Origin: France under Napoleon III, mid 19th century, then to Britain and the US.
Second Empire is tied to France under Napoleon III in the mid 19th century and spread to Britain and the US. It is identified by the mansard roof, named after 17th-century architect François Mansart, with a steep lower slope usually pierced by dormers and a shallow upper slope. Beneath it the facade is finely decorated with mouldings, tall windows and sometimes a tower.
In Vietnam the mansard gives an extra living floor and a French grandeur, fitting villas and wide townhouses. In humid coastal regions the tiles or sheets must be firmly anchored for storms, with careful waterproofing around dormers and fold lines, and good drainage. Use GRC for mouldings, which lasts better than plaster in humid weather.
