The stark volumes of the Albion Avenue Duplex were a reinvention of the traditional gable home. The design grew from a homage to the existing brick dwelling that stood on the site combined with the idea to reinterpret the lightweight costal vernacular. Two different homes now sit on the site, providing privacy and individuality from the existing streetscape. Light and breeze were concepts that powered a need for voids which provide open connections throughout the homes and help to passively cool them. Built by NorthMac Constructions.

Hood House

Mihaly Slocombe

Hood House is a playful protector that respects the heritage character of Carlton North whilst celebrating purposeful change. It is a luxurious yet compact and hyper-functional home defined by an exploration of contrast: it is ornamental and restrained, subdued and lively, stately and casual, compartmental and open. For us, it is also a project with an unusual history. This dual-natured renovation evolved through the ownership of two separate clients. Originally intended to accommodate the needs of a young family of four, we shifted gears at the eleventh hour and adapted a thoroughly resolved design solution to the needs of only two. From a young, nuclear family to a blended adult one, our design solution was put to a test of flexibility. The result is a subtle renovation almost invisible from the street yet dramatic in its expressive qualities. An oblique view from the northwest reveals the playful zigzag of the new roof, the rippling metal hood. This is a form-making exercise that connects old to new as well as establishing spatial drama in what might otherwise have been utilitarian rooms upstairs. A simple palette of Australian hardwood timbers and white surfaces are complimented by tactile splashes of brass and rich moments of colour that reveal themselves from behind closed doors. Our internal joke is that Hood House is like Lazarus, risen from the ashes. We’re grateful that almost six years of hard work have culminated in this beautiful, protective and playful house, and so pleased that Glenda and Alistair get to call it home.

City Modern Farmhouse Town & Country Charlotte

Linnane Homes

This is an example of a large country two-storey white house exterior in Charlotte with painted brick siding, a gable roof, a shingle roof, a black roof and board and batten siding.

Beck Lake House

John M. Holmes Architect

Stephen Ironside
Design ideas for a large country two-storey grey house exterior in Birmingham with a shed roof, metal siding and a metal roof.

Bridge House

HAUS | Architecture For Modern Lifestyles

Northeast Elevation reveals private deck, dog run, and entry porch overlooking Pier Cove Valley to the north - Bridge House - Fenneville, Michigan - Lake Michigan, Saugutuck, Michigan, Douglas Michigan - HAUS | Architecture For Modern Lifestyles

Not Your Grandfather's Barn! A Modern Pole Barn House in Lauderdale Lake Area

Stebnitz Builders, Inc.

This 2,500 square-foot home, combines the an industrial-meets-contemporary gives its owners the perfect place to enjoy their rustic 30- acre property. Its multi-level rectangular shape is covered with corrugated red, black, and gray metal, which is low-maintenance and adds to the industrial feel. Encased in the metal exterior, are three bedrooms, two bathrooms, a state-of-the-art kitchen, and an aging-in-place suite that is made for the in-laws. This home also boasts two garage doors that open up to a sunroom that brings our clients close nature in the comfort of their own home. The flooring is polished concrete and the fireplaces are metal. Still, a warm aesthetic abounds with mixed textures of hand-scraped woodwork and quartz and spectacular granite counters. Clean, straight lines, rows of windows, soaring ceilings, and sleek design elements form a one-of-a-kind, 2,500 square-foot home

Hilltop House | Grand Vista Subdivision

Jordan Iverson Signature Homes

2012 KuDa Photography
This is an example of a large contemporary three-storey grey exterior in Portland with metal siding and a shed roof.

Cherry Tree Terrace House

Akita Komar Architects

This is an example of a three-storey green townhouse exterior in London with metal siding, a gambrel roof and a metal roof.

Barndominium

CORNERSTONE NORTH TEXAS BUILDERS, LLC

Metal Barndominium
Design ideas for a country split-level white house exterior in Dallas with metal siding, a gable roof, a metal roof and a brown roof.

urban front – root / parma – RAL

Urban Front

We all love this door in the office as it really brings home what Urban Front is all about. The Root design here looks fabulous in it's very distinctive surround in zinc and the aluminium curtain walling around it. Going for a lighter colour on your door than the rest of the windows on the building is a great way to ensure that your front door stands out. The Root e80 with pivot opening shown here is approximately 1.2m x 2.4m and is in the light grey RAL colour 7004.

accessory dwelling unit plans

threadgold architecture + construction

These contemporary accessory dwelling unit plans deliver an indoor-outdoor living space consisting of an open-plan kitchen, dining, living, laundry as also include two bedrooms all contained in 753 square feet. The design also incorporates 452 square feet of alfresco and terrace sun drenched external area are ideally suited to extended family visits or a separate artist’s studio. The size of the accessory dwelling unit plans harmonize with the local authority planning schemes that contain clauses for secondary ancillary dwellings. When correctly orientated on the site, the raking ceilings of the accessory dwelling unit plans conform to passive solar design principles and ensure solar heat gain during the cooler winter months. The accessory dwelling unit plans recognize the importance on sustainability and energy-efficient design principles, achieving passive solar design principles by catching the winter heat gain when the sun is at lower azimuth and storing the radiant energy in the thermal mass of the reinforced concrete slab that operates as the heat sink. The calculated sun shading eliminates the worst of the summer heat gain through the accessory dwelling unit plans fenestration while awning highlight windows vent stale hot air along the southern elevation employing ‘stack effect’ ventilation.

Holly Hill House

Robert M. Cain, Architect

Holly Hill, a retirement home, whose owner's hobbies are gardening and restoration of classic cars, is nestled into the site contours to maximize views of the lake and minimize impact on the site. Holly Hill is comprised of three wings joined by bridges: A wing facing a master garden to the east, another wing with workshop and a central activity, living, dining wing. Similar to a radiator the design increases the amount of exterior wall maximizing opportunities for natural ventilation during temperate months. Other passive solar design features will include extensive eaves, sheltering porches and high-albedo roofs, as strategies for considerably reducing solar heat gain. Daylighting with clerestories and solar tubes reduce daytime lighting requirements. Ground source geothermal heat pumps and superior to code insulation ensure minimal space conditioning costs. Corten steel siding and concrete foundation walls satisfy client requirements for low maintenance and durability. All light fixtures are LEDs. Open and screened porches are strategically located to allow pleasant outdoor use at any time of day, particular season or, if necessary, insect challenge. Dramatic cantilevers allow the porches to project into the site’s beautiful mixed hardwood tree canopy without damaging root systems. Guest arrive by vehicle with glimpses of the house and grounds through penetrations in the concrete wall enclosing the garden. One parked they are led through a garden composed of pavers, a fountain, benches, sculpture and plants. Views of the lake can be seen through and below the bridges. Primary client goals were a sustainable low-maintenance house, primarily single floor living, orientation to views, natural light to interiors, maximization of individual privacy, creation of a formal outdoor space for gardening, incorporation of a full workshop for cars, generous indoor and outdoor social space for guests and parties.

Nocona Barndominium

First Choice Custom Builders

Custom Barndominium
Inspiration for a mid-sized country one-storey grey house exterior in Austin with metal siding, a gable roof, a metal roof and a grey roof.

Past Present House

chadbourne + doss architects

The new addition extends from and expands an existing flat roof dormer. Aluminum plate siding marries with brick, glass, and concrete to tie new to old.

Wriff Residence

Guggenheim Architecture + Design Studio

Inspiration for a midcentury black house exterior in Portland with metal siding, a shed roof and a metal roof.

White Aluminum Vented Soffit and Fascia

TF2 LLC

White Aluminum Vented Soffit and Fascia
Design ideas for a two-storey orange house exterior in Orlando with metal siding, a gable roof and a shingle roof.

Schaffer's Mill Custom 11

Tanamera Construction / TC Homes

Vance Fox
Mid-sized contemporary two-storey brown house exterior in Sacramento with metal siding, a flat roof and a metal roof.

DK Design & Build LLC / Atrium Home

Dale Tu Photography

The home is split into two upper volumes suspended over a stone base, breaking down the mass and bulk of the building, to respect the scale of the neighborhood. The stone visually anchors the project to the ground, while the metal cladding provides a durable and low-maintenance material while maintaining a contemporary look. Stained cedar clads the inside of the volume, providing warmth and richness to the material palette, and creates a welcoming lantern-like effect at the entry during the evenings.

Venice House

FINNE Architects

Tom Bonner
This is an example of a large contemporary two-storey house exterior in Seattle with metal siding, a shed roof and a metal roof.

Our Work

peter schultze costruction ltd.

Photo of a large contemporary three-storey white house exterior in Other with metal siding, a gable roof and a metal roof.

Exterior Design Ideas with Metal Siding and Painted Brick Siding

The front exterior of your home – the driveway, front yard, verandah and entrance – is a fantastic place to start making that all-important first impression on house guests. Even mailboxes and house numbers can have a wonderful way of grabbing people’s attention. The architectural design should reflect the overall style of your house and the family that live there; while your choice of materials will help your house blend in with its surrounds. Browse the photos on Houzz for ideas and inspiration for the exterior of your house, and strike up a conversation with the architects and designers of your favourite picks. You’ll find house designs for contemporary, eclectic, modern, traditional styles and more.

How do I decide on the exterior style of my home?

Your location, overall sense of style, budget and current home layout will dictate the style of your exterior. If you’re renovating a period home, the materials and features you use should reflect the date in which it was built, while a unique colour scheme could add contemporary flair. New homes may prefer to look to modern or contemporary designs with structural simplicity, whereas, if you live by the ocean, a beach-style design may better suit your locale. That’s not to say you can’t build a new home that has period influences. If you’re a traditionalist, you can borrow architectural details from the Art Deco period, for instance, or use finishes that reflect more of a Scandinavian style, too.

What exterior house colours and materials should I use?

Traditional homes typically use brick and timber building materials, while stone, board-formed concrete and metal cladding are popular contemporary options. Again, the materials you use will depend on your location and the statement you want to make. Your budget will also affect your choice. Vinyl siding is affordable and easy to install, while stone is more expensive but durable and low maintenance. If you’re not ready to renovate but want to update the exterior of your home, you can still paint it. Look to your neighbours when choosing exterior house colours. Consider the streetscape and what type of colours are already in use, firstly, so you don’t replicate next door’s shade; and secondly, so you don’t stand out like a sore thumb. If you’re renovating a period home, you could paint features or intricate details in a bold, standout hue. Front doors, garage doors and window trims also look great in eye-catching colours, even if the rest of the house’s facade is neutral.

How can I maximise my home’s street appeal?

To spice up your home’s architectural design, landscape the surrounding area with plants and pathways that accent the style of your home. If you just need a quick revamp, look at your cement and pavers – these can split and crack over time; and repairing or replacing them can do wonders for your street appeal, especially if it’s a large area like your driveway. Plants, garden paths or low walls can can also add structure to your front yard. Light up your home with sufficient outdoor lighting to make walking up to the front door easy at night. You could use bollard lights along your entry path, or replace tiny wall sconces with statement pendant lighting at the entrance or on your verandah. Decorative elements such as house numbers, mailboxes and doormats will also add character. And if you're looking to sell your house, it may be worth hiring a stylist to help make the most of your property.