The style of your home often reflects your personality and interests. When you have enough space to add your creativity, don’t miss to include a portico in your dream house. A portico is not just an entrance to your home; it’s a statement of style and functionality. Whether you have a grand villa or a small house, a well-designed portico enhances the front view of your house while offering protection from the elements.
Read more to understand more about house portico, including their styles and respective maintenance care.
What is a Portico?
The portico of a house is a small structure designed in front of the main entrance door. You can understand this as a simple structure with a roof supported by columns at specific intervals, typically combined as a porch to a building. They are designed for both functional support by providing shelter and enhancing curb appeal. This architectural feature has been used for thousands of years across various civilizations, serving both practical and aesthetic purposes. The word itself comes from the Italian “portico,” which was derived from the Latin “porticus.” Porticos originated in ancient Greek architecture, where they were major features of temples, and their classical design has influenced Roman and subsequent architectural styles.
Benefits of Adding a Portico to Your House
Consider the following advantages to include portico designs for the front door:
Improves Aesthetic Appearance: A thoughtfully designed portico can improve the front view of your home. You can create a welcoming feel to give a lasting first impression.
Climate Adaptive Design: By adding simple portico designs for the front door, you can save it from heavy rain, snow, and harsh sunlight. This will add durability to your house’s front elements, such as the main door and windows.
Property Value: According to real estate experts, a well-maintained portico can add considerable value to your home. Potential buyers usually search for a house with a portico, as it improves the home’s overall appearance and functionality.
Functional Outdoor Space: A portico can improve the functionality of the outdoor space. You can include comfortable seating, potted plants, or other decorative elements to create a comfortable space.
Popular Portico Styles for Home
There are numerous portico design styles to enhance the front view of your house. The following are the most common options in India:
Traditional Indian House Portico Design
Traditional Indian village house portico designs commonly include roofs with Mangalore tiles, columns with floral or minimal crafts, and intricately designed wooden doors. This will create a warm and welcoming feel and allow for good conversation with guests, other common people, and family members.
Classical Greek and Roman Portico Style
Classical Greek porticos are commonly designed with symmetry and use Doric, Ionic, or Corinthian columns to create a grand entrance. The number of columns, like tetrastyle, decides the structure’s name. Greek porticoes are more open and stand separately. However, Roman porticoes are always constructed as part of the building’s front, with different column alignments and depths.
Neo-colonial and Colonial Portico Style
Neo-colonial porticos are distinguished by their decorative mouldings and trims. This style also maintains the symmetry, creating a sense of grandeur.
Colonial portico style is commonly designed with flat roofs supported by simple columns. By keeping the symmetrical layouts, it follows the principles of America’s classical architecture.
Contemporary and Modern Portico Designs
You can always find functionality in modern portico designs. The design will include clean lines, often with flat roofs. Contemporary materials such as steel and glass are commonly used, reducing maintenance. Contemporary porticos can involve ornamental elements with creativity. You can also make experiments by combining both traditional and modern styles.
Victorian Portico Style
The Victorian portico style commonly includes steeply pitched roofs, detailed woodwork, and decorative elements like spindlework and brackets. With Victorian porticoes, you can create grand entrances with innovative visual treatments.
Gothic Portico Style
Gothic porticos commonly include pointed arches, ribbed vaults, and flying buttresses. The major point in this style is a sense of verticality and lightness instead of the heavier elements. The windows are commonly made up of stained glass, creating a grand view.
Mediterranean Portico Style
Mediterranean porticos commonly include arched doorways supported by symmetrical columns. It often includes stuccoed walls, red-tiled roofs, and open spaces; these porticos are designed to accommodate warm climates by promoting natural ventilation.
Zen Style House Portico Design
In this style, you will take inspiration from the global craftsman theme. It commonly includes a timber-framed porch with attractive cuts of cedar wood. This style is often used in Asian-themed houses. You can add customised copper lights in the front corners of the portico to enhance the look. The addition of stylish cedar brackets to decorate the roofline will complete the overall look.
House Portico Design Considerations
Local Climate
Before designing a house portico, understand the local climate. For regions with heavy snowfall, design with steeper roofs design. For heavy rain, include a gable or hip roof; for warm climates, you can easily go for a flat roof.
Size and Proportion to House
Always consider that the portico size is proportional to the size of your home. A portico that is too small or too large will make it look out of place. Also, consider the front door and windows to create a balanced portico design.
Material Selection
The material combinations that you use for the portico will decide its aesthetic appearance and durability. To give a natural feel, you can use Deodar, Teak, Cedar, Mahogany, Oak, Sal, Indian rosewood, Pine, and other wooden types depending on your requirements. Don’t forget to maintain to avoid rotting and insect damage. For a more grand look, add stones, such as limestone or granite. Modern porticos use composite materials for an innovative touch.
Column Types and Positions
Columns are very important to support the portico structure. You can include different column types based on your design requirements, such as square, rectangular, round or with patterns. Pillars should always be positioned at strategic points. Commonly, columns will take place near the corners of the portico, aligning with the portico’s beams. Before placing the columns, check that they don’t block the view or make it hard to walk through so the space feels open and inviting.
Maintenance and Care of House Portico
To maintain your house portico in good condition, you need to take the following care:
- Clean it every week to remove dirt, debris, and moisture, preventing rot, mould, and stains.
- Check for loose boards, shaky columns, or a sagging roof to ensure it stays strong.
- Use water-resistant paint to protect it from rain and last longer.
Working with Experts for Portico Design for Home
A portico is not just an entryway feature but an upgrade combining style, function, and value. To enhance your house’s curb appeal, protect your entryway, and include an outdoor space, you need to consult an experienced architect or a construction company like Brick & Bolt. They can help you choose the best portico design for your house.
Hemali Patel