Learning from the Past Series: The Four Books of Architecture by Palladio

The architect Palladio lived during the 16th century and was very active designing and building villas in the Veneto region of Italy, which includes the beautiful Italian towns of Venice and Vicenza. He used Vitruvius as a model, among others, and went on to write his own treatise on architecture, and his Four Books of Architecture today is considered a Bible of sorts for historic architects. He offers the following guidance for the design of a personal villa:

As in Vitruvius, there are three things which are key in designing a space. These are: Utility (maintenance), Duration (longevity), and Beauty. Or, paraphrased - use the finest materials you can afford, not just for beauty, but because they will last and be easy to maintain.

There should always be a odd number of steps. (Interestingly, this is because the ancients thought that to start and end on the right foot was a good omen.) These steps should be about 6 inches high and 12 inches deep, minimum.

In the north, where there is snow, use a pitched roof with durable materials (not earth). Otherwise, use only enough angle in the roof the shed rain. (Note: This will also minimize the amount of attic or open ceiling space you have, which also minimizes heating and cooling needs.)

Place gutters such that they throw the water at least 1.5 feet away from walls.

Put load bearing walls within the structure instead of without the structure so that if the walls rot, the structure will still be viable. (Now that's a no waste attitude!)

The lowest level of the house should be used for cellars, wine, pantries, kitchens, servants halls, wood magazines, washhouses, etc... This serves two purposes - it keeps these things separated, and it raises the main floor away from rising damp from the earth (this area of Italy is a humid environment), thereby keeping it more comfortable and providing access to the cleaner and clearer winds that blow about 10' above the ground! It also allows for the best views.

Rooms for summer should be large and turned towards the north.

Rooms for winter should be smaller to reduce heating needs and turned towards the south and west for solar gain.

Rooms for autumn and spring, studies, bedrooms, and libraries should be turned to the east, overlook lawns and gardens.

The largest rooms should be in the center of the house, and surrounded on at least 3 sides by smaller rooms. The main room should have a great view.

The main house should be centered on the land.

Never build near standing water. Only near flowing water.