The mansard roof is arguably the most distinctive feature of Second Empire architecture. This architectural movement began in France and spread throughout Europe and North America. The flat top roof is a dual-pitched hipped roof with generally steep slopes. Window dormers are often added to create an additional living space.

To help us better identify this roof design, let’s examine 15 depictions of the mansard roof as seen in various residential, commercial, and historic structures.

1. The Louvre

While not technically the first mansard roof, the wing additions to the Louvre commissioned by Napoleon in the 19th century are some of the earliest examples of this aesthetic. With fervor the style spread throughout the city during the renovation of Paris and throughout parts of Europe.

2. Parisian Maison

This dreamy Parisian maison in the prestigious Rue de l’Université area is a tri-level wonder. The mansard roof creates an inhabitable third story. Dormer windows align with the shutter flanked windows of the first and second story.

3. Château de Maisons

Designed by the architect the mansard roof is named for, this chateau was designed by François Mansart in the 17th century. The French Baroque architecture showcases the impeccable symmetry, balance, and opulent grandeur. Mansart’s design became a model for other Baroque structures in the years following.

4. Charming Parisian Apartments

Baron Haussmann is a central figure in the 19th century modernization of Paris. His influence can be seen in the charming apartment buildings lining Parisian boulevards. The added living space masked by the mansard roof acted as a tax shelter during a time when taxes where assessed by the number of floors.

5. Palace Hotel in Spain

The Westin Palace Hotel in the heart of Madrid is a city icon. Built in 1912, the mansard roof is evidence of the French design spreading and influencing architecture throughout Europe.

6. Renovated New England Home

Cambridge Massachusetts is no stranger to historical properties. Built in 1870 the recent listing showcases modern living in a historic home. The mansard roof is sparingly adorned with shed windows.

7. Queen Anne Victorian in Canada

Canada also succumbed to the mansard roof aesthetic. In Ontario, this brick Queen Anne Victorian has a wood shingle roof and arched top dormers. The flat roof hexagonal tower is consistent with the rest of the mansard roof.

8. Victorian Row Houses

Lafayette Square in St. Louis is a National Historic District teeming with restored homes in recent years. This particular row of Victorian houses were constructed during the second empire wave of architecture. All homes have dormer windows with scroll detailing at the base and pediment hood moldings. One even has cresting along the roof line, providing distinction from the others.

9. Italianate in Louisville

This Kentucky house is in the Italianate style with a mansard roof. The brackets beneath the eaves, scroll bracket hood molding over the windows, and elaborately framed doors are typical of Italianate architecture.

10. General Grant Style Courthouse

Second Empire architecture is sometimes referred to as the “General Grant Style”, a nod to President Ulysses S. Grant. The style was often used during the Grant administration and after the Civil War for federal buildings, courthouses, and government offices. The Muskingum Court House in Ohio built in 1877 showcases the mansard roof so often found in General Grant style buildings.

11. Country Estate

Nestled among the trees, this countryside home appears to have an abundance of square footage thanks to the third floor concealed under the mansard roof. Second Empire influences were not restricted to urban regions. The style gained popularity throughout the country.

12. Georgetown Greek Revival

Georgetown, Washington D.C. is a neighborhood brimming with 19th century charm. This Greek Revival style home retains is a classic beauty with added contemporary touches. The in-swing casement windows and dentil molding below the mansard roof are highlighted by the black and white color scheme.

13. Commercial Buildings

It’s not all glitz and glam for the mansard roof. McDonald’s restaurants were especially fond of this look for many years. An abundance of restaurants and commercial buildings employed the style in previous decades. Today it is largely uncommon in new construction.

14. Hollywood Regency

Los Angeles architect John Elgin Woolf incorporated the mansard roof in many of his designs in the mid-20th century. Woolf’s masterpiece “The Reynolds House” has a quite narrow and exaggerated front entrance. The blue metal mansard roof is steep with a small flair at the base.

15. Hollywood Regency Style

For nearly $31 million dollars, John Woolf enthusiasts can own this 1959 Hollywood Regency home. Similar to the Reynolds House, the metal mansard roof is straight with a slight outward curve at the base. Typical elaborations for this time period include tall doors and windows extending through the cornice.

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