Upright and Wing - Characteristics and Elements

Characteristics and Elements

As a type of non-stylistic folk architecture, Upright and Wing houses were generally designed and built by tradesmen as opposed to the owners of the houses. Most Upright and Wing houses are characterized by four main traits. Nearly all are 1½–2 stories, gable roofed, and feature a vertical upright portion that is usually two stories and a perpendicular side section known as the wing. The wing is an ell that is generally 1 story but can be the same height as the upright section.

Though usually non-stylistic, there are minor variations within the style. Upright and Wing houses were laid out in either an L-plan or T-plan. The ell usually has bedrooms and the kitchen while the wing holds a parlor, staircase, and additional bedrooms. Early examples (c.1830–50) have the main entry on the upright portion of the house. Post-1850 examples usually shifted the entryway to the ell portion of the house.

Upright and Wing enjoyed a lengthy period of popularity which partially coincided with the popularity of Greek Revival architecture in the United States. Thus, Upright and Wing houses are often adorned with pilasters, cornice returns and wide entablatures.