Mid-sized Contemporary Exterior Design Ideas
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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.


Photo of a mid-sized contemporary two-storey black house exterior in Geelong with a flat roof.


Photo of a mid-sized contemporary two-storey multi-coloured house exterior in Gold Coast - Tweed with mixed siding, a flat roof, a metal roof, a black roof and clapboard siding.


façade brique et bois, plaquette de parement
Photo of a mid-sized contemporary two-storey brick beige house exterior in Paris with a gable roof and a tile roof.
Photo of a mid-sized contemporary two-storey brick beige house exterior in Paris with a gable roof and a tile roof.


Exterior front with cantilevered carport and cedar siding.
Design ideas for a mid-sized contemporary one-storey exterior in Austin with mixed siding.
Design ideas for a mid-sized contemporary one-storey exterior in Austin with mixed siding.


This prefabricated 1,800 square foot Certified Passive House is designed and built by The Artisans Group, located in the rugged central highlands of Shaw Island, in the San Juan Islands. It is the first Certified Passive House in the San Juans, and the fourth in Washington State. The home was built for $330 per square foot, while construction costs for residential projects in the San Juan market often exceed $600 per square foot. Passive House measures did not increase this projects’ cost of construction.
The clients are retired teachers, and desired a low-maintenance, cost-effective, energy-efficient house in which they could age in place; a restful shelter from clutter, stress and over-stimulation. The circular floor plan centers on the prefabricated pod. Radiating from the pod, cabinetry and a minimum of walls defines functions, with a series of sliding and concealable doors providing flexible privacy to the peripheral spaces. The interior palette consists of wind fallen light maple floors, locally made FSC certified cabinets, stainless steel hardware and neutral tiles in black, gray and white. The exterior materials are painted concrete fiberboard lap siding, Ipe wood slats and galvanized metal. The home sits in stunning contrast to its natural environment with no formal landscaping.
Photo Credit: Art Gray


A slender three-story home, designed for vibrant downtown living and cozy entertaining.
This is an example of a mid-sized contemporary three-storey brick red townhouse exterior in Oklahoma City with a gable roof, a metal roof and a grey roof.
This is an example of a mid-sized contemporary three-storey brick red townhouse exterior in Oklahoma City with a gable roof, a metal roof and a grey roof.


This 3,300 SQFT house, includes 5 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, Family Room with a Roof Terrace. The site is a narrow and long corner lot. Wanting to celebrate the length of the site, and preserved the existing tree; we designed a very linear house with a courtyard, to protect the tree's critical root zone, and to maximize outdoor living.


Main patio seating area, with trellis added to the existing garage in the background. The gated fence at right screens this corner lot's backyard from the street.


Mid-sized contemporary two-storey black house exterior in Seattle with concrete fiberboard siding, a shed roof, a black roof and clapboard siding.


Detail view looking up toward clerestory windows.
Inspiration for a mid-sized contemporary one-storey beige house exterior in Dallas with painted brick siding, a hip roof, a shingle roof, a grey roof and clapboard siding.
Inspiration for a mid-sized contemporary one-storey beige house exterior in Dallas with painted brick siding, a hip roof, a shingle roof, a grey roof and clapboard siding.


Contemporary, entry, solar, glass garage doors
Photo of a mid-sized contemporary one-storey grey house exterior in Other with wood siding, a shed roof, a metal roof, a grey roof and clapboard siding.
Photo of a mid-sized contemporary one-storey grey house exterior in Other with wood siding, a shed roof, a metal roof, a grey roof and clapboard siding.


Design ideas for a mid-sized contemporary two-storey stucco grey house exterior in San Francisco with a flat roof.


Mid-sized contemporary two-storey beige house exterior in Minneapolis with wood siding and a gable roof.


Inspiration for a mid-sized contemporary one-storey brown house exterior in Denver with wood siding, a shed roof and a mixed roof.


Mid-sized contemporary two-storey grey house exterior in Perth with mixed siding and a flat roof.


Design ideas for a mid-sized contemporary two-storey multi-coloured house exterior in Melbourne with mixed siding and a flat roof.


As a conceptual urban infill project, the Wexley is designed for a narrow lot in the center of a city block. The 26’x48’ floor plan is divided into thirds from front to back and from left to right. In plan, the left third is reserved for circulation spaces and is reflected in elevation by a monolithic block wall in three shades of gray. Punching through this block wall, in three distinct parts, are the main levels windows for the stair tower, bathroom, and patio. The right two-thirds of the main level are reserved for the living room, kitchen, and dining room. At 16’ long, front to back, these three rooms align perfectly with the three-part block wall façade. It’s this interplay between plan and elevation that creates cohesion between each façade, no matter where it’s viewed. Given that this project would have neighbors on either side, great care was taken in crafting desirable vistas for the living, dining, and master bedroom. Upstairs, with a view to the street, the master bedroom has a pair of closets and a skillfully planned bathroom complete with soaker tub and separate tiled shower. Main level cabinetry and built-ins serve as dividing elements between rooms and framing elements for views outside.
Architect: Visbeen Architects
Builder: J. Peterson Homes
Photographer: Ashley Avila Photography


Mid-sized contemporary two-storey black house exterior in Melbourne with metal siding, a gable roof and a metal roof.


Mid-sized contemporary two-storey concrete beige townhouse exterior in San Francisco with a hip roof, a shingle roof and a grey roof.
Mid-sized Contemporary Exterior Design Ideas
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