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No, it’s not Elvis... but the triangular A-Frame house plan with its striking, dramatic and steep rooflines was taking the country by storm in the 1950s -- and it is finding plenty of fans today in it form as an affordable vacation home or mountain retreat.

So why a one-and-a-half story house? Well, in addition to being visually appealing, the 1 1/2 story house plan allows for a great deal of flexibility at a relatively lower cost if you want to expand your home in the future.

“Simplicity is beauty” truly captures the essence of the ranch house plan. The earth-hugging, one-story sensations of the 1950s-1960s are basking in a revival. It’s time to revisit these houses that feature open floor plans, large windows, sliding glass doors leading to a rear patio; and how their endless possibilities continue to intrigue 21st century architects.

So you’ve found your perfect house plan – or about to start building your home? Today’s approach to whole house design also includes thinking about how to landscape your home. We’ve identified some trends and offer tips and advice about landscape architecture and gardening. From the English landscape garden to the Public Park Movement and now modern gardens, these pioneers of sorts can offer great and often affordable ideas for your own home.

How much do people really know about Thomas Jefferson? Of course we all know he was the third U.S. President, influential Founding Father and principal author of the Declaration of Independence. But did you know he was one of America’s first and finest architects and landscape artists?

When looking for experts to discuss the growing popularity of luxury home plans online and the latest trends in residential architecture and house design, The Wall Street Journal talked in-depth with The Plan Collection.

The first woman to study architecture at the prestigious Ecole des Beaux Arts in Paris, Julia Morgan’s crowning achievement is Hearst Castle. However, it is by no means her only significant contribution to architecture and building. From rebuilding San Francisco after the 1906 Earthquake to elevating the stature of Arts & Crafts house design, Morgan was a true visionary and leader.

A pioneer and inventor of the K-Brick, precursor to the concrete block, Keichline broke down barriers in the fields of architecture as well as home building and construction.

Did you know that one of the great African American architects in the United States was responsible for the concept of one of the busiest airports in the world - and also the "Architect to the Stars" - from Frank Sinatra to Zsa Zsa Gabor?

This house design is a spacious craftsman lodge home with its style rooted in the past.