Labatut Plantation, Main House, 4 miles North of New Roads on River Road facing Mississippi River, New Roads, Pointe Coupee Parish, LA

1989 Charles E. Peterson Prize, Entry
Significance: Framing of the Labatut House is organized from the four major load bearing brick walls and the main north and south walls that run the height of the house. The beams and joists over these, though systematically arranged, are in no particular rigid spacing order, but are placed more or less where needed to support the structure. It seems that the attic was originally intended for use as an additional room, but never completed as such. Though systematically organized to either side of the central halls on both floors, in actual dimension Labatut is very much a free form building. This feature is very typical of the Creole building style. Labatut's ground floor is brick faced in concrete. Four load bearing brick walls run through both stories of the house. Chimneys and fireplaces are integral parts of these walls. The second floor and attic are of wood frame construction. An symmetrical truss supports the roof. The roof on the Labatut House is presently of corrugated metal. It was probably of shingles originally.
Unprocessed Field note material exists for this structure: FN-113
Survey number: HABS LA-1205-A
Building/structure dates: ca. 1800 Initial Construction