This is probably the most daunting design project I have
ever worked on…the design of our own home. Having my husband and myself as
clients is a lot harder than one would think. How do I get all those cool ideas
I have been wanting in a house into a cohesive design and within budget? All of
our decisions are based on balancing our, at times, conflicting priorities.
PRIORITIES
- A home we will love - cool, beautiful and comfortable
- Lots of natural light
- Stay within our budget
- Energy Efficient
- Healthy, Low Maintenance & Environmentally Responsible interiors and exteriors
- A house that fits into the neighborhood
DESIGN PARAMETERS
- The lot size is 40’x120’ with alley access, 20’ front yard set back and 16’ rear yard with 5’ side yard setbacks.
- Open up to the southern exposure along the long side of the lot.
- Attached ADU (accessory dwelling unit, aka mother-in-law unit)
- Main living space on the second floor with separate bedroom
- Connection to the outside on the second floor
- Garage big enough for the Mini Cooper, motorcycle and all of Neil’s tools and work materials.
- Home offices for both of us
DESIGN CHALLENGES
- Display my extensive book collection without overwhelming Neil’s minimalistic sensibilities.
- A large enough home to entertain in, but small enough to be intimate for just the 2 of us. The right size home.
- Maintaining privacy within a city environment while bringing in lots of natural light
- Create 2 dwelling units that are separate, but have an indoor connection
