The Simplehome Architects:
Simplehome was founded in 1997 by two corporate architects looking for a creative outlet in which to explore new ideas about the single family residence and alternative ways to make good design affordable. Our large project experience gives us a different perspective on the problems of the single family house and the construction process. The plans on the web site represent continued research of both past trends in housing and current design and construction technology. We bring 30 years and millions of square feet of combined experience in commercial and residential architecture to every project, but the design of houses is our passion.
Why Simplehome?
In the past, there was a strong tradition of modest houses designed by architects. Frank Lloyd Wright is the most famous of the residential architects but there were many more. Although he designed commercial buildings as well, Wright felt the house was the most challenging and rewarding of all project types. The tradition of architect-designed houses began to wane as building codes and the demands of professional regulations increased, making the architect's fees a disproportionately larger part of the budget. The need for additional special consultants made the small house with a small budget a losing proposition for most architects and their clients as more money went to the buildng department, labor unions, and professional fees. Some of the best houses from the last century designed by architects were less than 2500 square feet. Frank Lloyd Wright's Tracey house in Washington is a mere 1200 square feet of thoughtful design. Although today's building climate makes it difficult for architects to get involved with the small house at a detailed level, the internet makes it possible to make plans and ideas available to a large audience. Through this medium we are reviving the tradition of the architect-designed modest house. Our designs consider alternative materials and methods to produce well-designed, efficient and affordable homes. Through the Simplehome web site, we think about houses, design them, make them available, and see if they make sense to other people. We offer the designs for sale, and encourage people to use them as a starting point for their own ideas.A word about the environment:
Today, roughly 30% of the energy used in one year is consumed by buildings. Construction waste is filling landfills at an alarming rate, and carbon dioxide emissions threaten global climate change of devastating proportions. It also follows that energy and the cost of financing make up the largest portion of the cost of a house. We are very concerned about the impact of our profession on the planet and will continue to make increasing efforts towards achieving sustainable, energy efficient housing.Fulfilling a Need
What if someone were to show you some house plans that responded to the needs of your life? Even helped you to choose a plan that could grow with your family, helped you orient it to take advantage of the natural features of your land and gave you advice on how to finish it in creative and sustainable ways. Would you be interested?
Simplehome: Providing well designed house plans optimized for resource and energy efficiency that will support and inspire your life. If you like what you've read so far, drop us a line, explore the site and see our plans. Who knows, you may find your Simplehome.
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