1955 Idea Home
The 1955 Idea Home was a model single-family residence constructed for Better Homes and Gardens in 100 locations across the United States. It was designed by Birmingham-born architect Hugh Stubbins and one of the models was built at 2201 Great Rock Road in Vestavia Hills.
The 1,526 square-foot house was designed to make "honest use of the materials of building" and to maximize the versatility of its indoor and outdoor spaces. The large living room occupies the front corner with a recessed porch on the right giving access not only to the entry door, but also to the fenced yard and adjoining flat-roofed garage. A family room with large plate-glass patio doors adjoins an efficient galley kitchen. Three bedrooms and two baths take up the back of the house. Where conditions are favorable, a full basement can be dug below the house, accessed by stairs behind a laundry room adjoining the kitchen. Sloped roof beams are largely exposed with partitions dividing the rooms. The single long gable roof spans the whole house. The exterior is stained redwood board and batten siding.
The Vestavia house has been in the hands of one owner since it was first constructed, and retains many original fixtures and furnishings. It is currently for sale.
References
- Normile, John and Curtiss Anderson (September 1955) "The Idea Home of the Year." Better Homes and Gardens
- Loquidis, Jacklyn (March 2009) "For Sale: Idea Home of the Year 1955!" Peppermags - accessed March 21, 2009
External links
- Magazine scans and house photographs on Flickr.com