Contemporary house design make use of advanced modern materials like steel, glass, and concrete. Open floor plans, asymmetrical shapes, and irregular windows are a few of the defining features of contemporary house designs. Contemporary homes are creative, bold, and expressive. Areas of the house are connected with each other by using natural elements and fluid lines. Contemporary house designs are minimal, and are characterized by sharp angular lines and smooth finishes. Featured keywords: open floor plans, asymmetrical shapes, modern materialsContemporary House Design
Modern house designs incorporate both open floor plan designs and Feng Shui. They often have multi-paned, large windows which allow in natural light. Open floor plans are used to increase the sense of spaciousness inside the house. Exterior surfaces typically have a mixture of cladding materials such as wood, stucco, and metal, while the interior space features modern furniture and appliances. Modern house designs favor a minimal and clutter-free environment. Featured keywords: open floor plan, Feng Shui, large windows, cladding materials.Modern House Design
Cape Cod house designs originate from New England-style homes. They are characterized by steep roofs and one-story construction. Cape Cod houses feature clapboard or board-and-batten siding, symmetrical layouts, shuttered windows, and door surrounds. Because of their timeless appeal, Cape Cod house designs remain popular today. Featured keywords: steep roofs, symmetrical layouts, shuttered windows.Cape Cod House Design
Craftsman house designs originate from the Arts and Crafts Movement and are characterized by their steep gables, wide porches, use of natural materials, and attention to detail. Craftsman house designs typically feature hand-crafted and intricate woodworking, exposed rafters, tapered columns, and large windows. Craftsman house designs favor simple, yet elegant elements, and emphasize the importance of craftsmanship. Featured keywords: steep gables, wide porches, use of natural materials.Craftsman House Design
Victorian house designs feature steeply pitched roofs, intricate ornamentation, asymmetrical facades, and wooden porches. Colorful paint palettes are common, as are bay windows and delicate trim. These houses are characterized by a classic feel and have a timeless appeal. Inside, features like built-in bookshelves, crown molding, and chandeliers evoke a sense of luxury and sophistication. Featured keywords: steeply pitched roofs, wooden porches, bay windows.Victorian House Design
Tudor house designs originated in England and feature steeply pitched roofs, half timbering, recessed windows, andMultiple gables. Exterior walls are usually made of brick, stone, or other masonry materials. Inside, heavy beams, arched doorways, and decorative fireplaces are common. Tudor house designs favor classic style and comfort and have been popular for centuries. Featured keywords: steeply pitched roofs, half timbering, heavy beams.Tudor House Design
Ranch house designs were popularized in the mid-20th century and are characterized by a single-story, open floor plan. They often feature low-pitched roofs and wide eaves. They typically have sliding glass doors, picture windows, and are made of wood, brick, or stucco. Interiors are open and inviting, with plentiful natural light, and are designed for comfort. Featured keywords: single-story, open floor plan, wide eaves.Ranch House Design
Colonial house designs feature symmetrical facades, multiple stories, and often feature a large entry portico. They make use of classic building materials like wood, brick, or stucco and have shuttered windows and simple trim. Inside, dentil moldings, high ceilings, built-ins, and paneling are common. Colonial house designs favor simplicity and symmetry. Featured keywords: multiple stories, entry portico, dentil moldings.Colonial House Design
Cottage house designs are characterized by steep rooflines, multiple gables, and often feature small balconies with railings. They can be either one or two stories and sometimes feature two-tone color schemes. Inside, cottage house designs favor a cozy, eclectic feel and often feature built-ins, fireplaces, and exposed beams. They often utilize shiplap or wooden walls and dark wood accents. Featured keywords: steep rooflines, multi gables, small balconies.Cottage House Design
Mediterranean house designs draw inspiration from Italian and Spanish architecture. They often feature balconies, multicolored stucco walls, arched windows and entryways, and red clay roof tiles. Interiors typically feature terra cotta floors, arched doorways, and wrought iron accents. Mediterranean house designs embrace the region’s vibrant culture and exude a sense of elegance and luxury. Featured keywords: balconies, multicolored stucco walls, red clay roof tiles.Mediterranean House Design
Prairie house designs are characterized by strong horizontal lines, low-pitched hipped roofs, and wide overhangs. Interiors feature open floor plans, fireplaces, built-ins, and extensive use of woodwork. They also make use of natural elements like stone and brick. Prairie house designs favor simple, spacious, and comfortable living areas and emphasize the connection between the outdoors and indoors. Featured keywords: horizontal lines, low-pitched roofs, wide overhangs. Prairie House Design
What is Active House Design?
Active House Design is an innovative concept of a home where the environment and the user are integrated into a sustainable and energy-efficient lifestyle. By utilizing high-efficiency materials , optimizing sunlight exposure, adapting the building envelope to local weather conditions, and incorporating energy-generating systems such as solar panels and geothermal technology, Active House Design aims to create living spaces that provide life-long comfort, reduce operating costs, and reduce environmental impact.
The Benefits of Active House Design
Active House Design promotes energy efficiency and sustainability, which is beneficial both for the environment and those living in the house. Not only could it help reduce a home’s energy costs, it could also contribute to decreased greenhouse gas emissions. Active House Design also provides improved indoor air quality and temperature regulation. By optimizing daylight exposure and using high-efficiency insulation and windows, Active House Design offers improved home comfort and energy efficiency.
Long-Term Durability
Active House Design also emphasizes longevity and durability. By utilizing durable and recyclable building materials, an Active House can last for generations. This, in turn, could lead to fewer resources consumed over the building's lifespan. In addition, passive ventilation, natural cooling, and insulation are key aspects of Active House Design that enable it to maintain its energy efficiency over many years.
Advanced Automation Technology
Active House Design also implements state-of-the-art automation technology. Intelligent systems such as automated lighting, shutters, and climate control can be utilized to dynamically adjust the home's energy use and offer substantial energy savings. Automated curtains, blinds, and insulation can also reduce energy costs while offering improved comfort.