Architecture has never been more fascinating than it is today with its modern house plans For more than one sixty years, many countries were forced to build according to certain norms imposed by communist or totalitarian regimes. This meant that there was no freedom of expression, creation or evolution.
Modern architecture somehow managed to break away from cookie-cutter designs and dull aesthetics. Instead of replicating the same projects over and over again, irrespective of the layout or location, it strives to achieve a perfect balance between form, function, and purpose. The first and most important modern architects who reshaped the way in which architecture is perceived were Frank Lloyd Wright, Louis Sullivan, Le Corbusier, and Oscar Niemeyer.
Their philosophies, which included the infamous “form follows function” propelled architecture into a new age. Modern house plans, for example, are designed according to the client’s specific needs, and the surrounding areas. Each new project tries to integrate itself in what is already built, and serve its purpose in the simplest way possible.
As far as residential architecture is concerned, it has some very clear characteristics. The first one is the simplicity of form and design. Modern architects refuse to destroy their creations with unnecessary elements. It is not the building itself that has to stand out, but the surrounding space that should enhance the overall image.
Less is more means that modern tastes enjoy simplicity and clarity. This clarity can also be seen in modern house plans, which are typically designed as open spaces. Social space is very important within the house, and this means that the living, dining and kitchen area are part of the same space and act as a gathering point for the family, while the private rooms become sunken spaces which can also pocket spots for conversation.
Additionally, modern architecture is very open. You will rarely see a house that is closed in itself. Instead of interior walls functioning as support walls, they serve as room dividers, hold inner courtyards and create large glass windows that mediate the relation between public and private space. Architectural design often begins with modern house plans that dictate the function and form of the ensemble.
Today we would like to take a look at 15 Stunning Modern House Plans and Designs, but if you need more inspiration, please take a look at our Environmentally Friendly Home Design by DEN Architects.
1. The Herringbone House / Atelier Chanchan
The Herringbone House is the perfect example of modern architecture that harmonizes with its surroundings. The modern house plans were designed in accordance with the weird wedge-shaped lot.
The house consists of two major volumes, a gable-ended one at the front of the site, and a set-back rectangular one in the narrow backyard. Although the material is consistent with the street’s image (herringbone brickwork), it sets the house apart from its neighbors. The most interesting thing about it is the fact that it ends in two walled courtyard spaces which ensure that sufficient natural light enters and that the interior is properly ventilated.
2. House M-M / Tuomas Siitonen Office
House M-M was designed for an extensive family: parents, children, and grandparents. This meant that it should have a large public space and some private spaces for everyone to retreat to. The modern house plans were designed with the beneficiaries in mind.
An important aspect of the architectural process was its environmentally-friendly and sustainable nature. Therefore, the home was created with wood, benefits from floor heating, and can support solar energy panels. The facades also received large windows which bring nature inside and give the feel of a tree house
What was wanted was a house that would be contemporary and yet homely and full of character, that would respect its surroundings and the site’s natural features but would still constitute a clearly self-contained whole.(Source: ArchDaily)
3. House NA / SOU Fujimoto Architects
Sou Fujimoto Architects are already very well known for their radical designs, so it was only a matter of time until they came up with another spectacular house. Japan is also known for its incredibly dense living areas, and narrow lots. Most houses are introverted, and present inner courtyards, but House NA has taken a totally different approach.
Associated with the concept of living in a tree, this spacious interior features 21 individual floor planes situated at separate heights. The floor planes are designed to satisfy the needs of the beneficiaries.
“The white steel-frame structure itself shares no resemblance to a tree. Yet the life lived and the moments experienced in this space is a contemporary adaptation of the richness once experienced by the ancient predecessors from the time when they inhabited trees. Such is an existence between city, architecture, furniture and the body, and is equally between nature and artificiality.” (Source: ArchDaily)
4. A Hill on a House / Yuko Nagayama
This house is the exact opposite of the NA House. It stands on a similar lot as the previous example, but the approach was very different. Each of the surrounding buildings is very tall, except the one on the northeast side, where it faces a street.
The challenge was to bring light inside, and to open the volume to the scenery without losing the feeling of privacy. The conditions inspired the architect to raise a white, illuminated “hill” in the house. The materials on the sloped roof reflect sunlight in the inside, and highlight the inner courtyard. You cannot reach the hill itself but it is visible from the house.
5. Brooklin House / Galeria Arquitetos
The Brooklin house is located on a quiet street inSao Paulo. It faced a few challenges from the beginning. The site is very narrow and long (5.5m x 33.0m). The site limitations resulted in open modern house plans, to avoid visual barriers and create a fluid space.
Along the left wall there is a long, concrete piece of furniture which organizes the ground floor and provides storage units for the living room and kitchen. On the opposite wall we can find long stairs which are bathed in sunlight through the glass roof.
6. Villa Chiberta / Atelier Delphine Carrere
Villa Chiberta is every architect’s dream. The lot can be found in a big forest of pines, right near a beach. The trees draw a vertical line which anticipates the wooden batten of the house and its insertion. From the street, the house seems very introverted. The idea was to preserve the architect’s privacy. Things change dramatically in the garden, towards which the house opens up completely, with large windows. The living room oversees the swimming pool, but the most impressive room in the house is without a doubt the master bedroom, situated on the highest point, and offering a 360 degree view.
7. LT Josai / Naruse Inokuma Architects
The concept of “shared houses” has become very popular in Japan. The share house is basically a larger house, where the inhabitants share the water systems and the living room, but the private spaces remain separate for each family. Also, the residents are not family, they are usually complete strangers, so it becomes necessary to create completely private spaces.
The modern house plans of shared houses are very clear and simple. Rooms were laid down in a three-dimensional fashion, so that they instill a sense of comfort, while the entrance hall, atrium and dining table space become perfect gathering places.
8. Green Edge House / Ma-Style Architects
Some modern houses are completely introverted. The Green Edge house is a perfect example in this case. Although it is completely surrounded by white, tall walls, it still manages to bring nature inside. At first, the architect imagined an inner courtyard, but light and ventilation problems made it impossible. Therefore, the architect decided to make a house with an outer court.
I make a floating wall by doing it this way. While a floating wall of this simple structure disturbs the eyes from the neighborhood, I take in light and air. A green edge is completed when I place trees and a plant along this floating wall. That’s why I called the house “Green edge”. Then a green edge comes to snuggle up when in the indoor space even if wherever. In addition, I planned it so that nature could affect it with a person equally by assuming it a one-story house. (Source: ArchDaily)
9. Convertible Courtyards House / Cristopher Megowan
As the name suggests, the Convertible Courtyards house consists of convertible courtyards which adapt according to the climate and the needs of the residents. As far as the modern house plans are concerned, they consist of a master bedroom, bathroom, dining area, living area, kitchen and two decks that overlook the landscape of the Prahran suburb. The conceptual strength of the house is in the convertible roof, which can move over 12 meters from the north to the south, to cover the gardens.
10. Hazukashi House / ALTS Design Office in Modern House Plans
Sometimes modern architecture is more about what happens on the inside than what happens on the outside. At first glance, there is nothing special about the Hazukashi house, but step inside and you will love it. The center of the home holds the dining and living area, where the family can gather. The concept was to provide light on the inside, and to mimic the traditional form of houses, but with a different purpose.
We hope you liked our round-up of the 10 most interesting modern house plans and designs. More roundups like these will follow shortly.
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