A BUILDING I LIKE

The Nakai House, recently posted online in Dezeen Magazine, was designed and built by University of Colorado students for Lorraine Nakai, a Navajo woman out in the Utah desert. The house appears to hit a lot of the right buttons in considering the clients aspirations, site conditions, harsh desert climate and budget. Good design, while often considered the province of those with means, is quite applicable in most every circumstance. See more @ http://www.dezeen.com/2012/12/11/nakai-house-by-university-of-colorado-students/ The proper attribution to those involved can be found there.

A MARVELOUS FACE

Hand carved in granite - patience and artisanship deployed!

A RANCH REVIVED - FLOOR PLANS

The original ranch style home was 2216 sf. Among its many flaws, these three were most interesting:   1) to enter the main bedroom one had to go through the bathroom with its sunken tub directly in the pathway, 2) another bedroom had no bathroom so one  traipsed  through the public areas to get to it, and 3) closets for two bedrooms had exterior doors accessing directly the entry porch. Design marvels!

 

The new, updated ranch home is 2468 sf. Many, many changes are incorporated into this new design including fixing the three flaws mentioned above. The home now has good flow, an  open plan, dynamic vaulted ceilings,  and lots of interior natural light. A multitude of  skylights, a clerestory, bay windows, and gable end windows in the living room were added. An exceptional kitchen and pantry was created. It has beautiful cherry cabinets, granite counters and stainless appliances - these you would expect. More important, though, is the space, task and storage function.  And the bathrooms - you would actually want to be in the new ones. 

A RANCH REVIVED, PART 2

This ranch home was significantly remodeled and transformed  into a vibrant open plan. These photos, with the home nearly complete, show the entry and several interior views.

PINOLEVILLE POMO NATION ART STUDIO

The Art Studio evolved around a circle on circle form,
focused toward the Basket and Regalia studios. These tall, high ceiling studios, have lots of north windows bring in the cool, balanced light ideal for creating their intricate, extraordinary baskets and ceremonial regalia. Looking out, the view, with your eye level @ 9' above grade, is directly into the rich, evergreen foliage of the oaks. Between the two main studios, a quiet patio is shared for work on nicer days. Two other studios are for arts and crafts, classes and socializing. To connect all the studios, a hallway gallery wraps the inner radius.  Straw bale and timber construction anchor the organic form. Area: 4095 sf. Note: if you are not familiar with the Pomo people, do become acquainted with them. In particular,they are famous for their remarkable basketry.

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.