The veranda is one of the major external architectural features of any home, and its history is well worth a look. The early verandas were actually part of traditional architecture, a way of creating covered space outside wooden and even log homes. Verandas regularly show up in modern architecture in some form or another.
Architectural fashion being what it is, it’s fascinating to watch the design concepts as they deal with one of the oldest of all architectural forms. Typically, the design concepts of any era are a jumble of ideas glued together with references to other architectural forms, it’s truly remarkable to see how one basic idea can turn into so many different designs.
The origin of word veranda or verandah is a bit confused. The development of the word is like a communications workshop exercise, trying to keep a message straight. Some sources say it’s an Indian word meaning “balcony”, or an adaption of the Spanish version of an Indian word. In fact, verandas are a feature of practically all forms of architecture around the world in some form. If you’re interested in etymology, it’s worth noting that the balcony resembles a veranda more than a veranda resembles a balcony.
Another family member is the patio. The patio is basically an upmarket, stylized veranda, in European culture derived from the Spanish, who in turn got the basic architectural idea from the Moors during their occupation of Spain. The patio is a true cultural icon in its own right, freely adapted in architecture for hundreds of years.
The last but perhaps best known suburbanite member of the family is the porch. This is a fixture in many American home designs, dating back to old wooden front porches and rocking chairs. The old porch designs were basically verandas. The modern forms are true, solid architectural features built in to the house designs. Interestingly, the American porch is believed to have first been introduced in its original form in the “shotgun house” designs of the African slaves!
The practical history of the veranda was just that- Practical, and very functional. Early verandas were exceptionally useful, providing extra floor space outside to stack logs and put stores, freeing up space inside. The veranda also doubled as a covered working space, particularly useful in areas where being able to work close to home also meant not dragging heavy tools around outdoors in all sorts of weather. Today, it’s an extension of the home, used in countless different ways.
The patio became a symbol of luxury, the “executive veranda”, but in fairness it also produced some great architectural designs in all cultures, from the incredible Mogul designs to European palaces and upmarket modern architecture straight out of the CAD designer’s minds.
Verandas and their relatives are true parts of any home. The suburban porch has become almost folk art. Almost ignored in the market, and often described as “quaint”, “retro” and “picturesque” by the typically verbose design magazines, it’s here to stay, like its relatives. Try finding anyone who’s ever had a favorite home porch, patio or veranda who’d want to live without one.
