Jacobsen's house is clearly a masterpiece of modern design. Keep in mind that it is a very complex and expensive house to build and heat/cool. There's a maximum of perimeter, foundation, siding, flooring and roofing. The vaulted ceilings make for wonderfully dramatic spaces, but require great care for insulation and sealing in order to strive for as tight, energy-efficient envelope as possible. HVAC distribution in this house is challenging, as the highly visible supply and return grilles demonstrate.
Houses that visually appear simple are often very complex to build and finish, often requiring builder skill far beyond that of the average spec-house builder.
If one has a high six-figure or seven-figure budget this would make a wonderful, light-filled house (in the right climate where the heat gain would not be overwhelming). I can't imagine many architects that wouldn't love the opportunity to design such a house. I suspect, however, that it will take a special owner to want a house like this.
Good luck on your project.
Q
