Ihouse

Ihouse, also written as I-house, is a vernacular American house form that became a recognizable type in the United States during the 19th century. The term, coined by architectural historian Fred Kniffen, describes a simple, two-story dwelling that appeared across rural areas of the eastern and southern states, especially in Indiana, Illinois, and Iowa, with a similar pattern found in other regions.

Typical form features include a balanced, rectangular footprint, a gable-end roof, and a façade that is usually symmetrical. The common plan is two rooms wide and one room deep on each floor, often with a central hall on the first floor and stairs that lead to the second story. Some examples have end chimneys, while later variants incorporate porches, and occasional Greek Revival, Italianate, or other stylistic details. Rear additions, such as kitchens housed in an ell, are also observed in many examples. The house is most commonly timber-framed, though brick varieties exist in more established settlements.

Historically, I-houses are associated with the spread of settlement and agricultural prosperity in the 19th century and can be found in many rural landscapes across the United States. The form persisted into the late 19th century and sometimes beyond, evolving with regional fashions and available resources. Today, I-houses are studied as a key example of American vernacular architecture, reflecting local building practices, mobility, and the adaptation of settlers to their environments.