Spanish Colonial Architecture
As the Spanish came to America, they brought their architectural style with them. Examples of Spanish Colonial architecture can be seen throughout California, Florida and the Southwest, including Phoenix, Arizona. This style of architecture features design elements advantageous for the extreme heat of the desert.
Spanish Colonial homes in the Southwest featured adobe. Adobe bricks were made from a mixture that includes sand, clay and water. The bricks are formed and then baked by the hot sun.
The thick walls are stuccoed creating a natural insulator from summer heat and cold desert nights. The stucco is generally white but is sometimes tinted in earth tones. Classic Spanish Colonial architecture features wooden beams that support the roofs and extend beyond the exterior walls.
Horseshoe arches are used for entranceways, interior passages and primary windows. Windows are small and originally covered by wrought iron bars to allow breezes to pass through the house.
The classic red tile roofs are an architectural feature that graces many of these homes. More elaborate homes may feature wrought iron gates, artistic tiles, intricate stone work and chimneys featuring detail work or square towers that may include a bell. Homes with second stories often included balconies.
[ Spanish Colonial Revival home in Willo Historic District ]
Patios, courtyards and porches are outdoor features of Spanish Colonial architecture. These outside areas are favored gathering places for families and friends. Patios and courtyards also provide a place to cook during hot summers keeping the cooking heat out of the house.
Spanish Colonial architecture minimizes the negative aspects of its surrounding environment and capitalizes on the positive aspects.
