As a residential architect specializing in the shingle style, I have decided to try and design an architecturally “A+” 2100 (amended to 2721 sqft) square foot house to make available to the masses for a low cost compared to my one off designs for full service fees. The style will be Neo-New England vernacular design; very simple and boxy to save money, analogous to a traditional cape or colonial, but putting a focus on architectural design and material quality rather than traditional fluff.
With the traditional column there I want to see some indication of a lintel/beam above the columns and windows.
I understand that it can be hidden within the blocks but I think architecturally it wants to be emphasized. Even if things get modern/contemporary I think I would still want to see a beam/lintel expressed.
I agree... I am just so far behind trying to modify all the walls in plan and complete the shell in elevation. Once done, I will study all of those individual conditions.
I had not noticed you bumped the footage up, I think that is a cop out. Including the detail work would make the house far too expensive for the average person.
Sure you can always gain some advantage by expanding the area. This is what has driven the modern builder house.
That was about the only green feature of the house in the first place and now it is just another McMansion that almost no one will be able to build as planned.
In my opinion 'green' should also mean getting as much benefit from natural resources as possible. Does this design take advantage of modern building technology to do that? Does it use the sun in the winter? Protect itself from cold winds and summer sun? Provide outdoor living space?
If you read all the posts you will see that nothing is in stone...even the veneer! ;^) This is a experiment...everything about it. I mentioned that I might go back to the smaller cube, or design two versions in my notes. Sit back and see where it goes.
I mentioned that I was going to try using a modular low cost block made from recycled material...that doesn't exist. I am trying to think outside the box. Again, enjoy the ride. I probably will do an experiment in my shingles at some point, but frankly, I think this alternate is better because it would be installed as a raw material and have NO upkeep cost for the life of the building. To me, that is green.
I agree about the solar aspects... I find it difficult to design without a site. What I decided to do in this design was to make some average assumptions. I have also decided it would be directed north south.
I am thinking about using an entire exterior envelope wall plenum as a design feature. I haven't showed any updates of that yet. That needs also research to see if it will actually help.
Finally, to me CORA is about getting a well designed house in the hands of the masses for inexpensive costs compared to my standard design fees. Nowhere in that definition does it have to be 4150, $250, or $350 per foot. I started out at $225 per foot, but I really am enjoying this ride and don’t think it is important for this one design problem, where it ends up, as long as it is well designed for the money.
You have to realize that if a customer likes the floor plan they will build it out to fit their budget, even if it means vinyl siding. IF you can't take that you may as well slit your wrists now.
7 comments:
With the traditional column there I want to see some indication of a lintel/beam above the columns and windows.
I understand that it can be hidden within the blocks but I think architecturally it wants to be emphasized. Even if things get modern/contemporary I think I would still want to see a beam/lintel expressed.
I agree... I am just so far behind trying to modify all the walls in plan and complete the shell in elevation. Once done, I will study all of those individual conditions.
Again, I agree that its goofy as is.
I need to get those oval windows blocked out too!
Thanks for keeping close!
Ok, I've got a picture of another local house that reminds me of this - I'll try to post it tomorrow..
I had not noticed you bumped the footage up, I think that is a cop out. Including the detail work would make the house far too expensive for the average person.
Sure you can always gain some advantage by expanding the area. This is what has driven the modern builder house.
That was about the only green feature of the house in the first place and now it is just another McMansion that almost no one will be able to build as planned.
In my opinion 'green' should also mean getting as much benefit from natural resources as possible. Does this design take advantage of modern building technology to do that? Does it use the sun in the winter? Protect itself from cold winds and summer sun? Provide outdoor living space?
Hi Chris,
If you read all the posts you will see that nothing is in stone...even the veneer! ;^) This is a experiment...everything about it. I mentioned that I might go back to the smaller cube, or design two versions in my notes. Sit back and see where it goes.
I mentioned that I was going to try using a modular low cost block made from recycled material...that doesn't exist. I am trying to think outside the box. Again, enjoy the ride. I probably will do an experiment in my shingles at some point, but frankly, I think this alternate is better because it would be installed as a raw material and have NO upkeep cost for the life of the building. To me, that is green.
I agree about the solar aspects... I find it difficult to design without a site. What I decided to do in this design was to make some average assumptions. I have also decided it would be directed north south.
I am thinking about using an entire exterior envelope wall plenum as a design feature. I haven't showed any updates of that yet. That needs also research to see if it will actually help.
Finally, to me CORA is about getting a well designed house in the hands of the masses for inexpensive costs compared to my standard design fees. Nowhere in that definition does it have to be 4150, $250, or $350 per foot. I started out at $225 per foot, but I really am enjoying this ride and don’t think it is important for this one design problem, where it ends up, as long as it is well designed for the money.
Thanks.
Dave
You have to realize that if a customer likes the floor plan they will build it out to fit their budget, even if it means vinyl siding. IF you can't take that you may as well slit your wrists now.
I am ok with that.
Of course it flies int he face of the art... but hey.
I some cases, it would be interesting to see how is morphs in a positive way.
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