For many production builders and
homebuyers, the first concern is getting
as much house as possible on a
standard 60-foot-wide by 120-foot-long
subdivision lot. To achieve maximum
square footage, most builders simply go
vertical after extending the house footprint
from setback to setback.
At the same time, many builders rely
heavily on a few typical front elevations,
distinguished only by slight variations
in roof massing and detailing. To
judge from what's out there, a lot of
builders think the way to attract buyers
is to build two-story arches with huge
clerestory windows over the front entry.
The Monumental Facade
Unfortunately, this "house as monument"
approach emphasizes visual
impact at the expense of function and
comfort. Is it big and impressive?