Neoclassical Features of the House

design solution

Symmetrical, balanced floor plan

Temple-like façade (columns rise the full height of the structure,
with a portico and triangular pediment with entablature)

Repetition of geometric forms

Palladian windows and fanlights

Roofline balustrades

A dome and interior columns add grandeur, bringing the eye up,
creating a sense of space

RESEARCH

RESEARCH

RESEARCH

I was assigned the Neoclassical architectural style, which is all about symmetry and balance. At first, I thought this would be easy, but as I learned, symmetry can be quite tricky.

The loft sits above the kitchen and it's reserved for the caretaker, or guests. Because the space is small, built-ins were added to maximize storage and space. A bench provides additional seating and plants block the railing for privacy. The dome of the house is closest to the loft and makes the space feel open and nest-like.

Second Floor Plan

  • Research Details

    four key elements of neoclassical

    Façade

    • Columned porticos
      (often extending the full height of the structure)

    • Triangular pediments

    • Dentil moldings

    • Roof-line balustrades

    Shape

    • The façade and overall composition are symmetrical/balanced

    • May have a domed roof

    • Scale of grandeur

    Levels

    • Homes are often
      two stories

    Windows

    • Multi-paned

    • Palladian

    • Round/elliptical

    • Fanlights

  • Research Details

    The Golden Mean (which means "thirds" are pleasing proportions to the eye) was taken from Classical architecture and implemented in Neoclassical. The use of orders (Doric, Ionic, Corinthian), pediments, entablature, and portico (a "temple" style façade) were also developed from Classical styles and implemented in Neoclassical architecture. Classical architecture is looked upon as being the "rules" for architecture because it has stood the test of time.

    the golden mean

Design Challenge

Footprint

Size

Site

Style

Location

Considerations

Notes

No footprint provide—designer to determine

1,200 Heated SF

3-acres

Neoclassical

Along the Cape Fear River in North Carolina

Universal and sustainable design

The home should work in harmony with the natural environment

Neoclassical Architecture Inspiration

Neoclassical Architecture Inspiration

As my primary source of inspiration, I turned to Italian Renaissance Architect, Andrea Palladio, who awakened interest in classical architecture in the 1500s. Palladio's Villa Rotonda (1550–51) captured my interest and served as my muse for this project.

Photo of the Villa Rotunda by Gunnar Ridderström on Unsplash.

Photo of the Villa Rotunda by Gunnar Ridderström on Unsplash.

Photo of the Villa Rotunda by Gunnar Ridderström on Unsplash.

Photo of the Villa Rotunda by Gunnar Ridderström on Unsplash.

To better understand this style of architecture, I designed a 750 SF floor plan and built a model of the floor plan by hand.

I developed this Neoclassical design and floor plan from scratch. It encompasses 1,200 heated square feet, which includes the first floor and loft, excluding the sunspace.

First Floor Plan

Concept

The concept of this home draws inspiration from Italian architect Andrea Palladio and the retreat's location along the Cape Fear River. Titled 'River Sonata,' the name combines these influences. 'Sonata,' derived from the Italian word 'sonare' (to sound), reflects the natural symphony created by the area's birds, squirrels, frogs, insects, and rustling leaves. This residence aims to blend seamlessly with this melody, creating a healthy, renewing environment while embracing Neoclassical style.

Bubble Diagram

These are rough, 5-minute sketches showing the South façade elevation and section of the house, which features windows to heat the thermal mass in the sunspace, roofline balustrades, a dome, doric columns, a rooftop garden (deck), trellis, and spiral staircases to gain access to the deck.

Elevation and Section of the House

For sustainability reasons, I oriented the residence to take advantage of passive solar design.

For sustainability reasons, I oriented the residence to take advantage of passive solar design.

Since there will typically only be one person residing in the house, the first floor bedroom has an open floor plan. To create privacy, fabric panels drape across the bed’s canopy rails. This creates a nest-like feel for the bed and allows the resident to sleep peacefully and privately. Furnishings in the bedroom emphasize the home’s coastal, river surroundings.

First Floor Bedroom

Neoclassical Model

First Floor Bedroom Location

First Floor Bedroom Elevation (sketch)

First Floor Bedroom Elevation

First Floor Bedroom Fabrics

First Floor Bedroom Furnishings

© Mary Rose Design 2025

© Mary Rose Design 2025

© Mary Rose Design 2025

© Mary Rose Design 2025

Rough hand sketch

Design Challenge

Footprint

Size

Site

Style

Location

Considerations

Notes

No footprint provide, designer to determine

1,200 Heated SF

3-acres

Neoclassical

Along the Cape Fear River in North Carolina

Universal and sustainable design

The home should work in harmony with the natural environment

Overview

I designed a home for a conceptual 3-acre meditation retreat along the Cape Fear River in North Carolina, intended for individuals seeking rehabilitation after life-altering experiences. I incorporated inclusive design principles, along with passive solar design and sustainable materials to enhance the connection with nature and promote healing.

MY ROLE

Interior Design Student

SCHOOL

Meredith College, CIDA-accredited program

PROJECT TYPE

Residential/Commercial Design

DURATION

1.5 months

PRIMARY TOOLS

Pencil, Paper, AutoCad, InDesign, Photoshop

Photo of the Cape Fear River (above) by Rich Brents on Unsplash.

DESIGN

DESIGN

DESIGN

After studying Neoclassical architecture to deepen my understanding of the style, I developed the overall concept for the retreat, including its footprint and floor plan, and selected eco-friendly furnishings to support the sustainable vision.

  • Neoclassical Features of the House

    design solution

    Symmetrical, balanced floor plan

    Temple-like façade (columns rise the full height of the structure,
    with a portico and triangular pediment with entablature)

    Repetition of geometric forms

    Palladian windows and fanlights

    Roofline balustrades

    A dome and interior columns add grandeur, bringing the eye up,
    creating a sense of space

  • Orientation and Sustainable Features

    design solution

    Passive solar design with a sunspace that acts as a thermal mass

    Garage and Deciduous trees buffer the sun

    The house is earth-bermed for temperature regulation (North façade)

    Local greenery promotes healthy indoor air quality

    Bamboo flooring throughout the house

    Furnishings have sustainable properties

    Adhesives and paint are zero VOC

    Window orientation: maximize windows on South, minimize on North, East, West

    Low-flow faucets, tankless water heater

    Open floor plan for cross ventilation

  • Inclusive Design Features

    design solution

    Wainscoting acts as a railing (helps those with motor difficulties)

    Dark floors pop against light walls (helps with visual impairment)

    Kitchen: low counters, sink/range open underneath, accessible appliances

    Lever door handles

    Bathroom: pocket doors, roll-in shower

    The garage and observatory walkways are covered

    The earth is bermed around the portico, creating ramps

    5' turnarounds throughout the house

  • Research Details

    four key elements of neoclassical

    Façade

    • Columned porticos

    • Triangular pediments

    • Dentil moldings

    • Roof-line balustrades

    Shape

    • The façade and overall composition are symmetrical

    • May have domed roof

    • Scale of grandeur

    Levels

    • Homes are often
      two stories

    Windows

    • Multi-paned

    • Palladian

    • Round/elliptical

    • Fanlights

  • Research Details

    The Golden Mean (which means "thirds" are pleasing proportions to the eye) was taken from Classical architecture and implemented in Neoclassical. The use of orders (Doric, Ionic, Corinthian), pediments, entablature, and portico (a "temple" style façade) were also developed from Classical styles and implemented in Neoclassical architecture. Classical architecture is looked upon as being the "rules" for architecture because it has stood the test of time.

    the golden mean

  • Neoclassical Features of the House

    design solution

    Symmetrical, balanced floor plan

    Temple-like façade (columns rise the full height of the structure,
    with a portico and triangular pediment with entablature)

    Repetition of geometric forms

    Palladian windows and fanlights

    Roofline balustrades

    A dome and interior columns add grandeur, bringing the eye up,
    creating a sense of space

  • Orientation and Sustainable Features

    design solution

    Passive solar design with a sunspace that acts as a thermal mass

    Garage and Deciduous trees buffer the sun

    The house is earth-bermed for temperature regulation (North façade)

    Local greenery promotes healthy indoor air quality

    Bamboo flooring throughout the house

    Furnishings have sustainable properties

    Adhesives and paint are zero VOC

    Window orientation: maximize windows on South, minimize on North, East, West

    Low-flow faucets, tankless water heater

    Open floor plan for cross ventilation

  • Inclusive Design Features

    design solution

    Wainscoting acts as a railing (helps those with motor difficulties)

    Dark floors pop against light walls (helps with visual impairment)

    Kitchen: low counters, sink/range open underneath, accessible appliances

    Lever door handles

    Bathroom: pocket doors, roll-in shower

    The garage and observatory walkways are covered

    The earth is bermed around the portico, creating ramps

    5' turnarounds throughout the house

Coastal Carolinas

NEXT Section: Photography

River Sonata
House

River Sonata House

Research Details

four key elements of neoclassical

Façade

  • Columned porticos

  • Triangular pediments

  • Dentil moldings

  • Roof-line balustrades

Shape

  • The façade and overall composition are symmetrical

  • May have domed roof

  • Scale of grandeur

Levels

  • Homes are often
    two stories

Windows

  • Multi-paned

  • Palladian

  • Round/elliptical

  • Fanlights

The Golden Mean (which means "thirds" are pleasing proportions to the eye) was taken from Classical architecture and implemented in Neoclassical. The use of orders (Doric, Ionic, Corinthian), pediments, entablature, and portico (a "temple" style façade) were also developed from Classical styles and implemented in Neoclassical architecture. Classical architecture is looked upon as being the "rules" for architecture because it has stood the test of time.

the golden mean

Neoclassical Features of the House

design solution

Symmetrical, balanced floor plan

Temple-like façade (columns rise the full height of the structure,
with a portico and triangular pediment with entablature)

Repetition of geometric forms

Palladian windows and fanlights

Roofline balustrades

A dome and interior columns add grandeur, bringing the eye up,
creating a sense of space

Orientation and Sustainable Features

design solution

Passive solar design with a sunspace that acts as a thermal mass

Garage and Deciduous trees buffer the sun

The house is earth-bermed for temperature regulation (North façade)

Local greenery promotes healthy indoor air quality

Bamboo flooring throughout the house

Furnishings have sustainable properties

Adhesives and paint are zero VOC

Window orientation: maximize windows on South, minimize on North, East, West

Low-flow faucets, tankless water heater

Open floor plan for cross ventilation

Inclusive Design Features

design solution

Wainscoting acts as a railing (helps those with motor difficulties)

Dark floors pop against light walls (helps with visual impairment)

Kitchen: low counters, sink/range open underneath, accessible appliances

Lever door handles

Bathroom: pocket doors, roll-in shower

The garage and observatory walkways are covered

The earth is bermed around the portico, creating ramps

5' turnarounds throughout the house

RESEARCH

I was assigned the Neoclassical architectural style, which is all about symmetry and balance. At first, I thought this would be easy, but as I learned, symmetry can be quite tricky.

Research Details

four key elements of neoclassical

Façade

  • Columned porticos

  • Triangular pediments

  • Dentil moldings

  • Roof-line balustrades

Shape

  • The façade and overall composition are symmetrical

  • May have domed roof

  • Scale of grandeur

Levels

  • Homes are often
    two stories

Windows

  • Multi-paned

  • Palladian

  • Round/elliptical

  • Fanlights

The Golden Mean (which means "thirds" are pleasing proportions to the eye) was taken from Classical architecture and implemented in Neoclassical. The use of orders (Doric, Ionic, Corinthian), pediments, entablature, and portico (a "temple" style façade) were also developed from Classical styles and implemented in Neoclassical architecture. Classical architecture is looked upon as being the "rules" for architecture because it has stood the test of time.

the golden mean

DESIGN

After studying Neoclassical architecture to deepen my understanding of the style, I developed the overall concept for the retreat, including its footprint and floor plan, and selected eco-friendly furnishings to support the sustainable vision.

Orientation and Sustainable Features

design solution

Passive solar design with a sunspace that acts as a thermal mass

Garage and Deciduous trees buffer the sun

The house is earth-bermed for temperature regulation (North façade)

Local greenery promotes healthy indoor air quality

Bamboo flooring throughout the house

Furnishings have sustainable, eco-friendly properties

Adhesives and paint are zero VOC

Window orientation: maximize windows on South, minimize on North, East, West

Low-flow faucets, tankless water heater

Open floor plan for cross ventilation

Inclusive Design Features

design solution

Wainscoting acts as a railing (helps those with motor difficulties)

Dark floors pop against light walls (helps with visual impairment)

Kitchen: low counters, sink and range open underneath, accessible appliances

Lever door handles

Bathroom: pocket doors, roll-in shower

The garage and observatory walkways are covered

The earth is bermed around the portico, creating ramps

5' turnarounds throughout the house

Portfolio / INTERIORS