New home design - FEEDBACK Needed
Andrew Page
6 years ago
last modified: 6 years ago
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chiflipper
6 years agoRelated Discussions
New house. Design feedback needed.
Comments (13)I've blocked out some plant masses as they would be sillhouetted against the house. For the plantings that are along the right lot line I've used outlines of rectangles so that you can see "through" them. #1, foundation plantings in picture and plan, I think that the tall portion comes too close to the porch. It would be better to back off a little with the height and keep the plants adjacent to the stoop low. I question if Calimagrostistis will be happy up against a north wall. #2, plantings adjacent to drive, in plan and photo. In general, the beds that flank paved areas on the way to the front door rub me the wrong way. I see them as barriers and the bigger and taller they are, the worse they are. They usually end up obstructing the view to the primary place on the house that people want seen: the front entrance. They make the driveway and walkway space seem confined. It seems pointless to me to separate adjacent "floor" areas with a barrier just because one is carpet (grass) and one is hardwood (concrete). The only way I can see these beds justified is as more space for growing plants. But that's not necessarily enhancement for the house. Oftentimes, it's the opposite. I can accept a similar bed with a tree if the purpose is to add a sense of shelter, so long as the tree is limbed up to maintain view beyond it and the island does not extend too long so as to overwhelm the paved areas. If grass is beautiful and well kept, there's nothing unpleasant about having it next to a walk or drive. #3 Plantings below Oak. I don't see the need to extend the Viburnum hedge to below the oak. Chances are, there will be no need to screen the neighbor's front yard in that particular area... so close to the street. The linear arrangement of the plantings below the oak will be weaker and busier looking than having a singular, simpler, circular (or "D"-shaped) planting below. #4 hedge and bed along lot line shown on plan... The hedge will look sloppy unless installed in an orderly line. The arbitrary wigglyiness of the bed it's in looks contrived and busy. Straight lines or smooth flowing curves are better....See MoreLooking for feedback - new house plans
Comments (36)I am back after some thinking. I certainly do not want to present unattractive facade to the world but beyond attractiveness there are other things that I care about: usability, cost to build and maintain, energy efficiency. With the majority of the suggestions so far, it seems to me that improving appeal of the garage is done to the detriment of usability and "total cost of ownership". Longer and costlier driveway; additional windows that are purely decorative which means again higher cost to build and also more cleaning without the benefit of bringing light and views into the living spaces; longer walk from parked cars for us and guests (we usually do not park in the garage during summer); less sun on the driveway which means we have to scrape more ice or use more salt; game room too far from lounge area; more complicated roof; etc. The one exception is Janicone's idea of shifting garage right (north) and back (west). I really like it but I do not think location of the septic will allow us to do that . Virgil, I really liked what you said about making garage into something appealing which is also integral part of the house. That is exactly what I would love to do. I do not want to hide it - cars are important part of our live , at least outside of urban areas ( I would love to see better public transportation in US but ....) , so I do not want to pretend they do not exist. Ideally, I would love to use functional features that are required (garage doors, outdoor lights, siding, ...) , not purely decorative, to make garage interesting. Is it not possible with the original plan? I know I sound stubborn but even after all the pushback everybody is giving me I still think the original layout gives us the best functionality. Or am I just slow and missing something? It happens more often than not :) Mark, it is interesting that I was thinking to use garage doors with glass panels to achieve something similar to what you did in sketch 3 or 5. I'll attach some inspiration pictures when I have better connection. Of course now, that I saw number 4 (over the limit one) I am really thinking of doing exactly that. Our neighbors will love us ;) On the windows and rhythm - I think right now we have Piazzolla. Not very danceable but I love to listen :) On a serious note, I've already confessed that functionality is more important to us but if we can improve the looks without losing functionality and adding to the cost of the build I'd love that. If any of the greatly talented architects here would consider working with us, please message me privately. If not , I think we are getting ready to commit a sin of building another snout and rhythmically challenged house :)...See MoreNew Custom Build in the design stage, looking for feedback
Comments (21)True...each architect has their own, individual approach to design. If the OP has lost confidence in her architect she should select another, not try to design her on her own and crowd source it here. I wonder if the OP understands that architectural design is a simultaneous consideration of site planning, interior space planning, exterior massing and style, and roof design. In other words, design is a three-dimensional activity involving all aspects of a house. A decision made in one sphere has direct impact on all the other spheres. Architectural design is never a single isolated consideration of a floor plan, one floor at a time. That's what drafters and CAD operators do to manage their clients and minimize time on each project. I hope the OP can work closely with her architect, and not in isolation from her/him....See MoreAdvice needed on this new house design
Comments (71)@Jennifer Hogan agree with what you say in general. I would guess that the OP could get a basic 2400sf-2800sf house built, that is layed out pretty similar to this one, for ~$650K. Room sizes starting 12x10, J&J, truss roof, 2 story Family Room, we all know that plan. The OP is a step or two above that. Larger rooms, 3rd floor, ensuites, full Master sitting. So having a 1950's house worth $400K, tearing it down, and building just a $650K house doesn't seem to move the needle, regardless if this is being built for 1 person or 5. And I would guess the OP can afford much more, and that they have already seen this higher value supported in their HCOL area near Boston. My point was that advice should recognize what the house is conceived as. The data points on a 7000sf house are different than an 1100sf off-grid house review. The OP had to set the course at the beginning of the project, dictating the size, amenities, and budget. Whether the inspiration came from other houses on the block, the builder's portfolio, new subdivisions in the next town, an internet plan, whatever, the architect was directed by something. Many of the comments say to eliminate the ensuites. Maybe the formal Dining or Living. Have a guest share a hall bath thus eliminating flexibility for a lower-level Master. Mostly reasons being the commenter doesn't need those amenities. All that makes this house into the $650K house plan we all know. That flies in the face of what this project is presented as. If the OP chooses to go in that direction, then the whole project has to be reconceived....See Morebeckysharp Reinstate SW Unconditionally
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