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What is this?

ILoveRed
10 years ago

What is this architectural feature called? Is is strictly esthetic or does it serve some other purpose?

How are these "holes" built? Educate me please.

These are not built into homes in my area, but I love the look.

TIA.

Comments (22)

  • virgilcarter
    10 years ago

    It's called kitsch! I suppose it may be a copy of a country vernacular bird house.

    Can you imagine what it would actually look like if birds (or worse, squirrels) nested there? Haven for stink bugs, which attracts wood peckers which results in miscellaneous holes everywhere.

    There's a remote possibility that the builder thought it was a "cute" way to provide gable venting for the attic space.

    Not for me!

  • bpath
    10 years ago

    I don't know, but a house in our neighborhood has them. I thought they were purple martin houses, to keep the mosquitoes at bay? Cute they may be, but the maintenance would worry me, and fake ones would look...fake.

  • ILoveRed
    Original Author
    10 years ago

    Well Virgil, I respect your opinion. So, I won't have these built into my plans. Thank you.

    But, I am disappointed because I really did think they were cute.

    I never even considered the possibility of animals or bugs establishing homes here.

    I would still like to know if there is an actual "term" for this feature.

  • ILoveRed
    Original Author
    10 years ago

    Hmmm. Purple Martin house in houses. Interesting.

  • sombreuil_mongrel
    10 years ago

    It's a dovecote, people. Everyone should know that. (shrugs)
    Casey

  • ineffablespace
    10 years ago

    I agree, a dovecote. Not really kitsch, but an architectural element with some history.

    I think if it were properly screened so birds or wasps or whatever didn't use it, it could be a nice detail on the right sort of house.

  • dekeoboe
    10 years ago

    Interesting. A dovecote is for pigeons or doves.

  • virgilcarter
    10 years ago

    People, dovecotes are for raising doves in flocks, year after year. They have no functional value on a single-family residence in the U.S. in the 21st century (unless one wants to raise flocks of doves in their house, plus all else that goes with it, year after year).

    Just because there's a historical precedent doesn't mean it's appropriate. Otherwise, we might still have pillories and stocks for errant folks in the village.

    Only a thought! Those who want them should have them and enjoy them.

  • ineffablespace
    10 years ago

    Aren't most historical architectural elements somewhat unnecessary, if you want to look at it that way? I would never put anything but functional shutters on a house, for example, but I've never seen anyone actually close them, at least around here.

  • virgilcarter
    10 years ago

    Every historical architectural feature had a justifiable purpose at the time of it's use. That's why it was used, after all.

    Accurate historical features are important for creating an authentic historical building, or one that references historical architecture . That said, advancing building and construction techniques and materials change what is needed and appropriate. For example, we don't build like the Greeks very much these days. When was the last house you saw constructed using the Doric Order?

    Dovecotes may have been useful and needed for food in their day. Today, such openings are useful for birds, squirrels, migrating stink bugs in the Fall, wood peckers (after the bugs), and lots of repairs. If you like leaks in your house you'll like lots of openings like a dovecote. And your local repair person will love you for continual employment.

    Point is, it's important to understand the historical usage and need for a feature, and how that feature may or may not be a positive for one's modern house.

    It's up to everyone to chose what floats their boat!

  • ineffablespace
    10 years ago

    It wouldn't have to be any more "real" than Fypon is real wood millwork or stone details, though. For that matter, the stone elements of the Greek Orders were based on earlier wood construction elements, so authenticity can be rather subjective.

    That said, it would really only be appropriate to put a dovecote on certain limited historic revival styles of houses: Tudor or Medieval Revival, English Arts and Crafts and some mixed Romantic Revival styles of houses.

  • Naf_Naf
    10 years ago

    [Traditional Exterior[(https://www.houzz.com/photos/traditional-exterior-home-ideas-phbr1-bp~t_736~s_2107) by Atlanta Landscape Architects & Designers Land Plus Associates, Ltd

    [Traditional Exterior[(https://www.houzz.com/photos/traditional-exterior-home-ideas-phbr1-bp~t_736~s_2107) by Alexandria Architects & Designers Peabody Architects

    I happen to like the dovecotes or the vents with dovecote effect like the sample in link.
    The look ok in the right style, usually English or French.

    Here is a link that might be useful: Sample

  • ILoveRed
    Original Author
    10 years ago

    Naf naf -- the first dovecote picture you posted resembles the picture I posted in my original posts.

    Do you mind sharing your knowledge on this subject?

    If you were supervising a builder, how would that look be accomplished?

    What if it is done in brick, as in your other picture?

    I really like the dovecotes too.

    Thank you.

  • Naf_Naf
    10 years ago

    Red,
    The dovecotes I have seen in newer buildings (I did not see many in real life, but I have seen many pics), that are actually for the use of birds and also for the look, are somewhat like a tiny niche with a ledge, like the ones shown in this picture. The opening do not always go all the way thru the wall. It could be open if a mesh is installed and there is a water control system. It also depends on the wall thickness, too.

    Personally, I prefer the more contemporary abstractions of a dovecote, like a small niche unit, (caststone or cement) or built out of limestone or metal or other materials. The material can be determined depending on style and the other materials used.
    I'd use it for the look and for venting; the bottom has to be sloped so the birds can not nest.

  • Naf_Naf
    10 years ago

    Red,
    I do not like something like the the open holes in the first pic.The second pic shows precast tiny niches.

    You probably heard about Architect Jack Arnold. He designed Allison's house. He has some dovecotes/vents in his personal home. When you open the link, it is the first house in the board.

    [Traditional Exterior[(https://www.houzz.com/photos/traditional-exterior-home-ideas-phbr1-bp~t_736~s_2107) by Sydney Media & Bloggers The Images Publishing Group

    [Traditional Exterior[(https://www.houzz.com/photos/traditional-exterior-home-ideas-phbr1-bp~t_736~s_2107) by Dallas Design-Build Firms LRO Residential

    Here is a link that might be useful: Jack Arnold House

  • Naf_Naf
    10 years ago

    I am pretty sure your architect can provide a construction detail depending on the specific conditions and type of wall but if he does not, let me know when you are at that stage.
    The dovecotes for your house might need to be custom built but I would not expect them to be to expensive.

  • littlebug5
    10 years ago

    In my neighborhood that would be an open invitation for bats. *shudder*

    Maybe they could be screened, so the holes aren't really open.

  • ILoveRed
    Original Author
    10 years ago

    Thanks naf naf. He has never done them and just kind of dismissed me when I asked about them. I felt a little foolish. That's why I asked you guys.

    If we end up with the stone facade, I may still want them...then I will bring it up again. The stone pictures are beautiful. Thank you again.

    Little bug--bats sure do eat lots of "little bugs"! Poor attempt at humor.

  • ILoveRed
    Original Author
    10 years ago

    Thank you to all of the other commentaries as well. I enjoyed the discussion.

  • willytaylor
    10 years ago

    I also want to have a same house ....Really nice idea .

    Good job Guys ....Have a Good day .

    Here is a link that might be useful: sloping block specialists

  • ILoveRed
    Original Author
    10 years ago

    Thanks Chicagoans. Hmm. I zoomed in with my iPad.

    That does look like pipes sticking out of holes.

    I'll bet the owners weren't thrilled with that or the sticks. I sure don't want birds nesting in my house.

    Thanks for posting it.