Media officials will be given the first opportunity to tour the “better, not bigger” housing design promoted by Sarah Susanka, FAIA, architect and best-selling author of the “Not So Big House” series. The preview event will take place on November 17.

The “Not So Big” series discusses the many ways in which homeowners can “live large” without large amounts of space. Susanka’s catch-phrase “better, not bigger” encompasses the major theme of her architectural style. She describes her Not So Big home as “a house that values quality over quantity and that emphasizes comfort, beauty, and a high level of detail.” While Susanka’s homes are not necessarily small, Susanka emphasizes the tailoring of a person’s home to his or her specific lifestyle and individual needs, and the way in which this can be done without excessive amounts of physical space.

The event will be showcasing the Not So Big Showhouse at Schoolstreet in Libertyville. This tour will mark the first time that Susanka, an acclaimed architect, has partnered with developers to build a showcase to be open to the public for an extended period of time. Beginning on Saturday, November 19, the Showhouse will be open for public tours on weekends for six months, allowing the public to see what a Not So Big house should look like.

Susanka is the best-selling author of nine books, all of which bring together the concepts of home and lifestyle. Her books have collectively sold over $1.2 million copies. According to Builder magazine, Susanka is one of the 30 most notable housing-industry innovators.

Housing sales for Schoolstreet have been doing extremely well, according to a press release; during its first year, 21 of 26 new homes were sold. Now, Susanka will utilize the vibrance of the community to launch her innovative urban model and achieve real estate success. The Showhouse will allow the public to see how they can use the “better, not bigger” ideals in even the smallest details of their single-family homes.

Another benefit of the Schoolstreet Showhouse: energy efficiency. The housing development is designed to fit the standards of Energy Star 3.0, scheduled to go into effect next year.

The media event will take place from 9a.m. to 2p.m. on the 17th, at the Schoolstreet Showhouse, located at 138 School Street in Libertyville. Along with the tour of the Showhouse, an interview opportunity will be available with Susanka and John McLinden, Schoolstreet Homes developer.

The Showhouse is approximately 2,450 square feet in size. Floor plans and perspective drawings are available at http://www.notsobigshowhouse.com.