French Creole

Capped with a low, hipped roof and surrounded by deep porches, this 12,000 s.f. residence in New Orleans resembles a Creole plantation in the French West Indies. A Federal fanlight over the front door and Spanish Colonial-style ceiling beams and arches in the living room serve as reminders of the Anglo-American and Spanish influences that merged with French styles to create New Orleans’ unique architectural character. Wings resembling outbuildings are attached to the central block of the house by low infill walls a technique used in Colonial times to join pre-existing structures. Details like these reveal the architect’s fascination with old buildings that grow and change over time and his interest in creating new ones that capture the scale and atmosphere of such dwellings.