Octagon Mode

The amateur architect published a book, The Octagon House: A Home for All in 1848 that was quite popular in the mid 19th century. In it, he points out that octagons provide more interior space while using less land than rectangular designs. He also claimed that because octagons provide more square footage with less surface area, they were cheaper to heat and cool.

He promoted the use of central heating with a heat source in the basement, with ductwork concealed in thick walls. He proposed central cooling using ventilation through a cupola. He advocated a flat roof to facilitate collection of rainwater with collection cisterns for water, along with a network of speaking tubes and pipes in the walls.

Fowler's own ocatgon mansion was begun in 1848, in Fishkill, New York, It was locally derided and became known as "Fowler's Folly." He was forced to rent the home out during a financial crisis, and the home went through a series of owners. It fell into disrepair and was demolished in 1897.

It is estimated that well over 2,000 octagon homes remain in the United States, including small and simple structures to large and ornate mansions.