Shady Characters

For several years now, Philadelphia-based Interface Studio Architects has been collaborating with local builder Postgreen Homes to develop, design, and build the 100K House, a series of stylish and energy-efficient, entry-level modern homes that cost $100,000. Because these affordable houses must come in at about $100 per square foot, all architectural elements have to be extremely inexpensive to build. One good example of this design philosophy is the exterior shading on the urban row home. In keeping with the simplicity and affordability of the house, the architects used a plain welded galvanized steel plate that was bent at an angle. Strategically placed, the shades keep out the sun's heat, but add an architectural feature that helps to enliven the overall exterior.