PORTLAND ARCHITECTURE · A FIELD GUIDE
Wartime Cottage
1935–1950
Built fast, built small, built to last.
Wartime cottages, often grouped with the broader Minimal Traditional style, were built quickly and economically through the Depression and the Second World War. They are small, usually one or one-and-a-half stories, with simple gabled roofs, tight eaves, and very little ornament. They keep a traditional look while stripping it down to essentials, and many have been expanded or updated over the decades.
How to recognize it
Compact footprint
A small, rectangular or L-shaped plan on one or one-and-a-half stories.
Simple gabled roof
A low to moderate pitch with minimal overhangs.
Little ornament
Plain trim, perhaps shutters or a small entry hood, and not much else.
Small front stoop
A modest step or stoop instead of a full porch.
Simple siding
Wood lap siding, asbestos-cement shingles, or later replacement siding.
What Nathan looks at on a tour
Nathan’s 23-year career in structural engineering shapes what he notices on a walk-through. These notes are general, informational guidance for houses of this era and construction type, not a diagnosis of any particular home. Use them as questions for a licensed home inspector and the right specialists.
Materials of the era
Materials from this period, such as some siding shingles, floor tiles, and pipe insulation, may contain asbestos. Ask the inspector what might warrant testing before remodeling.
Electrical service
Original electrical service was often small by current standards. Ask a licensed electrician about panel capacity and any remaining original wiring.
Crawlspace and foundation
Ask about crawlspace moisture, vapor barrier, insulation, and whether the house is bolted to its foundation.
Additions and conversions
Many cottages have added rooms or finished attics. Ask about permits and how the additions tie into the original structure.
Living with it
The small size of these houses keeps maintenance manageable, and their simple structure makes them good candidates for thoughtful additions or attic conversions where zoning and permits allow. Energy upgrades, like insulation, windows, and heat pumps, often make a noticeable difference. When remodeling, testing for asbestos and lead before disturbing old materials is a standard step.
Questions, answered plainly
Can a wartime cottage be expanded?
Often, yes, through a rear addition, a dormer, or an attic conversion. Lot size, zoning, and the existing structure shape what is practical, so it helps to talk with a designer and check local rules early.
Are asbestos siding shingles a problem?
Intact asbestos-cement siding is generally left in place or managed by specialists. The key is not to cut, sand, or break it without proper precautions. Ask an inspector or abatement contractor for guidance.
Touring a wartime cottage? Ask Nathan what to look for.
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