Stick style
The Stick style was an American architectural style that was prevalent between around 1860 and 1890.
The most distinctive stylistic element of the Stick style is the decorative stickwork or bands of wood trim applied horizontally, vertically or diagonally to the exterior wall surfaces. A similar pattern of decorative wood trim appears in the trusses of the gables and across gables and on the porch braces.
The Stick style is considered to be a transitional style, with decorative details similar to the preceding Gothic Revival style, and a shape and form closely related to the following Queen Anne style. All three styles are inspired by Medieval English building tradition and therefore, share some common features.
Unlike the Gothic Revival style, the Stick style treats wall surfaces, not just doorways, cornices, windows and porches as decorative elements.
Like other Picturesque styles, the Stick style was promoted by the pattern books of Andrew Jackson Downing in the mid-1800s.
The exterior stickwork was considered to be display structural honesty by showing the supportive wooden understructure on the outside. Since the stickwork on the walls was purely decorative rather than structurally relevant, such an argument for the greater integrity of form of this style seems somewhat unfounded.
The Stick style was never as popular and wide spread as the somewhat later Queen Anne style which appears in various forms all over the United States.
Some of the key identifiable features of the Stick style are as follows:
- Steeply pitched gable roof.
- Cross gables.
- Decorative trusses at gable peak.
- Overhanging eaves with exposed rafters.
- Wood exterior walls with clapboards.
- Horizontal, vertical or diagonal decorative wood trim - stickwork.
- Porches with diagonal or curved braces.
- Towers.
--Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission
[edit] Find out more
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
IHBC NewsBlog
RTPI: Measuring What Matters: Planning Outcomes Research
The Royal Town Planning Institute(RTPI) has issued research from across the UK and Ireland into how authorities can measure the outcomes of planning.
Wales introduces the Optimised Retrofit Programme (ORP) for a green recovery
The Welsh Government has given the green light and a further £10M to a major new programme that will transform social housing across Wales, boost the economy and open the door to a new Welsh industry: the Optimised Retrofit Programme (ORP).
Lifeline grants for culture in all corners of the country
Culture across the country benefits as Lifeline grants from the latest round of the £1.57 billion Culture Recovery Fund will protect a further 162 heritage sites across the country.
Scottish Government rejects transformation of landmark building into luxury hotel
Now the building long touted as a potential home for the Scottish Parliament stands as a symbol of a divided Scottish capital.
One of Britain’s last AA telephone boxes saved
AA Box 161 has now been listed. The telephone boxes were a sanctuary for motorists in distress, but of the hundreds across Britain just 21 remain.
IHBC submits comments on BSI’s PAS 2038 – Retrofitting non-domestic properties
The IHBC has noted that it fails to emphasise the need to carry out appropriate repairs as the vital precursor to installing retrofit measures.
Mapping tool for unused construction materials launched
A mapping tool that provides contractors and their suppliers with a central database of local Materials Exchange Platform (MEP) projects to help cut waste by finding a home for unused materials has been launched.
'Unusual' WW2 sites listed and upgraded to mark 80th anniversary of Battle of Britain
An air raid shelter, a pillbox cleverly disguised as a roofless cottage, a rare Chain Home radar defence tower, and a war memorial have been granted protection.
Derby City Council plans to knock down the 43-year old Assembly Rooms
A planning application has been submitted by Derby City Council to knock down the Assembly Rooms – which has played host to the likes of Elton John, Iron Maiden, Take That, etc.
RIBA launches new contracts for the provision of conservation architectural services
Specifically tailored for conservation projects, the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) has launched two brand new professional services contracts.