# Cost-Effective Building Practices Martin Fenlon Chose a Time-Consuming Way of Construction By Kalin Ned | Published 2018-05-14 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/building-practice References: [dezeen](https://www.dezeen.com/2018/04/30/fenlon-house-martin-fenlon-architecture-los-angeles-self-designed-home-studio/) & [martinfenlon](http://www.martinfenlon.com/) When it comes to building practices and approaches toward erecting new structures or renovating old ones, one can opt for the efficient way or chose to embrace a slower pace — both methods have benefits. While one provides for a quick but often costly construction, the other allows for the architect in command to be stress-free and meticulously plan out the course of the construction. Architect Martin Fenlon chose the latter building practice for the renovation and expansion of his incredibly geometry-forward bungalow in Los Angeles. Steadily adding more living spaces and a bigger office in the LA home, Martin Fenlon worked alongside two other people and thus was successful in being cost-effective in his building practice, although the entire project took about five years to complete. Photo Credits: [John Linden](http://www.johnlindenphotographs.com/#124_LaGrandeArche-2.png#home) ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 4.0/10 - Popularity: 68% | Activity: 45% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign) > [Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/design) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **Slow Building:** Choosing a slower pace of construction can provide architects with the opportunity to meticulously plan out building projects, leading to cost-effective practices and room for creativity. - **Cost-effective Construction:** Cost-effective building practices can lead to efficient and sustainable building practices while prioritizing creativity. - **Collaborative Construction:** Collaborating with others in building projects can lead to cost-effective approaches and sharing of innovative ideas. ### Who This Affects Most - **Architecture:** This trend can be applied to the architecture industry as a way to prioritize creativity and cost-effectiveness - **Construction:** Slow and cost-effective building practices can lead to efficient and sustainable approaches to construction while promoting innovative thinking. - **Real Estate:** Developers in the real estate industry can benefit from cost-effective building practices, which can lead to sustainable building and reduced construction costs. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Flexible Family Spaces](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/a-simple-addition.md) - [Compact Residential Additions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/henville-street-house.md) - [Balanced Renovated San-Fran Homes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/redwood-house.md) - [Slender Alley Dwelling Revivals](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/brown-house-1.md) - [Compact Calming Homes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/a-sheltered-space.md) - [Remote Work-Catering Modern Homes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/studio-plow.md) - [Sustainable Family Homes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/twin-pitches.md) - [Self-Designed Evolving Homes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/six-columns.md) - [Charming Home Renovation Projects](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/works-office.md)