Colonial architecture represents one of the most enduring residential building traditions in the United States, with homes constructed between the early 17th century and early 19th century still standing and functioning across the eastern seaboard. The peak of this architectural period ran from roughly 1700 through the American Revolutionary War, when the original thirteen colonies […]
Urban micro homes occupy a growing niche in residential construction, serving a demographic that values location, efficiency, and outdoor access over interior square footage. These dwellings typically range from 500 to 800 square feet and must function as complete homes while fitting on narrow infill lots or within accessory dwelling unit size limits. The design
Living in a treehouse appeals to homeowners and builders who want something different from conventional housing. While childhood treehouses are simple wooden platforms nailed into branches, modern residential treehouse construction demands careful engineering, material selection, and attention to building codes. A 560-square-foot treehouse designed by Rintala Eggertsson Architects shows how elevated homes function as permanent
Apartment living for families presents unique challenges that single-family homes rarely create. Space must serve multiple functions throughout the day, privacy needs to coexist with openness, and the design must adapt as children grow and family routines change. A thoughtfully planned apartment layout can accommodate all of these demands through strategic zoning, flexible partitions, and
A pool house extends the function of a backyard pool from a seasonal recreational feature into a year-round living space. These structures serve as changing rooms, entertaining areas, guest suites, and fitness spaces that bridge the gap between the main residence and the landscape. Designing a pool house requires careful coordination of structural systems, wet-area
Floating homes have evolved from utilitarian houseboats into permanent, fully serviced residences that offer a distinctive living experience on the water. Unlike conventional waterfront houses built on piles or foundations, a floating home rests on a buoyant hull and rises and falls with the water level. This approach to living on lakes, rivers, and sheltered
Renovating a narrow urban home presents unique challenges that differ significantly from working on a standard-width property. When a house measures only 20 feet across at its widest point – narrowing to 16 feet at the rear – every inch of floor plan and every angle of natural light becomes precious. Sustainable architecture principles offer
A round beach house presents a compelling alternative to the conventional coastal cottage. The circular plan reduces wind loads, improves structural efficiency, and creates an interior layout that opens views in every direction. When planning an environmentally responsive seaside home, the strategies used in an eco-friendly craftsman bungalow renovation offer transferable lessons in material selection,
Round houses have intrigued builders and homeowners for centuries, appearing in nearly every culture and climate. From the mobile yurts of Central Asian nomads to the precision-engineered geodesic domes of the modern era, the circular floor plan offers structural and energetic advantages that rectangular buildings cannot match. When considering whether a round house fits a
Building a home near the ocean presents unique challenges that inland construction does not. Salt spray, wind-driven rain, high humidity, and corrosive conditions all affect material performance and structural longevity. Architects and builders working on coastal projects must understand these forces and specify materials and assemblies that withstand them. Well-designed beach house design starts with
