House
I’ve been interested in building things since I first took apart my big wheel and tried to make a go cart (that didn’t go so well). After living in our little barn for the past 2 years, it only seems natural to me to want to make something that’s actually livable.
I’m trying to figure out the design with an approach from the inside out and seeing where that goes. In this case starting at an object like the bed and moving out. The goal would be to think about how I would utilize the space and design nothing more than that.
I am not a trained architect, nor do I have any idea how to build a home. But I like the idea of architecture, and shouldn’t that be enough?
Draft 1 – Master Bed
Design notes:
1. The walls are using engineered I-joists, a recycled wood product that will allow for greater insulation in the walls.
2. The south facing wall will be a large wall of glass, that combined with the solid side walls creating a “warm cave”.
3. I like to watch TV while in bed, but didn’t like the idea of having a big tv in the room, so I thought maybe a drop down projector screen would work. I guess this depends on how tall the room will be.
4. There is a nook behind the bed which will serve as bedside table. I’ve been trying to think about how to minimize as much extra furniture as possible by building things into the house.
Draft 2 – Master Bedroom/closet/bathroom
New additions to layout of walk-in closet and master bathroom.
Design notes:
1. Experimenting with removing tub from the “normal” bathroom area as it might be considered less of a utilitarian function vs a relaxation experience.
2. Added light halos for spot lights to indicate strength and needs. Trying to avoid excessive ambient lighting and opting for task specific lighting.
3. Light blue area above bath and closet represents skylight, allowing natural lighting in an area that would most likely get fairly dark.
PDF of drawing at current state
Draft 3 – Master Bedroom/Bath/Staircase
Moving out towards staircase.
Design changes:
1. Master bathroom reconfigured and skylight added over shower area.
2. Experimenting with idea that shower door and bathroom door are same thing (frosted glass doors)
3. Staircase leading to downstairs added
4. Beginning to think of intersecting section of home
Draft 4 – 2nd Story
Lots of changes/additions to this version
Design notes:
1. I removed the area in front of the master bed. When I started this project I wanted to make sure to create spaces that would be used. I highly doubt I would ever read a book in the bedroom in a chair vs in bed, so I removed them and made the room smaller.
2. I extended the area between the master bedroom and the staircase. I wanted to create a small buffer between the private space of the room and the public area of the rest of the home.
3. Second bedroom added. Taking cues from the master bedroom, this would be a room for my two girls.
4. Walls and openings for large window panels adjusted.
5. Removed the I-Joists from the drawings as I thought they just cluttered the drawings and could be explained
Draft 5
I am moving downstairs directly beneath the master bedroom. For now, I think the best use of space would be a spare bedroom. Ideally the house would be a 3 bedroom for when one of the girls gets old enough to want her own room. It could also serve as an office/spare until that point.
Design notes:
1. Since this room is less specific than the previous two rooms, I’ve opted to simplify the design as much as possible.
