Harp 1

Erin Harp
Mrs. Watkins
Honors Interior Design 2
3 October 2014
Contemporary Style Homes
The term "contemporary architecture" refers to todays building styles, which are quite
diverse and boast a wide array of influences (Beuerlein). The contemporary style was a major
modern break in society. The designs of these buildings are drastically different than that of
former architecture styles. The style started in the 1930s, but now they are widely seen
throughout the world. The architectural style of these homes never focused on traditional or
boring but geometric patterns and abstract forms were merged into residential locations. Most
Contemporary houses tap design history and freely borrow elements from a host of historical
styles, mixing them up to create an idealized, nostalgic style that does not reflect any specific
time period (Marsh 1). These homes and buildings demonstrate simplicity, a great deal of
aesthetics, and they are environmentally friendly. Todays architects are especially concerned
with energy efficiency and sustainable materials, which has led to some truly innovative design
(Beuerlein). One of the most important features of this style is energy efficiency as well as solar
power and incorporating the natural world.
The history of contemporary style starts in the early twentieth century and extends to
present day. The first sign of solar power was believed to have taken place in ancient
civilizations. Later on, some Europeans engineered passive solar houses built after World War I
when the Allies took most of Germanys coal mines (Wikipedia). Architects George F. Keck and
Frank Lloyd Wright both used passive solar principles in their designs. Boyce states, Keck was

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a pioneering designer of passive solar houses in the 1930s and 40s (2). Howard Sloan was a real
estate developer that built multiple solar houses and his efforts in the 1940s led a great solar
house movement (Denzer 43). This brought up much more interest of solar-powered homes.
Giovanna Borasi states that the reason for the interest in passive solar homes in the United States
was significantly stimulated by the 1973 oil crisis (3). Contemporary designers and architects
in the 70s and 80s created a more humanistic and textural style (Sonneman). During the
twentieth century, the solar technologies were significantly improved and refined. Since 1978,
roughly 300,000 U.S. buildings have demonstrated at least some passive solar design features
(Mazria 2). The Contemporary Style and solar homes were not developed until post-war times,
as well as new ideas on how to build homes.
The Contemporary Style was mostly influenced by Frank Lloyd Wright, along with some
other architects and designers. The most famous building that Wright designed was Fallingwater.
In 1934, he built the most popular private residence in Pennsylvania. Wright designed it so that
the homeowners were close to natural surroundings, with a stream and waterfall running under
part of the building (Twombly 276). A couple other contemporary homes he built were Taliesin
West and Graycliff. He believed in the importance of being surrounded by nature and natural
materials. Frank Lloyd Wright also influenced contemporary style within his furniture style.
Two contrasting designers reflect contemporary style, Marcel Breuer and Frank Lloyd
Wright. Marcel Breuer was most known for his tubular steel furniture and bold imposing
architecture. The most iconic designs were his B3 Wassily and B9 chairs (Voyatzis).
Breuers furniture links to the style because he uses modern, minimalistic form in his furniture.
Frank Lloyd Wright was most known for using bamboo or other natural materials. This connects
with contemporary style because many natural materials are used in the contemporary homes. He

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is also known to use multiple pieces of wood to make vertical lines like exterior window covers.
Both of these furniture designers relate to the Contemporary Style.
The Contemporary Style has many architectural features that make up the importance of
the housing style. According to Global Posts Ann Hudson, the main features of a contemporary
home are:
Contemporary house offer striking, attention grabbing facades. Exterior features of a
contemporary house include large windows and daring, even radical roof lines. Flat,
expansive roofs or dramatically angled roof lines characterize contemporary houses. An
asymmetrical design is another common feature along with bold, geometric shapes. Since
a connection to nature is another important attribute of the contemporary home, natural
materials such as stone, brick, wood, and stucco are commonly used.(Hudson)
Some other features include Wood beams, flat roofs, split level and large overhangs are features
that identify Contemporary architecture (Harmer). More and more contemporary homes are
installing solar power systems and eco plumbing systems. Contemporary designers and architects
realize the importance of nature with what materials our homes are made of, hence bamboo
floors, granite counters, and even "living" roofs (Beuerlein). A kitchen of a contemporary
household is one of the biggest focal points of the home. The kitchen should demonstrate the
theory form follows function in a contemporary home with few embellishments and efficient
work space (Hudson). In addition to these features, the flow from indoors to outdoors is very
important.
This flow can be described as the transition from the house to the outdoors. There are
many ways yon can integrate this principle in your design. Ann Hudson suggests, Banks of
over-size windows, a major characteristic of contemporary homes, welcome exterior views into

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interior space and smooth the transition between indoor and outdoor living space (Hudson).
Landscaping and lifestyle is one of the most important outside influences to the contemporary
home. The lifestyle of contemporary home-owners is mostly based on nature and simplicity.
Harmer states, Single-story, open floor plans allow a great deal of flexibility to use rooms and
spaces to suit the individual or familys evolving needs. Builders are building walls that add to
the homes flexibility (Harmer). Landscaping in a contemporary style is important to the home
itself. Outdoor spaces are designed for easy access and many designs have outdoor access or
patios, from several rooms in the house (Harmer). When you design a contemporary space, the
main focus should be on working on with what is already in the space. Overall, contemporary
landscape has no set rules but Kristi Wooten says:
Combining straight-line wood elements with shapely rocks adds a contemporary touch.
Flowers arent unwelcome but should be placed strategically and kept within borders by
groundcover or within beds Rocks and gravel may be used, and the rounded edges of
winding paths can be tamed by wood or tile spacers. (Wooten)
Most of the landscaping in contemporary style is free-ruled but there are some guidelines to
follow.
In conclusion, the Contemporary style is known for their boldness, efficiency, natural
components, and minimalism. Contemporary design uses many principles and elements of earlier
styles, but architectural experts consider it a distinct, postmodern category (Marsh). Some of the
features come from previous architectural styles in moderation. This style of architecture is going
to continue to evolve and create the future components of architecture.

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Works Cited
Beuerlein, Karin. "Contemporary Architecture." Contemporary Architecture | Home Styles |
HGTV FrontDoor. Scripps Networks, LLC, 2014. Web. 28 Sept. 2014.
Borasi, Giovanna; Mirko Zardini, eds. (2008). Sorry, Out of Gas: Architectures Response to the
1973 Oil Crisis.
Boyce, Robert (1993). Keck & Keck: The Poetics of Comfort. Princeton, NJ: Princeton
Architectural Press.
Denzer, Anthony (2013). The Solar House: Pioneering Sustainable Design. Rizzoli.
Harmer, Rick. "Contemporary Architectural Style Features." Rick Harmer RSS. 23 July 2013.
Web. 28 Sept. 2014.
"History of Passive Solar Building Design." Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, 24 Aug. 2014.
Web. 28 Sept. 2014.
Hudson, Ann. "Contemporary House Characteristics." Everyday Life. GlobalPost, 2014. Web. 30
Sept. 2014.
Marsh, Steven. "The Contemporary House: Light, Bright and Open." Contemporary.
NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS. Web. 27 Sept. 2014.
Mazria, Edward. (1979). The Passive Solar Energy Book. Emmaus, PA: Rodale Press.
Sonneman, Robert. "A Brief History and Discussion of Contemporary Design." Sonneman A
Way of Light. Robert Sonneman, 15 July 2011. Web. 27 Sept. 2014.
Twombly, Robert (1979). Frank Lloyd Wright His Life and Architecture. Canada: A WileyInterscience. pp. 276278.

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Voyatzis, Costas. "Marcel Breuer (1902-1981): Design & Architecture." Yatzer.com. 2007. Web.
29 Sept. 2014.
Wooten, Kristi Y. "Contemporary Landscape Design : HGTV Gardens." HGTVGardens. HGTV,
2014. Web. 30 Sept. 2014.