• Extensive use of large, tall, or odd-shaped windows to create a feel of openness to the outdoors
  
• Minimalist exteriors without ornamentation
  
• Shed roof (steeply sloped single flat inclined planes) with exposed beams or flat roof
  
• A mix of exterior finish materials, usually including glass, concrete, stone, wood and/or brick
  
• Subtle, unobtrusive front entryway
  
• Designed to blend with or take advantage of the surrounding natural environment
  
• Interior Features: open and flexible floor plan, with large spaces for entertaining and common use, relatively smaller bedrooms, use of commercial-type building materials throughout home (e.g., concrete, glass)
  
• Breed-specific issues: Custom-sized windows can be expensive to upgrade; flat-roofs require yearly maintenance to prevent leaks caused by the unavoidable pooling of water; when considering resale, some designs can be perceived as cold and dated by buyers

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