A sketch plan brought to our first meeting had thrilling 3D views but seemed very short on designed spaces. And it was big. Our shorthand estimate (step one in our process) put it well beyond the desired budget. In a leap of faith these drawings were set aside, and we started to talk about what spaces our clients had imagined. An open living/kitchen, laundry with a ton of room, a Japanese garden outside the master bedroom, a piano place, rooms for guests and more. Keeping an eye on the overall building size we started with simple sketches.
Rooms were resized and moved around to take advantage of the views and more importantly the wonderful north and east sunlight. Ways to incorporate some much-loved old timbers were found, and finishes discussed. External cladding that is not run of the mill was chosen, and solid timber, architrave free, hardwood internal door jambs specified. And so much more including decking, shed and driveway. All costed to an exact budget.
This is a house that is far from mass production. Highlight windows create inviting light in the hallway. The old oregon planks from the farm have been carefully machined and frame the space for the piano. The open kitchen living area – thoughtfully repositioned in the initial design phase has a wonderful outward aspect that fosters the feeling of being part of a bigger landscape. And from the outside? Strong and charming. Like the owners.
