Modern Art Deco houses, also known as International Style houses, are characterized by a minimalist design, featuring smooth surfaces with little or no ornamentation. These houses often included large windows, balconies and terraces, and distinctive curves and lines. The most famous example of a modern Art Deco house is the Villa Savoye in Poissy, France, designed by Le Corbusier. Modern House Designs
Modern House Designs
In contrast to Modern House Designs, Traditional Art Deco houses are characterized by their ornate and decorative features. These houses often feature elaborate façades, curved lines, balconies, decorative stonework, and stained glass windows. The most famous examples of this type of design are the Mosque of Youssef Chahed in Monastir, Tunisia, and the Metropolitan Life Insurance Building in New York City. Traditional House Design
Traditional House Design
Contemporary Art Deco house designs combine traditional and modern elements to create unique and eye-catching designs. These houses often feature large windows, modern materials and decor, and colorful accents. Examples of this type of house design include the P.L. Naidu Mansion in Bangalore, India, and the Gold Coast mansion in Sydney, Australia. Contemporary House Plan
Contemporary House Plan
A combination of Modern and Contemporary house designs, the Contemporary-Modern Art Deco house style is often a blend of the two distinct styles. These houses often feature sleek lines and curves, modern materials and decor, and large windows. Popular examples of this style include the White House in Washington, D.C., and the Eliel saarinen-designed buildings of Helsinki, Finland. Contemporary-Modern House Design
Contemporary-Modern House Design
Split-Level Art Deco homes are characterized by a two-level design, which allows for more space and light. These homes often feature distinctively angled roofs, and large glass windows that flood the interior with natural light. The most famous example of this type of house design is the Villa Mairea in Noormarkku, Finland, designed by the renowned architect Alvar Aalto. Split-Level House Design
Split-Level House Design
The Bi-Level Art Deco house design is characterized by two separate floors, connected by either an internal staircase or an external stairwell. This type of design allows for more space and natural light. Examples of this type of Art Deco house design include the American Copper Buildings in New York City, and the residential blocks of Stalinist Latvia. Bi-Level House Designs
Bi-Level House Designs
The Raised Ranch Art Deco house style is characterized by a split-level design, in which the lower floor is sunken into the ground. These houses often feature stepped exterior walls, large windows, and often include an outdoor terrace or balcony. Some well-known examples of this type of house design are the Ibrahim Yaacob Mansion in Kuala Lumpur, and the De La Warr Pavilion in Bexhill-on-Sea, England. Raised Ranch Designs
Raised Ranch Designs
An Open-Floor Art Deco house design is characterized by an open floor plan, which allows for easy flow between different rooms and allows for natural light to flood the space. These houses often feature large windows, distinctively angled and curved lines, and balconies or terraces. Examples of this type of house design include the Royal Liver Building in Liverpool, England, and the Empire State Building in New York City. Open-Floor House Plans
Open-Floor House Plans
The Cape Cod Art Deco house style is characterized by its steeply pitched roof, large windows, simple lines, and bright colors. These houses often feature a wrap-around porch, and are often painted in bright primary colors, such as blue, yellow, and red. Examples of this style include the Dennis, Massachusetts home of artist Edward Hopper, and the Wesley W. Worchester Residence in Massachusetts. Cape Cod Home Plans
Cape Cod Home Plans
The Bungalow Art Deco house style is typically characterized by its low-pitched roof, wide eaves, and horizontal lines. These houses often feature an open-floor plan, and often have large windows and bright colors. Popular examples of this type of house design include the Neutra House in Los Angeles, California, and the Frank Lloyd Wright-designed Robie House in Chicago, Illinois. Bungalow House Plans
Bungalow House Plans
The Craftsman Art Deco house design is characterized by its angular lines, low-pitched roof, and projecting porch. These houses often feature large windows, exposed wood beams, and unique decorative touches. Examples of this type of house design include the Gamble House in Pasadena, California, and the Beverly Hills Stock Exchange Tower in California. Craftsman House Plans
Craftsman House Plans
Know the Existing House Plan
Having knowledge of the existing conditions of a house plan is fundamental when embarking on a design project. Achieving a balance between preserving the existing structure yet introducing new parts can be a challenge. It's essential to ensure that any changes to the original design will result in an improved
house plan
, while retaining the character of the home.
In modern renovation projects, it's vital to consider the existing structure of the home and the
grounds
it sits on. Understanding the existing
house design
and working with it to create enhanced living spaces is a cost-effective alternative to building a new house completely. Inspecting the interior of a home is the primary step to take in determining how to properly apply a renovation plan.
Inspection of Existing Structure and Plans
Inspection of the existing foundation and structure of a house is an important step before a renovation project. Structural problems, if any, need to be identified and then addressed. Plans should be reviewed to ensure they match the structure that exists and any discrepancies should be noted. Other structural information such as the roof and walls must also be confirmed to see if any necessary changes need to be considered.
Identifying Existing Features & Characteristics
Identifying existing features such as fireplaces, doorways and windows is important in designing or redecorating. Knowing the age and functional characteristics of the existing house also affects amenities, style of décor and any other features that may need to be renovated or repaired.
Understand Load-bearing Walls and Ceiling Structure
Load-bearing walls, along with any ceiling structures, support the weight of the home. Any modifications to these can have long-term affects on the structure. Planning to eliminate any of these features must take place with careful planning and accurate measurements. Consulting with a professional is sensible to insure the integrity of a home's design.
Having knowledge of the existing house plan of a home is an essential part of any design, renovation or improvement project. Careful planning and inspection, along with understanding the existing features of a home, are all important steps to ensure the proper design of any renovation.
