“Not So Big House” Design Values

When you begin the process of building a home for yourself or your family, you want to fulfill your unique dreams. Too often this does not happen and the result is a house that is not a home. There are special qualities that make a house a home - but what are they? The answers to that question can be elusive.

NotSoBig10thAnniversaryCover
In 1998, nationally known architect and author Sarah Susanka* began a series of books that has provided valuable insight into the process of building a personal “home”. She named this series “The Not So Big House” books. They have been very well received and have resulted in the construction of thousands of homes that are cherished to this day. We are very pleased to embrace and foster her design philosophies in Indiana. Whether you choose to use us as your builder or not, we encourage you to read her flagship book “The Not So Big House” - 10th anniversary edition. We believe that it is important enough that our clients will receive a copy of the book at our initial meeting.


Primary “Not So Big House” Design Concepts

1. Don’t pay for space that will not be fully used

2. Create an open floor plan to make your home feel larger

3. Vary the ceiling and floor heights to add interest

4. Create “private” retreats for each family member

5. The placement of windows and lighting has a significant effect on
   how a home feels

6. Your home should be designed to welcome guests

7. Use “outdoor” rooms to significantly enlarge your living space

8. Take full advantage of the attributes of your yard

9. Your home should be personalized for you and your family


The following is a brief presentation of some of these important home design concepts:


Introduction

To quote Sarah, “The inspiration for The Not So Big House came from a growing awareness that new houses were getting bigger and bigger but with little redeeming design merit. The problem is that comfort has almost nothing to do with how big a space is. It is attained, rather, by tailoring our houses to fit the way we really live, and to the scale and proportions of our human form. The Not So Big House isn’t just a small house. Rather, it’s a smaller house, filled with special details and designed to accommodate the lifestyles of its occupants.”



Bigger Isn’t Better
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Many of today’s homes are large boxes with a number of non-descript rooms. They lack character and soul. They do not represent the feelings or lifestyle of their owners. It is much better to build a smaller more efficient house. Make as many rooms as feasible multi-functional. The money save by reducing the size can be applied to the addition of special details that create the desired home. These details are unique to each family because each family is unique. They can only be determined by proper consideration during the design phase.


Open Floor Plan
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A smaller home can easily be made to look and feel larger. Frequently, it is advisable to have an open floor plan for the public areas of the home. These usually include the kitchen, eating area and living or great room. Where possible, create long diagonal views that run from one exterior wall to another. Diagonal views can begin at the front door. If you can see the opposite corner of the first floor, the house will automatically feel larger. Rooms and areas that are more visible are used more frequently. Be generous when sizing entryways and halls. If they are too small, the home will feel cramped. Ceiling height is important and, again, it is a matter of perception. A small room will feel completely different if a 10’ ceiling becomes an 8’ ceiling. Variations in ceiling height throughout the home adds important interest. An 8’ ceiling in a bedroom may not seem high, but by adding a soffit at the walls, the room suddenly feels larger.



Sanctuaries
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Despite how much we love our family, everyone needs a private space to retreat to occasionally. Cozy, private spots can and should be created in the home. They can include windowseat alcoves and away rooms.







Afterword

How would you like to live? What inspires you? Will your house be your home? Again in Sarah’s words ”It can happen. Such a home is a place of great peace - one in which the residents can hear their own pulse and come to understand what makes them tick. In a very real way, adopting the philosophy of home design espoused here can help fill a great void in our collective consciousness.”

We at Indianapolis Superstructures stand ready, willing and able to build your dream home for you and your family. We would be very pleased with the opportunity to work with you.


For additional information on The Not So Big House, please follow the link below to the website:

[Not So Big House Website Link]


Indianapolis Superstructures, LLC
9689 Castle Woods Cove
Indianapolis, IN 46280
317-581-9441
email: indy@indysuperstructures.com


*Sarah Susanka is not affiliated with and has
not endorsed Indianapolis Superstructures, LLC