View Full Version : Low Cost Suburban
This is a project for low cost housing in a suburban area. The suburb was developed by the (governement) Housing Commission in the 1950s. It doesn't have the best of reputations socailly, but because the land is "cheap" there are many developers trying to build low cost houses.
This solution is one of a series of houses that I have designed for my client
It is based on a repreating grid/module that allows rooms to be interchanged. and moved about
As a "component design" the solution is fast and cost effective
The "module" is loosley a 3.6 x 3 metre grid, or 3.6 x 3.6. Smaller rooms are divisions of this basic grid form
Lightweight construction (timber framed), with conventional materials and finishes are utilised.
External materials are texture painted fibre cement sheet and metal decking to walls, aluminium framed windows.
The roof form is a mix of flat and "butterfly", depending on the configuration of the modules.
The aim is to provide architect designed housing that provides a conventional array of rooms/fittings yet performs better (economically and socially) than its neighbours. I always try to include a full bathroom, and a study area in these small houses as well as notrth facing (southern hemisphere) access to open space.
Construction of this one should commence in about a month or so
Comments very welcome
More images - sketchup drawings
Looking interesting. It reminds me more of some sort of vacation resort, than of an actual house. Possibly because of it being just one floor.
There's something odd about the connection around the hall and the kitchen. Why did you choose to open your kitchen towards the hall, and not towards what I suppose is the dining area? It's okay, if that one wall is more like a window in between kitchen and dining room. But at least the way how you visualised it in the plan makes me feel like you enter the building straight in the kitchen area...
imasayer
21-08-2006, 17:29
Neat little houses. I would love to see more with colors and materials. I like the plan, nice simple layout. I am interested in the low cost modern home. Anyone can make good architecture on a 2 million dollar budget.
What is in the little rectangle between the Dining Room and the hall to the Bedrooms? Mechanical and laundry? Seems logical and cost effective. If placed there, very little ductwork as a result of a central location.
I like the project very much. Compact plan that still maintains the required (or percieved required) spaces for a family.
How much is this going to cost? What is the final square meters (footage) of the project? Thanks.
Neat little houses. I would love to see more with colors and materials. I like the plan, nice simple layout. I am interested in the low cost modern home. Anyone can make good architecture on a 2 million dollar budget.
I don't know Josh... there are alot of Million + homes being built where I live and they suck... :D
There's something odd about the connection around the hall and the kitchen. Why did you choose to open your kitchen towards the hall, and not towards what I suppose is the dining area? It's okay, if that one wall is more like a window in between kitchen and dining room. But at least the way how you visualised it in the plan makes me feel like you enter the building straight in the kitchen area...
I agree... I think it would work better and give more of a better transition to the entry to the interior space if you took the "U" shape of the counters of the kitchen and turned them 90 degrees counter-clockwise... then your kitchen space is opening up towards your dining room and not the entry...
Nice litttle project . A couple of questions :
Is the house supposed to be additive i.e is it designed to allow expansion ? It's very common for low cost houses to begin small with the option to grow .
What makes it low cost besides it's location and it's modest size ? What sort of materials , specifications , detailing bring down the cost in these houses ?
Anyone can make good architecture on a 2 million dollar budget.
Don't be too sure about that ;-)
imasayer
21-08-2006, 19:35
Nice litttle project . A couple of questions :
Is the house supposed to be additive i.e is it designed to allow expansion ? It's very common for low cost houses to begin small with the option to grow .
What makes it low cost besides it's location and it's modest size ? What sort of materials , specifications , detailing bring down the cost in these houses ?
Don't be too sure about that ;-)
I guess I was being a little generous! I would say it is harder to have good design on a budget, especially in housing.
gaffaman
21-08-2006, 21:07
I like this project very much. Simple and honest.
I just have a couple of comments:
The study area looks like it’s pretty small, would it be possible to open it up into the main living area so they could share light and volume but still keep it as a distinct entity?
It looks like the upper bedroom on the plan has a patio door to the exterior. The overhang over the door out of the living area doesn’t cover it. Could it wrap around in an “L” shape to give some coverage to that door too?
I love the butterfly roof, but the consequences of a leak in the valley are going to be ugly.
Anyway, I like this project. It reminds me of some of the best mid-century housing here in the U.S. that I admire – unpretentious, honest, clear. There’s nothing like a tight budget to strip the crap out of a project.
Please post progress pictures during construction. :cheers:
BruceWalker
21-08-2006, 21:51
I like it. A clever solution with your grid module thinking.
I think your kitchen is fine.
Presumably cladding types can be mixed up, so if (and here's hoping) this design proliferates a single estate there's still plenty of variability.
I have a suggestion to allow for a gable or hipped roof as a design option towards keeping things different. Don't get me wrong, I prefer the single plane and butterfly roofs, but when you get a whole bunch in a row it might need a bit more variety.
Well done - I'm keen to see some construction photos when they happen.
Thanks for the comments.
The kitchen is provided with a wall around 1.2 m high facing the meals area - so the whole meals living dining kitchen is visually open - stand at the sink and talk to people in the other parts of the living areas. Kitchen could be provided with a high bench at that point too - allow for stools to be placed on the meals area side. End walls to the kitchen - near the entry - are full height
The rectangular block in the "centre" is indeed the laundry - a basic cupboard with trough, washing machine and broom cupboard - opening onto the hall way to bed 1
For you guys from the States - this is a temprate climate. A single gas wall furnace will heat the whole of the living area easily. Add good wall insulation. I'm adverse to cooling, but a small unit would provide a reverse cycle option. I've got cross ventilation (open the main entry door) and the north face would be sun protected - minimal west facing windows.
I agree about the study - it is small - but gets the computer out of the living space or bedroom. Integration could be better with an openable wall - but I was lookng to get some wall area in the living space for placement of tv and other furniture. Don't know about anyone else but my work area is a mess!
Yes, the roof form can vary - including pitched/hipped outcomes. In this case I was looking for a contemporary feel, without too much "added detail". The butterfly roof is pitched so that we can use prefab trusses - hipped roof would work equally as well. But I wanted also to get some height into the external walls - add a sense of size to the small building rather than "flattening" it down.
Low cost - the floor area is around 72 sqm (excluding car port) - 775 sq ft - single storey and conventional construction methods. Metal wall cladding is "cheap" and fast, broken up with painted cement sheet panels - mainly at corners. It's about 30sqm less than comparable houses with the same facilities in this (general) locality
Colours - likely, unresolved at this stage - metal cladding - maybe a charcoal or a beige, cement sheet panels, maybe white, or either a contrast or a bold colour, depending on final metal choice.
Cost - I'm guessing at this stage, under $80,000 for completed project (including car port, landscaping/paving/fencing/fitout.
Great idea to carry sun/weather protection around to bed 1 - thanks
Thanks for feedback - :cheers:
This is the same type of thing - using the same/similar modules. This plan has been Authority approved - just now waiting for the client's instructions to proceed - compare the two - you'll get the idea!
Mate, I would still have to agree with the others in regards to the kitchen despite you reasoning. I would rather the kitchen as two benches with no return running accross that space. I just moved twice in the last year and would say the returns actually eat up usable space, in the two units one had a kitchen I describe and one like yours the corner spaces in the U shaped kitchen are so unworkable and in a small kitchen were space is of a premium they can quickly eat up space as I suggest.
The study area also I'm not so sure on and it's complete closure I'm not so wrapped in and opening this space to the living area would greatly enhance this space.
The roof I'm really not at all wrapped in sorry, the resultant box gutter is or may become the source for ongoing water problems and best avoided where an alternative is present.
I'm also not so sure of the add on look achieved with the main bedroom and an alternative roof style could serve to tie this element better into the main volume.
And please mate in your second plan please swing the bathroom door the otherway. I can't imagine I would had to close the door just to brush my teeth.
Also in the second design the issue of the U shaped kitchen is really evident, where does one prepare dinner???
Thanks for the comments - on review I think that the kitchen probably could be improved by two benches parallel to the entry, with a low wallopposite the entry area.
just also wondering if the study could be provided with a 3/4 "TV" wall, rather than full height to the living area....hmmm
I'm not so concerned about the butterfly roof as it will be open at both ends so unlike a box gutter, less chance of blockage - but guys! point taken....my client just happens to be a plumber as well!
Thanks for reviews
Oh, and the second plan - well it hasn't been fully tested/reviewed as yet - needs to be taken through the design development process - but I'll certainly keep the sorts of comments made in mind if it proceeds
The second plan shows the concept behind the modular nature of the solution more than defining a specific solution at this time
Thanks for all the comments - it's great working as a sole practitioner, to be able to bounce ideas around! all greatly appreciated
I modelled up part of the house - and as a consequence will be making changes along the lines suggested (kitchen and study issues)
I've attached the (rough) model
Again, thanks guys:cheers:
The second plan visualizes more the problem with the kitchen area. I am also not very fond of the "separate" laundry/utility area. Why making all these rooms for such a restricted area? That small area seems to me like a disturbing box in what can be a nice big room for dining and relaxing. Try to incorporate the laundry thing with the bathroom? And with such a restricted space, I would consider just adding the utility corner in the big room...
The second plan visualizes more the problem with the kitchen area. I am also not very fond of the "separate" laundry/utility area. Why making all these rooms for such a restricted area? That small area seems to me like a disturbing box in what can be a nice big room for dining and relaxing. Try to incorporate the laundry thing with the bathroom? And with such a restricted space, I would consider just adding the utility corner in the big room...
I'd certainly agree with that, and the possiblity of even considering does one need a bath and shower in such a small residence.
I would also add that a formal entry to such a small dwelling can be an excessive luxury and one way I have dealt with this in small apartments is to utilise the ldy cupboard opening to the entry as this can make use of the tiled area as an appron to the wet cupboard. The ldy cupboard this way can also serve as storage adjacent to the front door for wet or dirty work clothes, boots, jackets etc.
Excuse the crap sketch!
gaffaman
22-08-2006, 16:04
The second plan shows the concept behind the modular nature of the solution more than defining a specific solution at this time
Have you considered having these prefabricated? The modular system you've worked out seems like it would be a natural for prefabbing.
Just wondering. Keep up the good work.
In the UK we have strong recommendations for designers to consider adaption of a design to suit accessible (disabled use) requirements
it affects sizes of bathrooms, door widths, circulation widths etc etc it also almost eliminates split level design.
Although I can find these requirements frustrating at times I do understand the motivating factor behind them, & I think it is something which is likely to gain impetus for new home designs elsewhere in the world.
Have you considered having these prefabricated?
I keep returning to this possibility. But for the moment these houses can be built on site -fast - but you're right.
I guess if I was motivated I could set up a business selling prefab housing along the lines of this design series.
I try to simplify all the time - use same component, only a few types of windows, repeat elements wherever possible - somultimately pre fabbing them will make sense
And the rotated kitchen works well
drummond
23-08-2006, 22:07
I hope you don't mind but I fiddled just a bit with your model to add a little more easily found storage space and to open it up just a little more.I've just finished my own kitchen and have been very thankful for this higher , more long term storage in the upper areas, along with the openness of the cabinetwork.Again I apologise if you didn't intend for anyone to fiddle.
drummond
23-08-2006, 22:08
Heres the sketchup file.
imasayer
23-08-2006, 22:24
I like it, but how do you support that corner?
drummond
23-08-2006, 22:32
From above, as long as that wall is not structural.
I really keep feeling that you are locking off the different parts too much for such a small space.
In the file attached:
1. every extension at around eye level removed. Kitchen blends more into the big room.
2. Another thought that I mentioned before: Try not to attach the income door with the kitchen. I made that one a small hall - see it as a transition between inside-outside
3. I changed the opening towards the study, to attach that one too with the big living room.
4. That tv you used. This is a low cost project, and then you want the people to have such tv's? Any idea what that still costs nowadays? :P
franjayo
24-08-2006, 02:04
I do not understand the structure. The low part of the roof would need a beam all along for support I guess? I would like to see photos of similar ones or when you build it.
As for the design I would try to integrate the flat roofs somehow, I do not know how. The flat room bedroom is an appendix that could be made more clearly different as a design option. It may be interesting to see how it works when you place several together.
.Again I apologise if you didn't intend for anyone to fiddle.
No worries Drummond - it all helps achieve a better outcoem - an interesting solution. It does open up the kitchen more into the living space - and yes additional cupboard space in a kitchen is always welcome.
It will add cost - more joinery - but it's not a great amount.
Although i do like the idea of the kitchem being a little separated off as the spaces are quite tight. I'll run it past my client for another opinion. I suspect if it were my own house I'd follow your lead.
Thanks for the comment and time taken to fiddle with the model!
Stijn,
I like the entry area you suggest, and the integration of the kitchen.
However placing the study door off the living room creates another "walk though". I'd prefer a corner for furniture.
Having said that I could leave the study door where it was, work up the entry as you suggest - incorporate more overhead cupboards (as suggested by Drummond) against the entry wall. So combinations of solutions are possible.
As for TV's I suspect people will spend more than they can afford for their entertainment - besides, it's an option not a solution
franjayo
yes the low part of the roof, over the living area will have a beam (around $300) - this beam carries roof trusses that pitch up towards the external walls.
Truss construction is "cheap" and fast - it also means no internal walls are structural
Stijn,
I like the entry area you suggest, and the integration of the kitchen.
However placing the study door off the living room creates another "walk though". I'd prefer a corner for furniture.
Ah, indeed. Didn't think of that myself. You could indeed attach the study door to the entrance part, that seems a good solution to me.
imasayer
24-08-2006, 16:38
From above, as long as that wall is not structural.
But your drawing has nothing but air above. Is there a hot air balloon I can't see?
Either that or that was an obvious answer that I should have picked up on right away.
it can be attached to the ceiling (through to the roof trusses)
drummond
25-08-2006, 21:53
Thanks tdmc...I can see your trimming the cost down to the last Roo ( that is the currency there right?)....you frightened me for a minute imasayer,so you can see I'm easily scared.
imasayer
28-08-2006, 17:27
Thanks tdmc...I can see your trimming the cost down to the last Roo ( that is the currency there right?)....you frightened me for a minute imasayer,so you can see I'm easily scared.
Didn't realize how stupid my question was until I saw your answer. Sorry to scare you.
drummond
28-08-2006, 21:00
Didn't realize how stupid my question was until I saw your answer. Sorry to scare you.
I just thought you had a good sense of humour!
imasayer
28-08-2006, 21:02
I just thought you had a good sense of humour!
Well, thats true.
For new housing here (Victoria, Australia) we need to achieve an energy rating of 5 stars - this is often problematic for Architect designed housing, or large housing - the assessment is pretty basic (and bland - in many ways encourgaes bland or "ordinary" solutions).
Good news today - the small house has achieved 5.5 stars - without the need to resort to water tanks or solar panels to beef up the numbers.....building approval will be sought in the next week or so, and hopefully I will be able to post some pics over the coming months:rock on:
oh, and without the need for hot air ballooons to hold up kitchen overhead cupboards
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