modern building styles are significantly more expensive per square foot in north america than more traditional styles since they use more steel and concrete. I

modern building styles are significantly more expensive per square foot in north america than more traditional styles since they use more steel and concrete. In europe wood for stick frames is expensive enough it doesn't make a big difference, but here in north america stick frames are incredibly cheap. Combine that with American's belief that size equals luxury and you get mcmansions.