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Columns are vertical structures that support a roof or an upper wall. They are found in buildings and houses, especially those with historical designs. Columns can be seen in exterior and interior house designs. The exterior house column designs discussed here are the structural elements that support the load of the roof, while the interior ones are more decorative and do not support any weight.
Exterior house columns come in different designs, such as classical, modern, materials used, and composite columns. Each of these designs has distinct features that differentiate them. Below are the different types of exterior house columns designs.
Classical Columns
Classical columns are vertical structures that support a roof or an upper wall. They are found in buildings and houses, especially those with historical designs. Columns can be seen in exterior and interior house designs. The exterior house column designs discussed here are the structural elements that support the load of the roof, while the interior ones are more decorative and do not support any weight.
Modern Columns
Modern columns are designed to support contemporary architecture. They have clean lines and simple forms. These columns are made of different materials like steel, reinforced concrete, wood, and glass. Steel and concrete modern columns are used in commercial and industrial buildings. Wooden modern columns are commonly used in residential houses. Glass columns are used for decorative purposes.
Materials Columns
These are columns made from different materials. Each material has its own characteristics. Wooden columns are made from timber or wood and are used in residential houses. They are easy to customize and provide warmth and a natural feel. Steel columns are made from steel, which is a strong and durable material. These columns are used in modern and industrial designs. They are slender and provide a contemporary look. Concrete columns are made from cement, aggregates, and water. They can either be cast-in-place or precast. Concrete is a strong and durable material used in modern and classical houses. Stone columns are made from different types of stones like marble, granite, and limestone. These columns are attractive and classic, often used in traditional houses.
Composite Columns
Composite columns are a combination of different materials. They have different shapes and sizes. The most popular are the Roman composite columns, which are similar to the Ionic columns but with a decorated capital. They combine elegance and strength.
Concerning the features and functions of columns, here are some things to remember:
Supportive elements
Columns are vital to any house because they support the weight of the roof, walls, and anything else above them. This is especially important for houses with porches or overhanging eaves, which can put extra stress on the front columns. The columns help evenly distribute the weight downward to the foundation, keeping the structure stable and preventing sagging or shifting.
Decorative elements
Besides their important supportive role, columns are also very decorative. Columns can add a lot of visual appeal to a house, making it look more elegant and refined. The distinctive fluting on the column or the simple yet classy round shape adds to the house's aesthetic. The front porch columns can serve as a focal point, making the house even more attractive to people walking by.
Material elements
Columns are also important for the materials used to make them. Wooden columns, for example, give a house a warm and inviting feel. Wood is also a very sturdy material, and those columns can last a long time with the right care. On the other hand, metal columns, like those made of aluminum or steel, lend a house a more modern and sleek look. Metal columns are also resistant to weather and pests.
Design elements
Columns come in many different designs, so the builder can choose the ones that best suit the style of the house. Traditional houses with columns of classical design give the house an old-world charm. On the other hand, modern houses with columns of a more contemporary design that are simple and clean-lined suit the house's more updated aesthetic.
Space elements
Columns also play an important role in how much space there is inside a house. Because they support the ceiling, columns allow for open floor plans without as many walls. This gives people more freedom in how they want to arrange the rooms. However, columns also break up the space a little bit and give it more definition.
As mentioned earlier, the columns can be used for different purposes. Below are some common scenarios where exterior columns are used.
Supporting Roofs and Decks
Columns are usually placed under roofs to hold them up. They help distribute the weight of the roof to the ground evenly. Strong materials like wood, metal, or concrete are used to build the columns so that they can support the roof safely. When the columns are properly installed, it is safe for people to walk on the roof. They can also support hanging things like lights.
Porches and Patios
Columns are a common feature in porches and patios. They are positioned around the edges of the porches or patios at regular intervals. The columns not only support the structure but also make it look nice. They enhance the beauty of the porches and patios. People can relax and enjoy the outdoor space without worrying about the roof falling down.
Entryways
Columns are an important part of most entryways. They are positioned on either side of the entrance door. The columns make the entryway look grand and inviting. They can be customized to match the style of the house, whether traditional or modern. When visitors approach, the columns create a good impression and make the entryway look more attractive.
Balconies
Columns are essential for holding up balconies. They are placed underneath the balcony floor, connecting it to the building wall. The columns make sure people can walk on the balcony without feeling it is unsteady. They are designed to withstand wind and rain. The columns allow people to enjoy the view from an elevated position.
Landscaped Areas
Columns are commonly used in landscaped areas to support features such as trellises, pergolas, and arbors. They add a decorative touch to outdoor spaces like gardens and parks. The columns can be made from different materials, including wood, stone, or metal, which complement the natural surroundings.
When choosing a design for house columns, there are several factors that homeowners should consider. These factors will ensure that the columns will complement the house's architecture, and also, they can be customized to meet individual preferences.
Consider the architectural style
This is the first thing a homeowner should look at when choosing their columns. The column should match the home's architectural style. A simple design should be considered for a modern home, and a more detailed design should be considered for traditional houses.
Consider the material
Another factor to consider is the materials used to make the columns. Different materials give different column styles. For example, wood columns are warm and can be customized, while metal columns are modern and offer a sleek look. Also, house owners can choose fiberglass, which is light and resistant to weather elements.
Functionality
When choosing a column design, it is important to consider its functionality. Will the column support the roof, or is it just for decoration? If the column is to support the roof, a more robust design is required. If it is for decoration, then a good design is enough.
Customization
If a homeowner wants a column that is unique and different from the normal ones, they can choose to customize it. This involves choosing materials, shapes, and sizes that are different from the standard ones in the market. This also allows the homeowner to have a column that is unique to their home.
Size and scale
The size of the column is also an important factor to consider. This is because if it is too large, it will make the house look unproportional. On the other hand, if it is too small, it will also make the house look unproportional. Therefore, choose a size that matches the house size.
Decoration
Column decoration is also important when choosing a design. Some columns are decorated with flutes, which are ridges that run vertically on the column. Other columns have capitals, which are decorative elements at the top of the column. This is found on most columns. It is good to choose a column with the right decoration that matches the home to make it beautiful.
Lighting
The lighting of the house columns also matters. This is because, with the right lighting, the columns are highlighted, making them look more attractive. Homeowners can use spotlights or recessed lighting to illuminate the columns. This is mostly done in outdoor houses.
Q1: What are the most popular materials for house columns?
A1: The most common materials for house columns are stone, wood, and concrete. Stone and concrete are more durable and require fewer repairs. Wooden columns look warm and traditional.
Q2: What are the most common types of columns?
A2: The most common types of columns are; Tuscan, Doric, Ionic, Corinthian, and Composite. The first three types are called Greek columns, while the other two are Roman columns.
Q3: What is the difference between a column and a post?
A3: A column is a vertical structure that can carry weight on top and has weight distribution to the ground. In contrast, a post is a vertical structure with weight distribution to the ceiling only.
Q4: What are the three main parts of a column?
A4: The three main parts of a column are; the capital (top part), shaft (body), and base (bottom part).
Q5: What is the difference between a pillar and a column?
A5: A column can support the weight of a structure above it and has weight distribution to the ground. In contrast, a pillar does not necessarily have to be structural. It is mainly decorative and used for aesthetic purposes.
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