Design Dictionary

Design Dictionary

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Architecture → Design Dictionary

Elephant Leg Column

Weigh this stout architectural element if you're going for a Craftsman-style exterior or interior

Bud Dietrich, AIA January 1, 2000

Houzz Contributor. My name is Bud Dietrich and I am an architect located in the Tampa Bay area of Florida. I am licensed to practice architecture in Illinois, Florida, New Jersey & Wisconsin. Since 1996 I have worked from my home office and provide full architectural services exclusively to the single family residential market. My passion is to transform my clients' houses into their homes. I strive to have the "new" home accommodate my clients' lives without fighting them at every junction. I look to add curb appeal to encourage a beautiful streetscape. And I design any addition to look and feel like it has always been there. Our projects have won numerous design awards as well as having been featured on television (CBS News Sunday Morning, HGTV, CLTV, etc.), in magazines (Better Homes...

Houzz Contributor. My name is Bud Dietrich and I am an architect located in the Tampa... More

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The elephant leg column is as much a part of Craftsman style as quarter-sawn oak. This column is tapered. Starting out massive at its base, it tapers to a smaller top, or capital. It also has a simplicity of detail that fits in with its Craftsman heritage. How the column got its name is a mystery — but it does look like a stout elephant leg holding up a roof.

Craftsman Exterior by Alfonso and Harmon Architects

Alfonso and Harmon Architects

Elephant leg columns are often set atop a low wall to keep them shorter. Stout and stubby, they convey solidity and massiveness.

Craftsman by Innovative Design Build

Innovative Design Build

These columns are also used in interiors. Homes with open-plan interiors often have rooms created by screens and built-in elements such as bookcases. The elephant leg column can be used to define each room and bring a feeling of solidity to the interior.

Craftsman Exterior by Beaconstreet Builders, Inc.

Beaconstreet Builders, Inc.

The elephant leg column dates to the early 20th century, but it continues to be used today, sometimes in playful ways.

Exterior by Bud Dietrich, AIA

Bud Dietrich, AIA

As a motif, these columns add authenticity to any renovation for which Craftsman style is the goal.

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Comments (2)

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Laurie Bakay

We are building a home, inspired by Lena's Cottage, which we found on Houzz.com. and were wondering what spacing guidelines people have used to have a balanced look. Our front porch will be approx 32ft and the entrance door will be centered

Like July 2, 2013 at 9:11AM

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Bud Dietrich, AIA

Laurie - check out this ideabook:

https://st.hzcdn.com/simgs/pictures/exteriors/mediterranean-splendor-mahoney-architects-and-interiors-img~a571e39d0b9e7632_9-9463-1-af25ff3.jpg" src=" https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/pictures/exteriors/mediterranean-splendor-mahoney-architects-and-interiors-img~a571e39d0b9e7632_9463-1-af25ff3-w240-h180-b0-p0.jpg" data-pin-no-hover="true" width="240" height="180" onmousedown="preventImageDrag(event)" ondragstart="return false" onselectstart="return false" oncontextmenu="PhotoContextMenu.show(event,46325);return false;"/>

Ideabook: Architect's Toolbox: Scale and Proportion · See Ideabook

There are also classical rules about spacing that have to do with height, diameter, etc. You might want to check out library books by Vitruvius, Palladio, etc. Of course, hiring an architect who has experience with what you're doing would be the best solution.

2 Likes July 2, 2013 at 9:16AM

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