Enclosed porches are rarely done well – especially when the porch is on the front of a house. This example has all the domestic warmth of a retail establishment. The brick columns which originally framed an open porch have lost their intended dominance; they have been painted into oblivion and upstaged by four multi-paned doors posing as windows. Above the porch roof, two windows are flanked by purely decorative shutters. The presence of metal awnings above each window precludes any theoretical function of the shutters. Scroll down for a conjectural view.
The enclosed porch is not as inviting as an open porch. The wall of glass – and choice of colors – makes us see a grid rather than the open, inviting space which was intended.
Conjectural view of house and porch as originally built. The dark window sash enhances the windows; no fake shutters (or metal awnings) are required. The brick porch supports define the porch emphasize it. The open porch with low balustrade is cozy and inviting unlike the wall of glass of the enclosure.
I’m going to disagree with you on this one. The original porch has a pediment that does not extend to the corner piers. Thus, it has no visible means of support and makes the whole house look awkward and unstable as a result. Walling off the open space of the porch provides plenty of visual support to the pediment and gives the house the stability that it was lacking. The new windows and door provide plenty of void “weight” to balance out the second story windows. The mullions provide added visual interest and negate any possible feeling that this might be a retail establishment. There is no mistaking that the porch is now private living space, but there’s still a centered front door and steps that are now lighted to guide your approach at night. I even see a doorbell. Your criticism is unfounded.