Homebuilders, this is what we want. Why can't you do this?
Discussion
Skilled masonry takes time and specialized labor. Homebuilders want cheap labour and materials.
High time preference is profitable on fiat
They can, but it will be too costly compared to the drywall alternatives.
Too expensive. Materials and labor would be 4x what goes into a house these days.
plenty in Kensington and Chelsea if you have a few hundred BTC to spare
too expensive, cuts into their profits. They like cheap to build but still charge 💪 and a🦵
Not quite the same but you would like appreciate
*Likely
Huge fan of Building Culture 💯
Are you familiar with Michael Diamant? Saifedean interviewed him in 2023. He maintains this blog:
If you’re willing to pay for it, you can absolutely have it.
There are architects and builders who specialize in this kind of craftsmanship. You just have to fund the time, skill, and materials it requires. And yes, you might have to navigate (or occasionally bend) a few local building codes. But it’s possible. It’s not that builders can’t do it. It’s that the market usually doesn’t demand it at the price it costs to do it right.
Can we transplant Astoria to Texas?
No yards or gardens?
I want a castle 🏰
I've seen a few people say it's too expensive. It isn't really. Especially if you do brick or concrete instead of stone. You may have to accept some compromises, such as stick framing instead of solid walls or drywall instead of plaster. The interior can be as nice or as plain as you want.
The real problem is no one asks for it. If you buy an existing home or don't ask for something like this, builders don't build it. No even people who can afford a completely new custom home ask for it. They just go for the McMansion #7 value meal. If you want to see nicer buildings, then demand them. You can just build things.
Zoning regulations unfortunately make this type of building largely illegal in North America
There are dozens of replies to OP, but only one correct answer. Unbelievable how many of us are oblivious to the fact that this type of housing is straight up illegal to build pretty much anywhere outside of Manhattan.