As the Baby Boomers age, their housing needs change. Shrinking families and aching knees should point to a demand for a smaller, one level homes, but a drive by most new construction in the midwest reveals developments of estate-sized single family homes and steep-staired three story townhomes.
At one time, inspired by the homes on real Western ranches, ranch architecture was popular in America. Pioneered in California by architect Cliff May in the 30's, the style became popular throughout the country as Americans moved to suburbia. The style was characterized by a one-level floor plan, a large back yard usually accessed from the house via sliding glass doors, a two car garage, and an aymmetrical design, often an "L" or "U" layout.
Tracts of ranch homes were the "little boxes on the hillside" parodied as what was wrong with suburban growth:
Little boxes on the hillside, Little boxes made of tickytacky
Little boxes on the hillside, little boxes all the same
There's a green one and a pink one and a blue one and a yellow one
And they're all made out of ticky tacky and they all look just the same.
By the 1980's and 90's , the sprawling ranch home fell into disfavor as it took up more land and used more resources. (It always did, but people started to notice!) These environmental concerns fell in sync with design concerns voiced by those who thought the design lacked style and "soul."
Today, interest in the ranch has resurfaced mainly as a style for custom built homes. There has only been one 62 tract of ranch homes built in 2006 in California - where the range phenomenon began, Since these homes are uniquely designed half million dollar homes that range in size from 2,500-3,000 square feet, the ranch has come far from its utilitarian roots.
While the style limitations of the ranch have been overcome, the environmental ones remain. The design would be a luxury in densely populated areas where land is expensive. However, in other areas, ranch models that integrated style, a smaller footprint, energy efficiency, and the convenience of one floor living could add an exciting dimension to new developments. In view of the aging population, the ready availability of stylish yet affordable ranch homes might open up new markets.
They are building more and more here in Florida. The electric bills are less in a ranch and offer more character with cathedral ceilings.
Don,
I am a baby boomer....thanks for calling me aging....
but as the one who decides what is built in many up and coming subdivisions, I am not only chosing ranch style homes, but also single family homes with smaller yards and maintenance of the lawns included at the reasonable part of their monthly HOA fees.
I prefer a one story just because of the utilities but also as a young person I have fallen down my stairs straight to the bottom had I been pregnant or carrying a child the outcome could have been much worse. Stairs can be a hazard to any age.
Ranch style homes are very popular in Georgia. I prefer a one story and my last couple of homes have been a ranch style.
During the last few years, families wanted larger more grandiose style homes. I would like to see ranch style homes come back. In my area the over 55 communities are building smaller ranch style and cluster homes. The homes are getting smaller, but the prices aren't in these communities.
Right. In denser areas let's don't forget the 2 story with a main floor master, laundry, kitchen and living all on the main level. More of those are being built in our area.
Thanks for the post. You make a good point.