Brian MacKay-Lyon work in Nova Scotia represent how grand gestures in architecture don’t always have to rely on complex forms that test the limits of structure. Instead, in his work the gestures come from the careful attention to detail and the reinterpretation of traditional building forms. By using time tested building techniques that derive from the Nova Scotia such as the use of barn doors to create micro-climates and simple barn like forms he is able to reinterpret these methods to add a sense of nostalgia that is sustainable while giving a sense of place throughout the structures simple design. Through his studies of the vernacular precedents he is able to incorporate time tested methods from traditional Nova Scotia building techniques into modern forms in residential design. It is interesting to see modern designs such as the Howard house can be accomplished at such a low cost. Coming from Las Vegas I have always questioned why modern housing designs are never considered into as they plan large master communities. The same stucco, pitched roof design is repeated throughout the entire landscape of the Las Vegas Valley. I figure that the reason for this was cost efficiency.  As Howard House demonstrates modern design can be cost efficient. There must be building forms that work well in the desert landscape that modern designers can incorporate into the large master planned communities in order to create variety in residential design in the area. Is there maybe something else holding back these type of designs?