Where can I find plans for cottages with a modern design aesthetic?

October 16, 2007 5:04 AM

Where can I find plans (not kits) for cottages with a modern design aesthetic?

I am looking for designs that maximize light, are energy efficient, and function well in a Southern Ontario climate (snowy winters, warm summers).

Although I would welcome a modern design for the structure, I am also fine with more traditional exteriors, e.g., A-frame, or other designs with a cathedral (or at least high) ceiling for the main living area. What I am mostly looking for is some interesting features in the interior, like this.

Of course, budget is limited. I will likely be doing most of the interior finishing myself. I expect to have the structure built over the next year, and then spend the next couple of years completing the interior.

Perhaps I just need an interior designer, which I could possibly afford later on? A little guidance please...

posted by SNACKeR to home & garden (10 comments total)

Dwell magazine is all about bringing high minded architecture to the masses. Their resources page, their message board. It might be worthwhile to pick up a copy of the magazine or to subscribe, as they have classified ads all the time for both plans and kits.
posted by jiiota at 5:41 AM on October 16, 2007

tumbleweed houses are pretty little cottages for which you can buy a set of plans from the architect. i really want one of these but that's the extent of what i know about them.
posted by amethysts at 5:44 AM on October 16, 2007

Rocio Romero for a modern well thought-out modular. (We're looking at one for our small lot in the mountains)

Michele Kaufmann Designs. The Lotus is a strong contender against Rocio Romero (for us, anyway).

There's also Flatpak, although the above two we like better.

YMMV
posted by yoga at 5:56 AM on October 16, 2007 [2 favorites]

This is a neat off grid house
posted by zeoslap at 6:11 AM on October 16, 2007

Etekt is a useful resource with a lot of interesting/practical/sustainable designs.

For a modern take on Canadian vernacular check out the houses of Brian Mackay-Lyons.
posted by inqb8tr at 7:53 AM on October 16, 2007

I fell in love with Lucia's Little Houses a while ago. Though they were designed before the alternative-energy craze, they aim to be a "little and efficient home that takes advantage of sun, site and design to reward people with modest housing needs." I have the book but have not bought any plans yet. They are definitely more traditional than the pictures you link to, but I think you could accomplish a modern interior with your own choices of finishes.

While I like the Rocio Romero homes, I think they are kits, not plans. And if I understand correctly, the Michele Kaufmann homes are built by MKD, not by the owner. I also thought the MKD homes fairly pricey, though they are thoughtful in their attention to energy usage.
posted by cocoagirl at 10:28 AM on October 16, 2007

hire an architect! (really! that's what they do!)

You can accomplish a lot with non-structural interior design (hire a good interior designer, not a decorator, and know the difference) but to get anything approaching your photo example will probably require custom architectural design. Initial visits are generally free, so go talk to a few and see what they say.
posted by Chris4d at 10:31 AM on October 16, 2007 [1 favorite]

Do you know about Modern Modular? (Check out some of the examples of various architects' work under the "what" option.)

Modern Cabana is probably smaller than you had in mind, but might give you some ideas.

Fab Prefab is a good resource for this kinda stuff.
posted by kimota at 10:50 AM on October 16, 2007

Ah, finally found the one link I was really trying to provide for you: Modernist Modular Homes.

Mind you, my links are all for roomy, naturally-lit, modern stuff. "Interesting features" will probably require an architect, as Chris4d mentions.
posted by kimota at 10:55 AM on October 16, 2007

Nice collection of links! I really appreciate the thoughtful responses you gave.

I don't think I can consider kits, because I expect that they are generally more expensive, and because I am building on an island and paying for delivery by barge would probably cost a lot. The island has a building supply store on it, so building from plans should be quite reasonable.

But I will consider seriously the idea of talking with an architect, although I fear it will lead me down the road to financial ruin. I may not be able to resist their temptation :)
posted by SNACKeR at 3:32 PM on October 16, 2007