"Not So Big House" Movement is Catching on in Ladue Sinn Design Build is in close-out phase of its Ladue cottage development

June 15, 2007: LADUE, Mo. - Analysts often say trends are slower to come to the Midwest than the rest of the country. Because of strong interest and sales in its latest project, Sinn Design Build believes the "Not So Big" trend has arrived in St. Louis.

Sinn is bringing "Not So Big" cottage living to its latest development, The Cottages of Ladue at Dwyer Place. The Ladue builder has sold the display home, and three other homes are either in design or construction stage in the development.

"The Cottages of Ladue at Dwyer Place- as well as 'Not So Big' homes in general- are built for living and reflect the homeowners' values and lifestyles," Tricia Sinn, president of Sinn Design Build said. "Because of the purposeful rooms, handcrafted details and ideal location of the homes, we're finding strong interest in our cottages."

Based on the "Not So Big" movement of architect Sarah Susanka, The Cottages of Ladue at Dwyer Place is the first development of its kind in the St. Louis area. The philosophy focuses on creating functional homes, which favor character and quality of space over quantity. Even though these homes are smaller, homeowners will find that there may be more truly usable space in these cottages.

According to National Association of Home Builders 2006 "Home of the Future" study, although average home size has increased significantly in the past decade, it is not likely to increase in the next 10 years. Susanka – as well as Sinn - have been leading the way for this trend with "Not So Big" houses.

Susanka says she's seen a shift in the movement since she wrote her first book in 1998, according to a recent article from MarketWatch. When first introduced, limited budget was the primary reason for building a "Not So Big" house, appealing to those just entering the housing market or for empty nesters looking to downsize. Susanka now reaches a wide range of age groups expanding the economic spectrum who are looking for details and lifestyle-driven design, she explained in the article.

In St. Louis, the Cottages of Ladue at Dwyer Place will consist of at least seven cottage homes, with additional lot acquisition expected. The development is located in the heart of Ladue, nestled just off Clayton Road with shops, restaurants, and schools all in walking distance.

Since 1989, Sinn Design Build has brought custom homebuilding and remodeling to hundreds in the St. Louis area. Owned by Frank and Tricia Sinn, the company focuses on lifestyle first. Every project begins with the exclusive Sinn Design Assessment process, an analysis of homeowners' needs, wants, and budget, before design or construction begins. Sinn makes a seamless, in-house transition from design to build, leading to an efficient construction process. For more information on the Ladue-based company, visit www.sinndesignbuild.com. To learn more about Sinn's lifestyle-driven philosophy, visit www.triciatalk.com.

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Defying trend, some homeowners make more of less square footage, MarketWatch, Sep 22, 2006
http://www.nahb.org/news_details.aspx?newsID=4052

NAHB Study Profiles Home of the Future, National Association of Homebuilders
February 8, 2007
http://www.marketwatch.com/news/story/defying-trend-some-homeowners-make/story.aspx?guid=%7B10EF5721-4088-469A-B029-ABC418C86B63%7D&print=true&dist=printTop