When designing the exterior for the NEXTadventure show house, one of our challenges was determining how “adventurous” we wanted to be with the style. One thing we knew for sure is that we didn’t want it to look like your grandmother’s house. We also needed to figure out what style would entice the 58% of boomers who say they don’t intend to move.
Initially, we considered a Tuscan design. Case studies have shown that these buyers are drawn to stone, so this was a natural go-to style. We thought we might push the envelope with an asymmetrical design. The result was quite charming, but did it push any new boundaries? Was it adventurous enough?
Modern escalation nicknamed shark fin
Next up, we tried a daring interpretation of a midcentury modern house. Like the Tuscan, this solution is asymmetrical. We began to experiment with a variety of new materials like a modern stone and metal siding that looked like wood. It was certainly adventurous—some on the team loved it while others thought it was too scary, particularly for the community. That’s when we affectionately gave it the nickname “shark fin” for its dramatic profile. We decided maybe a different approach was worth exploring.
The NEXTadventure elevation combines modern and traditional
The final—and winning—design option was a blend between an old-world style and contemporary design. It starts with a tall entry tower inspired by Italianate style. But instead of cladding the exterior in limestone as the Italians might have, we opted for a beautiful smooth stone in a limestone color.
Since the home is 40 feet wide, half of the front of the home is the garage. We once again took an asymmetrical approach to the modern garage door design. On the other half of the home, we kept the windows tall with an emphasis on elegance and verticality with a two-over-two design.
So, what will be the reaction of the buyers? Is it too modern or not modern enough? The answer will vary based on the region of the country and the communities where 55-plus buyers are shopping. In Denver, for example, they might have preferred the shark fin version with different exterior colors. In the Carolinas, this may be too bold and buyers might instead want something more regional, especially in a more suburban or rural location.
One thing I know for certain is that when it comes to designing for the more than 77 million boomers in the U.S. today, one design does not fit all. This is a very experienced, opinionated buyer, and as designers and builders, we need to be flexible and offer them a variety of options. These buyers want to be heard, and with the NEXTadventure home, we listened.
Explore the features of the home during the 2017 International Builders’ Show – register now for a tour.
