Home exteriors in master-planned communities

A new wave of first-time homebuyers is changing the exterior landscape of master-planned communities to appeal to the iGeneration. The emerging trend is typified by sleeker, more modern architecture; smaller, more efficient floor plans; and an exterior emphasis on simplicity. As a result, the future of curb appeal in today’s master-planned communities is moving away from traditionally ornate cornices and large front porches of prior generations, toward a more environmentally sustainable and sleeker modern aesthetic.

“In the past, developers have favored what I call ‘salad dressing architecture’ where elevations were generally limited to French, Italian or Ranch. But all of that is starting to change now with the new generation of homebuyers. Young, first-time homebuyers tend to view the ornate styling of traditional elevations as gaudy and indicative of an older generation. They prefer very simple, functional architecture. As a result, more developers are starting to embrace more modern styles of architecture that are more environmentally sustainable,” says Manny Gonzalez, AIA, principal with KTGY Architects.

The Future is Modern

An increased popularity of modern architectural styles allows for more innovative integration of green elements such as roof-mounted photovoltaic solar panels and nontraditional exterior construction materials. A good example of this approach can be found in South Jordan, UT’s new Daybreak master-planned community where Garbett Homes is having success with contemporary Cubist-influenced solar-powered single-family homes, designed by KTGY.

“The design of a contemporary-looking community sets it apart from yesterday’s Spanish-style stucco boxes. One of the major benefits is that contemporary architectural styles allow for more inclusion of things like roof-mounted photovoltaic panels. When you’re working from a modern design perspective, it’s easier to do things like change roof pitches so you can maximize solar gain orientation. Beyond that, contemporary building styles are also more adaptable to new energy-efficient roofing systems, which are becoming more common as they keep coming down in price,” says Gonzalez.

Where a generation ago the trend was to embellish new home exteriors with ornate trim and opulent entryways that increase perceived value, the new homebuilding generation prefers clean lines, simple façades and natural colors that suit the native surroundings.

Off the shelf solutions

Builders and architects wanting to offer a unique, customized look to their project have numerous options to choose from, such as Style Crest’s newly released Cedar Cove siding, a cedar shake replica that is injection molded for realistic and detailed wood texture. The company will also be introducing North Cape cedar boards as a fiber cement replacement that offers the look of wood/fiber cement without the maintenance headaches or the health concerns.

“Our products bring a unique aesthetic to a project that can be used alone or in combination with other materials to create unique texture and color combinations,” says Brad Johnson, VP Marketing, Style Crest, Inc. “We view our job as bringing unique looks to market like the knots and wood grain of Timbermill; the detailed wood look of Cedar Cove and the wood plank look of North Cape.”

Designers have the ability to use Style Crest’s siding offerings and mix them up on the wall in a design that is purely theirs. “Until now, when they’ve wanted a lap siding alternative, they’ve had to settle for products that are either high-maintenance, difficult to install or not terribly realistic. These new products combined with brick, stone and other cladding materials give the designer guilt-free flexibility because they are easy to install and are low-maintenance and look realistic,” adds Johnson.

Homebuilding for Custom Culture

Another critical consideration for the iGeneration homebuyer, according to Gonzalez, is the ability to customize exterior features in order to achieve a unique look. This becomes especially important in master-planned communities where many floor plans are repeated on a modular basis.

“One thing I try to impress upon my clients is the importance of customization in these communities. When you think about the exterior decorative elements of a home, you have to realize that the new generation is all about having the ability to customize things. Whether it’s a custom skin for your Apple computer or the ability to choose a custom color for your Scion, today’s consumer wants to be able to distinguish themselves from the crowd. When you apply this principle to building homes and large-scale communities, it becomes really important to give homebuyers the option to specify details from a selection of, like, five or six different door styles, trim elements and garage features—so that even if you have the same floor plans, the exterior always looks distinctive,” says Gonzalez.

Entrada Bonita at Rancho Sahuarita, a master-planned community by Maracay Homes south of Tucson, AZ, is at the forefront of “semi-custom” homebuilding. To help buyers personalize their homes, Maracay offers a range of semi-custom changes that include optional basements, façades, garage styles and other distinctive features designed to make each of the 11 available floor plans unique.

“The idea isn’t to make a custom home, but to invest in materials that can be easily customized or are offered in multiple styles and colors. These materials may cost slightly more initially, but giving homeowners control over the choice can really increase marketability,” says Gonzalez.