European Settlers' Building Techniques in America: By Nation

Colonial architecture reflected homeland traditions adapted to New World conditions:

British

• English medieval: half-timbered walls, thatched roofs, central hearths.
• Georgian (18th c.): symmetrical facades, classical details, brick construction.

French

• French colonial: stone, brick, wood; hipped roofs, dormers.
• Acadian (French Canada): wood construction, steeply pitched roofs.

Spanish

• Spanish colonial: stucco, tile roofs, arched openings (Moorish/Gothic influence).
• Pueblo (SW US): adobe bricks, multi-story communal dwellings (Native adaptation).

Dutch

• Dutch colonial: brick walls, gambrel roofs.

German

• German colonial: half-timbering (Fachwerk), steep roofs.

These styles blended with local materials and climate to create regional American architectures.