Spanish Colonial Revival Style Explained: Origins, Characteristics, and Examples

If you have ever admired stucco homes in sunny California, Florida, or the American Southwest then you looked at Spanish Colonial Revival Architecture. This architectural style has a very interesting history. Still, it is inspiring modern people. If you are someone who admires beautiful buildings, then understanding this style will help you a whole new way of looking at the world around you.

The best way is to outsource a top visualization company to design your buildings. They provide 3D images and animation before starting the construction process. This is the wisest decision to make in this advanced industry. You can save your budget and construct the desired designs.

Explore Spanish Colonial Revival Style with its history, features, etc!

Short Overview

This style took its inspiration from the buildings constructed by Spanish colonizers in the Americas during the 16th, 17th, and 18th centuries. 

When Spanish soldiers arrived, they built churches and other public buildings. They used techniques and designs they brought from Spain. 

These structures used European styles with local materials. This created a unique aesthetic look. It looked big and warm.

Centuries later, American architects looked back at those old buildings and fell in love with them. They began recreating that style for modern buildings. This created the Spanish Colonial Revival. 

The Origins of the Style

The story of this style began in the late 1800s. It became extremely popular in the early 1900s. 

One of the biggest reasons for its success was the Panama-California Exposition held in San Diego. 

Architect Bertram designed the buildings in Balboa Park using detailed features of this style. These structures looked big and connected to the history of California.

Visitors loved them! Architects wanted to design buildings in the same style. 

At the same time, the people of America used to be proud of their identity. So, they wanted to create a unique style that shows their culture.

During the 1920s, the style became even more popular:

• Developers in warm states promoted the romantic look.
• Homebuyers loved the bright walls and open courtyards.
• Santa Barbara became famous for using this style  
• Coral Gables in Florida was carefully planned with Spanish-style buildings.
• San Antonio also embraced the style

The main features of this style are: 

One of the reasons this architecture types is liked due to its unique look. Even someone who has never studied architecture can spot this type of building. Several features are combined to create its look:

• The exterior walls are almost always finished with white stucco. This gives a smooth look to the buildings. Plus, it helps keep the interiors cool in the summer.
• Red clay barrel tiles are the most famous material for a roof. They are laid in a gently sloping roof design. This gives a relaxing feel. 
• Arched doorways and windows are everywhere in this style. This creates an elegant look for mid-sized buildings.
• Wrought iron is used on railings and grills on balconies.
• Courtyards and interior gardens are one of the best features of the design. 
• Ceramic tiles are used on the surfaces of the kitchen and bathroom. They are used for decorative purposes in the following colors:
  • vivid blues
  • Greens
  • Yellows
  • reds with floral patterns
• Tower elements and bell towers borrowed directly from old Spanish mission churches. They are found in large buildings.
• Thick walls and door openings are also the most common features borrowed from original colonial buildings.
• Interior spaces consist of the following features:
  • wooden ceiling beams
  • arched openings between rooms
  •  terracotta tile floors 
• Plasterwork and carved stone details are used around doorways and windows to give a creative look.

You can use these features in your buildings by hiring visualizers. Get the Best Architectural Rendering Services from a reliable company. It will help you create unique designs. 

Famous Examples  

1. In the USA, one of the largest collections of this type of buildings is in Balboa Park in San Diego. It is famous for its impressive dome and tower. It still remains beautiful for modern people. This provides a unique outdoor experience.
2. Santa Barbara had an earthquake that completely demolished the city. This forced the town to be rebuilt from the ground up. The city has a strict architectural style which gives the entire area a look of authenticity.  
3. Coral Gables in Florida has a stunning Biltmore Hotel. It is one of the most beautiful examples in the country. It has a big tower and expansive gardens.
4. Another example is the Mission Inn in Riverside, California. This hotel has a unique structure that has been growing over the decades.

Conclusion

The Spanish Colonial Revival style was always in the trend. Architects and builders worked on this design throughout the decades. However, it remains one of the best home styles in the American Southwest. It is not hard to understand. It is beautiful and connected to history. The best way to achieve the desired results must be through advanced renderings.