Creole Architecture Notes
Some things we already know!
Some things we can learn!
Raised Creole Plantation
Houses-Exterior
 House raised 6 to 8 feet
on brick piers
 2 stories high
– 1st floor used for storage
– attic not used
– 2nd floor living space
 Gallery- covered porch
 Gable or pitched roof
 Columns support roof
 Central chimney
Creole Cottages-Exterior
 House raised on brick
piers
 1 or 1 1/2 stories high
– Attic not used
 Gallery- covered porch
 Gable or pitched roof
 Columns support roof
 Central chimney
Image courtesy of Magnolia Mound
Plantation, Baton Rouge, LA.
Creole Houses-Interior
 Rectangular floor plan
 No hallways
 No stairs inside
 Cabinets beside rear
gallery
 French Doors
 At least 2 rooms wide
Creole Houses-Interior Walls
 Walls made of bousillage, a mixture of Spanish
moss and mud placed between the timbers to create a
wall
Creole Townhouses
 No hallways
 Rear courtyard
 No stairs inside
 Narrow front balcony
with wrought iron
banisters
 Carriageway
 At least 2 stories
– 1st floor for commercial
use
– 2nd floor living area
Pigeonniers
 Common on Creole
plantations
 Contained nesting boxes
for pigeons
 Provided meat and
fertilizer
 1 or 1 ½ stories
– 1st level storage/office
– 2nd level pigeon coop