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What is a Conch House?

Jessica Ellis
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Updated: May 16, 2024
Views: 14,800
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A conch house is a type of dwelling common throughout Florida and the Bahamas. Dating back to early settlements, these homes were traditionally built using a mortar composed of local materials, including conch shells. Today, conch-style homes are still to be found throughout the area, though are typically made from more modern building materials.

Without an abundance of rock, stone, or brick materials, early settlers in the Florida Keys were forced to get creative in order to build suitable dwellings. The tropical climate of the area was notorious for long heat spells and frequent storms. Houses that could withstand the elements needed to be quite sturdy but also efficient at keeping interior temperatures down. The mortar used to build these dwellings was made up of sand, water, and the lime residue that resulted from burning conch shells, hence the name “conch house.”

As travel to the Caribbean and Florida areas became more convenient, wood became a popular replacement material. The conch house style came to refer to homes built with a blend of Victorian architecture and tropical sensibilities. Energy-efficient, charming, and still sturdy enough to fight off hurricanes, the conch house style of design remains a major influence on architecture in Florida and the Bahamas.

The original conch houses incorporated several design techniques to maximize airflow throughout the home while providing heat and weather protection. Many were built on stilts to allow cool air to collect underneath the house, while shuttered windows allowed breezes in while keeping heat and direct sunlight out. Long or wrap-around porches also became a common feature, to allow inhabitants a covered lounging area when temperatures began to drop. The roof of a conch house was often constructed from metal to reflect the sunlight, and sometimes contained hatches or openings for additional airflow. These combined features created an early form of energy-efficient housing, a quality highly desirable in modern home architecture.

The Victorian-era influence on the conch house is now a major part of its style and design. Gabled roofs, gingerbread trim, and delicately carved balcony railings all became standard parts of a well-made conch house. The style today is often recognized for its blend of Victorian and Caribbean design, creating homes that are refined, delicate, and yet surprisingly strong. There are many excellent examples of conch houses throughout Florida, particularly in Key West. Many restored conch buildings are now historical landmarks, providing accurate depictions of the correct design and style.

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Jessica Ellis
By Jessica Ellis
With a B.A. in theater from UCLA and a graduate degree in screenwriting from the American Film Institute, Jessica Ellis brings a unique perspective to her work as a writer for HomeQuestionsAnswered. While passionate about drama and film, Jessica enjoys learning and writing about a wide range of topics, creating content that is both informative and engaging for readers.
Discussion Comments
By Jester39 — On Jun 06, 2011

Key West hotels and inns are incredibly authentic in style. We stayed in an eyebrow house and had no idea what that meant until we went to a local bookstore and looked it up.

The eyelash house is in the classical revival style, uniquely found in Key West. The eyebrow house is known for a roof that extends down over the 2nd story windows, creating a look of eyebrows, giving extra (and necessary) shade to the 2nd story windows.

By uzumba2 — On Jun 04, 2011

If you like Victorian architecture, you'll love Key West.

Bed and Breakfast Inns in Key West are in several traditional house styles: the conch house and the shotgun are two of my favorites.

The shotgun houses were named because if you stood out front and shot your gun into a "shotgun house", the bullet would go straight out the back door. These homes are small and straightforward. They are also very popular here.

Jessica Ellis
Jessica Ellis
With a B.A. in theater from UCLA and a graduate degree in screenwriting from the American Film Institute, Jessica Ellis...
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