The Modern Suburban Ranch - An Example of a Mid Century Modern Home

Anyone who has seen TV's, The Jetsons or Pixar's,ever-changing family. These plans also tend to be very
The Incredibles is familiar with the Mid-Century Modernopen. For example, although older homes would
style, though perhaps not by name. The Mid-Centurycontain a separate living room, dining room, and kitchen,
Modern style, sometimes referred to as Californiaall of these rooms may open up to each other and
Modern, is a contemporary style that peaked in theblend together in a Modern Suburban Ranch.
1950s and '60s, and it continues to influence home- Low, Horizontal Profile - The distinctive façade of
design today. There are many varieties of thethese homes is a major part of their iconic style.
Mid-Century Modern style, but perhaps the mostModern Ranches tend to be single story homes
recognizable manifestation of this style is the Modern(although many also include basements) with low-pitch
Suburban Ranch home.roofs. They typically have a long, horizontal orientation,
Modern Suburban Ranches share the Mid-Centuryparallel to the street. The facade also tends to be
Modern style's focus on functionality, and they areasymmetric.
especially aimed at addressing the needs of the family.- Simplicity - Overall, like many contemporary styles,
These homes tend to exhibit the followingthe Modern Suburban Ranch favors an uncluttered,
characteristics:simple appearance. Natural materials are generally
- Extensive Use of Windows - Mid-Century Modernfavored, and ornamentation tends to be minimal.
homes are often enclosed by walls that seem to beThanks to its functionality and family-friendly features,
made of glass. This was made possible by post andthe Modern Suburban Ranch, along with other
beam architecture, which provides support without theexamples of the Mid-Century Modern style, has
need for bulky walls. Because this style favors the userecently seen a rise in favor. The sleek simplicity of this
of large glass windows, homes built in this style cancontemporary style makes it popular with both
sometimes be difficult to heat and cool. For this reason,homeowners and builders. A representative from one
some of these homes are constructed passive solarAtlanta remodeling company notes, "As a contractor I
features to compensate for these factors.really enjoy working with these... as it gives me a
- Open Interior Plan - Modern Ranches typicallychance to install some really interesting features and
possess flexible floor plans. This allows the use ofcreate some very unique spaces for unique people.
space to change over time to meet the needs of an