The architecture at Poundbury does not represent any particular period but respects the local vernacular styles. Traditional architecture is based on some fundamental principles.
Continuity is the first principle.
Just as every natural organism develops gradually so did our older towns and villages. The architecture at Poundbury draws from the inheritance of Dorset villages, especially places such as Blandford Forum, the old village of Fordington, now part of Dorchester, and the ancient village of Cerne Abbas. The team of local architects took time to study good local buildings before designing the houses for Poundbury. Unity and interdependence are principles in nature and society as well as in architecture and they apply particularly to Poundbury where this new area relates well to Dorchester and the traditional architectural style of the county. Equally, within unity, there is diversity.