Modern Architecture

Modern architectureModern architecture style is the most frequently built style in the United States. This dates back since the mid 1940’s. It sometimes borrowed details from preceding styles that include Prairie architecture, Craftsman architecture, and International. Moreover, Modern architecture covers several variations of design that span even to this day. These sub-types include traditional, ranch, split-level, contemporary, and shed designs. Most homeowners, who are not well versed in architecture, often ask for a traditional style. However, they describe and incorporate just about any and all types of design features from a range of architectural styles.

Modern Architecture

Traditional

This type of design was loosely conceived from the likes of the Tudor style architecture. The two share the dominate front gable and massive chimney, but is scaled back in intricate detailing and with a lower roof pitch. This was a dominate home design in the 1940’s and early 1950’s. Modern Traditional house plans still remain popular today.

Ranch

By the mid 1950’s, the ranch design begin to take shape across the American landscape. In fact, it is still a popular vernacular in use today. They are typically one story house plans with very low pitched roofs and moderate to wide overhangs, rectangular in shape with or without offsets, small porches, and basic detailing to include window shutters.

Split-level design

Popular in the 1950’s and through out the 1990’s. The split level design is recognized by the garage being on the sub-level (or basement level) and the main floor is that of a ranch plan. As a result, the front door is often place at the midpoint of the floors creating a landing between the basement and main floors.

Contemporary design

Architect-designed homes of the 1950’s, 1960’s, and early 1970’s. Sub-types include the flat roof design and low pitched gabled roof with wide overhangs. The design generally depart from the likes of the traditional form and style. The gabled style often show influencing factors from the craftsman and prairie styles with the use of large overhangs, exposed roof beams, wood, brick, and stone veneers. Exposed supporting beams are also common in contemporary house plans. One story designs are the usual, but two story designs are common as well.

Shed design

This is the latest of all the modern architecture design styles, showing up in the late 1960’s. This is another type of design that is frequently used by architects. Like the contemporary style, Shed house plans defy traditional detailing and style. It is identified by the use of one or more shed roofs with moderate or high pitched slants. These roofs shed in two or more directions as if triangles are mixed and form together. This style is asymmetrical by design and replaces ornate detailing in favor of clean lines. exterior finishes are usually clad siding but often includes brick veneer.