1. Housing Styles

2. Common Floor Plan Layouts:
Single-Level
Split-Level
Daylight basement
Two-story
Dormer
Multilevel
There are many common floor plan layouts. Some dwellings have one level, some have two and split level has three.

3. Single-Level homes, Ranch
Advantages
Easy accessibility
More useable space
Simpler exterior maintenance
Disadvantages
An advantage to a one level is that it is accessible to all of its occupants. There are no stairs and thus there is more useable space. It is easier to maintain the exterior because most of it can be reached with a ladder. There are disadvantages to a single level home. It does take up more land and because it is spread out it requires a larger foundation and roof.
Takes up more land
Uses a larger foundation
Uses a larger roof

4. Split-level homes Not accessible to someone who cannot climb stairs!
Entrance, living, dining and kitchen are on ground level
Bedrooms are a short flight up
Garage, laundry, family room are a short flight down
Not accessible to someone who cannot climb stairs!
Split level or split foyer homes have multiple levels. A disadvantage is there are stairs to climb. Can you think of some advantages to the split level home?

5. Daylight Basement Suited for sloped lot
For a single level or multi-level
Partially underground
A basement is common for homes located on a sloped lot. A finished basement adds livable space to the home increasing its value. A basement usually houses the furnace and water heater. The term daylight is used when at least one wall of the basement has windows letting in natural light.

6. Two-Story Fewer materials required for foundation and roofing
Advantages
Fewer materials required for foundation and roofing
Uses less land
Sleeping area can easily be isolated
Disadvantages
A two story home is more economical because it requires less land, foundation and roofing. A disadvantage is that is creates limitations for those with physical disabilities.
Requires stairs

7. Dormer Fewer materials required for foundation and roofing
Advantages
Fewer materials required for foundation and roofing
Uses less land
Sleeping area can easily be isolated
Disadvantages
A dormer or a one and a half story home is one that houses the second story in the roof or attic space. Not all of the second level can be used as livable space because of the slope of the roof.
Requires stairs
Less floor area than a Two-story

8. Multi-level Fewer materials required for foundation and roofing
Advantages
Fewer materials required for foundation and roofing
Uses less land
Allows for creative designs
Disadvantages
The advantages to a two story home is that less land, foundation and roofing is required. A disadvantage is that stairs require space and limit accessibility for persons with physical limitations.
Usually more expensive

9. Open vs closed plans
Open floor plans have become more popular because of improved building materials. Open space creates the feeling of more square footage. Open space is less formal.

10. Trends in today’s homes
Society is more urban
Technology has created more conveniences
Interiors are less formal
Designs include open spaces
Rooms are more multipurpose
New building materials are being designed every year. As a society we are making more of an effort to be conscientious of our environment and use environmentally friendly, or green products and methods.

11. Architectural Styles History Characteristics
Architectural styles are influenced by history. Characteristics of one style are often used in other styles. There are many styles of architecture and each style has a distinguishing set of characteristics. How many different styles of architecture are you familiar with? Our next activity will be to research characteristics of different styles.