New Residence & Guest Cottage
The design goals for this project were to create a new energy efficient, one story home to replace the old inefficient one; comfort, durability, beauty, energy efficiency, and budget were the guiding principles of the process. Through careful design and team work, the architect, owner, contractor, and landscape architect realized all these goals.
Throughout the design process, great care was taken to preserve the oak studded natural environment and to respect neighbors’ existing views. The craftsman style structure with stone garden walls, patios, plantings, and romantic entry gate seems as though it has always been there. This classic home merges with the environment for maximum indoor/outdoor family living and entertainment and is designed to serve and delight many generations.
The living, dining, kitchen and family rooms are all arranged at the West end of the house to connect with the large private patios fronting the expansive natural wooded habitat. The bedrooms and guest suite (for frequent visits by grandmas and other extended family) are all arranged at the opposite end for separation and peaceful privacy from the more active public areas. The two parts of the house wrap around and are connected by a central French door lined gallery that opens onto a protected interior courtyard.
Natural light and ventilation are important elements, with careful fenestration bringing the outdoors in. An operable skylight in the family room adds light and fresh air on the north side of the house. Solatubes throughout the home reduce the need for supplemental electric lighting during the day. In addition, the courtyard invites more natural light deep into the house as well as creates a protected readily accessed outdoor room for all around use.
On the southern exposure, fire resistant heavy timber window awnings combined with artful window breakups bring strong architectural detail to the house while also providing effective sun protection. Throughout the house, cost and energy saving details and systems add efficiency and functional comfort to this green contemporary Craftsman.
Images provided by EJDI. All rights reserved.