Table of Contents
Foreword by Ian Thompson, Editor
Are Designers Failing Us? The Hidden Costs of Modern Architecture
Those familiar with our work know that we are on a mission to improve the quality and sustainability of houses while making them more affordable. If I had to single out one profession in the building industry that has the greatest potential to improve how buildings are constructed – and, by extension, how we live—it would be our designers. Yet, evidence would suggest that they may not fully understand or see the opportunities before them.
Far too often, I see buildings constructed with unhealthy, toxic, and unsustainable materials. They are poorly designed, with convoluted building envelopes and unnecessary complexity that simply adds cost without translating into real value.
Don’t get me wrong—some designers do get it right. But I would argue that the majority do not. In their defence, it’s not entirely their fault. I’m not convinced that university and professional education adequately focus on teaching how to build better, improving materials knowledge, or designing buildings that perform well and, most importantly, are healthy to live in.
I want to be proven wrong, but it seems that the more expensive the construction, the less consideration is given to sustainability and health. Can I substantiate this claim? Yes, I can. Last year, one of my businesses supplied lighting design services and related products to three houses in New Zealand, each valued at over $10 million. Not one of these houses was designed with sustainability, health, or building performance in mind. Not one! In fact, the most expensive house was the worst offender. The architect involved was rumoured to have earned well over $1 million in design fees, plus another $1 million (or more) from commissions on specified building products and FF&E (furniture, fixtures, and equipment).
So, am I comparing apples with apples? Was the architect in this unsavoury example briefed to prioritise building performance, material health, and sustainability? Or did the client simply want a visually striking building they might only use a few weeks a year for holidays?
I don’t have the full facts. However, I strongly believe that our design community should view sustainability, performance, and health as the bare minimum requirements for their design remit. That’s just my opinion.
I’ve seen buildings fail – usually because of water ingress – due to poor designs coupled with bad building practices. This has resulted in costly (and frankly backward-thinking) additional council and building code requirements that shouldn’t be necessary if we all worked to meet minimum quality standards. The expression “closing the stable door after the horse has bolted” feels particularly apt here.
In Matt’s video below, he expands on this topic by discussing the challenges of modern architecture in the USA, where he has been building for several decades. It’s a worthwhile watch and raises many of the same questions I often bring up. Over to Matt.
Why I Hate Modern Architecture
(And Why You Should Too!)
Video Summary:
Matt video explores the challenges, risks, and considerations associated with modern architecture, particularly its “lack of forgiveness” in design. While Matt admits he has built many modern-style homes and appreciates their aesthetic and innovation, his critique is rooted in the practical difficulties they present, especially in climates with significant rainfall or temperature fluctuations. This summary captures the key points Matt raises in his detailed discussion.
The Central Issue: Lack of Forgiveness
The crux of Matt’s argument is that modern architecture, characterised by flat roofs, minimal overhangs, and sleek designs, lacks the inherent “forgiveness” found in more traditional styles. By “forgiveness,” Matt refers to how well a building design can handle environmental stresses like rain, heat, and humidity without requiring costly materials or meticulous construction. Traditional architecture, with its pitched roofs and generous overhangs, naturally sheds water and protects vulnerable elements like windows and doors. In contrast, modern designs often lack these protective features, exposing the structure to higher risks of water intrusion and damage.
Historical Context and Climate Considerations
Matt touches on the origins of modern architecture, citing influential figures like Frank Lloyd Wright. While he acknowledges the beauty and innovation of Wright’s designs, he points out their practical shortcomings. For example, Wright’s famous Fallingwater house in Pennsylvania suffers from issues such as water leaks, sagging cantilevers, and poor insulation. Matt notes that such problems stem from the unforgiving nature of flat roofs and minimalist details, which are exacerbated in climates with significant rainfall or extreme temperatures.
He contrasts this with desert climates like Santa Fe, New Mexico, or Scottsdale, Arizona, where modern architecture is more viable due to lower rainfall and milder environmental conditions. However, in wetter regions like Austin, Texas, which receives nearly 40 inches of rain annually, modern design can quickly lead to expensive maintenance issues if not executed perfectly.
Real-World Examples of Modern Design Failures
Matt shares several real-world examples from his own building career to illustrate the risks of modern architecture when design and construction are not carefully aligned:
- The First Modern Build: Early in his career, Matt took on a modern home project with flat roofs and parapet walls. Budget constraints led to hiring the lowest-bidding roofer, whose inexperience with flat roofs resulted in widespread leaks. The scuppers, designed to direct water off the roof, were improperly sealed, leading to water damage and rotting wood within 18 months. Matt ultimately spent $30,000 on roof repairs, a painful lesson about the importance of hiring experienced professionals and using high-quality materials.
- Client Repairs Gone Wrong: Matt recounts visiting a modern house in Austin where the windowsills, made of MDF (a material prone to water absorption), had swollen due to leaks. Despite the homeowner’s attempts to address the issue with exterior caulking, the root problem persisted because water was likely entering above the windows and travelling down. Matt highlights that modern architecture often leaves little room for error, and once water penetrates, it can cause significant damage.
- Older Modern Homes vs. Newer Builds: Matt contrasts a 1920s art deco-style home with modern houses built today. The older home, despite its leaks, had solid wood construction and no insulation, allowing it to dry out naturally over time. In contrast, modern homes with insulation and engineered wood products are far less forgiving, as trapped moisture can lead to rot and mould.
- Examples of Poor Execution: Matt describes visiting another modern home where the absence of head flashing on windows and minimal overhangs resulted in extensive water damage. Brown stains and bubbling paint were visible throughout the house, highlighting the consequences of insufficient waterproofing and weather protection.
Lessons Learned and Solutions
Through his experiences, Matt has developed a clear philosophy on how to approach modern architecture responsibly:
- Invest in Quality Materials and Labour: Modern architecture demands higher-quality sustainable materials and skilled labour to install them properly. For example, Matt now uses products like peel-and-stick house wraps and plywood sheathing, which can better withstand water intrusion compared to lower-cost alternatives – and are realtively easy to install.
- Proper Detailing is Non-Negotiable: Every detail must be meticulously executed in modern homes to prevent issues and misunderstandings. For instance, Matt shows a project where even the underside of an eave was waterproofed with peel-and-stick membranes, ensuring no vulnerable areas were left exposed.
- Respect Climate Considerations: Matt emphasises that modern architecture works best in climates with low rainfall and mild conditions. In regions with heavier rainfall, traditional architectural elements like pitched roofs and overhangs are more practical and forgiving.
- Budget Appropriately: Matt highlights the importance of having a sufficient budget when building modern homes. Quality materials, experienced contractors, and thorough detailing come at a premium, but they are essential to avoid long-term issues. He warns against attempting modern designs on a tight budget, as this often leads to shortcuts and subsequent failures.
The Value of Traditional Architecture
Whilst reflecting on his own home, which he describes as “transitional architecture.” he incorporates some modern elements, it retains traditional features like a pitched metal roof and two-foot overhangs to ensure water is effectively managed. He argues that this hybrid approach offers a balance between aesthetic appeal and functional durability, particularly in climates with challenging weather conditions.
Final Thoughts
Although Matt’s video is titled “Why I Hate Modern Architecture,” his closing remarks clarify that he doesn’t truly hate it. In fact, modern architecture has been a significant part of his career and livelihood. However, he stresses that it requires a high level of expertise, careful planning, and a generous budget to execute successfully. For those without the resources to meet these demands, he advises leaning towards traditional or transitional designs, which offer greater forgiveness and long-term resilience.
Ultimately, Matt’s message is about understanding the trade-offs of modern architecture and making informed choices based on budget, climate, and desired aesthetic. By sharing his own mistakes and lessons learned, he aims to guide others in making better decisions when embarking on modern building projects.
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