EXPANDABLE DESIGNS: PB ARTICLE SERIES

he American household is changing. In fact, 2005 marked the first year since 1940 that household size actually grew. Studies suggest this is principally a result of multi-generational households. After reaching a low of 12% in 1980, households of three generations or more have grown to 16%, or 49 million! Conversely, single person households have also grown from roughly 1% to 10% over the last several decades. Whether driven by necessity or desire; the market segments of aging in place retirees, boomerang children, and non-traditional families are growing.

Dwelling alternatives that include the adaptability, flexibility and expandability required by this market may be an important new market consideration. One such alternative is our Evolution Cottage series, consisting of 3 different modules with varying living, sleeping and service spaces. By simply aligning the openings, an infinite number of designs can be crafted to meet specific living, budget and contextual requirements. Once the plan is set, porches, details and elevations are developed for the appropriate architecture, climate and context of the site. This flexible of the system allows designing for the future, but building for today keeping costs low while assuring that future needs can be easily met.