Theory coined by Vincent J. Scully in 1949 to address the style of mid-19th century American timber-framed domestic architecture and to correlate the desire to express structure with an externally conspicuous and organic wooden frame. The style reflects European traditions based on half-timbered Late Gothic domestic architecture of England, France, and Germany, on Swiss chalet styles, and on Scandinavian and Slavic vernacular building designs.

Definition

Refers to the theory coined by Vincent J. Scully in 1949 to address the style of mid-19th century American timber-framed domestic architecture and to correlate the desire to express structure with an externally conspicuous and organic wooden frame. The style reflects European traditions based on half-timbered Late Gothic domestic architecture of England, France, and Germany, on Swiss chalet styles, and on Scandinavian and Slavic vernacular building designs.

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