# Modest Rectangular Homes The Shaft House by Atelier Rzlbd Proves Less is More By Summer Luu | Published 2011-01-29 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/shaft-house References: [archdaily](http://www.archdaily.com/106706/shaft-house-atelier-rzlbd/) & [rzlbd](http://www.rzlbd.com/) The Shaft House by [Atelier Rzlbd](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/silver-house) is located in Toronto, Canada. As the name suggests, it is simply just a rectangular structure. Considering how most say less is more, the Shaft House follows this concept and is simply that. Although the two and a half-storey home is [narrow](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/curtain-house), it plays very well with tall spacial areas inside. A winding staircase on the sides of the house allows for open space in the middle to overlook each floor, reflecting a more spacious environment. The great thing about the Shaft House is that it is [affordable](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/affordable-housing-prototype) due to its simple design. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 5.5/10 - Popularity: 90% | Activity: 68% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign) > [Home](https://www.trendhunter.com/home) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **Affordable Minimalism:** The Shaft House demonstrates the trend of affordable housing with minimalistic design, offering opportunities for cost-effective and stylish living spaces. - **Spatial Optimization:** The tall spacial areas and winding staircase of the Shaft House highlight the trend of spatial optimization, presenting opportunities for maximizing space in compact structures. - **Elevated Simplicity:** The simplistic design and open floor plan of the Shaft House showcase the trend of elevated simplicity, encouraging opportunities for uncluttered and functional living environments. ### Who This Affects Most - **Architecture:** The Shaft House presents disruptive innovation opportunities within the architecture industry by reimagining compact living spaces with affordable and modern designs. - **Real Estate:** The trend of affordable minimalism in housing, exemplified by the Shaft House, offers opportunities for real estate professionals to cater to the growing demand for cost-effective and aesthetically pleasing homes. - **Interior Design:** The spatial optimization and elevated simplicity of the Shaft House provide opportunities for interior designers to create functional and stylish living spaces in smaller homes. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Minimal Philosophy Toronto Homes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/forest-hill-residence.md) - [Square Structural Canadian Homes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/canvas-house.md) - [Compact Residential Additions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/henville-street-house.md) - [Reimagined Slim Living Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/slim-fit.md) - [Refined Modern Dwellings](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/silver-house.md) - [Minimal Japanese Home Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/house-in-kyobate.md) - [Contemporary Stacked Residences](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/everden-residence.md) - [Precisely Designed Toronto Homes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/baby-point.md) - [Modern A-Frame Toronto Homes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/house-caroline.md)