During the Colonial Period, settlers in the United States would often design their houses to be reminiscent of those of their homeland. When the English settled in New England, the weather played a significant role in the way their homes would be designed. They took the elements of their English-styles homes and made adaptations which would protect them from harsh weather during the winter months. The new style they created is now often referred to as the Cape Cod style of architecture.
The biggest factor to take into consideration when designing their homes was the cold. In order to conserve heat, the English gave their homes low ceilings with a central chimney. Atop the ceiling would be a steep roof, which allowed for much of the snow to fall off the…
