This amazing home was our first New Construction commission—and one that represents so much that we believe so passionately in. The home was designed for a specific 44 acre property, but due to the economic climate, the project remains in the design phase and currently un-constructed. Until the physical manifestation of our work becomes a reality, we are pleased to offer some of the design documents for review.

As is apparent in the elevations, this home exudes a welcoming strength and comfort that is often absent in new custom homes. Despite containing almost 7000 sq. ft. of enclosed space, the home does not appear to be overwhelmingly large or intimidating in any way. The home is designed for one-floor living, and the approx. 2500 sq. ft. contained in the first floor allows for very comfortable living and entertaining. Because much of the finished living space is contained in the lower walk-out level, however, or on the neatly hidden away 2nd floor, the home is able to easily expand as needed. As a result, the home is able to “live” quite largely, but does not appear nearly as large as it is.

Upon approaching the home, one is drawn towards an elevated front porch by entering a paver motor-court surrounded by garages on either side. The feeling of being within a protected embrace is created by the garages, forming the outstretched arms that encircle and protect. The covered porch not only provides shelter from the elements, but also eases the transition from exterior to interior. Double front doors echo the welcoming and down-home sentiment. Please note that all exterior doors are out-swing doors to prevent being blown or kicked in.

The gracious foyer is expansive to allow for unimpeded entry and welcoming of guests, but is a standard 8.0 in ceiling height to begin to visually and psychologically compress the occupant in preparation of future release. Because all of the public rooms on the first floor open onto the foyer, it also serves a major thoroughfare in the home and aids in easy traffic flow during entertaining. Finally, double French doors between the foyer and all of the rooms it connects to allow the foyer to serves as an effective air-lock to keep temperature swings at bay.

To the right of the foyer is the husband’s office and library. Avid readers and hobbyists, a dedicated workspace was needed, as well as provides the occasional “getaway” space where doors can be shut and solitude found. This office also has access to the Master Bath, as well as to the auxiliary garage which houses some of the couple’s toys.

To the left of the foyer is the hardest working room in the home—the kitchen. Complete with a large built-in desk for menu planning and running household operations from, to ample storage and counter space, the kitchen leaves little to be desired. Point of use storage is emphasized, and double wall ovens are positioned out of traffic lanes more maximum efficiency. Three different levels of countertops allow maximum functional and flexibility: the 42” breakfast bar allows for comfortable socializing while cooking, helps to disguise the operations of the kitchen from the foyer, and provide for back-splash mounted switches and outlets that every kitchen needs. The cabinets and counters are the more typical 36” height, while the bake center at the end of the island is 32” high to allow for easier baking activities.

The kitchen opens freely to the Dining Room, which is both an extension of the kitchen as well as the Great Room. Casual by nature, the clients spend a lot of time talking and working at “the kitchen table”, and wanted their home to not only allow for this activity, but emphasize it. In addition, much of the entertaining done in the home will be casual get-togethers, and the clients wanted their guests to feel the same down-home comfort that they desired in their everyday lives. As such, the Dining Room is located between these two primary rooms, and positioned perfectly to take in the expansive views and abundant natural light.

Speaking of views and natural light, this brings us to the Great Room. The Great Room is aptly named, as it expands vertically as far as it does horizontally. With a soaring vaulted ceiling, a wall of windows, and an enormous stone clad fireplace that anchors and warms the entire space, the Great Room is the centerpiece of the house. A wall of closets, chases, and display niches separates the foyer from the Great Room, but upon exiting from the adjacent rooms with 8.0’ ceilings, into the Great Room with its 20”+ ceiling height, a tremendous release is experienced. Site lines are long, extending into the Dining Room and kitchen, as well as outside through the many windows. The surprising spaciousness, however, is oriented upwards, where the eye enjoys views to the 2nd floor, the craftsmanship of the ceiling structure, and the overwhelming feeling of light and warmth.

Downstairs is a full media and recreational room, along with a hobby room and full contingency safe room (safe room plans confidential). Access to not only the outdoors is provided from this lower level, but also access to the secondary garage upstairs. There are two more bedrooms on the 2nd floor, along with ample “bonus rooms” over each of the garages. The “story and a half” configuration served not only to disguise the 2nd floor rooms, but also provided extensive knee-wall spaces for running duct work, ample and easily accessible storage, and extensive insulating ability.

The home is the absolute picture of both energy efficiency and self-sufficiency. From proper placement on the site, to literally being super-insulated and using solar power to pre-heat both domestic hot water needs as well as the radiant floor heating system, to utilizing gray water collection and harvesting rain-water, as well as a 12k watt diesel generator capable of burning home-made fuel or biodiesel, the home has the ability to go completely off grid if necessary—with no loss of comfort. The massive chimney serves as a heat sink to absorb and radiate heat collected from its multiple flues, and both the lower level and main floor fireplaces will contain alternative fuel heat sources. The basement unit will be tied to the existing ductwork or radiant floor heating system in order to provide auxiliary and independent heat throughout the entire house should the homeowner wish, while the main floor unit will be capable of supplying direct heat to the primary living spaces. In addition, a Heat Recovery Ventilator recovers heat from outgoing stale air and transfer it to incoming fresh air, all while allow complete air exchange every 2 hours. Finally, the 8” ICF basement walls and all exterior walls being a minimum of 6” thick, combined with very high performance windows and doors, and a super insulated roof and attic--the home will be incredibly efficient to heat and cool, and utility costs are projected to be a fraction of what a more conventionally designed, sited, and built home would be.