How Architecture Influences the Value of Your Luxury Home
A house is a significant investment, not just financially but also emotionally. A home is a sanctuary, an emotional anchor, and a statement. If a home is a reflection of those who live in it, then architecture is the mirror that holds up this image.
Here at Brittany, we place prime value on architecture as our way of bringing out the beauty of a space. From the roof to the windowsill and doorknobs, every aspect of a Brittany creation is crafted with utmost passion and skill, all to give true beauty to those that may live in it.
But why? After all, does architecture even serve a purpose other than to look good and express oneself? Indeed it does, and don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. Architecture doesn’t just make a building look pretty—it has plenty to do with functionality as well. In this article, we’ll look at how architecture impacts the value of luxury homes.
Architecture in a Nutshell
As a concept, architecture is a little bit hard to pin down. The most commonly-held view about it is that it is a vocation. But if you ask those who are passionate about it, they will call architecture an art. Ask those who teach it, and architecture will become a science. Ask those who practice it, and it becomes a business.
Yet, we all agree that architecture has tangible, pleasant, and practical results. The best kind of architecture transforms a dull space into a thing of beauty and functionality. It elicits emotions from the clever application of design into construction. It creates landmarks, monuments, and wonders that fascinate humans throughout the world, across generations.
The Roman architect Vitruvius, who authored the Treatise De Architectura—a sprawling, 10-book manual about everything there was to write about ancient Roman architecture, from temples to bathhouses, to roads—believes that architecture must provide three things: firmness, commodity, and delight.
“Firmness” refers to durability and structural integrity. “Commodity” is what he called the efficient use of space according to the building’s purpose. Finally, “delight” is the stimulation of the five senses—not just sight. Even thousands of years ago, architecture was already a complicated and highly-developed art.
Today, architecture has evolved to adopt modern sensibilities. Build quality is designed to last decades and to adapt to the environment. Space layout is fitted to one’s specific needs. Elegant designs, like those found in Brittany luxury homes, showcase the personality of the owner. All this proves that while the principles that Vitruvius spoke of maybe ages old, it is still relevant and true today.
There are few better applications of architecture than in the creation of luxury homes. The freedom to mold a space in a precise way, to decorate an area in such a way that those who view it will automatically associate it with the home, is a feat that is most exhibited in the creation of quality residences for the elite.
In this spirit, Brittany strives to craft the best residences in the industry and be recognized and awarded for the feat as a result. This is due to the functionality and value that Brittany’s architecture brings to the table.
In the following sections, let us see how architecture plays a role in determining the worth of a residence.
Basic Architectural Styles of a Luxury Home
Before we go into the specifics, it is crucial to understand the finer details of architecture and how they generally impact market value. In this section, we will discuss the basic architectural styles that luxury homes are often found in and how they will potentially fare in the market.
Contemporary architecture involves an abundance of straight lines, flat roofs, large windows, and a sleek, minimalist impression. These designs appear modern and futuristic and will also often feature the latest home technologies.
This style of architecture appeals most often to young, open-minded customers and is recently a rising trend in homeowner’s preferences. They also have the added benefit of being associated with wealth and mobility, so one can be sure that they will get top-quality buyers if they put contemporary-style houses for sale.
As a result, houses with this particular style of architecture will often price high on the market.
Craftsman Style
The craftsman style is one of the most popular architectural styles you will find in the West. It is a typical two-story building that comes with a porch and a built-in garage. They are usually characterized by a boxy shape, gabled roofs, double-hanging windows, and tapered columns.
This type of architecture emphasizes beauty, harmony, and comfort. It also emphasizes using natural building materials suited to the surroundings of the residence. Craftsman homes give off a traditional style and will be especially appealing to those looking for Western themes to their dwelling.
Ranch Houses
The Marcia luxury house model at Augusta, Brittany Sta. Rosa
Characterized by a sprawling, open layout, high ceilings, and rustic ambiance, this type of architecture originated in the United States and has since spread across the globe.
Ranch houses are particularly prized because their open layout can easily incorporate various architectural styles in their design. The most common combinations around are contemporary ranch houses, which mix modern sensibilities to this classic design.
Homes of this type also often exhibit sunken dens and living rooms, exposed ceiling beams, and particular attention to outdoor landscaping.
Ranch houses appeal to those who want plenty of space, like big families, and those who want plenty of access to their surroundings such as nature-lovers. Luxury homes of this type, such as the Evia at Vista Alabang, are often used as vacation houses where extended families can gather and enjoy the outdoors.
Split-Level Luxury Homes
This style of architecture was popular in the United States around the 1960s and is poised to make a comeback in recent times. It is characterized by having different levels on each floor, connected by shorter flights of stairs. This is in contrast to typical houses that have two distinct floors connected by a long flight of stairs.
Split-level homes have the wide quality of a ranch house but are more compact due to the different levels. This architectural style is often found on houses built on gently-sloped lands, such as hillside luxury houses and lots. Split-level luxury homes will appeal to those who are looking to have a unique taste of American traditionalism and potentially to those who are looking for hillside houses.
This type of home is located right amid the cities. Also referred to as apartments or condominium units, these are characterized by having shared spaces for all occupants and a huge building to accommodate the residences. Buildings with this style will usually feature skyline views and emphasize easy access to the amenities that can only be found in the thick of the metropolis.
On one hand, there is no outdoor space to speak of, and one will inevitably run into other people almost constantly. On the other hand, high-rises are some of the fastest-selling and highest-priced luxury homes in the Philippines, primarily due to their prized locations.
Luxury Townhouses
Characterized by a smaller floor area and multiple floors, this type of architecture can be found in many suburban spaces. They are space-efficient and are thus ideally placed near metropolitan areas where space is a prized commodity.
Homes that exhibit this type of architecture, such as Brittany’s Quadrille Townhouse in Sucat, are one of the fastest-selling properties in the market due to their proximity to city centers and the ease of renovation. However, it may not appeal to those looking for wide spaces and lawn areas.
Influence of Architectural Styles on Value
Now that we know a little about architectural styles and how they generally fare, let’s dig deeper into the details. In this section, we will tackle six ways in which value is enhanced by quality architecture.
1. Provides Maximum Aesthetic Value
The exterior of the Italian-inspired Antonello, a luxury house model at Portofino Heights.
When we say architecture, we most likely mean the artistic side of it. To many laypeople, the architecture of a building refers to how it is styled, the decorations that it has, and even its color and building materials.
The aesthetics of a home reflects both the owner’s and the designer’s imagination, expression, and perception. The best architectural pieces aren’t just pleasant to look at; they are also works of art, capable of stirring emotion from anyone who beholds and experiences it.
This form of expression and the expertise involved naturally form something beautiful—something that we all want to keep for a lifetime. Because of this, luxury homes for sale that make a unique or aesthetically pleasing statement will always be priced much higher by buyers than buildings with cookie-cutter designs.
2. Enhances Function and Structure
Good architecture doesn’t just turn a building into a work of art. It also enhances structure and function. Architecture aims to maximize the space and have every bit of the building serve its purpose unhindered.
The shape of a house serves the everyday needs of the dwellers, while the building materials are chosen for their specific properties. The properties of those building materials, in turn, must influence and work together with the specific purpose of the house. Architecture maximizes all these factors, resulting in a stronger and more functional home.
3. Creates A Better Community
Architecture helps a residence fit in with a group and creates a stronger feeling of belonging. This is because the design of a dwelling typically reflects the values of a particular community. Homes that echo the ideas that a certain community holds dear can help integrate it more.
Brittany’s developments, for example, reflect the beauty in every aspect of its development. As a result, it has created communities where beauty is found in every detail.
The saying that “nothing is new under the sun” also applies to architecture. Although appearances change, principles and styles remain the same.
The old is integrated with the new, as with traditional styles being retained by contemporary architecture. It may look new, but modern design is often inspired by traditional ones. In this way, architecture preserves tradition through generations. Because tradition is preserved in high-quality architecture, this allows people across generations to appreciate quality design, thereby raising the value of your home.
5. Fulfills Law and Local Code
Any good architect worth her salt is going to make sure that your home is up to code. They will ensure that your building permit and certification run flawlessly. Your home will be guaranteed to have all the requirements, follow all the procedures, and stay within your local regulations.
This does not only mean that the construction will be smooth-sailing. It also gives you —and any potential buyer—the peace of mind necessary to keep you happy for years to come.
6. Assurance of Every Penny Well Spent
There should be no expenses spared for the price of your comfort. If you are someone who seeks the best in everything, then it’s only natural for you to ensure that the luxury house and lot that you buy or build are perfected to your taste. After all, you deserve to enjoy every bit of comfort in your own dwelling.
However, without a guide, it can be difficult to assess this properly. On the other hand, a good architect will guarantee that you are spending your resources in the most efficient way possible.
Looking at the Importance of Architecture in Luxury Homes
We’ve seen how architecture affects the value of your home. Good architecture does not only make beautiful things. It also creates something functional, preserves tradition, follows the law, offers something to the community, and assures that you are getting the luxury that you deserve.
A well-designed house does not only mean that it will fetch the best price possible should you decide to sell it, but it also ensures that you will spend your days within it happily and blissfully. This kind of satisfaction is not something that numbers can easily measure, but without a doubt, it raises the value of any home.