Architectural Continuity

Just like in the Dallas Historic Districts, one house is probably not a historic landmark, but the collection of houses is historically and architecturally significant. Here, these Basque, indigenous style, 18th century houses looking over the sea reflect the region. I have often wondered why the architectural continuity of historic homes is charming when architectural conformity of new houses is monotonous. One reason might be that a collection of historic homes have stood the test of time, they have architectural merit that goes beyond architectural fads or trends. Now, even houses built in the 1980s and 1990s are being torn down because styles have transitioned. Finding a home built in the 1970s is even more rare. Another reason why the architectural continuity of a collection of historic homes resonates is that their design had a purpose besides just looking good. In overt and subtle ways the architecture that survives reflects the environment and provides the elements that make us happy in a home. In the photograph, the corner room that supplemented my even more primitive beach home is not a palace. However, it overlooks the sea in two directions, exterior doors and windows are kept open capturing the breezes and the sweet sounds of the surf. In some ways, the simpler the building, the easier it is to transition to nature, land or sea.
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