Suppose this is my first real project post here but be warned this is not Sketch Up (Mods feel free to move)

This Design was my *non-submitted* attempt for a competition house design at Cape Cod ( *Design not submitted for a number of reasons but mainly time & a family holiday in the 2 week design period. So I completed the design after the deadline*)

Never been to Cape Cod so first problem I had was to understand location & climate of Cape Cod : once I established that it had same latitude as Barcelona & Rome I felt I had a slightly better understanding. I first mapped out sun paths, established main views, & also tried to 3-D the sun angle in the model (proved to be a useful design tool). I thought shade would be important.

Site had Main views North to Lake with access road to South : (Which for me is a conflict as I always want sunshine in main living areas & bedrooms) so I put a lot of emphasis in the design trying to give Main Rooms both views to Lake as well as Sunlight. I also wanted to design something modern & contemporary & suitable for American construction.

The Client wanted a 2 storey height Great Room (proportionally I think 2 storey is out of scale so I did a 1½ )
The design is set at differing ½ height levels & I tried to inject a bit of fun & informality in the circulation & flow. The wide stairs intended to serve as seats & the Entrance Hall is expanded/ combined into a Sun Lounge reception.

All work has been done using Revit with the built in Accurender.

Client Design Requirements : Space Program:

Name Area Comments

Walk-out basement
2 Car Garage 420 SF
Play Room (unfinished) 300 SF
Storage (unfinished) 280 SF
Art/Music Studio 220 SF Cannot be under bedrooms
Kayak Storage (unfinished) 120 SF Must have rollup door access from exterior
Corridor 60 SF
Total: 1400
Level 1
Great Room 460 SF 2-story space
Family Room 280 SF
Sun Porch 140 SF
Bed Room 1 130 SF
Bed Room 2 130 SF
Kitchen 130 SF Adjacency to great room
Entry 90 SF See design criteria section
Full Bath 50 SF Must be convenient to bedrooms
Pantry 10 SF
Entry Closet 10 SF
Total: 1300
Level 2
Master Suite 275 SF Include full bath and walk-in closets
Grand Total: 2975

3D Sun Arc Model

Main Plan

Master Bedroom

Lower Floor (1/2 Basement)

Section & Sun Path

Elevations South Front & West Side

Rendered Views

Red

Mate on very quick perusal of your design one thing that strikes me quickly is the fact that the kitchen and dining area seem reversed and no access to the lake views are available from these rooms.

For me views from the kitchen / dining are always paramount to any design, infact I would always design with this order in mind.

Views available as listed;

1. Kitchen
2. Dining
3. Living
4. Study / office
5. Master bedroom
6. 2nd Bedroom
7. 3rd Bedroom
8. 4th Bedroom
9. Ensuite
10. Bathroom

Yes Richard .. I Ummed & Ahhd on this myself (& if the client wanted they could be easily swapped around) but I decided to put sunlight & sunset light direct into dining area.
If you take a look at Sun Arc you see that little sun gets to North Lake face

I'm surprised at lack of response on this job 90 views so far & only one comment. (Hopefully this isn't because the job was executed in a different program)

My ego is on the back burner so where do you think improvements should be made or what additional info do you think I should have included?
Helpful criticism always appreciated.

Red... first time see this thread....

Heve to digest this first, and then make the comments... ;)

what software you use?

Revit

I'm hoping to try SU over Xmas break

I am lookng at the plan and the stairs seem rather overwhelming, but when viewed in the perspective it seems to create a very dramatic entrace to both spaces (upper lounge and lower reception area). Any particular reason for this? The kitchen dining and t.v. area looks interesting? The circulation on the bedroom side seems to flow much nicer than that of the kitchen dining room area.

Overall an interesting project with very large spaces. Like the idea of the accoustical screens off the master bedroom. This would be a chance for something very unique and maybe even artistic. Any particular material that you are looking at to create these screens? I think this is a very interesting detail.

I have to say the first thing that strikes me is the vertical stair. Its blocking any great vistas thru the house. I grew up on the water and anyone who has paid the amount of money that lake or any water view location commands these days .. well I would definitely move the stair.. Move it to the farthest edge. I like the grand wide stairs but do think that many will fall. I have been to many a party where the view was amazing and people were looking and breaking glasses all night in the same spot. The bottom of a medium sized run of stairs were the view is more than distracting to the horizon.

Just some thoughts. I would have as much glass as possible at the water side and short over hangs to that side. The overhangs create the requisite shadow but also create an optical illusion for birds as the cant see the light refecting from the shaded area so they commit bird suicide on your windows.. When the windows are 1" thermally insulated with internal sun shading... and wide and tall.. they become a bit expensive to repair every year.. This later point is mute if you back wall is less than the building height from the water edge as the caustic refractions from the water reflected in the windows negates this effect at that distance.

Are you using Ecotect for your solar analysis?

ed.
Upon further inspection i would have lowered the entrance area ceiling height to compress the initially view out , having moved the vertical stair out of the way.. thus making the MBR more grand like the Great room and drawing the initial views outward and upward. This will also give you only say four steps grandd and wide. Also teh flatish roofs really take a beating in Cape Cod with the snow loads wind and amplified sun from a lake location. If its an actaual dark roof surface It will cook. I am assuming that it is a coated roof material. While I truely apprecite the symetry .. thee view is more important.

You may have looked at the Douglas House( Richard meier) for inspiration.. I would also have suggested Diller and Scifidio's Slow House (http://rhizome.org/thread.rhiz?thread=15916&page=1#30495)

Thanks for the comments
The job was done a while back & so I hope I am able to look at this with a bit more detachment
The intention was to link the great room & provide south views through the sun lounge hallway As regards lowering height of steps whilst desirable this may have more problems on site
I think I would now want to play with the shape of the stairs a bit more making them more curvy & appear less regular maybe with wider steps & platforms ( ie have a bit of fun with them)

The optimum would be to put the master bedroom above the Great Room thus allowing both to have lakeside & sun views maybe with a bridge balcony & South roof terrace at Mezz level . (I think the design would be greatly improved then)

Pitched roof ? well the design is flexible enough to accomodate that & probably would fit better into Cape Cod vernacular then

Circulation to the West Area would be improved by swapping K & D around in which case I would add another rooflight to get sun direct over dining.
Balcony Overhangs were meant to allow weather protection ie summer sun / rain (My experience on that latitude is you want summer shade but sunlight penetration during winter & this is what was aimed for)

Thanks for comments all feedback is beneficial

PS no I don't / havent used EcoT analysis yet

PPS No I am not acquainted with Douglas House( Richard Meier) Have you got a link to it?

Try looking here (http://cat2.mit.edu/arc/gallery/4203_final/gallery_body.html) there (http://www.geocities.com/arquique/meier/meierdh.html
) and on Meiers Website (http://www.richardmeier.com/PROJECTS/Douglas.html).
There is a plan here (http://host.uniroma3.it/progetti/design/2_MOSTRATTIVA/INT/G16/G16.HTM#immagini
) .
And maybe alos look at the Guadiola House by Peter Eisenman it predates the Video Pavilion Project. But was on the bay of Cadiz in Spain South of the naval base in Rota. All teh rooms had view and outdoor areas of both sun and shade. You might also look at Mathias Klotz's own beach house (http://www.mathiasklotz.com/en/folioKlotz.htm).
Hope this helps in evolving this design.


Guardiola House, bay of Cadiz Spain

I belive that this project still need a lot of thinking... is too stiky at sun path, instead of the predominant view to the lake... Why there are no elevation view from lake, it seems to me that this all project need further serious developement or start from scratch...

Yes the lobby stair area is interesting, and the master bedroom connected to living.

One of two things, or you get doing an outsanting design or you do a "pastich".

In my opinnion the simetry and the central block with the round shape is killing your design too. ;)

just my 2 cents...

In my opinion the house is a bit, well boring. The plans are pretty skillfully solved, but the house is just very symmetrical and rigid. I also agree on the view issues the others pointed out. Also I can´t really see how the sun studies have been benificial to the house. Also I´m not so crazy about all the little balconies. I have a feeling they would not be used much.
I do on the other hand think the foyer area and the stairs are pretty nice.
Sorry mate, but I´m just not totally convinced with the design. :peace:

LOL oh Hell !!
I asked for comments so I shouldn't complain when I get them
Thanks for the links & please keep them coming haven't found the plan for Eisenman house though
Looking at the Douglas house I am still not convinced that 2 storey rooms work that well proportionally & I am not that in love with the aesthetic coolness of the space (One + half is much better in my opinion)

The sliding screens were intended to be something like a mural or tapestry closed forming one large painting & open for narrow image (when I did this job I didn't know how to add a decal)

I chose to do this with the symmetry as a kind of imposed discipline & there are aspects of it I still like but I don't know whether I would do this again
In contrast to the negative comments clients I show this design to have very positive reactions - but what do they or I know?

Cheers & looking forward to learning more

Is there a master bathroom?

I'm guessing that's the ensuite, although there aren't any fixtures in there to give it away. Otherwise you will need balcony access, especially when they break out the Guinness.

Red

Well mate you did ask for comment and it came.

I think in general you have aimed for too much symmetry from the whole form, the entry and the layout, whilst almost entirely discounting the view as others have commented.

Greg Laverda's stock house plan on these forums may even give some ideas on how to arrange the living space to advantage the view better. I personally feel you had the opportunity to encounter the view from most rooms of the residence (including the entry).

The design also missed the opprotunity to explore a more "boat house" feel that would have been appropriate for the owners if they are keen kayakers. A kayak store partly visable from the living area could have added a feature that highlighted the lake edge experience even at night when the lake may not be visible.

I know in the US that open plan living is not as much the norm as it is in other countries such as down under in OZ but this is one of those situations it may have been a welcomed change.

I think it is hard to pick (and trust me I'm not aiming to be rude) any particular short comings in this design as I feel like Pedro a possible start from scratch might be considered rather then any aim to better rationalise this current form.

ReD,
I agree on most comments here... shot #3 looks obvious to me, you are wasting too much space on circulations. Look at those stairs! We're talking about the very core of the house!!! I personaly appreciate Richard's King Dick comments on this one, as they are pointing out a general feeling that's prevailing in almost everyone's post: too much separations, too much walls... well, in a few words... lack of opening. I understand your sun arc intentions, but the project is hesitating between lake view and sun. Have you considered 'planting' the building perpendicular to the lakeshore instead of parallel? Main direction would be north/south and the longest elevations east/west... sounds perfect to me to design a beauty... My feeling is: you've been stuck into a hollywoodian symmetry... (don't take it bad, I hope you know what I mean :D ) You didn't gave us the lake elevation, which is, in my opinion, the most important. :peace: Please, keep posting and replying :not worth

In a perverse masochistic way I'm quite enjoying this

The comments are thought provoking & stimulating & its been a long time since I've had similar forthright discussions. (Didn't know I missed it so much)
It is also far better having honest design comment than superficial praise.

This was a competition & was a rare event & opportunity for me & I have to say that I did miss the normal client dialogue interface The client was pretty much anonymous & normally I like to get to know them ie Site visit / Meetings discussions/ try this /try that / Eye contact / Body Language etc
I think most of the points raised would have been addressed by myself & the client & the design would evolve accordingly. In other words hammered out.

I have no real intention of reworking this scheme, it would be pointless other than as an academic exercise, & of course there is no chance of money at the end of it. My time is better spent on other things. (But you just never know do you.)

I thought I would try symmetry to give a sort of classical feel to the design & yeah maybe a bit Hollywood but also I hoped not to fall into a fashion fad era trap where the design becomes instantly dated.

Pedro I didn't understand your comment
"One of two things, or you get doing an outsanting design or you do a "pastich".

(I know & feel you are are all mad & wrong of course & I can't wait for some other sucker to post his work here : although D Richards may fare better than others ;) )

The thing I enjoy most here Red is that the opinions are honest. I have posted in PPB1 and here many a design in prelim stage and had it HAMMERED often with opinions I may not agree with but most often I learn and benefit from those as well.

I admit rarely will I post a prelim for comment and not go back and consider fully the wealth of comment I have received. One has to stay focused on not getting put down on their abilities but on improving their product.

I for one am so happy that I have these forums and peers to gain insight from, one of the biggest benefits is that of a wider view on issues rlating to design and siting. What is common (and to be honest rather sheltered from what I see) in the US is often completely opposite thinking in other parts and again particularly in OZ where outdoor living and the general need to link the outside of that within can be learnt from and maybe help to change what is the norm in the US.

So don't be down on negative comment but look at it as objective and informed, this will only lead to better design on the next similar project.

yeah... that's what I loved about this forum too.. one day.. i'll post my projects up too!

yeah... that's what I loved about this forum too.. one day.. i'll post my projects up too!

Can't wait

Here are some views from lakeside to complete the picture : enjoy.

Richard thanks seems we express similar views & I don't intend to slit my wrists just yet but don't ask for a poll on that

Beach view

I thought I would try symmetry to give a sort of classical feel to the design

I was going to comment on this (surprise surprise ;) ). As you would have read on my thread, if a classical design isn't done 'right', then it comes off looking tacky and unimpressive. Symmetry can be used for other reasons, but if it's to give a 'classical feel' then you need to do it right (and I don't mean columns and everything, I mean with the proper definition of spaces).

My main input however, is to do with your site analysis. You went to the trouble to do a (what appears to be) fairly comprehensive site analysis, then completely failed to respond to that analysis in your architecture, but only addressed it superficially. You really had a opportunity to free up the design by letting your site analysis inform the architecture.

Apart from that, you have modelled and presented quite well. Don't let anyone give you grief over using Revit ;) I use ArchiCAD at work, but have trialled Revit and was really quite impressed with it.

Hope this helps (somehow :) )

I'll have to agree with BruceWalker on this, you've spent so much time on site analysis, but the design doesnt take this into consideration. I get a feeling that this is a cookie cutter house. It isn't communicating with it's site from what I can tell. Also you've chosen to add balconies to both the north and south elevations, could you tell me why you decided upon this. Generally lake homes have the balconies where the views are..toward the water. I think you could take the balconies a bit further extending the whole north side perhaps and making it a real design point. The interior view of the stairs seem very commercial to me. To make things more open you might try using a railing instead of full story walls.

But don't give up ReD! I'm interested to either see what you do with this - or if this project is done with then I'm keen to see your next one. :cheers:

Well I've been mulling over some points & whilst tempted to have another crack I really don't have the time.
I am surprised that no one has commented on its fit into Cape Cod (other than Page)
I can take issue with a number of points raised (& please don't take this the wrong way ;))
Stair is waste of space? - No just the opposite it adds to sense of space.
The stair arrangement is deliberate & it gives a visual flow & for me helps gives a sense of intrigue & drama (Yes the stair could be improved / softened as I have already said but the principle I stand by.) The reason for the flank walls to master bed stair was to bounce light better this stairwell would glow with light as you walk up / down If they were open light would be dissipated

Balconies to South side are there to give the user the option of getting sun on their face (It's as simple as that :)). I think the North balconies & main terraces are useful enough the end balconies have a sense of private space as well as linking to main view terrace (I was also concerned with wind chill off the lake so gave a protective solid balcony to hunker down behind with the main view terrace having open railing to give view through)

Tall & narrow on site? - I considered & rejected it & just didn't like it

I ask myself a couple of questions
would I want to live in this house? Yes please
Could it be improved? Of course

Just in passing my first thought when I read the brief was to keep the existing property & tart it up (as far as money would allow) & put a floating 2 storey structure out on the lake - the idea of quietly floating around & turning the structure to suit your mood & the sun was very appealing.

In the interest of keeping you guys entertained I'll be posting some other work so don't say you weren't warned.

Cheers & thanks for the active response

Looks like you've been going the full 12 rounds with the crowd here Red...and you are still standing. Good on you.

Its also good to see that you are taking in all the comments and thinking about them. Thats a big plus. Comments like these are very valuable.

About the design.... well I think you've got way too many constraints going at the same time and they are conflicting each other. Symmetry, sun access, view to the lake, internal volumes, external balconies and so on. Don't get me wrong, I think its possible to come up with a solution to resolve them all but this solution, unfortunately, is not it.

I would have prefered to see a single constraint dominate this project from the begining. Say, the symetry or the sun or the views to the lake and the rest of the solutions to your constraints helping to improve that single idea rather than hinder it.

Anyway, as they say my 2 cents worth....

emm...i'm quite agree with what was mentioned by richard previously. Having a lake behind the walls is quite a waste. Having dining with the access and views towards the lake, imagine the ambience...it would be nice...
I do think that the best design is the one that respond to the context. Use the existing context as the advantage....

hmm...i've heard a phrase saying..."what a room without a view.." ...always imagine yourself having a journey inside the designed space...

me myself sometimes have trouble with that...huhuh..

....and there was me thinking this job was all dead & buried ... just goes to show ... and I am still waiting for a real job like this to land on my doorstep