Classic Federal Style Atlanta Estate with Temple of the Winds Column Order

This grand estate is detailed with architectural appointments made from our Macedonia Limestone. The elegant "Temple of the Winds" column order is the hallmark of this renovation. The order is also known as Tower of the Winds based upon the ruins in Athens, Greece, near the base of the Acropolis. The ancient site is the design source for thousands of capitals employing this distinctive order. Similar to the classic order of the Greek Corinthian, the capital features a single row of acanthus leaves surrounding a single row of palm leaves. This style became popular for domestic works in the 19th century. It had the elegance of the Corinthian order but was more restrained and delicate. Many architects preferred the Temple of the Winds order because the Corinthian order requires more carving detail (cost) and lends itself to an architectural building scale of monumental proportions. The scale of this order is easily expanded to produce stately columns as evidenced in this Atlanta Estate. The Temple of the Winds order can be seen on the porch of the Virginia Governor's Mansion, the North Carolina State Capitol House of Representatives chamber, Sturdivant Hall in Selma, Alabama, and many versions in cities across the United States. Photography by Bella Dura.