When the overall design of traditional house plans changed to include no features based on traditional style homes, they became more commonly known as modern house plans. A few architects took to adding features that some might believe to be wasted space, but what others see as making a positive impact on their living areas.
Vaulted ceilings in the entryway or in the main living areas with bedroom lofts off the main room, some requiring wood ladders to reach, became popular, especially in country settings and wooded lots.
Attempting to have the house plans fit into the environment, many combine the architectural basics of different house plans to create a unique structure. A second floor may consist of nothing more than the high ceiling, surrounded by a one-story floor plan. The “A†frame house, considered a contemporary plan, due to its popularity in the 1960s.
Modern house plans may incorporate geodesic designs, with entire walls composed of windows, many non-opening, to give an interior view of the great outdoors. This type of house plan will work in the country but may not be a good choice for city dwellers with a lot of neighbors.
Being able to take the best architectural styles of different traditions and combine those to form a unique blend of housing in some regions may be considered contemporary. In other areas of the country, they may be considered non-traditional and their owners scoffed at.
In many modern or contemporary house plans, over-size eaves are often included, overhanging by several feet, creating a porch-like appearance without the porch. Many may use this outside area as part of their living space, while others will simply use it to form a more interesting form of architecture. Designs such as these, must be chosen carefully, with proper consideration for potential future resale value.
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Christine Cooney
Christine has over a decade of experience as a house plan and floor plan expert. Outside of providing her expertise to customers to help them find and build their dream homes, her passion and knowledge of the home building industry allows Christine to guide families and builders through all of the important steps from finding plans to building custom homes that meet the expectations of today’s new home owner. Christine’s years of knowledge of the diverse trends and needs of the modern homeowner has made her into an authoritative and trusted voice in the online house plan community..