On the Porch

A porch can change the way you live in your house--it can entirely change the way your house looks--it can change the way you relate to your neighborhood. There is, simply, something magical about a porch. It slows you down, it tells you to take some time, to read the paper, to sip a glass of lemonade, to watch the weather roll in. For those dreaming of a front porch or those with porches in need of redesign, On the Porch will be their bible, the only book to cover the topic from porch types to planning and design, to tips on good construction, to maintenance and porch adornment (lighting, overhead fans, rockers, hanging plants, trellising). An important component of the book will be showing, using before and after photos, how adding a porch can entirely change the look of your home.

INTRODUCTION

CHAPTER I: The Porch You Choose

CHAPTER 2: The Porch and the House

CHAPTER 3: The Anatomy of the Porch

CHAPTER 4: Porch Adornments

PORTFOLIOS

Across America, and certainly in our experience as architects in the Hudson River Valley, not far from New York City, there is a growing trend toward homes that are livable, homes that foster family ties and connections with nature. Homeowners everywhere are clamoring for comfort. Our clients consistently ask us to design homes that will allow them to take a breather from the breakneck pace of busy lives, to unwind, and to spend time with loved ones. And so, no matter how small or grand the project, we prescribe a porch; in our opinion, it's the perfect antidote to a hectic and harried lifestyle.

A while back we published an article on porches in Taunton's Inspired House magazine, and in so doing came to realize that porch design really was second nature to us: It's what we do. There are very few homes or additions that are designed at Crisp Architects that do not include some kind of porch. This book is a natural extension of our professional experience, as well as our personal lives.

In the house where Sandee grew up, the door between her screened porch and kitchen was thrown open in early May and was rarely closed again until late September. That porch was the hub of family life all summer long; it was where family members ate, talked, read, and entertained friends' there was even a hinged screen panel that swung open so they could pull in laundry from the clothesline without stepping outside.

Jimmy's affinity for a good old-fashioned porch comes from growing up in the South, where porch-sitting is part of the culture. Today, although he lives in the Northeast, his life continues to be enriched by porches: from the small covered entry at the back of his house to his in-laws' impossibly narrow porch that nevertheless becomes a comfortable gathering place for family the minute the weather warms up.

We were both delighted and impressed by the scope and quality of the porch projects we reviewed for inclusion in this book. We found that what we suspected was true: Porches are adaptable and dynamic. Homeowners and architects everywhere are interpreting them in unique ways to suit surroundings and pocketbooks, climate and terrain, tastes and lifestyles.

We open the book with an overview of the porches we found, and define six types- many of which overlap- so you can begin to form an idea of how you would most likely use a porch of your own. Next, we discuss the relationship between the porch and the house and share some transformations that are nothing short of extraordinary. Then we dissect the parts of every porch and suggest a wealth of possibilities to consider when designing your porch (or making improvements to the one you already have). Finally, we offer some ideas for enhancing your porch, including furnishings and greenery that add finishing touches.

We think it's easy to see why the porch has become an American icon- and we hope this book will provide you with the information and inspiration you need to create one of your very own. It's our pleasure to share with you the idyllic place we've come to know and love so well.