TK Design BuildSmart: Three compelling elevations for box on box design

Recent industry research shows that when it comes to selecting exterior design features and materials for new homes, buyers are most concerned with overall curb appeal. More than three-quarters of builders report that “great design/curb appeal” is a key issue for their buyers. That same research also indicates that the architectural authenticity of a home’s exterior is far more important to buyers today than it was just a few years ago.

This got me thinking about a challenging project we just completed involving elevation design. The goal was to provide authentic, nice looking elevations for a “box on box” floor plan without breaking the bank.

Elevations for box on box floor plans are typically a snooze fest. As a result the houses become very boring and tend to blend together. Here we have taken the same floor plan and created three new designs that are authentic (without being ridiculous), look swell, and are Lean Designed to keep costs in line.

As the survey points out the mood is changing. As consumers start to focus more on exteriors builders will naturally do the same. Lean Design can help you stay in front of the competition by developing low cost-high impact elevations that appeal to today’s market.

Article by: Todd Hallett, AIA