Small is Beautiful

New Design Coming Soon to Potts Design

Housing Size

Since 1950, the average size of new single- family houses has more than doubled, even as the average family size has steadily shrunk. More square footage per family member is being used than ever before, and projections are that the trend will continue. As house size increases, so too do the environmental impacts associated with buildings and development: resource consumption increases, the land area affected by development grows, storm-water runoff increases as impermeable surface area increases, and energy use rises. In addition to carrying larger environmental burdens, larger houses cost more to build and operate.

Other trends in single-family housing have been similar. For example:

In 1967, 48% of new single-family houses had garages for 2(+) cars; by 2002, that figure jumped to 82%. 

In 1975, 20% of new single-family houses had 2.5 or more bathrooms; by 2002, that figure increased to 55%. 

In 1975, 46% of new houses had central air conditioning; by 2002, 87% had it.

Resource & Consumption

Larger houses consume more resources — both in construction and during operation. A house’s smaller square footage does not always mean a comparable reduction in surface area. If one reduces the total size of a house but breaks it into smaller, separate wings and more complex geometry, for example, as is sometimes done in custom houses, one may not gain much in the way of energy savings compared to the large box. Along with the greater surface area increasing heat loss and unwanted heat gain, larger houses also generally require longer runs for ducting and hot water pipes. Losses in conveyance of warm air, chilled air, and hot water can be significant.

Quantity versus Quality

With single-family houses, the notion that 'bigger is better' has been a leading driver of the real estate industry. This status quo is being questioned today. Homebuyers are becoming less interested in size than they are in quality. Because we all know that one's pocket is only so deep; there has to be cuts made along the way and, unfortunately quality takes the bait. Sarah Susanka’s book The Not So Big House (1998), which emphasizes a very different approach to house design—one focused on quality, not quantity—is a wonderful book full of endless information and beautiful photos.

Final Thoughts

Building small is not easy. To make small houses work well requires understanding the needs of homeowners and then fulfilling those needs with careful design. Simply using off-the-shelf house designs may not adequately account for the specific needs of a family.  

Studies by Wilson and Boehland (with notes from Chelsey Morphy)

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