Chapter 6 The Evolution of Exteriors
183
Ranch
A
ranch
house is a one-story struc-
ture that may have a basement. It has a
low-pitched roof with a wide overhang.
Large windows and sliding glass doors
that open onto a patio are common, 6-21.
The use of building materials and energy-
saving features vary according to each
region. For instance, light-colored siding
and paint are used to refl ect the heat in
warm climates. Brick is another common
exterior siding choice.
The ranch style began in the West.
The informal lifestyle, large plots of
land, and generally warm climate made
the ranch style ideal for the region.
Ranch style homes have since become
popular throughout the country.
Ranch houses vary considerably in
size. Small ranch houses may be rela-
tively inexpensive to build, while larger
sizes can be expensive. This is due to
the large foundations and costly roof
areas. Larger ranch style houses are
less energy efficient than more compact fi
house plans. One-story ranch houses are
easy to maneuver through and maintain.
Modifi ranch structures are regaining fied
popularity as older adults seek homes
with all rooms on one level in an effort
to eliminate climbing stairs. One-story
ranch houses are also a good choice for
incorporating universal design.
There are many variations of the
ranch style. One is the hillside ranch. As
its name implies, the house is built on
a hill. It has a basement that is partly
exposed, allowing use of natural light
and the possibility of an exterior entry.
This style of basement is also known as
a “walkout” basement. Depending on
the layout of the lot, the exposed part of
the basement may be anything from a
living area to a garage.
Another variation is the raised ranch,
or split-entry, 6-21. It is like a ranch,
except the upper half of the basement is
aboveground. This allows light to enter
the basement through windows. The
6-20
Ranch-style houses
began in the West on
farms and ranches
where space was
plentiful. Now they
are found in many
communities.
A B
Ground level
Basement
1st Floor
Ground level
Basement
1st Floor
6-21
(A) Part of the
basement of a
hillside ranch
is aboveground
level. (B) Since
the top part of
the basement of
a raised ranch is
aboveground, the
basement can be
used as a living
space.