Here are a few images of an exciting new design that Ron Brenner Architects is working on for a client in Orono, Minnesota. The five design options are all based on the same modern open floor plan - each one tweaked as necessary to create its own identity.
Take a look and let us know which option you would choose.
Option A - An old world cottage featuring cedar shingle siding, timber columns and beams with stone accents.
Option B - A stone entry flanked by stair tower and arched details distinguish the design.
Option C - This design option is dominated by a dramatic sweeping roof line carved out with modern glazing patterns.
Option D - A somewhat more traditional take on Option C - featuring a centered eyebrow entry with dormers above.
Option E - A stone entry tower with buttresses stands proud within a more subdued composition.
The client has chosen Option C as their preference. They like the abundance of glass and the contemporary window patterns within the old world roof lines.
This design is to be constructed by Hendel Homes of Wayzata, Minnesota.
We are currently designing a home for a client in Lake Elmo, Minnesota. The "radical" new floor plan is based upon our Willowbrook Country House Plan; which we modified by relocating the front entry directly between the public and private zones of the house. We also placed a smartly sized two sided fireplace between the Living and Dining areas. This provides for more intimate space while maintaining visual connections and a predominantly open floor plan. Check out the interior house plan video below.
click the YouTube icon and change to 1080p for best quality
Ok - perhaps the concept is not radical; however there is a technique to achieving successful "open yet connected" spaces. Design elements considered included size and location of fireplace, bulkhead and beam locations, built ins and display elements, material connections, window positions, furniture arrangements, etc.
Yesterday I posted a new house plan that we have developed. The "Pine Gables" design features a main floor master and one level living. The images below illustrate how the image can be adapted to nearly any aesthetic. I would love to hear your preferences - so please take a look and vote your favorite.
OPTION 1 - WHITE CLAPBOARD SIDING WITH SILVER METAL ROOF. SIMPLE YET ELEGANT.
OPTION 2 - GREEN METAL ROOF WITH WOOD TONED CLAPBOARD SIDING AND TRIM. A LITTLE MORE "WOODSY".
OPTION 3 - CEDAR SHINGLE ROOF AND SIDING WITH OFF WHITE TRIM. A MORE EASTERN SEABOARD BEACH HOUSE AESTHETIC.
OPTION 4 - STONE CLADDING WITH PAINTED BOARD AND BATTEN IN THE GABLES GIVE THIS THE FEELING OF A MOUNTAIN HOME.
OPTION 5 - CONTRASTING THE DARK CLAPBOARD SIDING AGAINST THE WHITE BOARD AND BATTEN AND THE RED ROOF GIVES THIS A SOPHISTICATED LOOK.
OPTION 6 - LOG COLUMNS AND LOG SIDING BENEATH BOARD AND BATTEN GABLES. THE GREEN METAL ROOF COMPLETES THIS CONTEMPORARY LOG CABIN.
The studies above illustrate a good point when you are looking for a new home design. If you find a plan that you like don't discount it because the exterior does not catch your eye. It might be possible to modify the design to reflect your own aesthetic desires.
Here is another nice home design idea - a floating stair. The residential design world tends to do things the same way over and over while commercial building design tends to be more experimental. Below is an example of an interesting floating stair that would be well suited to any contemporary / modern house plan.
The stair is supported be a series of steel stringers which span from floor to landing. By holding the bottom of the riser above the tread one gains the illusion of "floating". The flat wood paneling at the interior wall and the commercial grade "storefront" window system beyond add to the modern aesthetic.
So when you working with your Architect on the design of your new home, ask him / her to think about the details in a unique way. It is the details that will make your home truly special.
I ran across this photo of a nice modern bedroom space and thought I would pass it on along with a couple of thoughts.
Obviously the design is all about the connection with the outdoors. Floor to ceiling glass with a patio directly outside bleed the definition between outside and inside. If it was my design I might have extended the roof line outward to create a covered patio zone. This would have created a transitional space between inside and outside.
The room is nearly void of detail. Why distract from the view?
A very simple palette of material and color. The decorating takes a back seat to the outdoors.
So what's the moral to this story? If you have a beautiful yard take advantage of it. Spend more money on glass and patio / porch space and spend less by keeping the interiors more minimal.
Dwell, the design magazine, has unveiled the newest project in its own line of prefab homes: The Skyline series (as seen below), designed by Marmol Radziner.
This is one more example of the direction the prefab industry seems to be taking - the trend towards Modenism. But the market has been reluctant to embrace the concept of modern prefab. So on one hand you have the "trailer trash" image of a cheaply constructed mobile home, and on the other hand you have this modernist expression. And as much as I love modern design, I don't think it necessarily belongs on every infill lot in America.
There seriously must be an alternative architecture that works for prefab. An architecture that embraces the modesty and the economy of materials that the prefab industry has been known for; but packaged in a high quality, functional and sustainable design that can be compatible within most existing neighborhoods. An architecture that the people can actually see themselves living in. Come on prefab industry, let's give the people what they want!
This is one more example of the direction the prefab industry seems to be taking - the trend towards Modenism. But the market has been reluctant to embrace the concept of modern prefab. So on one hand you have the "trailer trash" image of a cheaply constructed mobile home, and on the other hand you have this modernist expression. And as much as I love modern design, I don't think it necessarily belongs on every infill lot in America.
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