Welcome to a game of architectural exploration. Inspired by an ad I found in one of my vintage ‘Better Homes and Gardens Magazines.’—-collecting vintage magazines is another obsession of mine.
The ad featured a house dubbed “Our Reader’s Favorite House Plan.” I realized that I’d seen this house numerous times over the years.
Curiosity led me to an article online, which sparked the idea for this post— tailored for enthusiasts of residential design.
In this blog series, I invite you, my fellow detectives of design, to help uncover the modern-day evolution of homes from popular 70s house plans — or as we call them, Modern Paper Houses.
Think of it as a real-world hidden object game where we uncover these hidden gems hiding in plain sight.
Are You Up For The Challenge?
Throughout this interactive series, I’ll post various photos/house plans and ask design enthusiasts like you to locate these homes and share your discoveries.
Together, we’ll dive into home listings, neighborhoods, and historical archives. Is this house quietly tucked away in your community? Or are you currently living in one. Lucky you!
Our shared goal is to celebrate the beauty in preservation and inspire the creative spirit of transformation. Your contributions are what will bring this project to life.
Let’s enjoy connecting and discovering homes that have been lovingly maintained or thoughtfully renovated.
Hiding In Plain Sight, Locating Popular House Plans From The 1970s
The ad shows the home architects Henry Doyle Norris and John Normville envisioned. Homeowners often collaborated with local builders to customize their homes; slightly deviating from Norris’ original design, such as adding or eliminating windows, using stone or siding or shifting the position of garage entrances.
Still, these homes remained faithful to the heart of Norris’ vision. Below, you’ll find six such homes, each displaying its unique interpretation of this classic plan.
Here’s an interesting tidbit from USModernist, the go-to portal for information on modern residential design: Norris’s floor plans were widely featured in lifestyle magazines throughout the 1970s. Beyond magazine pages, Norris also established a successful private practice —leaving a legacy now preserved in the Historical Society of Atlanta archives.
Rediscovering The Past: The Norris Ranch
These homes, inspired by Norris’s original design, are scattered across neighborhoods all over the country.
Have you driven by this home a million times?
Do you live next to one?
Is there one at the end of your street?
For a glimpse into the original layout and floor plan of this home, take a look at the photos below.
The Evolution of A Timeless Design
Below, I’ve unearthed two outstanding examples that showcase the transformative power of 1970s ranch-style homes. Each follows its own distinct path, yet both arrive at equally impressive results.
One home embraces its classic style, while the other leans into a sleek modern aesthetic — both are contemporary in spirit. and uniquely distinct in architectural expression.
An Ingenious Idea For A Classic Ranch Entrance
Take a look at the new entrance and interior photos (below). The homeowners replaced the original double doors and windows with a wide expanse of glass. A modern gated screen was added, creating a small courtyard that ensures privacy without sacrificing the need for natural light.
Do You Want To Play?
Curious to see what else is out there?
Let me know. Follow along, jump in, and let’s uncover these Modern Paper Houses.
Stay tuned — for a new ’70s house plan for us to discover and explore together.
Photo Credit:
USModernist
Better Homes and Gardens
No Comments