Q: A good builder keeps up with design trends, but I confess that porches have me stumped. What purpose do they serve, and what features should I incorporate into a porch?
A: PORCHES ARE A DISTINCTIVE AMERICAN DEVELOPMENT, ORIGINALLY ADOPTED FOR PRACTICAL MEASURES OF weather protection and cooling. Over the years, porches were left off of houses due to the advent of air conditioning, the lack of neighborhoods with sidewalks, and increased traffic. For many people, porches are a nostalgic image of home. No matter what the architectural style, a porch can be an asset. The design of a porch is very specific to the climate, the neighborhood, and the architecture.
The best thing about a porch is the transition between the house and the yard, and the welcoming connection to the neighborhood. Porches make a place for the individual as part of the larger community, but still offer personal space.
Guest Architect:
ROSE MARY MC MONIGAL
McMonigal
Architects
Minneapolis
612 – 331-1244
www.mcmonigal.com
Learn more about markets featured in this article: Minneapolis-St. Paul, MN.
