The design of the John A. G. Davis House strikes a balance between invention and convention, between Jeffersonian classicism and central Virginia vernacular. It is a Jeffersonian house in that its inspiration lies in Jeffersonís design for Monticello and the University of Virginia. But it also has its roots in the, center hall, Virginia farmhouse with its hipped roof and brick walls. This is a house type which had evolved over several generations in its response to the Piedmont climate with large windows, high ceilings, raised basement and sheltered porches.
The Tuscan columns, classical cornices, pattern book mantels, arched alcoves, symmetrical plan and proportional relationships all derive from an architectural tradition that springs from Andrea Palladio as interpreted by Thomas Jefferson. What is missing is the design interpretation as practiced by Jefferson; the planís only unique aspect is the creation of a distinct entrance hall and stair hall with the stair not in a prominent position. The greatest evidence that it is Jeffersonian rather than simply classical is the prominent Tuscan portico and the overscaled details, (cornices, architraves, and entablatures.) In these aspects it relates strongly to the buildings at the Academical Village and other Jeffersonian houses.
An interesting aspect of the Davis House is the integrated relationships, the mark of a well-conceived work of architecture. Spaces and elements are related through common proportions. The main facade, portico and entry hall all share the same proportion. Each window sash is a square and four of the rooms are square in plan. There are also stylistic relationships in the use of the Tuscan order as a basis for the design of all elements. The original roof entablature, the portico entablature and the south room mantels are all similarly of Tuscan character with dentils. Jefferson used the Tuscan order at the Academical Village for the hotels and arcades.
The system of interior woodwork in all of the Academical Village buildings is the same as that in the Davis House. The door, window and fireplace architraves are the same. Base moldings relate to the chair-rails; door panels relate to paneled door jambs. Deep and high cornices relate the wall to the ceiling. The configuration of these elements is very similar, to those at the university, although there are variations. Those at the Davis House are somewhat simpler in form befitting the nature of a farmhouse.
There is also an inherent hierarchy in the houseís spatial relationships. The two south facing first floor rooms are the most formal with elaborate mantels, large cornices and twelve foot ceilings. The two rooms above them have the same mantels but ten foot ceilings. The four north rooms are less formal with plain mantels. Although there are eight rooms in a highly ordered, four square plan, each room has a distinctive character due to changes in plan, section and architectural elements.
SOUTH PORTICO
SOUTH ENTRY (exterior view)
ENTRY HALL
INTERIOR DOORWAY
TRIPLE HUNG WINDOW
DINING ROOM MANTEL