Orientation to View

Structures located on corner lots were given special attention to design, the criteria being the presence of two fronts. This feature allowed for two directions from which to orient the view. In this period the practice was described as Looking Two Ways.

Side Facing Gable

Homes with an almost identical design to the street facing gabled structures took on a new aspect when the roof ridge was framed parallel to the street. This alteration to design provided a simple way to vary the appearance of the homes.

Street Facing Gable

The most common house style in Powell River Townsite had a two pitch roof with the ridge beam perpendicular to the street. Triangular shaped roof brackets were more decorative than structural, giving the house a generally more robust appearance.

Upstairs Suites

Company homes in Townsite rarely featured a second storey. Found almost exclusively on Cedar Street, two-storey structures naturally appear taller and boxier than other Townsite homes. Stairs accessed from the back door lead to the 4 rooms upstairs for tenants.

The Hip Roof

Another roof style used in Townsite dwellings was the square, pyramid shaped roof tapering upwards from the four corners. The small scale of this kind of house design was further enhanced by the refrained use of decorative elements such as roof brackets and add-on structures. As well, recessed porches and boxed windows were common features.

Upper Level Management Homes

These luxurious Townsite homes were showcases of the Craftsman style. Unique to this area was the use of paint to highlight the detailed workmanship.   

Mid-Management Homes

Between 1923-1930 a subset of housing was introduced into the town plan for middle management employees. Sited on larger lots these homes consistently featured Tudor Revival styling and had two storey’s and full basements. Roof brackets are absent but add-on porches, street facing gables, Jurgenhead roofs, and tripled windows facing the ocean were all featured.

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