Design and construction techniques of an American vernacular architect : the work of Dr. Henry Chapman Mercer

Abstract

The design and building process of Dr. Henry Chapman Mercer is explored for its relationship to vernacular design. The vehicle for this exploration is 'Fonthill,' the home of Dr. Mercer constructed by him in 1908. Complete measured drawings of Fonthill and cylindrical perspective photography were used to document the existing building. Analysis includes excerpts from Mercer's design and construction drawings, design model and design notebook. Discussion and analysis center around the design and bu{lding strategies that contributed to the character or 'sense of place' of Fonthill. The appendices include discussion of measuring and drawing methods employed in producing the measured drawings, and discussion of cylindrical perspective photography techniques utilizing a pinhole camera.