A contemporary home is a style of architecture that emerged in the mid-20th century. It has since become one of the most popular styles in the United States. Because of its popularity, there are many different types of contemporary homes available. These include ranch-style homes, split-level homes and bi-level homes. Contemporary is also known as modern, midcentury or ranch-style architecture.
Contemporary homes can be found in any neighborhood, from 1950s suburbia to modern neighborhoods with high rises and townhouses.
The cost to build a new contemporary home depends on its size and location. The average cost of building a new home in 2019 was $340 per square foot across all regions of the U.S., according to Zillow Research’s American Housing Survey (AHS). This includes foundations, framing and finishing costs for both detached single family homes as well as attached townhomes, duplexes and multifamily units. The average detached single family home built in 2019 cost $309 per square foot across all regions of the U.S., according to Zillow Research’s AHS data set. The price range varies by region but is generally between $250-$400 per square foot depending on:
Cost to build contemporary home
The popularity of open-plan spaces with extensive glazing is constantly on the up. It’s no surprise that the desire for light-filled designs that maximise the room available is relatable for a lot of self-builders.
For many of us, such schemes reflect our lifestyle and what we want from a bespoke home. After all, most people choose to go down the self-build route so that they can create a home that’s perfect for their needs.
While interest in contemporary projects is common, the sort of budget required to build something along the lines of the Watsons’ home, found below, is not.
That’s why we’ve created a list representing what’s achievable at a whole range of price points – from under £100,000 all the way up to almost £2m.
Eco house on a budget
A thoughtful design, some self-build determination and a hand from friends and family can produce a contemporary home on a shoestring. Joshua Penk managed to avoid the use of scaffolding, amongst countless other money saving measures, to build this affordable woodland eco home.
Build cost: £81,800
Small sustainable self build
Getting the most from a 63m2 footprint requires design ingenuity and clear communication between architect and client. Thankfully Makar Construction were on hand to help Barbara Manson realise her retirement self-build dream. The home is a timber construction finished in a mixture of horizontal and vertical larch cladding, crowned with a sustainable living roof.
Build cost: £140,000
Amazing cantilevered home
The unique looking Watershed makes inspired use of a cantilever to jut out over a nearby waterfall. Despite this striking design feature, the project came in at £1,424 per m2. Architects ATA Studio came up with clever money-saving solutions such as a pop-out fourth bedroom that keeps material costs to a minimum.
Build cost: £270,773
Contemporary home built on a modest budget
Architects Eilir Sheryn and Frederieke van Ellen’s new home is a striking contemporary design made all the more appealing by its simplicity and affordability. They stuck to a simple timber frame box shape, maximising interior space. The result is the kind of individual project that would be within reach of many aspiring self-builders.
Build cost: £325,000
Bespoke house on a sloping plot
The inspiration for the Smiths’ contemporary home was gleaned from an array of sources, including their memorable holidays to Scandinavia and Palm Springs in California, where Martin was particularly affected by sleek examples of ‘desert Modernism’. Their own interpretation is comprised of a steel frame, encased in floor-to-ceiling glass and iroko timber.
Build cost: £399,460
Modern London eco house
The Bakers snapped up a leafy plot in west London and built a treehouse inspired contemporary abode. The glazed ground floor drinks in the natural light, while the overhanging level above prevents overheating in summer. The house is formed of two angled, interconnecting wings, which come together at the double-height entrance hallway.
Build cost: £453,000
Contemporary cliff-top home
Prioritising high ceilings, big open rooms and natural light, Dan Hatfield capitalised on his coastal site. The project’s clean straight lines are contrasted by the green roof, planted with local species to reflect the surrounding cliff-tops. This huge build came in at an impressive £1,000 per m2, including a relatively small overspend of around 10%.
Build cost: £600,000
Contemporary home blends into landscape
Natural, sustainable materials are a core part of the Gourlays’ house – from the locally sourced softwood timber frame, built stick-by-stick on site, to the 500 tonnes of stone gathered from the surrounding fields. This ethos tells in the end product, which, despite its bold lines, looks at home in its rural Scottish setting.
Build cost: £720,000
Award winning contemporary self build
John and Maxine Fack turned a forgotten, scrub-covered sloping plot in Cornwall into an award-winning dream home
This couple transformed a forgotten, overgrown sloping plot in Cornwall into an award winning dream home. It boasts a stunning yet unique design, with incredible eco-credentials to boot. The design features cantilevered wings, that jut out over the valley below, offering vast views from the home, whilst remaining sympathetic to the surrounding countryside. This property was entered in the Build It 2019 awards.
Build cost: £826,120
Bold and beautiful contemporary home
This impressive dwelling came from the Watsons’ desire for light, open spaces and a modern, streamlined look. The design is based around two wings of living accommodation, joined by a two-storey glass link. The roof is made from structurally insulated panels, which meant there were no trusses to get in the way. This allowed architects Sense of Space to create spectacular, capacious vaulted living zones.
Build cost: £1,900,000