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When we think of modern home architecture, many of us have an image in our minds of what it looks like. However, it can be hard to define. So exactly what is a modern home?

The Modern Architecture Movement

First, let’s look at modern architecture as a whole. While most people think of “modern” as an adjective, in architecture, it is actually a movement. 

Modern architecture came about at the end of the 19th century due to innovation in construction and the desire to break away from the ornate design trends of the past. Its basis is the idea that form should be functional.

Plate glass and reinforced concrete, along with electric lights, gave builders a powerful arsenal. Modern homes were designed with clean lines and flat planes that seem to extend into the natural landscape. Large windows further encouraged an interplay with nature, providing views of the outdoors, and allowing light to stream in at various angles throughout the day. Modernists wanted homeowners to feel connected to the environment around them.

Inside modern homes, architects created open spaces instead of many separate, closed-off rooms. Activity in one area can flow into another, and rooms can serve several purposes. Instead of a parlor for receiving guests, people bring guests straight into the main living space of their home, which is also used for family recreation, study, and relaxation.

Contemporary Architecture

The modern architecture movement began in 1920 and ended in 2000. If the movement is over, how can modern homes still be built? Most people use “contemporary” and “modern” interchangeably. The real estate industry loves to say “modern” because it’s said to sell homes more quickly.

Contemporary architecture actually differs quite a bit from modern architecture. While modern homes connect to nature, contemporary homes connect to the present. The characteristics of a contemporary home actually continually change because they are essentially whatever is popular in the moment.

For instance, many contemporary homes built now feature a craftsman-style exterior, but also an open floor plan borrowed from modern architecture. Different architectural styles often influence contemporary architecture.

Although the modern architecture movement ended in 2000, builders can still design homes in this style. In fact, we find that people have much more of a connection to the modern architectural style of our homes. They see that form should have function. They want a custom home builder who will consider the landscape around the home they build. 

That is why our mission is to design and build homes that are not cookie-cutter. Your custom home will have style and character, but also form and purpose. Your home won’t encase you; it will connect you to your natural surroundings. We want your home to be a space where you can thrive. Learn more information about our mission, and contact us to share your vision for a custom home.