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  1. House Exterior
  2. Roof Type: Flat

Traditional House Exterior with a Flat Roof Ideas and Designs

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SouthEnd RowHome Main Entry
SouthEnd RowHome Main Entry
ZeroEnergy DesignZeroEnergy Design
This renovated brick rowhome in Boston’s South End offers a modern aesthetic within a historic structure, creative use of space, exceptional thermal comfort, a reduced carbon footprint, and a passive stream of income. DESIGN PRIORITIES. The goals for the project were clear - design the primary unit to accommodate the family’s modern lifestyle, rework the layout to create a desirable rental unit, improve thermal comfort and introduce a modern aesthetic. We designed the street-level entry as a shared entrance for both the primary and rental unit. The family uses it as their everyday entrance - we planned for bike storage and an open mudroom with bench and shoe storage to facilitate the change from shoes to slippers or bare feet as they enter their home. On the main level, we expanded the kitchen into the dining room to create an eat-in space with generous counter space and storage, as well as a comfortable connection to the living space. The second floor serves as master suite for the couple - a bedroom with a walk-in-closet and ensuite bathroom, and an adjacent study, with refinished original pumpkin pine floors. The upper floor, aside from a guest bedroom, is the child's domain with interconnected spaces for sleeping, work and play. In the play space, which can be separated from the work space with new translucent sliding doors, we incorporated recreational features inspired by adventurous and competitive television shows, at their son’s request. MODERN MEETS TRADITIONAL. We left the historic front facade of the building largely unchanged - the security bars were removed from the windows and the single pane windows were replaced with higher performing historic replicas. We designed the interior and rear facade with a vision of warm modernism, weaving in the notable period features. Each element was either restored or reinterpreted to blend with the modern aesthetic. The detailed ceiling in the living space, for example, has a new matte monochromatic finish, and the wood stairs are covered in a dark grey floor paint, whereas the mahogany doors were simply refinished. New wide plank wood flooring with a neutral finish, floor-to-ceiling casework, and bold splashes of color in wall paint and tile, and oversized high-performance windows (on the rear facade) round out the modern aesthetic. RENTAL INCOME. The existing rowhome was zoned for a 2-family dwelling but included an undesirable, single-floor studio apartment at the garden level with low ceiling heights and questionable emergency egress. In order to increase the quality and quantity of space in the rental unit, we reimagined it as a two-floor, 1 or 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom apartment with a modern aesthetic, increased ceiling height on the lowest level and provided an in-unit washer/dryer. The apartment was listed with Jackie O'Connor Real Estate and rented immediately, providing the owners with a source of passive income. ENCLOSURE WITH BENEFITS. The homeowners sought a minimal carbon footprint, enabled by their urban location and lifestyle decisions, paired with the benefits of a high-performance home. The extent of the renovation allowed us to implement a deep energy retrofit (DER) to address air tightness, insulation, and high-performance windows. The historic front facade is insulated from the interior, while the rear facade is insulated on the exterior. Together with these building enclosure improvements, we designed an HVAC system comprised of continuous fresh air ventilation, and an efficient, all-electric heating and cooling system to decouple the house from natural gas. This strategy provides optimal thermal comfort and indoor air quality, improved acoustic isolation from street noise and neighbors, as well as a further reduced carbon footprint. We also took measures to prepare the roof for future solar panels, for when the South End neighborhood’s aging electrical infrastructure is upgraded to allow them. URBAN LIVING. The desirable neighborhood location allows the both the homeowners and tenant to walk, bike, and use public transportation to access the city, while each charging their respective plug-in electric cars behind the building to travel greater distances. OVERALL. The understated rowhouse is now ready for another century of urban living, offering the owners comfort and convenience as they live life as an expression of their values.
Residential Projects
Residential Projects
McWilliams Burgener ArchitectureMcWilliams Burgener Architecture
This is an example of a white traditional house exterior in Chicago with three floors, stone cladding and a flat roof.
Desert Prairie / Exterior from Street
Desert Prairie / Exterior from Street
Drewett WorksDrewett Works
Located near the base of Scottsdale landmark Pinnacle Peak, the Desert Prairie is surrounded by distant peaks as well as boulder conservation easements. This 30,710 square foot site was unique in terrain and shape and was in close proximity to adjacent properties. These unique challenges initiated a truly unique piece of architecture. Planning of this residence was very complex as it weaved among the boulders. The owners were agnostic regarding style, yet wanted a warm palate with clean lines. The arrival point of the design journey was a desert interpretation of a prairie-styled home. The materials meet the surrounding desert with great harmony. Copper, undulating limestone, and Madre Perla quartzite all blend into a low-slung and highly protected home. Located in Estancia Golf Club, the 5,325 square foot (conditioned) residence has been featured in Luxe Interiors + Design’s September/October 2018 issue. Additionally, the home has received numerous design awards. Desert Prairie // Project Details Architecture: Drewett Works Builder: Argue Custom Homes Interior Design: Lindsey Schultz Design Interior Furnishings: Ownby Design Landscape Architect: Greey|Pickett Photography: Werner Segarra
JSD Builders - Coquina Project
JSD Builders - Coquina Project
SIW Impact Windows & DoorsSIW Impact Windows & Doors
J Quick Studios LLC
Photo of an expansive and beige traditional two floor house exterior in Miami with mixed cladding and a flat roof.
Past Projects
Past Projects
Bravo BuildersBravo Builders
Photo of a large and gey classic house exterior in New York with three floors, concrete fibreboard cladding and a flat roof.
Craftsman Exterior Paint Color Consultation
Craftsman Exterior Paint Color Consultation
Masterworks Window Fashions & Design, LLCMasterworks Window Fashions & Design, LLC
This house is adjacent to the first house, and was under construction when I began working with the clients. They had already selected red window frames, and the siding was unfinished, needing to be painted. Sherwin Williams colors were requested by the builder. They wanted it to work with the neighboring house, but have its own character, and to use a darker green in combination with other colors. The light trim is Sherwin Williams, Netsuke, the tan is Basket Beige. The color on the risers on the steps is slightly deeper. Basket Beige is used for the garage door, the indentation on the front columns, the accent in the front peak of the roof, the siding on the front porch, and the back of the house. It also is used for the fascia board above the two columns under the front curving roofline. The fascia and columns are outlined in Netsuke, which is also used for the details on the garage door, and the trim around the red windows. The Hardie shingle is in green, as is the siding on the side of the garage. Linda H. Bassert, Masterworks Window Fashions & Design, LLC
WIMBLEDON FAMILY HOUSE
WIMBLEDON FAMILY HOUSE
STEPHEN FLETCHER ARCHITECTSSTEPHEN FLETCHER ARCHITECTS
This image shows the rear extension and its relationship with the main garden level, which is situated halfway between the ground and lower ground floor levels. Photographer: Nick Smith
Craftsman
Craftsman
B Street DesignB Street Design
Architect- Sema Architects
Green and medium sized traditional two floor house exterior in San Diego with wood cladding and a flat roof.
The Thicket
The Thicket
Ectypos ArchitectureEctypos Architecture
Dense landscaping, terraces, steps and ramps lending depth to narrow yards. Photo by: Joe Iano
Inspiration for a large and beige classic detached house in Seattle with three floors, wood cladding, a flat roof and a shingle roof.
Novack
Novack
Christian Gladu DesignChristian Gladu Design
Front entry and side elevation. Traditional stucco with stone veneer columns.
This is an example of a large and beige classic two floor house exterior in Seattle with stone cladding and a flat roof.
Front Exterior
Front Exterior
Haus of Blaylock | Award-Winning DesignerHaus of Blaylock | Award-Winning Designer
The exterior of the Simondale Colonial is a southern colonial dream with white columns, wrap around porch and contrasting shutters.
This is an example of an expansive and white classic two floor detached house in Dallas with a flat roof.
504 Hudson Street
504 Hudson Street
Brinton Brosius IncBrinton Brosius Inc
Halstead Property
Design ideas for a beige classic terraced house in New York with three floors and a flat roof.
Custom Prairie with Contemporary Interior
Custom Prairie with Contemporary Interior
Moser Architects PLLCMoser Architects PLLC
Photo of a medium sized and beige traditional two floor detached house in Other with wood cladding and a flat roof.
REHABILITACIÓN INTEGRAL DE VIVIENDA UNIFAMILIAR ENTRE MEDIANERAS EN VALENCIA
REHABILITACIÓN INTEGRAL DE VIVIENDA UNIFAMILIAR ENTRE MEDIANERAS EN VALENCIA
Condimet SystemCondimet System
Rehabilitación integral de una vivienda entre medianeras en la c/ Alagret 14 del barrio Benimaclet, Valencia
Small and blue traditional two floor house exterior in Valencia with mixed cladding and a flat roof.
Front porch Oakland Hills home
Front porch Oakland Hills home
Studio Nish Interior DesignStudio Nish Interior Design
Mid century architecture. Great room remodel. New flooring, new custom fireplace surround and mantle with 16' local cypress slab and cypress veneer pocket doors. New paint scheme throughout for fresh take on midcentury design. Enhanced day light through new skylights.
Traditional Exterior
Traditional Exterior
Mark Hazeldine PhotographyMark Hazeldine Photography
This is an example of a classic two floor brick house exterior in Surrey with a flat roof.
1700 N. DAYTON
1700 N. DAYTON
Barrett HomesBarrett Homes
Photo of a beige traditional terraced house in Chicago with three floors and a flat roof.
Our Work
Our Work
Marc Lemoine Architecture, LLCMarc Lemoine Architecture, LLC
Expansive and brown traditional house exterior in Las Vegas with three floors, mixed cladding and a flat roof.
Estate 1
Estate 1
Dale Gardon DesignDale Gardon Design
Dino Tonn
Expansive and beige classic two floor detached house in Phoenix with stone cladding, a flat roof and a tiled roof.
Manor Residence
Manor Residence
Aspect Design BuildAspect Design Build
Photo of a large and black traditional two floor detached house in Minneapolis with wood cladding, a shingle roof and a flat roof.

Traditional House Exterior with a Flat Roof Ideas and Designs

With so much attention devoted to interior design, the exterior of a home can often get overlooked, but as the first thing that welcomes both us and our guests, it is worth devoting some time tending to the outside of your house. Furthermore, focusing on the traditional kerb appeal of your home can add significant value if and when it comes time to sell up. Georgian, Edwardian and Victorian homes, with their bay windows and elegant plasterwork, often benefit from built in architecture advantages, but even if your house design is unassuming from the outside, small decorative and structural improvements to the traditional exterior of your home can equal huge impact. Key areas of building design to focus on are the front door, the driveway or approach to your home, the porch area, the windows, the facade and the roof. And just a note of caution... before any significant traditional exterior architecture gets under way, check first whether you need planning permission for your exterior house designs– this applies particularly to listed houses or buildings in a conservation area, but it’s better to be safe than sorry. Take a look through the house designs, exterior architecture and images of front doors and driveways on Houzz to inspire your facade or building design, or read on for a few more pointers when it comes to redesigning your exterior.

How do I give my home an exterior facelift?

You may feel like your home’s exterior architecture is unalterable but there are a wide range of options available to improve its external building design, no matter what raw materials you begin with. Begin with the front door and the pathway or driveway that lead up to your home as these are easy to improve without huge budgets. A driveway or pathway must be kept neat and tidy and you can consider replacing tarmac with attractive tiles or gravel. Repainting or replacing the fence, wall or gate that fronts your home can also offer an overnight transformation without breaking the bank. An area to not cut corners however is the front door, where spending a little extra can make a huge difference in quality, and painting it in a colour you love will pay you back every time it welcomes you home! Updating your windows can be a significant building design project but it is one that has benefits both inside and out, as well as potentially saving you money on energy later. If you are lucky enough to have period windows such as bay windows with sash or leaded windows, then maintaining them should be a top priority, but if they are beyond repair then there are plenty of window professionals that will offer modern, double or triple glazed equivalents that could still work in your bay window. Working with uPVC? Not a problem – the best improvement you can make is to ensure your windows are the right size and shape for your home's overall proportions.

How do I update my home’s facade?

When it comes to updating the facade of your home, painting is the quickest and most affordable way to achieve a traditional makeover, and if you opt for a colour other than white it can really make a statement (although sticking within the palette of your road and local area is advisable). A makeover that requires a bit more patience but can add romance and character to the most mundane of homes is to adorn the walls with climbing plants – delicate trailing wisteria is ever a British favourite, whilst roses and jasmine offer fragrance as well as beauty. If you’re looking to make more significant changes to the exterior of your home, whether that is adding timber cladding, hanging tiles, installing a bay window or rendering, then you should first check whether your house designs require planning permission. A New England style wood boarded home is beautiful and bright, but remember that it will need frequent repainting if it is going to stay looking its best, whilst stucco render or Tyrolean render can tidy up a home's exterior but think carefully before covering over original brickwork.

What should I consider if building a home from scratch?

If you’re working with an architect on a brand new build, the options are endless when it comes to deciding on the exterior architecture. But first things first, you will need to check planning permissions, building regulations and local restrictions, such as being in a conservation area, to make sure your plans for your exterior house designs will meet stipulations. If you are building in a street with predominantly Victorian facades, with bay windows and side returns, you might need to ensure your house designs fit in with the rest of the homes on the street, but if you’re building in a more remote area you’ll probably have more freedom for your building design. There are many architectural decisions to make, do you want a flat, gabled, hipped, mansard or perhaps even a curved roof? Do you want bay windows? Crittall windows? Perhaps external shutters? Do you want glass walls? Do you want wood cladding? Do you want a very symmetrical building design or something more contemporary? The decision is all yours but remember to consider the benefits of various materials over others and the effects that some architecture styles will have on everyday life, for example glass walls will look attractive but will give you less privacy. Your architect or builder will be able to guide you through the best traditional exterior architecture choices for your house designs.
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