Architecture
Remodeling Guides
Architect's Toolbox: Celebrate Those Happy Accidents
Sometimes a home's greatest pleasures were never planned. See two examples of serendipity in design, and share your own story!
Many years ago while I was still in architecture school, a guest lecturer spoke to us about homes he was building in the American Southwest. What was special about these homes were the master bedrooms, which would almost always have a large expanse of glass above the beds. The people who slept in these beds would invariably talk about the night sky whenever they had a chance.
When groups of these homeowners would gather, their conversations often would be centered on the stars, constellations, other celestial bodies and atmospheric events. What struck me wasn’t that these homeowners had a chance to view the night sky from their beds — after all this was a designed-in feature of their homes — but that their cocktail chatter later with friends would center around their bedtime stargazing.
The additional awe and wonderment a happy accident give a homeowner is remarkable. As architects and designers we should be open to serendipity as a design tool.
Below are two examples of happy accidents from my design work. One is about using a bathroom in an unexpected way. The other is about a twice-yearly ritual with an unexpected bit of moonlight.
Please share your story of a happy accident you have had with your new house, kitchen remodel, renovation, or other project. How has serendipity added to the way you experience your home?
When groups of these homeowners would gather, their conversations often would be centered on the stars, constellations, other celestial bodies and atmospheric events. What struck me wasn’t that these homeowners had a chance to view the night sky from their beds — after all this was a designed-in feature of their homes — but that their cocktail chatter later with friends would center around their bedtime stargazing.
The additional awe and wonderment a happy accident give a homeowner is remarkable. As architects and designers we should be open to serendipity as a design tool.
Below are two examples of happy accidents from my design work. One is about using a bathroom in an unexpected way. The other is about a twice-yearly ritual with an unexpected bit of moonlight.
Please share your story of a happy accident you have had with your new house, kitchen remodel, renovation, or other project. How has serendipity added to the way you experience your home?
This was taken to a whole new level when the homeowners threw a party and used the bathroom as the bar. Beer, pop and ice filled the tub. Bottles of wine and glasses were arranged on the vanities, and there was a fire in the fireplace.
Throughout the evening, the room became a place for people to grab a drink and sit on the hearth to chat. The fact that this was taking place in the master bath wasn’t an issue at all. People sauntered in and out all night long. It was as if the bathroom wasn’t a bathroom but the local lounge. Have to say I totally didn’t expect this happy accident, but I’m glad it happened.
Throughout the evening, the room became a place for people to grab a drink and sit on the hearth to chat. The fact that this was taking place in the master bath wasn’t an issue at all. People sauntered in and out all night long. It was as if the bathroom wasn’t a bathroom but the local lounge. Have to say I totally didn’t expect this happy accident, but I’m glad it happened.
Happy accident 2. The other example of an unexpected result is the story of the owner being woken from a sound sleep by moonlight coming through the transom window opposite the bed, casting its beam of light onto the homeowner’s head.
We’ve dubbed this our “moonbeam headboard.” And, like their ancestors of millennia ago celebrating some pagan rite, the owners look forward to the twice yearly triangular bit of moonlight shining on their heads, connecting them to the night sky and all the wonder that brings.
How has your home surprised you? Please share your happy accident in the Comments section below!
How has your home surprised you? Please share your happy accident in the Comments section below!
This bathroom, part of a master bedroom addition to an existing house, has a claw-foot tub, a pair of vanities, a fireplace with brick hearth and the toilet area in a separate compartment. The bathroom was conceived and built as a comfortable room for taking a bath and pampering oneself.