The Not So Big House

Minneapolis architect Sarah Susanka calls her ideal "Not So Big House", one which favors quality of design over quantity of space. She dares ask the question "are bigger houses really better?" Many Americans are searching for an alternative to a house defined as square footage and the number of rooms. Does having a bathroom the size of some people's bedrooms give you a feeling of power? Or does it make you feel empty inside?

Not So Big House

*A house is more than square footage. Every room is used everyday.
*Floorplan inspired by informal lifestyle not way our grandparents lived.
*House for the future and still embrace concepts from the past.

*Each space in use every day--don't spend $$ on space seldom used
*Formal dining room seldom used.
*Formal living room ("parlor") is idea from Victorian age and is seldom used.
*Not just a small house--it's filled with special details, ideally designed for the occupant's lifestyle.

Comfort

What makes an impression are the details, such as beautiful stair railing, well-crafted moldings around windows and doors and useful built-ins. More space does not equal more comfort. In most very large homes, much space is rarely used. One definition of comfort is "fitted to give tranquil enjoyment".

Arts and Crafts home movement

*Featured large fireplaces and built-in bookshelfs and cabinets
*In 1926 Sears sold a prebuilt 2 br. bungelow with front porch for $626 (assembly required).