A Style Guide for Modern Homes

The Modernist style focuses more on interior function while keeping the exterior simple and minimal. Various movements have surfaced in the past years but International, Miesian, and Industrial approaches define today’s modern architecture in Tennessee.

In this post, your trusted window company, Renewal by Andersen of Knoxville, discusses essential elements of modern home styles.

International Modern Style

Key Features: Swiss/French architect Charles-Edouard Jeanneret-Gris, also known as Le Corbusier, refers to the International Modern style as “machines for the living.” This is because function is the most important element of the homes he designs. The exterior for the International Modern style is free from ornamentation and has precise, sharp features.

Colors and Finishes: The most common exterior color for International Style is white. Various painted colors, more on the neutral side, may be used as well. White is also the color of choice when it comes to painted-finish interiors. Walnut, mahogany, cherry, and maple are wood species typically used for the window or door interior. They may also be stained with a russet color or a clear coat.

Windows: Huge glass windows are designed to cover the unadorned walls of International Modern homes. The windows have minimal sash and frames to emphasize the glass area.

Window groupings almost reach the entire wall height, the room’s width, or both. In these rectangular groupings, windows may be operable, stationary, or a combination. Casement windows are your best choice if you prefer operable units as they offer a wide glass area. Renewal by Andersen offers durable and energy-efficient casement windows in different sizes. Our consultants will work with you to help you pick the best windows for your home.

Doors: Main entrance doors are mostly tall single doors. Multiple auxiliary doors are used at utility entrances such as the terrace and patio.

Miesian Modern Home

Key Features:  Ludwig Mies van de Rohe, more commonly known as Mies, established the Miesian Modern style. This home style is characterized by a steel structural frame supporting the roof. Floor-to-ceiling windows make these homes virtually see-through and create a seamless transition between indoors and outdoors. In addition, the floor plane is raised above the grade to create a floating effect.

Colors: The exterior colors of the Miesian Moden style depends on the materials being used. Dark-stained woods are common as well as metal finishes like natural aluminum. White is frequently used for a painted finish.

Windows: The largest possible window and doors are used to create floor-to-ceiling glass walls. The glass walls are only interrupted by mullions or the structural column. Renewal by Andersen of Knoxville, your leading window contractor, offers windows that can be customized to the exact size your home needs.

Doors: Main entrance doors are usually integrated with the glass walls. They appear unnoticeable with the rest of the glazed wall system. However, the features of the doors are more defined in contemporary Meisian homes. Most Meisian Modern style exterior walls are 80 to 100 percent glazed.

Industrial Modern Style

Key Features: The Industrial Modern style evolved from the International Modern style. This homestyle uses more varied materials so they aren’t as profound and minimal as International Modern. Glass block, pipe railings, and metal spiral cases are common style elements. Many Industrial Modern homes today feature corrugated metal siding, cast concrete and concrete block.

Colors: Exteriors are typically painted with dark colors while maple with a clear coat finish is usually seen in the interior. Wood species such as pine and maple may also be used. We use a unique fabrication to blend colors with our Fibrex® frame material during production to create long-lasting and beautiful replacement windows.

Windows: Window groupings range from simple rectangles to more complicated shapes that give a view of the interior features like a fireplace. Trapezoidal or triangular groupings can be used for homes with pitched roofs.

Doors: Industrial Modern homes usually feature tall single main entrance doors. Multiple auxiliary doors are frequently used at utility locations. Choose your leading door and window replacement expert, Renewal by Andersen of Knoxville, for durable doors that are a perfect fit for your home.

Andersen patio doors are offered in minimalist hardware styles that work well for all modern home styles. Our hardware options come in a wide range of finish options to complement your home style.

You can rely on Renewal by Andersen of Knoxville when it comes to window and door replacement services. We offer high-quality picture, sliding, and double-hung windows. Call us at (866) 609-5033 or complete our online form for a free in-home consultation. We help homeowners in Knoxville, TN, and other areas around Tennessee.

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