Mansard

1960 - 1985

Named after its distinctive roofline, the Mansard style is a re-interpretation of the Second Empire style, which was popular a century earlier. The newer Mansard style emerged from French Eclectic style of the 1930s and 1940s. In fact, some examples have a distinct French flavor with flared eaves as well as segmented/round topped doors and windows. The Mansard style, was sometimes referred to in period literature as "French Provincial". Examples of the style can be found on a variety of building types including single-family residences, duplexes and apartment complexes, office buildings, restaurants, medical facilities and gas stations. Among the popular use of the Mansard style was to update downtown commercial buildings. The large mass of the roof could easily be utilized to conceal out-of-fashion architectural elements on the upper façade of buildings, hence giving them a new “modern” appearance.

The Seattle Times, December 20, 1964

In the post WWII era many subdivisions utilized deed restrictions and zoning ordinances that dictated one-story structures and/or low roof heights. The Mansard style could follow many of these regulations while still providing for a two-story home. Architect John Elgin Woolf helped popularize the style with his Los Angeles area homes for numerous Hollywood movie stars. His designs, often called "Hollywood Regency", were embraced by those who yearned for a traditional formality. Many of his homes were featured in period shelter magazines such as Better Homes & Gardens and House Beautiful.

Mansard style buildings of the 1960s and 1970s are typically two stories in height, although one story versions can be found. The second story is “hidden” by a steeply sloped “mansard” style roof that extends to the top of the first floor. Often, the roof is punctured by dormers or inset balconies. The dormers come in a variety of shapes and sizes, many of which have a segmental or arched roof. Behind the mansard, is a flat or nearly flat roof. Utilized on larger buildings, this space offers a convenient area to hide mechanical equipment. Many Mansard style structures have deeply recessed entries, aluminum sliding windows and prominent garages or carports. The mansard roof themselves are commonly clad with cedar shingles but three-tab asphalt shingles, clay tiles, and standing seam metal can be found. The first floor can also be clad in a variety of materials including brick, clapboard, stone, T-1-11 siding, and stucco. The Mansard style reached the zenith of its popularity in the late 1970s.

Washington State Examples


Apartments Vancouver, c.1978	Tacoma Community College Tacoma, c.1973	House Kent, c.1965

Office Building Othello, c.1975	House Port Angeles, c.1978	House Bellevue, 1966

House Olympia, c.1967	Apartments Yakima, c.1974	Fuller & Fuller Law Office Tumwater, c.1975