Questioning the Need for Large Dwellings

Do houses have to be large to be beautiful and functional? Architect Sarah Susankah would definitely answer “no” on both counts.

In The Not So Big House and other books, Susankah demonstrates that modern houses, especially in developed countries, are often larger than is really needed to provide comfort, function and aesthetic delight. She shows that the “feeling” of space in a building can be provided in many ways, only one of which is actually building a larger structure.

Another concept of a small, yet inviting house is the Katrina Cottage 1 designed by Marianne Cusato (cusatocottages.com). Reminiscent of the old “shotgun shacks” of New Orleans and Key West, it is tiny by modern U.S. standards, yet exudes charm and practicality. At 308 square feet, it manages to convince people it’s considerably larger, due to its open design, large windows and efficient use of space. And best of all, it’s inexpensive without being ugly. Such a house doesn’t squander natural resources for the sake of “conspicuous consumption.”

Of course, out of expediency due to hurricane relief, the Katrina Cottage uses such materials as pressure-treated wood, which some environmentalists now see as potentially hazardous to humans, but other materials could be substituted on a case-by-case basis.

At a projected original cost of around $35,000 U.S., the Katrina Cottage offers a more affordable housing solution to many people, not just those displaced by hurricanes or other events.

(CONTINUE READING)