The Defining Features of Mission Homes
What is Mission Style? Let the Architects Tell You!
Mission-style architecture is prevalent throughout the southwestern states, including California, New Mexico, and Texas. Reviving elements of Spanish architecture, this popular building style includes terracotta tile roofs, white stucco, and decorative tile work. Aspects of the Mission style can be seen in everything from historic California bungalows to streamlined contemporary mansions with a flair of Spanish charm. The architects at our Austin, Texas firm explain the history of the style, discuss the Mission influence in Texas, and define the features of Mission architecture.
A Brief History of the Mission Style and Architectural Movement
The Mission-style architectural movement was born out of the Art Nouveau period and came about during the same time as the Craftsman movement during the early 20th century. Stemming from the influence of Art Nouveau, ties to nature and organic forms can be seen through hand-painted tile work, natural colors like terracotta, and a combination of both manmade and natural materials like ironwork and exposed wood beams. Occurring in tandem with the Craftsman movement, Mission-style homes are sometimes referred to as the “Western Craftsman.” Like their Craftsman cousins, Mission houses will showcase custom handmade features, dark woods, distinct front doors, and stone fireplaces.
Mission Style Architecture in Texas
While the Mission style may be more so associated with Southern California and New Mexico, Mission architecture is very prevalent in Texas as well. San Antonio, which is just over an hour away from our Austin, Texas architecture firm, is home to one of the largest concentrations of Spanish Missions, including the historic Alamo. These structures date back to the 18th century, and influences of their design can be found throughout San Antonio and South Texas. Mission architecture in Texas represents a multicultural history and a celebration of the building materials available from the region.
Defining Architectural Features of the Mission Style
Elements of Mission-style architecture can be found in both 1920s bungalows and contemporary estates, which means distinguishing Mission homes can be difficult. Our Austin architects give you the tools you need to recognize both the new and historic Mission houses out there. Here are classic exterior and interior architectural elements you can expect to find in Mission architecture.
Exterior Mission Architectural Elements
Terracotta Tile Roof
When identifying a Mission-style home, one of the easiest elements to spot is a terracotta tile roof. Terracotta roof tiles are made from fired clay and feature a rich red-orange coloring and traditionally curved, interlocking plates. Terracotta roofs are almost exclusively used in Mission and Meditteranean architecture.
White Stucco
Classic Mission homes feature white stucco exteriors that allow their terracotta roofs, black ironwork, and tile details to shine. While most Mission homes will be white, some other popular stucco colors include pink, yellow, or orange.
Exterior Tile Accents
Mission architecture takes inspiration from the Art Nouveau movement with exterior hand-painted tile work inspired by nature. Patterns may feature organic forms inspired by flowers and colors like blue, white, and orange. Tile accents can be found on stairs, window borders, and decorative alcoves.
Quatrefoil Windows
Quatrefoil windows, vents, or openings are often used in more ornate Mission home designs. They will typically appear on dormers or above the main doorway to bring attention and define a focal point of the exterior. The quatrefoil window can be found in historic Spanish structures, like the Alhambra, dating back centuries.
Contemporary Mission Home from DK Studio
Cast Stone Columns, Trims, and Details
Mission homes may also feature cast stone accents, including spiral columns, decorative window trims, and ornamental relief details.
Arches
Arches are a common motif among Mission-style homes. Arches may appear on front porch entryways, windows, and even the front door.
Wood Beams, Doors, and Accents
Like Craftsman houses, Mission-style homes celebrate handcrafted wood detailing, such as wooden beams, doors, and decorative accents like exposed rafters. Typically, wood details will be stained in a dark finish to show off the wood’s grain. In some cases, wood accents may be painted a bright blue to complement the orange color of terracotta roofing.
Painted Ironwork
In Spanish architecture, ironwork is prevalent on balcony railings, courtyard fences, and window guards. This decorative detail is also featured on Mission-style homes. Typically, ironwork will be painted black or even blue for some extra color.
Interior Mission Design Elements
Stained Wood Accents and Beams
Mission home interiors will be similar to Craftsman-style homes in many ways, featuring wood built-ins, beams, and sometimes flooring.
Tile Floors
The Spanish influence of the Mission style will carry through to the interior in the form of tile flooring. Terracotta tiles are common and may include hand-painted accents in colors like blue and green.
Stone Fireplaces and Tile Surrounds
It is common to see nods to nature in Mission homes, and the fireplace is a popular spot to do so. Mission fireplaces may feature stone, similar to Craftsman builds, or hand-painted tile surrounds, bringing in colors and patterns found in the natural world.
Ornate Iron Stair Railings
While Craftsman homes are known for their stunning custom wood staircases, Mission homes are known for their elaborate iron stair railings. Drawing inspiration from old-world Spanish architecture, Mission staircases may feature hand-painted tiles and various ironwork patterns.
Why is the Mission Style So Popular in the Southwest?
The Mission style remains popular in the Southwest today for its ties to history and its timeless look that can take on a cozy or contemporary feel. In our Watersedge project, Mission architectural elements, including white stucco, terracotta tile roofing, and an iron staircase, pair alongside streamlined contemporary features, like massive stacking glass sliding doors. This regional style continues to grow and take on a new life for a new age of design!
Contemporary Mission Home Pool from DK Studio