A shirtwaist house is a type of residential building that was popular in the early 20th century. It was named after the shirtwaist blouse, which was a popular garment for women during that time. The shirtwaist house was a three-story building that was typically constructed with a brick exterior. It was designed to maximize living space, and it was a popular choice for middle-class families.
One of the distinctive features of a shirtwaist house is the location of the belt-course, which is located at the center of the house. When pushed up higher, it becomes a sill-course, even with the window sill on the second floor. This design element was intended to create more natural light for the second floor of the house.
Another feature of a shirtwaist house is the higher waistline, which is also a reference to the shirtwaist blouse. This design element creates a more vertical appearance for the house, and it also provides more space for the third floor.
Although shirtwaist houses were sold across the country, the majority of the blouses were created in Philadelphia and New York City. In Manhattan alone, there were over 450 textile factories that employed approximately 40,000 garment workers, many of them immigrants.
The construction of shirtwaist houses was a response to the growing demand for affordable housing for middle-class families. These houses were typically built in urban areas, and they were often located close to public transportation and other amenities.
In addition to their affordability, shirtwaist houses were also designed to be practical and efficient. The open floor plan on the first floor allowed for easy movement beteen rooms, and the narrow, steep staircases provided access to the upper floors without taking up too much space.
While shirtwaist houses were popular in the early 20th century, they eventually fell out of favor as new housing designs emerged. However, they remain an important part of architectural history, and they continue to be appreciated for their practicality and unique design features.
The shirtwaist house was a popular type of residential building in the early 20th century. It was named after the shirtwaist blouse, and it was designed to be affordable, practical, and efficient. Although it is no longer a popular housing design, the shirtwaist house remains an important part of architectural history.
Why Do They Call A House A Shirtwaist?
The term “shirtwaist” in architecture refers to the higher waistline found in women’s fashion during the early 20th century. This term was applied to houses that were built during that time, which typically featured a horizontal belt-course located at the center of the house. When this belt-course was pushed higher to become even with the window sill on the second floor, it became a sill-course, and the house was referred to as a shirtwaist. It is important to note that this term is specific to architecture and does not have the same meaning as it does in fashion.
Where Is Shirtwaist?
Shirtwaist is a type of blouse that was popular in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Although it was sold across the United States, the majority of shirtwaist blouses were produced in Philadelphia and New York City. In fact, Manhattan alone had over 450 textile factories during this time period, which employed around 40,000 garment workers. Many of these workers were immigrants who came to the United States seeking better economic opportunities.
Conclusion
The shirtwaist house is a unique architectural style that emerged in the early 20th century, characterized by its narrow design and prominent windows. These houses were typically built in urban areas and were popular among middle-class families. The term “shirtwaist” refers to the high waistline found in women’s fashion at the time, and the houses were often named after this style. Despite being small in size, these houses were designed to maximize space and provide ample natural light and ventilation. The shirtwaist house remains an iconic symbol of early 20th-century architecture and continues to be appreciated by homeowners and architecture enthusiasts alike.
