No matter how classy traditional houses seem, they are not apt for the 21st century. They consume a lot of energy to last and require a lot of maintenance. On the other hand, the design of modern houses is clean and simple. Modern architecture has many elements that can be shared according to your specification.

What Is a Modern House?  

A modern house is characterized by straight lines, geometric shapes, flat roofs, towering windows, open spaces, and eco-friendly materials. Modern designs have dominated 20th-century architecture and have transformed the choice of people.

To understand modern architecture better, here are some examples of famous contemporary houses:

• The Glass House
• Ellen DeGeneres’s Montecito Estate, Santa Barbara, California (sold for $49 million)
• Basketballer Wilt Chamberlain’s house
• Stonewall Farm, Westchester County, New York (sold for $100 million)
• Jennifer Aniston’s house in California

A modern house is different from a traditional house. Modern homes are more equipped and comfortable to live in. At the same time, people who opt for contemporary houses are more aware of the environmental impact of traditional construction methods and know how important it is to take care of the environment. It goes without saying that modern houses or buildings use eco-friendly materials to prevent environmental damage.

• Materials: Traditional houses were made of materials like bricks, wood, stucco, stones, etc. But as the technology evolved, the building system and materials also changed. Modern houses use concrete, reinforced steel, and all eco-friendly materials to build.
• Floor Plans: Traditional houses have large footprints. Spaces were divided into small single purposed rooms while modern house uses minimalist design for multipurpose.
• Windows: In traditional houses, windows are small and systematically placed with the same shape and size. Therefore, it needs more artificial light while modern homes have large windows and skylights for ample natural light.

Why Are Older Houses Impractical? 

According to the general rule of thumb, homes built before 1920 were considered older. A home built after 1990 was considered a new house. Even if the older houses are adequately maintained, they deteriorate over time. Therefore, older houses are slowly becoming outdated and not practical anymore. Some more reasons are:

• Poor Structure and Foundation: With time, old houses lose the strength of their structure and become outdated, and the foundation becomes weak. The reasons behind this can be water damage, due to termites or damaged piers.

• Outdated Features: As technology is developing, no one wants old things. An older house comes with less efficient and energy-consuming appliances, which can cause high bills. It is also the main reason for not considering an old house.

• Roof Designs and Problems: The roof design of older houses are outdated and not liked by some people. Old roofs also encounter many problems like interior water damage, pest all around, crumbled roof cement, and saggy gutters.

• Unsafe Electrical Systems: This problem arises as the lifespan of electrical wiring is limited. Wiring that was done before 1960 can last approximately 60 to 70 years, while new wiring can last up to 100 years. Once the wiring system weakens, it can lead to many problems like an electrical fire or short circuit, which is very dangerous.

The Elements of Modern Architecture

Homes with modern designs are in huge demand and create a buzz among the people. The modular design emphasizes both international and Bauhaus movements. It has made modern design both practical and flexible. Adding sustainability with the modular design and increasing the use of eco-friendly materials has made it popular. Some elements of contemporary housing are as follows:

• Clear and Simple Rooflines: Modern designs are focused on clean rooflines and shapes. Features like arches and window shutters are now uncommon; straight lines and asymmetric roofs are the new trends. Although modern architecture focuses on a simple design, it has all the necessary home functions. With this in mind, you should consult a professional about the best roofing materials to optimize the safety of your home.

• Open Floor Plan: The open floor concept means removing the wall which separates the living room and bedroom. This trend is adopted to have more open space and enough natural light. The advantage of an open floor is that voices can easily carry between the members.

• Eco-friendly Materials: Using natural materials is also a plus point of modern design. Materials like wood, stone, and concrete make the house bolder and attractive. The modern design keeps the old design alive with all the modern features and functions required for a beautiful home. The material cost can be approximately $50 per square foot or between 41.5 to 51% for building cost for a single floor.

Therefore, you can understand how modern houses are different from traditional houses. Modern architecture is designed according to your needs and choices. It includes several designs with all the latest technologies and appeals to today’s generation.