EmBracing Small Spaces:

In a world where bigger has often been synonymous with better, there's a quiet revolution happening in the world of housing design. We're seeing a resurgence of interest in the compact, efficient homes built during the mid-20th century. These homes, often ranging from 1,100 to 1,300 square feet, have captured the hearts of many for their clever use of space, practical layouts, and undeniable charm. Today, as cities grow denser and resources scarcer, the principles of these small homes are more relevant than ever. “Over the years, this area has been gaining a lot of traction and caught the eyes of many buyers...Providing an attainable new construction product would continue to allow the area to thrive!” 

The Rise of Small-Space Living

In the decades following World War II, rapid urbanization and a burgeoning middle class led to a housing boom in many countries, particularly in the United States. The houses built during this time were not grandiose mansions but rather modest, compact dwellings that prioritized efficiency and attainability. Families made the most of every square foot, and these homes often featured open floor plans, multipurpose rooms, and built-in storage solutions.

Maximizing Space: Lessons from the Past

One of the most enduring features of these mid-century homes was their ability to make the most of limited space without sacrificing comfort or functionality. Take, for instance, the open-concept living and dining areas that created a sense of spaciousness without the need for extra walls. Bedrooms were designed to be just large enough to accommodate essential furniture, and kitchens were efficiently laid out to minimize wasted steps. “Appropriate design techniques and taking advantage of every square inch of the space allow us to provide a more efficient design without the feeling that the space is small or lacking in comfort features.”

Sustainability and Resource Efficiency

Beyond their practicality, these smaller homes were inadvertently eco-friendly. Their compact size meant reduced heating and cooling costs, and they often featured natural ventilation and daylighting strategies that minimized energy consumption. Additionally, the materials used in their construction were more sustainable and durable compared to the more recent building practices, which have prioritized size and grandeur over environmental impact. This impact is even greater when building using Off-Site methods.

A Modern Renaissance

Fast forward to today, and we're seeing a renewed interest in these mid-century homes, albeit with a modern twist. Architects, designers and next generation builders are revisiting the principles of compact living and adapting them to fit the needs of contemporary homeowners. The Tiny House movement, for example, has taken inspiration from these mid-century designs to create even smaller, mobile homes that are attaindable, sustainable, and customizable. This has allowed the re-envisioning and acceptance of these more efficient, smaller homes that were the standard during a very prosperous time.

Why Choose Small?

So why should we choose small? The benefits are numerous. For starters, smaller homes are more attainable, making homeownership accessible to a broader range of people. They require fewer resources to build and maintain, which helps reduce our carbon footprint. Moreover, living in a smaller space encourages a simpler, more minimalist lifestyle, where we prioritize experiences over possessions. “The smaller format helps me live a more disciplined, minimalist lifestyle, making use of all the space the best it can be used.”

The Future of Housing Design

As cities become more crowded and housing prices continue to rise, the principles of mid-century small-space design are becoming increasingly relevant. “Making the most of every square foot within our homes is core to …  providing full-time modern livability within a modest footprint.” Architects and designers are challenged to create housing solutions that maximize space while minimizing environmental impact. By looking to the past, we can find inspiration for the future—a future where small homes play a crucial role in creating sustainable, vibrant communities.

The charm and efficiency of mid-century small homes have stood the test of time for a reason. They embody a thoughtful approach to design that prioritizes function, sustainability, and community.  As we face the challenges of the 21st century, perhaps it's time to take a step back and embrace the lessons of the past. Pittsburgh is participating at the forefront of this effort to approach the housing needs not by reinventing the wheel but by learning from what worked in the past and building on these foundations with modern materials and techniques. After all, good design is timeless, and a smaller footprint might just be the first step toward a brighter, more sustainable future. It's not just about living small—it's about living well.

Photos : Blockhouse Residential

Source Quote : Jesse Wig; Founder: Life Space Real Estate, Pittsburgh, PA

Mr. Wig, as a realtor who also is a community developer, how could more attainable efficient homes change the landscape of your neighborhood?

Over the years, this area has been gaining a lot of traction and caught the eyes of many buyers. However, one of the current problems is the lack of quality rehabbed homes and or little, to no new construction. Especially at an attainable price point. Partnering up with Blockhouse in an attempt to sell a new construction home at or below a $300,000 price point could play a significant role in the area. Providing an attainable new construction product would continue to allow the area to thrive!

Source Quote : Mark Lock; Data Scientist, New Construction Client

Mr. Lock, as a person who recently completed the construction of a new 1150sf energy efficient home, how would you describe the quality of living in the home?

I wanted a home that was better in quality but smaller in size rather than the other way around. The smaller format helps me live a more disciplined, minimalist lifestyle, making use of all the space the best it can be used. Having a smaller house has also meant fewer points of failure and allowed for much easier maintenance.

Source Quote : Matthew Brind’Amour; Architect

Mr. Brind'Amour, What are the benefits of efficient design given the current needs of new home buyers?

Efficient homes are often more comfortable to live in, with better temperature control and indoor air quality. Features like proper ventilation, high-performance windows, and well-designed layouts contribute to a healthier indoor environment, which is especially important as people spend more time at home.  Appropriate design techniques and taking advantage of every square inch of the space allow us to provide a more efficient design without the feeling that the space is small or lacking in comfort features.

Source Quote : Bob Hartle; Founder, Harry Vine Homes, Pittsburgh, PA

Mr Hartle, What drives your use of efficient design in the home you manufacture?

Making the most of every square foot within our homes is core to the business's goal of providing full-time modern livability within a modest footprint. On the manufacturing side, efficient design allows us to streamline the production process, which brings down costs and allows us to provide maximum value to the customer.