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Wikipedia / McMansionMcMansion - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Page 1 of 10 McMansion From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia (Redirected from Mcmansion) McMansion is a slang architectural term which first came into use in the United States during the 1980s as a pejorative description and an idiom. It describes a particular style of housing that —as its name suggests —is both large like a mansion and as culturally ubiquitous as McDonald's fast food restaurants. In addition to ubiquity, almost every reason to poke fun at McDonald's has been applied metaphorically to "McMansions ". These criticisms include the deviation from traditional local or regional architectural style, a gaudy, sterile, mass - produced appearance, and perceived negative effects on nature and neighborhoods. Contents An expensive type of McMansion ■ 1 Origins of the "McMansion" ■ 2 The Spread of the "McMansion" ■ 3 Characteristics ■ 3.1 Space and size ■ 3.2 Construction and materials ■ 3.3 Exterior style ■ 3.3.1 Entrances ■ 3.3.2 Garages ■ 3.4 Interior arrangement ■ 3.4.1 Large spaces ■ 3.4.2 The Ten - Minute House ■ 3.4.3 Smaller reception rooms ■ 3.4.4 Technical features ■ 3.5 Nomenclature ■ 3.6 Other characterizations ■ 4 Broader criticisms associated with the term "McMansion" ■ 4.1 Size ■ 5 Social effects ■ 5.1 Social criticisms ■ 5.2 Aesthetic criticism of McMansions ■ 5.3 Associated terms ■ 6 Gallery ■ 7 See also ■ 8 References ■ 9 External links Origins of the "McMansion" Starting in the U.S. boom years of the 1980s, the houses now known as McMansions were a new concept intended to fill a gap between the modest suburban tract home and the upscale custom- designed home often found httn• / /Pn wikinedin.org /wiki / Mcmansion 1/4/2007 McMansion - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Page 2 of 10 in gate - guarded, lakeshore, or golf - course communities. Some large tracts of these houses have been developed around such communities, while others are built in pre - existing neighborhoods, either in empty lots or as replacements for tear -down structures. It has been suggested that their popularity may not be purely based on consumer desires. Adjusted for inflation, in terms of square footage and features, a house in 2006 costs about the same to build as a house in 1970. Therefore, in order to increase profit margins over previous years, builders need to build more expensive houses (more features and square footage) on the same tractsJu Although the term "McMansion" is recent, criticism of American architecture based on the perception that it was oversized and artistically bankrupt reaches at least back to the beginning of the twentieth century. As the social critic H. L. Mencken wrote during the 1920s when examining the architecture of suburban Pittsburgh: Here was wealth beyond imagination - and here were human habitations so abominable that they would have disgusted a race of alley cats... [Architects] have taken as their model a brick set in end. This they have converted into a thing of dingy clapboards, with a narrow, low-pitched roof. And the whole they have set upon thin, preposterous brickpiers. By the hundreds and thousands these abominable houses cover the bare hillsides, like gravestones in some gigantic and decaying cemetery. (Mencken, The Libido for the Ugly, Prejudices: Sixth Series, 1927). In England similar concerns bothered every generation since at least the 18th century such as when Romanticist Dorothy Wordsworth in her Recollections of a Tour Allade in Scotland (1803) lamented Drumlanrig Castle saying "This mansion is indeed very large; but to us it appeared like a gathering together of little things." The Spread of the "McMansion" As developments of large houses have spread, a number of similar, related terms have been coined, including "Beltway Baronial ", "Starter Castle [2] ",""Tract Mansions ", "Mini -Taj Mahals ", "Big Foot "Jumbo Abode ", "Gable- opolis ", "Wog mansion" (Australia) and "faux chateau ". The term "parachute home" refers to the perceived disregard for regional and immediate site considerations (as if the home had just been dropped from the sky). Closely related, but significantly different in both physical characteristics and social associations, are the "Persian palaces" of Los Angeles. The large tract house phenomenon has spread beyond the United States into other Western countries, such as Canada and Australia. In Canada, McMansions are quickly becoming a trend in suburban areas, where the land is cheaper. Many older, smaller houses are being torn down to accommodate these McMansions. In Australia, McMansions started to appear during the 1990s in outer suburbs of Sydney and Melbourne, often fuelled by new freeway projects such as the M2 in the Hills region of Sydney. These houses are generally built in the form of tract housing by companies such as HomeWorld (http: / /www.homeworld.com.au /) and are often within their own gated communities. McMansion style development in San Jose, California. The term is less often used to describe houses situated within existing urban areas. Usually, smaller cottage -style houses have been demolished to make way for these McMansions. They are not usually built as a "development cluster" which is managed by ahomeowners association; rather, they are built by their owners as a single dwelling. Styles are often used with names such as "neo- Georgian" or "neo- Federation ". 1 /,d/ ?n07 McMansion - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Page 3 of 10 Some Middle Eastern nations, particularly those infused with oil wealth, have seen the large -scale importation of many U.S. American concepts, including sprawling but cheap pseudo- Mediterranean architecture, usually for hotels /resorts but also for domiciles. Characteristics McMansions vary greatly in their appearance and layout. While many of the following features are often found among these types of houses, they are not all required in order for a house to be considered a McMansion. Space and size The foremost characteristic of a McMansion is the impression of its largeness, particularly when compared with smaller, older nearby housing. This style of house will usually have two stories, although it is common for some ground floor rooms (particularly entranceways and "great rooms ") to extend vertically to the height of the building. McMansions can also be one - story, but these usually feature a facade appearing to be 2- story. Simpler versions will have a standard rectangular footprint, while more complex (and usually more expensive) floorplans will have additional wings or projections. Roofs are usually voluminous but impractical; they are often constructed with cluttered framing that, while cheap to build, makes the interior space useless for either attic storage or additional rooms. The typical square footage of a McMansion is in the range of 2400 to 5000 ft2. In comparison, modest but comfortable living space for a family of two adults and two children was long considered to be around 1200 ft2, providing two small bedrooms, one larger bedroom, a single large bath, a living room intended for both daily and formal use, a dining area also for daily use and a modest kitchen, with laundry space provided within a one or two car attached garage. In modern construction only two bedroom, two bath condominiums, single duplex units, or individual zero -lot line pairs are likely to be this size and generally not intended for families with children. Construction and materials While their general appearances may be quite similar, the quality of construction and use of materials often varies greatly between different developers, and even between different houses built by the same developer. McMansions are most commonly framed with generic materials to facilitate construction, using the same wood -framed studwall construction as smaller houses, typically with 2x4 (38X89 mm) studs, while also incorporating more expensive surfacing materials such as hardwood, stone, tile, ironwork, and upscale appliances. Architectural features typically include more and larger rooms and extra lifestyle conveniences. An example of a recently constructed "McMansion" of a lower order, dominated by d bl d d Advances in building technology have provided easier and less ,ts garage entrance an an stucco an window detailing. Note that the front entrance costly ways for features to be incorporated. For example, large is accessible only from the driveway, despite rooms, with large ceiling areas, would not have been possible the presence of a sidewalk. without metal connector plates to unify the wooden struts, which can be nailed by hand. Alternatively, 5 -way or larger pre- fabricated wooden trusses can be used. This allows much larger roofs over an unsupported span, without the expense of metal I -beams or concrete spans. The use of trusses also allows substantial flexibility in the partitioning of interior spaces to form rooms and is an advantage to both builders and homeowners. To builders, it 1/4/2007 3 McMansion - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Page 4 of 10 eases the production of variations suitable for various family sizes and age ranges, and to homeowners, the lack of interior load - bearing partitions facilitates easy home remodeling. Exterior style In addition to the general impression of largeness, the other common feature among McMansions is their tendency to incorporate architectural elements from non - native historical styles. The styles most commonly drawn on are classical and neoclassical architecture, or the half - timbered European styles, particularly English, Tudorbethan, Jacobethan, and French chateau styles. Elements taken from these architectural styles are often decorative, rather than design or construction features. The most common decorative elements used are roofs, porches, and windows. Roof spaces that contain rooms rather than attics offer ample opportunity for dormers and cross - gables. Porches, being the focus of the front elevation, are often columned and pedimented with oculus or "bull's -eye" windows. Windows, particularly in the reception rooms, are very large, and may take the form of French doors or Palladian windows (also known as Venetian and Serlian windows), in which a central arch - headed window is flanked by narrower rectangular windows. Entrances A formal entrance that provides a focus for the front elevation is a common feature. A porch or portico is common [31; rarer is a poate cochere, a kind of very large porch taken from neoclassical architecture that was originally intended to be large enough to allow carriages to drive underneath. Doors for the formal entrance will often be large and ornate. The formal entrance of the house is often echoed by large gatepiers at the driveway entrance, even in the absence of a gate or fence. Garages Houses may have sweeping driveways and an attached garage for three or more vehicles. Detached garages are typically for 3 or more vehicles and are oversized to accommodate storage and work areas. Golf course or lakeside developments will often have an additional shed for a golf cart or small boat storage. Some developments offer the option of a taller and deeper third garage to accommodate an RV or boat on a trailer. Interior arrangement The interior is usually traditional in layout, with reception rooms and kitchen on the ground floor, and sleeping accommodation on the upper floor. The now prerequisite master bedroom suite (a combination of sleeping area, closets, and private bath) is generally located on the first floor. Tertiary rooms, such as studies and gamerooms are usually present. Large spaces Floorplans frequently include large rooms, often in the form of an atrium -style hall which extends upwards through the height of the house and which features a striking staircasei4], or alternately a "great room ". The great room is often tall as well and may have a "cathedral" ceiling following the pitch of the roofline, a balcony that serves as part of the upstairs hallway, or both. The great room generally takes one of two forms: it is either an 1 iai ')nm McMansion - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Page 5 of 10 open -plan space that incorporates several uses, or a formal drawing room -style reception area. In the latter case, a formal dining room is often found as a complement. The Ten - Minute House The movement of the "atrium concept" home layout from popularity to ubiquity in modern American architecture stems largely from the "Ten Minute House" theory that has been espoused by real estate developers, realtors, and home builders. Economic changes in recent decades have made Americans change jobs more frequently, often necessitating moving. Today, the average American family will change houses every six years. Consequently, houses change owners more frequently and thus must be designed to be marketable and appealing to as many people as possible, with less emphasis placed on the specific needs of the house's initial buyer. Most realtors agree that a client will like or dislike a house in no more than ten minutes after entering. By combining a home's foyer with a larger two -story great room, secondary rooms are more visible, making it easier for agents to show the house —and hopefully win the client over —in under ten minutes. Smaller reception rooms Smaller reception rooms may provide alternatives to the great room, in order to preserve its formal character. A family room is quite common, as are additional rooms to serve as informal living rooms, libraries, or home offices. Family rooms provide space for family entertainment such as casual television watching or playing video games; a higher -end McMansion may also feature a theatre room, complete with raised seating and a rear projector with screen. The family room is typically either adjacent to the kitchen or incorporated into an open -plan space that includes the kitchen and an everyday dining area. Houses with no formal dining room are becoming increasingly common. American families, particularly dual income middle and upper- middle class families, tend to dine out more and do less formal entertaining at home, making a formal dining room superfluous for many homebuyers. Technical features McMansions typically include a large number of modern, high -tech features. Often, these houses will have as many bathrooms as bedrooms, and the master bath will usually include additional spa -like features, such as dual sinks, a whirlpool tub, a separate shower, or a sauna. Lighting systems may be complex, with large banks of switches or computerised controls. Television, telephone, cable, and Ethernet wiring will often be included throughout much of the house. Some McMansions also contain centralised audio, with independent volume controls for each room of the house. Kitchens are generously sized and contain high -tech appliances and features, such as walk -in refrigerators with panels that match the kitchen cabinets, built -in vegetable steamers, granite countertops, multiple ovens, or specialized wine- storage refrigerators.isl Nomenclature The naming of streets and the subdivision itself are a major part of a developer's marketing strategy. A common practice is to employ references to Europe, particularly place names and the British peerage system, to convey an upscale, exclusive atmosphere. Some social critics say that this is a manifestation of Anglophilia and 1 in i)nn'7 McMansion - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Page 6 of 10 snob appeal. These neighborhoods tend to have names like "Coventry ", "Barrington ", "Manorcliff', or "Knightsgate ". Italian and Mediterranean names have become en vogue recently, likely due to the increased popularity of Mediterranean architectural styles in America. Developers often build entire neighborhoods of practically identical stucco - and -tile edifices, and cement the theme by christening the developments "Siena ", "Terra Bella ", and other appellations that intend to invoke an exotic charm. Regional variations occur on these themes. In the South, many developers create an upscale atmosphere through references to the plantation lifestyle of the antebellum South, i.e. "Plantation Creek ", "Belle Terrace ", "Oakhurst" or the like. Some developers will use the more understated approach of employing references to the natural wildlife that existed on the site prior to construction. While some developments do this effectively, incorporating natural features into architects' plans, cheaper or more poorly done endeavors often completely eliminate on -site flora and fauna and make names like "Oak Ridge" or "Laurel Hill" seem almost ironic. Developers also often employ "natural" names that are anachronistic to the site itself, or simply contradictory. This is best exemplified by neighborhoods called "Forest Meadow" or "Valley Hill ". In the film You, Me and Dupree, Matt Dillon's character is criticized when he questions the decision of his boss - cum - father -in -law to name his new neighborhood, located in the middle of a desert, "The Oaks at Rancho Vista ". Other characterizations Implicit in the term "McMansion" is that many people choose to live in them. The trend gives middle and upper - middle class households greater access to desired luxury housing options that were previously only available to much wealthier homeowners. This is a general indicator of the increasing wealth of the middle class: previously the middle class was generally only able to afford much smaller homes with fewer amenities. Developers that sell such homes generally reject the pejorative use of the term 'McMansion'. They counter criticism by pointing out that they build what people want, they sell quickly, and that they use less land for these dwellings, conserving expensive building lots. "We call them luxury move -up homes," says Rob Parahus, a developer.161 Broader criticisms associated with the term "McMansion" Size Even in affluent locations which already have a ready assortment of large houses, the construction of what seems to be too large a house on an existing lot will often draw the ire of neighbors and other local residents. In 2006 for example, a home in Kirkland, WA (an affluent suburb on the Seattle Eastside) was built that was only 4 feet (1.2 m) away from the neighbouring home. [7] While the average American family has shrunk in size, the average American home has grown. In 1974, average single family home was 1,695 square feet (157 m2); in 2004 it was 2,349 square feet (218 m2). The average family size, on the other hand, has fallen from 3.1 people in 1974 to 2.6 people in 2004.181 The larger amount of space in a McMansion means that much of the home's volume is not used as much or as efficiently as the space in a smaller house. Rooms often go infrequently used; this is particularly the case with great rooms and formal dining rooms.191 McMansion Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia A substantial amount of a typical McMansion's square footage goes toward large hallways, aiding the maximum visibility, required for the "Ten Minute House" concept. The individual rooms in a McMansion, particularly secondary bedrooms, are often no bigger than in earlier housing. The large, numerous windows that are sometimes used in the great room can result in buildings that are much more expensive to cool and heat, especially if the house has been designed without consideration for its orientation relative to seasonal sun paths or without proper insulation. Large rooms, especially those with high ceilings, are frequently more expensive to heat.1101 The extra space in a McMansion allows for new and unique uses for rooms in the home. One anomalous report describes a room solely for the family dog, with a special dog shower.P 11 The large number of rooms, along with their vastness, sometimes leads critics to complain of conspicuous consumption in ftirnishing them 1121. Page 7 of 10 Another criticism that has been leveled at "McMansions" is that they leave a damaging footprint on the native soils, grasses, and wildlife as soon as construction begins. However, all construction, large or small, incurs temporary damage to the landscape. Exterior lighting is often profuse and varied, usually designed more for dramatic effect (such as aesthetic lighting for trees and gardens) than practicality. Critics sometimes assert it is both wasteful of energy and contributes to a growing light pollution problem. Social effects In some jurisdictions, in order to combat perceived urban sprawl from nearby metropolitan areas, local counties have designated a minimum plot size. The plot size is often a matter of great local political debate between housing developers, county officials, and local residents. Developers will typically seek a variance to allow houses to be built on smaller properties, often with the promise of using some of the land for parks or open space. When a variance is not granted, plot sizes end up being "too small to farm, too large to mow," and are sometimes criticized as a poor use of land resources which ultimately contributes to further sprawl, rather than preventing it. In other jurisdictions, there may be a minimum area household requirement, designed to promote a consistently upscale neighborhood but with the (possibly intentional) effect of keeping out lower- income residents by forcing the houses to be larger and thus more expensive. Such "exclusive" neighborhoods will often have the effect of reducing the mixing of various economic (and thus often also racial) groups in the lower public school grades, which is considered by some to be contrary to the promotion of egalitarian ideals within the larger society. Social criticisms The term "McMansion" is sometimes used as a criticism of capitalistic culture as a whole. It has been used in the context of "the biggest house on the smallest block for the lowest price" 1131 -- criticism of the quality of the construction, criticism of the perceived wastefulness of McMansion developments, and criticism of their effect on nature. The term is sometimes also used to negatively stereotype the owners and residents of such houses, with reference to their taste (or purported lack thereof) and their aspirations. In this context, the term may imply conspicuous consumption: that the houses are bought on the principle of paying the lowest dollar - per - square foot price in order McMansion - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Page 8 of 10 to "get more house for the money ", or that the sizes of the houses display the owners' wealth and social status.1141 [15] While McMansions may be stereotyped in these ways, similar criticisms are sometimes made of large suburban developments in general, as development strategies, design, and construction methods are similar in these types of developments as well. Aesthetic criticism of McMansions Some aesthetic critics assert that the architecture of McMansions is poorly considered, ostentatious, not properly balanced against lot size, or otherwise undesirable in their proportions. Such criticism may also extend to the fact that traditionally functional elements of large homes have been adapted as ornamental, and have been juxtaposed to features alien to that original context. It is also asserted that these features are generally included only at the front of the house where they are most visible, rather than toward the sides or rear where they are more traditional and functional. Typically, McMansions will employ a brick and /or stone facade on the McMansion, Munster, Indiana. Note the front, using wood clapboard siding (usually artificial) on the sides and limitation of the expensive facing rear to cut construction costs. This creates a great degree of materials to only the street side and the discontinuity and inconsistency in design. total disruption of the classical symmetry of the main household by the dominating Many architectural critics declare the excessive use of gabled roofs on three vehicle garage. most McMansions to be particularly contrary to good design. Another frequent complaint is that the tendency to stagger the house's front layout, making the garage face the street and moving it forward, detracts from the rest of the house's already overdone facade, which often includes blind dormers and porticos. The specific styles of architecture used are also sometimes criticized because they are not native to the local area, and because features from various different architectural styles are mixed. Defenders of the McMansion style of architecture claim that builders respond to what their customers want and that today's architecture is at least more interesting (albeit more ersatz) than that of the Levittown tract houses of the last century. Associated terms Other (usually) derisive terms used to refer to McMansions and their parts: • Vulgaria - A neighborhood of McMansions, especially where older homes with smaller footprints were demolished and replaced. • Beltway Baronial • Big Foot House - referring to the relative large area of the site taken up by the building. Also can refer to the large size of the property on which the McMansion sits. • Carpet Bombing House - another term for McMansions, particularly those built in great swathes in a relatively short period of time. • Faux chateau • Gable - opolis - a reference to the overwrought complexity of rooflines used to emphasize the mass of the building. • Garage Mahals - custom -built large garages; or, garages renovated in to a home. Possibly associated with McMansions. • Lawyer Foyer - another term for McMansions. Also refers to the two -story entry space typically found on McMansion - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Page 9 of 10 many McMansions which is meant to be visually overwhelming but which contributes little to the useful space of the house. • Mini -Taj Mahals • Parachute home - refers to the alleged disregard for regional and immediate site considerations (as if the home had just been dropped from the sky) • Persian Palace - a variety of McMansion stereotypically associated with wealthy Iranian - Americans in Los Angeles, sometimes incorporating debased elements of Iranian architecture • Starter Castle - see'The spread of "McMansions "' above. • Tract Mansions • Monster Mansions • Frankenhouse • Colonial Reproduction of Amended Periods or C.R.A.P. • Plywood Palazzo Gallery r 77 - MEN I MM. A California "flat top" "McMansion" with indefinite architectural references See also An Arizona "McMansion" incorporating extensive use of local sandstone masonry exterior veneer and an attractive curb appeal • Urban sprawl • United States housing bubble • McChurch (religion) • McDojo (martial arts) • McJob (employment) • McWords • Snout house • Tract house References A "McMansion" in Needham, Massachusetts, emulating a modest farmhouse "original" construction on the right and a much larger "later addition" to the left, simulating local historic buildings in the . area dating from the 18th and 19th centuries A stereotypical "McMansion" under construction McMansion - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Page 10 of 10 1. ^ McGuigan, Cathleen. "The McMansion Next Door: Why the American house needs a makeover (http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/3225775/)", Newsweek, 2003- 10 -07. Retrieved on 2006- 11 -05. 2. ^ http: / /www.flickr.com /photos/ g 3. Ahttp://www.architecturestudio.us/resideritial/sena/I.htm1 4. ^ http: / /www.dailyrecord.com /news /wherewelive /series3/ 5. ^ Chicago Tribune ( http: / /www.chicagotribune.com/ classified /realestate /realestate /chi- 0602190284feb 19,0,1556819.story?coll= chi- cI ass if edrealestate -hed) 6. Ahttp://www.dailyrecord.com/news/wherewelive/series3/ 7. ^ http: // seattletimes. nwsource. com/ html/ localnews /2003046945_1otsizeO8e.html 8. ^ http: / /abcnews.go.com /GMA/Moms /story ?id = 1445039 &gma =true 9 ^ http : / /www.washingtonpost. com /wp -dyn/ content /art icle / 2005 /11/19/AR2005 1 1 1 901 445_p £ html 10. ^ The Oregonian (http: / /www.oregon live. com /realestate /oregonian /index.ssf'? /base /homes_real_estate/ 1140204336201250.xr 11. Ahttp://www.boston.com/yourlife/home/gattery/memansions?pg=14 12. ^ Chicago Tribune ( http: / /www.chicagotribune. com /classified /realestate /realestate /chi- 0602190284feb 19,0,1556819. story ?coll = chi- classifiedrealestate -hed) 13. Ahttp://Www.smh.com.au/articles/2003/08/26/1061663776473.htmi 14. Ahttp://www.dailyrecord.com/news/wherewelive/series3/ 15. Ahttp://www.smh.com.au/articles/2003/08/26/1061663776473.htm' External links • Crowded land of giants (http: / /www.smh. corn. au / articles/ 2003/08/26/1061663776473.htm1), • "Not every higher -end buyer wants McMansion" (http: / /www.dailyrecord.com /news /wherewelive /series3) by Abbott Koloff, Daily Record ■ "The McMansion Next Door" (http: / /msnhtt.m�W voW nydtimes .com /2005 /10 /02 /realesCtJ te02 at html ?k ■ "Are McMansions Going out of Style. ( p ex= 1285905600 &en= 2e73ccfelf780d52 &ei =5090, &partner = rssuserland &emc =rss) from the New York Times, October 2005. ■ Taste for Space Is Spawning Mansions Fit for a Commoner" (http://www.washingtonpost-com/wp- "Taste from the Washington Post, November 2005. ■ McMansion Invasion (http: / /www.antisleep.com /archives /2004- 05- 07_0247.php) Photographs of McMansions in one neighbourhood. ■ "A Year In Lubbock: Housing" (http: / /groups.google.com/ group /alt .peeves /msg/96ca4f35b28d9da5? hl =en &) 1998 Usenet essay dealing in part with the McMansion phenomenon. ■ Photographs of a McMansion's interior (http: / /www.boston.com /yourlife /home /gallery /mcmansions/), including the tall hallway with chandelier. ■ The McMansion Glut (http: / /articles.news.aot.com /business /article.adp.' id= 20060616095709990009 &cid =1712) Retrieved from " http: / /en .wikipedia.org /wiki/McMansion" Categories: Articles with unsourced statements I Articles with weasel words I McWords I House styles I House types This page was last modified 21:52, 2 January 2007. 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