Plate XXV. Octagonal Plans with Peristyles

Plate XXV. — These two examples give varieties of the larger octagonal building with surrounding colonnades. Pyramidal and domed roofs are shown and the designs include the treatment of galleries both internal and external with means of access arranged in the thickness of the walls. As isolated features, buildings on these lines could be used for a variety of purposes, chiefly for retreats on large estates where they might be situated near lakes or within plantations. Structures of this kind would also be suitable in connection with pleasure buildings at sea-side resorts or inland spas: they follow eighteenth century models and the uses to which they could be put remain to-day much as they were in the past. The student, however, must not limit his view of the larger sized octagonal feature to isolated structures, for experience will teach him how to combine this type with wings on two or three axes in order to meet specific requirements. In that case full advantage can be taken of the external galleries which would lead on to terrace roofs, the central octagon being two-storeyed if required.