HOLY ANGEL UNIVERSITY
SCHOOL OF ENGINEERING AND ARCHITECTURE
ARDESIGN 2 – Research on Mediterranean Houses
I. Introduction
A. What is Mediterranean Style?
Mediterranean-style homes, with their red tile roofs, stucco exteriors, and ornate
archways, are one of the most prominent architectural styles in the United States. Mediterranean
homes, which are a mix of Spanish and Italian architecture, are prevalent in warm-weather places
such as California and Florida, which have Spanish influences as well. Mediterranean style is
warm, full of character, and completely timeless. Mediterranean homes vary based on the
architectural influences but still, many of them share exterior features. Arched windows and
doors, wrought-iron accents, clay roof tiles, stucco walls, and expansive outdoor living areas
mentioned before are all common features. In terms of design, one of the most significant
influences and factors to consider is the climate. It will decide the architectural design's purpose.
Because of the hot, dry summers and humid, cold winters in Southern Europe, the goal of
Mediterranean design is to elicit feelings of warmth, wealth, and relaxation. (Callahan, 2021)
B. History
The Mediterranean Revival architectural style attempts to recreate the atmosphere of a
Mediterranean home. In the 1920s and 1930s, a surge of seaside resorts across the United States
were constructed due to the obsession in wealth and passion with leisure, making the
Mediterranean Revival architectural style very popular as it attempts to recreate the atmosphere
of a Mediterranean home. Originally, Mediterranean architecture design was influenced and
inspired by countries from Italy, Portugal, Spain, and Countries from the Mediterranean Sea, but
over time, influences in architecture from France, Greece, and Morocco were incorporated
(Donnelly, 2021).
Mediterranean and Mediterranean Revival architecture was influenced by a variety of
places and civilizations, as previously stated. Mediterranean architecture, on the other hand, has
three main styles:
, ● Italian Renaissance; a Mediterranean villa in this style is the most opulent and
majestic. It features arches and columns and is heavily influenced by the 16th-
century Italian Renaissance.
● Spanish Revival; Spanish Colonial houses are typically one storey, with simple,
clean lines and a low-pitched clay roof. It is a simpler and more rustic form of
Mediterranean architecture.
● Modern Mediterranean; they frequently include large, open floor designs,
enormous kitchens, and indoor-outdoor living.
C. Modern Mediterranean Style
According to Valeris (2019), Traditional Mediterranean home features are combined with
a contemporary twist in this design. These houses feature an emphasis on indoor-outdoor living,
as well as spacious, open floor plans and Spanish and Italian influences. The difference between
Modern Mediterranean and Mediterranean style architecture is that, Modern Mediterranean
architecture features areas that integrate indoor and outdoor spaces, abundant natural light,
natural materials and fabrics, and extensive use of terracotta, ceramics, and tiles.
SCHOOL OF ENGINEERING AND ARCHITECTURE
ARDESIGN 2 – Research on Mediterranean Houses
I. Introduction
A. What is Mediterranean Style?
Mediterranean-style homes, with their red tile roofs, stucco exteriors, and ornate
archways, are one of the most prominent architectural styles in the United States. Mediterranean
homes, which are a mix of Spanish and Italian architecture, are prevalent in warm-weather places
such as California and Florida, which have Spanish influences as well. Mediterranean style is
warm, full of character, and completely timeless. Mediterranean homes vary based on the
architectural influences but still, many of them share exterior features. Arched windows and
doors, wrought-iron accents, clay roof tiles, stucco walls, and expansive outdoor living areas
mentioned before are all common features. In terms of design, one of the most significant
influences and factors to consider is the climate. It will decide the architectural design's purpose.
Because of the hot, dry summers and humid, cold winters in Southern Europe, the goal of
Mediterranean design is to elicit feelings of warmth, wealth, and relaxation. (Callahan, 2021)
B. History
The Mediterranean Revival architectural style attempts to recreate the atmosphere of a
Mediterranean home. In the 1920s and 1930s, a surge of seaside resorts across the United States
were constructed due to the obsession in wealth and passion with leisure, making the
Mediterranean Revival architectural style very popular as it attempts to recreate the atmosphere
of a Mediterranean home. Originally, Mediterranean architecture design was influenced and
inspired by countries from Italy, Portugal, Spain, and Countries from the Mediterranean Sea, but
over time, influences in architecture from France, Greece, and Morocco were incorporated
(Donnelly, 2021).
Mediterranean and Mediterranean Revival architecture was influenced by a variety of
places and civilizations, as previously stated. Mediterranean architecture, on the other hand, has
three main styles:
, ● Italian Renaissance; a Mediterranean villa in this style is the most opulent and
majestic. It features arches and columns and is heavily influenced by the 16th-
century Italian Renaissance.
● Spanish Revival; Spanish Colonial houses are typically one storey, with simple,
clean lines and a low-pitched clay roof. It is a simpler and more rustic form of
Mediterranean architecture.
● Modern Mediterranean; they frequently include large, open floor designs,
enormous kitchens, and indoor-outdoor living.
C. Modern Mediterranean Style
According to Valeris (2019), Traditional Mediterranean home features are combined with
a contemporary twist in this design. These houses feature an emphasis on indoor-outdoor living,
as well as spacious, open floor plans and Spanish and Italian influences. The difference between
Modern Mediterranean and Mediterranean style architecture is that, Modern Mediterranean
architecture features areas that integrate indoor and outdoor spaces, abundant natural light,
natural materials and fabrics, and extensive use of terracotta, ceramics, and tiles.
