterisdeliveredatlowpressurethroughburiedmainsandsub-mains.Fromthesub-mains,waterisdistributedtothesoilfromanetworkofperforatedtubesoremitters.Dripirrigationisatypeofmicro-irrigation.

ENERGY STAR rating - theratingabuildingearnsusingtheENERGYSTARPortfolioManagertocomparebuildingenergyperformancetosimilarbuildingsinsimilarclimates.Ascoreof50representsaveragebuildingperformance.

erosion -- acombinationofprocessesinwhichmaterialsoftheearth’ssurfaceareloosened,dissolvedorwornaway,andtransportedfromoneplacetoanotherbynaturalagents(suchaswater,windorgravity).

graywater (also spelled greywater and gray water) - definedbytheUniformPlumbingCode(UPC)initsAppendixG,titled“GraywaterSystemsforSingle-FamilyDwellings,”as“untreatedhouseholdwastewaterwhichhasnotcomeintocontactwithtoiletwaste.Graywaterincludesusedwaterfrombathtubs,showers,bathroomwashbasins,andwaterfromclothes-washerandlaundrytubs.Itshallnotincludewastewaterfromkitchensinksordishwashers.”

TheInternationalPlumbingCode(IPC)definesgraywaterinitsAppendixC,titled“GraywaterRecyclingSystems,”as“wastewaterdischargedfromlavatories,bathtubs,showers,clotheswashers,andlaundrysinks.”

Somestateandlocalauthoritiesallowkitchensinkwastewatertobeincludedingraywater.OtherdifferenceswiththeUPCandUOCdefinitionscanprobablybefoundinstateandlocalcodes.Projectteamsshouldcomplywiththegraywaterdefinitionsasestablishedbytheauthorityhavingjurisdictionintheirareas.

greenhouse gases - gasessuchascarbondioxide,methaneandCFCsthatarerelativelytransparenttothehigher-energysunlight,buttraplower-energyinfraredradiation.

heat island effect - occurswhenwarmertemperaturesareexperiencedinurbanlandscapescomparedtoadjacentruralareasasaresultofsolarenergyretentiononconstructedsurfaces.Principalsurfacesthatcontributetotheheatislandeffectincludestreets,sidewalksparkinglotsandbuildings.

impervious surfaces - surfacesthatpromoterunoffofprecipitationvolumesinsteadofinfiltrationintothesubsurface.Theimperviousnessordegreeofrunoffpotentialcanbeestimatedfordifferentsurfacematerials.

invasive plants - bothindigenousandnon-indigenousspeciesorstrainsthatarecharacteristicallyadaptable,aggressive,haveahighreproductivecapacityandtendtooverruntheecosystemsinwhichtheyinhabit.Collectivelytheyareoneofthegreatthreatstobiodiversityandecosystemstability.


light pollution - wastelightfrombuildingsitesthatproducesglare,isdirectedupwardtotheskyorisdirectedoffthesite.

native (indigenous) plants - plantsthathaveadaptedtoagivenareaduringadefinedtimeperiodandarenotinvasive.InAmerica,thetermoftenreferstoplantsgrowinginaregionpriortothetimeofsettlementbypeopleofEuropeandescent.

open-grid pavement - definedforLEEDpurposesaspavementthatislessthan50%imperviousandcontainsvegetationintheopencells.

perviousness - thepercentofthesurfaceareaofapavingmaterialthatisopenandallowsmoisturetopassthroughthematerialandsoakintotheearthbelowthepavingsystem.

regionally extracted materials - forLEEDforNewConstructionpurposes,projectsmusthavetheirsourcesformaterialswithinadesignatedradiusoftheprojectsite.

remediation - theprocessofcleaningupacontaminatedsitebyphysical,chemicalorbiologicalmeans.Remediationprocessesaretypicallyappliedtocontaminatedsoilandgroundwater.

stormwater runoff - watervolumesthatarecreatedduringprecipitationeventsandthatflowoversurfacesintosewersystemsorreceivingwaters.Allprecipitationwatersthatleaveprojectsiteboundariesonthesurfaceareconsideredtobestormwaterrunoffvolumes.

sustainable forestry - thepracticeofmanagingforestresourcestomeetthelong-termforestproductneedsofhumanswhilemaintainingthebiodiversityofforestedlandscapes.Theprimarygoalistorestore,enhanceandsustainafullrangeofforestvalues—economic,socialandecological.

wetland vegetation - plantsthatrequiresaturatedsoilstosurviveaswellascertaintreeandotherplantspeciesthatcantolerateprolongedwetsoilconditions.


Roofing Information

Jenkins,Joseph.The Slate Roof Bible: Understanding, Installing and Restoring the World’s Finest Roof.JosephJenkins,Inc.,2003.

“FromAsbestostoZinc:RoofingforHistoricBuildings.”Thissiteisanelectronicversionofanexhibitpreparedforroofingprofessionalsattendingthe1999RoofingConferenceandExpositionforHistoricBuildingsinPhiladelphia,Pennsylvania.Withgoodillustrations,itincludesinformationondifferenttypesofhistoricroofingandguttersandmodernvariations.http://www.nps.gov/history/hps/tps/roofingexhibit/introduction.htm

“PreservationBriefNo.4:RoofingforHistoricBuildings.”availableathttp://www.nps.gov/history/hps/tps/briefs/brief04.htm

“PreservationBrief29:TheRepair,Replacement,andMaintenanceofHistoricSlateRoofs.”Availableathttp://www.nps.gov/history/hps/tps/briefs/brief29.htm.

“PreservationBrief30:ThePreservationandRepairofHistoricClayTileRoofs.”Availableathttp://www.nps.gov/history/hps/tps/briefs/brief30.htm.

SlateRoofStand-Ins:Abuyer’sguidetoman-madesubstitutesfornaturalstone.Availableatwww.oldhousejournal.com/magazine/2002/july/slate.shtml.

“StandingSeamMetalRoof”Old House Journal,July/August2002.

Masonry information

London,Mark.Masonry: How to Care for Old and Historic Brick and Stone.Washington,D.C.:ThePreservationPress,1988.

“BrickbyBrick”Old House Journal,May/June1994.Includesaglossaryofbricktypesandmasonrymaterialstoaidinmatching.

“MasteringBrickMaintenance,”Old House Journal,MayJune1994.Goodguidetomaintainingbrickexteriors.

“PreservationBrief01:AssessingCleaningandWater-RepellentTreatmentsforHistoricMasonryBuildings,”availableathttp://www.nps.gov/history/hps/tps/briefs/brief01.htm.

“PreservationBrief02:RepointingMortarJointsinHistoricMasonryBuildings.”Availableathttp://www.nps.gov/history/hps/tps/briefs/brief02.htm.

“PreservationBrief22:ThePreservationandRepairofHistoricStucco.”Availableathttp://www.nps.gov/history/hps/tps/briefs/brief22.htm.

AppendixC:Building&LandscapeElements


Paint: Lead and safety

www.epa.gov/getleadsafe Thissitedescribestherisksofleadpaintandthenewcertificationprogramfordealingwithleadpaint.

[email protected] Methods for Reducing Lead-Paint Hazards in Historic Housing.

Delany,MarcandLivingston,Dennis.Maintaining a Lead Safe Home: A Do-It-Yourself Manual for Home Owners and Property Managerspaper,1997.

Paint schemes

Rossiter,E.K.andF.A.Wright.Authentic Color Schemes for Victorian Houses: Comstock’s Modern House Painting1883.Mineola,NY:DoverPublications,Inc.2001Anunabridgedreproductionofan1883paintingguidewithmanycolorplatesshowingauthenticcolorschemesforQueenAnnehouses.

Moss,Roger.Century of Color: Exterior Decoration for American Buildings, 1820-1920.WatkinsGlen,NY:TheAmericanLifeFoundation,1981.IncludesmanyhistoriccolorplatesofFourSquares,ColonialRevival,andQueenAnnestylehousesandanarchitecturalglossary.

Moss,RogerW.(Editor).Paint in America: The Colors of Historic Buildings.Washington,D.C.:TheNationalTrustforHistoricPreservation,1994.Amoretechnicalguidethatincludeschaptersonpaintanalysistechniques,painttechnology,andpaintingtechniques.

Moss,RogerW.andWinkler,GailCaskey,VictorianExteriorDecoration.How to Paint Your Nine-teenth Century American House Historically.NewYork:HenryHoltandCo.,1992.Aclearlywrittenguidetopainttreatmentsandshiftsinfashionthroughthe19thcenturyincludingadviceonhowtoachievehistoriccolorswithcurrentlyavailableproducts.

Bock,Gordon.“ColorfulIssuesinChoosingExteriorPaint,”articleavailableatwww.oldhousejournal.com/magazine/2001/march_april/exterior_paint/default.shtml.

“PreservationBrief10:ExteriorPaintProblems”http://www.nps.gov/history/hps/tps/briefs/brief10.htm.Goodleadsonproperpreparation,application,paintselection.

“PreservationBrief28:PaintingHistoricInteriors.”http://www.nps.gov/history/hps/tps/briefs/brief28.htm.Althoughthisarticleisaboutinteriorpaints,itincludesusefulsectionsonpaintinvestigation,paintformulations,andsurfacepreparation.

TheentireNationalTrustHistoricColorpaintcollectionlistingcolorsinallNationalTrustPropertiesisfoundatthissite.http://www.preservationnation.org/about-us/partners/corporate-partners/valspar/paint.htmlAnassociatedlinkoffersanextensivearrayofcolorstohelpyouwithpaintselection.,http://www.valsparpaint.com/en/explore-colors/color-selector/index.html#.


Shutters

http://www.oldhousejournal.com/magazine/2002/august/shutters_dos_donts.shtmlBriefcleararticleonshutters.

Additions and New Construction

Byard,Paul.The Architecture of Additions: Design and Regulation.NewYork:W.W.Norton,1999.Athoughtfularchitect/lawyerexaminessignificantandoftencontroversialadditionsthroughhistory.Ahelpfultextfordesignersandlanduseboardmembers.

Shirley.Frank.New Rooms for Old Houses.Newton,CT:TauntonPress,2007.ThearchitectauthorhelpsreadersworkcomfortablywithinAmericanhousestylestomeetnewspaceneeds.Illustratedwithexamplesofsuccessfulalterations/additions.

Outdoor lighting

http://www.darksky.org/outdoorlighting RecommendationsfromtheInternationalDarkSkyAsso-ciationexplainobjectivesandeconomiesofmodifiedlighting.Canbeincorporatedintocodesasastandard.


Landscape Precedents

“PreservationBrief36:ProtectingCulturalLandscapes:Planning,TreatmentandManagementofHistoricLandscapes.”Availableathttp://www.nps.gov/history/hps/tps/briefs/brief36.htm

http://www.nps.gov/history/hps/tps/briefs/brief32.htmThisPreservationBriefprovidesexcellentgroundinginmakinghistoricpropertiesaccessible.

Adams,DeniseWiles,Restoring American Gardens: An Encyclopedia of Heirloom Ornamental Plants.Portland,Cambridge:TimberPress,2004.Wellillustrated,inclusive,clearoverviewofthedevelopmentofAmericangardentastesandplantselections.Especiallyusefulforthoseinterestedinmiddleclassgardenhabits.

Doell,M.ChristineKlim,Gardens of the Gilded Age.Syracuse,NewYork:SyracuseUniversityPress,1986.Anaptandexcellentoverviewofgardendesignandpracticeonprosperouspropertiesinthe19thcentury.

Downing,AndrewJackson,Landscape Gardening and Rural Architecture. NewYork.DoverPublications,1991reprintof18657thedition.Aprimarysource.InspirationandadvicefromAmerica’stastemakeronhomeandgrounds.Downing’sworkslaunchedaHudsonValleylandscapestylethatspreadacrossthecountry.

Favretti,RudyJ.,For Every House A Garden: A Guide for Reproducing Period Gardens.Chester,Connecticut:PequotPress,1977.Thumbnaildescriptionsofperiod-appropriategardens.

Favretti;RudyJ.,andPutnam,Joy.Landscapes and Gardens for Historic Buildings.Nashville:AmericanAssociationforStateandLocalHistory,1978.

Leighton,Ann.American Gardens in the Eighteen Century “For Use or for Delight”.Amherst:UniversityofMassachusettsPress,1986.Leightonisanexcellentfirstreferenceforinformationonplantusage.

Leighton,Ann,American Gardens of the Nineteenth Century “For Comfort and Affluence”.Amherst:UniversityofMassachusettsPress,1987.Leightonhasculledcontemporarygardenwriters,andplantcatalogstoprovideabountifuloverviewof19thcenturygardening.

Scott,Frank,Victorian Gardens: The Art of Beautifying Suburban Home Grounds.NewYork:D.AppletonandCo.,1879(reprint)WatkinsGlen:AmericanLifeFoundation.ADowningdisciple,Scottoffersdetailedinstructiononlandscapeconstructionandplantsandgivesguidanceonplanningvillageimprovements.

Sternberg,Guy.“LivingHistory”Old House Journal,November/December2002,pages31-35.


Horticultural information

Therearecountlessexcellentcontemporaryhow-togardeningbooksandreferencesaboutclassesofplants.Googlingatopicwillyieldbothauthoritativeinformationfromexpertsandanecdotallorefromdevotedgardeners.Somebookslistedbelowexplorethebenefitsofnativeplants.

DirrMichaelA.,Dirr’s Hardy Trees and Shrubs: An Illustrated Encyclopedia. Portland,Oregon.TimberPress,1997. Thisisanunparalleledbasicreference.

Summers,Carolyn.Designing Gardens With Flora Of The American East. NewBrunswick,NewJerseyandLondon.RutgersUniversityPress,2010.AttractivevolumebyaHudsonValleywriterdescribingthebenefitsandusesofnativeplants.

Tallamy,DouglasW.,Bringing Nature Home. Portland,Oregon.TimberPress.2007.Informedadvocacyforuseofnativeplantstopromoteecosystems.

TheCaryInstituteofEcosystemStudiesinMillbrook,NYhasprogramsthatareopentothepubliconsubjectsrelatedtolanduse,horticulture,ecology,horticultureandrelatedtopics.See http://www.caryinstitute.org.

WestchesterCountyhasaNativePlantCenterwithadisplaygardenatWestchesterCommunityCollege,www.nativeplantcenter.org,offersprograms,tripsandanannualnativeplantsale.Theorganizationpromotesincreaseduseofnativeplants.

CornellUniversity isaleaderinhorticulturalresearchandteaching.TheUniversityoffersexcellentdownloadablepublicationsonplantingsandespeciallyusefulplantingrecommendationsfordevelopedareas.http://hort.cals.cornell.edu/cals/hort/extension/publications.cfm

DutchessCounty’sCornellCooperativeExtensionisat2715U.S.44Millbrook,NY12545(845)677-8223http://www.ccedutchess.org/Reachthelocalagentatdutchess@cornell.edu.ThelocalCoopExtensionoffersprogramsandanswersquestionsaboutgardening.

Don’tplantthese!isanexcellentpdfcreatedbytheVillageofIrvingtonNYTreeCommissionshowingthemostseriousinvasiveplantsandbestsubstitutes.

Tree selection, protection, pruning

http://hort.cals.cornell.edu/cals/hort/extension/publications.cfmCornell’sDVDandonlinepublicationscanhelpyouselectsize-andculture-appropriatetreesforyourproperty.“ToughTreesforToughSites”(DVD)and“RecommendedUrbanTrees”(downloadable)areespeciallyuseful.

http://www.ext.colostate.edu/pubs/garden/02926.htmlCleardiscussionoftheimportanceofroothealthfortreesurvival;issuestoaddressduringconstruction.

Twoauthoritativepiecesontreetoppingproblems.http://www.utextension.utk.edu/publications/spfiles/sp549.pdf http://www.extension.iastate.edu/publications/sul7.pdf

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