Traditional neighborhood developments (TNDs) strive to recapture many of the traditional elements of town planning. These neotraditional small towns and historic neighborhoods integrate various housing styles and sizes with a network of streets that encourage pedestrian activity and interaction. In contrast with the conventional suburban approach of placing houses far away from the street, TND homes are pulled forward toward narrower, tree-lined streets. This creates streetscapes reminiscent of many neighborhoods built during the early part of this century. Since most of the elements of TNDs are based on details and ideas from our heritage, it's not surprising that one of the most important elements of a TND home is the front porch.

The

Plan L-215-VSB. Photo by Mark Englund/Home Plans LLC.

significance the front porch plays in the overall concept of TNDs is evident in the fact that many new traditional developments encourage front porches on a large percentage of all homes. The overall goal of these new neighborhoods is to recreate the social interaction that has disappeared from most of our current subdivisions. Simply moving the houses closer to the streets and providing tree-lined sidewalks doesn't guarantee pedestrian interaction. However, by locating porches close to the sidewalks, residents can easily converse with neighbors as they pass by. Contrary to most conventional subdivisions, traditional neighborhoods encourage residents to become acquainted with their neighbors. One result of people knowing one another is a renewed sense of safety, both for children and adults.

Not

A bungalow-styled porch in Middleton Hills, a neotraditional neighborhood in Madison, Wisconsin. Photo by Jason Miller.

only is the concept of a front porch an integral part of TND, but the actual design is also critical. For any porch to be a practical and inviting place for people to gather, it must be spacious. Most guidelines stipulate that a porch be at least eight feet in depth and 10 feet to 12 feet in width. These dimensions are adequate for a swing and several rocking chairs. Proper proportion and scale, along with strict attention to detail, are also essential elements of most TND guidelines. It is important that the porch be raised at least 24 inches from the level of the sidewalk. This elevation of the house provides a sense of privacy, even though the porch is located close to the street. The proportion, size and detail of the porch columns and balustrades are of equal concern.

It's

Plan J-86140. Photo by Mark Englund/Home Plans LLC.

been said that the demise of our neighborhoods began when porches started disappearing from the fronts of our homes. While such a statement is obviously an oversimplification, the re-emergence of the front porch is a vital part of the TND design philosophy of recreating neighborhoods and towns with a strong sense of community.

Find homes that offer porches with purpose. Visit the Plan Search at TNDhomes.com and select "Country" under the "Building Style" criteria list.

Related articles: Wise Acres: America's New Traditional Neighborhoods; 3 Ps of Traditional Neighborhood Homes; A Room Without Walls.

Larry Garnett, of Larry W. Garnett & Associates, Inc., is a member of the American Institute of Building Design's College of Fellows and a sought-after lecturer nationally. Based near Fort Worth, Texas, the company's designs have been published in such magazines as House Beautiful, Southern Living, Better Homes & Gardens, HOME, Professional Builder and Home Plans LLC. Larry Garnett homes have been built throughout the United States, and in Canada, Australia and Ireland. Larry W. Garnett & Associates, Inc., has received numerous awards from the Texas Institute of Building Design. Recent projects include a speaking engagement at the National Association of Home Builders' Seniors Housing Show, and a new TND home (L-0004-UDA) based on focus-group feedback gathered by Professional Builder.