AN ADU aka A 'GRANNY' UNIT

An ADU or 'Granny' unit can be an excellent way to augment family living, most often for teens or elders. Or as a rental, depending on the jurisdiction. Here is one designed for a family who wanted a space 'next door' for an older son. It has a 500 sf garage at ground level with a one bedroom living unit above.

A last note: context is important in any design. You need to at least know the context in order to 'fit' in as seen here with the ADU in the middle. Or to stand in contrast.

A RESIDENCE KITCHEN

The design goal for the A Residence is to transform this typical existing kitchen to serve the extended family. First - increase the size of the footprint so several people, many ages,  can cook and help in the kitchen. 2nd - add work surfaces with more counters and an island. 3rd - add sinks. Sink #3 is for washing hands, particularly suited for this South Asian family. 4th - be sure there are lot's of cupboards and storage. 5th - maintain the open plan with the family/dining area. 6th - add additional counters for serving. 7th - improve the connection to outdoors. Put the main sink directly at the window.  It is also good to note the design process with the A family was very collaborative. I welcome this. 

PINOLEVILLE POMO NATION DESIGN COMPETITION

Recently Kumaran Design submitted an entry to the Pinole Pomo Nation, a Native American Nation in Northern California, for their proposed Living Culture Center. The emphasis was on zero energy buildings sensitive to the culture, place and what is sacred. To begin - the site plan.

Embodying Pomo culture, four buildings – in the four directions – are sited counter clockwise around the sacred center. Enclosed by a now completed circle of live oaks – seven new ones planted to honor each of the seven elders.

While cohesive as a whole, the design and building types for each building differ by intent. To inform, to give options, even to manifest, one building at time.

 

DESIGN BUDGETS

For much of my career my focus was to build and design. In recent years my focus is to design, for others to build, for you. Early on I learned an important lesson that I am attentive to now. I estimated and bid on many projects designed by architects. Interestingly, for the majority of the homes, my bid and all the other bids were too high. Design flaw - too expensive. The projects never got built. What a waste. The owner's dreams dashed, their money wasted. The architect, though paid, wasted his or her time and everyone else's, including mine which also equals money.  So how I approach the design and costs is to be frank - what is your budget? Then I try to design accordingly, pushing the value, utility and aesthetic to maximize what you choose to spend.

BUILDINGS I LIKE

Scheduled to be opened soon - Herzog & de Mueron's new Parrish Art Museum on Long Island, NY. Rather different than the de Young you might say. Simple and direct . . . .

Photo credits unknown. Compliments of Dezeen and Phaidon

I AM NOT AN ARCHITECT . . .

I am not an architect .... yet I was classically trained to build architecture and to design architecture by Master Builders in the traditional way. If you look at the history of architecture and building you will find this not uncommon.
There can be a distinct advantage - experience in building. It helps to know how to build what you design. And to design what you know can be built.

TYLER RESIDENCE

A very comfortable home for a family of 4, along with dogs and horses. Set on several acres with broad views to the east, the style is contemporary farmhouse. This floor plan is from the archives, never built. Too common in economic downturns.