Low, horizontal massing, flat roofs, focus on horizontal lines, and vast roof overhangs: Because modern homes are often built on large lots, many, but not all, must have meandering, one-story designs. Many examples hug the ground and seem on the site, rather than in opposition to it. They can be square or rectangular, but they tend to be quite narrow. Roofs are usually flat, with very little slope; sometimes they are even slightly concave.
The main structural elements of a modern home are the frame or skeleton of the building (which may include walls, floors, and ceilings), any exterior sheathing or skin used to cover them, and any internal support columns or beams. The term "house" itself is generally applied only to those structures that contain rooms for living, and therefore do not include garages, sheds, or other outhouses. However, many modern homes share some components with other structures typeable as houses, such as carriage houses or guesthouses.
Modern homes tend to be smaller than traditional houses because their size is limited by what can be built within the available space. In addition, the cost of land makes large tracts impractical. Also, modern builders prefer to create small, comfortable homes that are easy to maintain, so they typically use inexpensive materials and avoid expensive finishing touches. Finally, many people live in cities where space is at a premium; thus, they need homes that fit into tiny plots of land.
Though the origins of these forms vary, classic dwellings have some characteristics. Large, open porches with overhanging beams and rafters, dormers, and a tall, pointed roof with one or more gables are among these traits. Traditional construction materials such as brick, wood, plaster, stucco, and stone are used. The interior of the house is generally divided into three rooms: a living room, a dining room, and a kitchen.
These elements may be found in various combinations in different houses. Some have all glass walls, which allow for natural light but also let in much rain and snow damage; others have no windows at all. The size of the house itself varies greatly depending on the needs of its occupants.
The choice of location should take account of how easily accessible the house will be for people using wheelchairs, persons with seeing difficulties, the elderly, and children. In general, the closer the house to local services and facilities, the more expensive it will be. However, this need not always be the case: for example, a house far from town but close to a beautiful lake might be just as affordable as one near a busy road. It depends on your requirements.
It's also important to consider the type of neighborhood in which you want to live. If you fear that someone might break into your house, for example, you might prefer to live in a high-security community where guards patrol the streets looking out for suspicious activity.
Important Factors
A terraced home with a ground and first floor with two rooms on each is known as a "two-up, two-down" in this layout. A dual-pitch gable roof is common on terraced dwellings. A rear projection, which may or may not be the same height as the main structure, extends many terraced buildings. This provides more space for parking than a flat roof would.
Terraces were originally built for housing families who could only afford one room up top and one down below. Today, some larger houses have been converted into flats, but they are called "apartments" instead of "terraces".
The typical terrace has three doors leading off the front hall, one for each floor. Each door has a small window above it. The windows are usually painted the same color as the building to help people see inside if they knock without being seen from the street. Sometimes these windows have transoms above them or decorative wooden shutters that can be opened and closed.
There might be some space between the houses along the front line, which is called a "front garden". This could be used for growing flowers or vegetables. Some people say that a front garden makes the house feel like a home - it's something your guests can see from the road, so other people know there is someone living there.
At the back of the house there is usually a backyard.
During the 1950s, open-plan living was widely used to promote an easy flow of people and discussion. Expansive windows, low-pitched gable roofs with corrugated iron or steel decking, vertical weatherboards, and light-colored brick or cement sheet exterior walls were common features of homes. Colors were limited, with whites, creams, and off-whites being most popular. Furniture was usually simple: wood desks, tables, and chairs were in general use. Coffee tables were often needed on which to place magazines or books.
The kitchen was the center of family life. It was here that meals were prepared and where families gathered to talk about their days. The typical American kitchen during the 1950s was small, but had all the amenities needed for cooking. Fridges were rare, so food was kept on ice or in cold storage. Electric stoves were becoming more common than gas ranges, but both types of equipment were usually found in houses of this period. Microwaves were introduced in 1954, but they were expensive and not commonly found in home kitchens during the early years of their existence.
Bathrooms were generally small, with only one toilet and one bathtub/shower combination. They usually had white tile floors and white ceramic toilets with water closets located outside of the bathroom. Home owners usually decorated their bathrooms with floral prints on the wall and curtains, as well as colored tiles and ornate shower heads.
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