'Pretty Good House'

Posted on February 20 in GreenBuildingAdvisor.com is the article "Regional variations on the 'Pretty Good House'. They define 'pretty good house' as a house that seeks to balance construction cost and energy performance without being constrained by the dictates of existing green building programs or rating systems.   i.e. be practical, be effective, make smart choices, find the right blend that fits your particular situation. This is how we approached the Heeschen Residence. We (and I include the owner here) looked at, borrowed and incorporated good energy efficiency and sustainable, green building practices from many green building programs. Let's name this approach: the "just right house". 

http://www.greenbuildingadvisor.com/blogs/dept/green-building-blog/regional-variations-pretty-good-house?utm_source=email&utm_medium=eletter&utm_term=design&utm_content=20120222-photovoltaic-panels&utm_campaign=green-building-advisor-eletter

It should be said about green building programs and certification - there is value in certification as it provides a record of achieved benchmarks. It sets a standard for the builders, particularly if they are not so well versed or committed to sustainable, green building. 

CW - Modern Variation

These sketches show the CW house in Cupertino in 'modern'. Same lot, same views, similar program, same constraints from the city, rather different outcome  . . . . . . .

CW - First Floor Frame +

BUDGETS

Budgets are key. This should be obvious. But early in my career, when my focus was primarily building, I regularly bid on architect designed homes. 80% of the projects never got built. For one simple reason - the architect never asked the client "what is your budget?" Or if they did ask they chose to ignore the answer. Such a waste of time, the client's money, the client's goodwill, the builders' bids (there really is no free bid), even the architect's musings. Just a waste.         

I will ask "what is your budget?"

A DESIGN KEY

Addition by Subtraction. When the design is to remodel or add onto a home often the best place to start is by removing the extraneous. Pare back to the original.Then proceed.

From the Archives

View from the kitchen sink!

 

Goals for this addition: open up the ocean view from the kitchen, create an 'attached' green house, casual dining room, 2nd. access to the living room (through the shoji), a more open plan, passive solar heating.

Very Cool

Ogimachi Global Dispensing Pharmacy by ninkipen!

www.ninkipen.jp/    www.dailyicon.net