a site made distinctive

by Austin Outdoor Design

As I mentioned in yesterday's post, I wanted to show an example of a site specific distinctive home. I came across this project on Houzz and while I haven't been able to find out that much about it, the images sort of speak for themselves.

by Austin Outdoor Design via Houzz

From the pictures, you can tell that this home is in a rather typical suburban neighborhood. The ranch style of the house is one of the most common across America and if I had to guess I would think the original home was built sometime around 1950. Yet, what could have been any other generic ranch home is transformed because of the house's relationship and treatment of its site. Austin Outdoor Design did an incredible job of capitalizing on what this specific site had to offer. The design is elegant, clean and modern while still being very welcoming. The big tree in front is the focal point of the design. Other landscaping elements are kept low to the ground as to not compete with the grandeur of the tree while also allowing for the most natural light to enter into the home. Several ground covering materials (two different shades of gravel, concrete and grass) are used to create a subtle but interesting pattern. One of things I like most about this design is that the driveway, usually an ignored and discrete element of a home's design, is incorporated into the front landscape creating and adding to the interest of the property rather than detracting from it. Finally, the details of the projects are beautifully done - the Mondrian inspired gate, the way the steps lead up to the front deck, the colors of the house and stain of the deck. 

by Austin Outdoor Design

Resource Review: The Distinctive Home - Part 1

As I mentioned in the introduction of this Resource Review series, I want to make Eck's key messages more accessible to all homeowners - not just those building new homes on empty lots. To do this, I have decided to break the reviews into three segments. The first is for the homeowner considering new construction and provides a direct summary of Eck's work. The second is for homeowners looking at existing homes to purchase. Finally, the third is for homeowners looking to modify or update their current home.

The first fundamental principle in The Distinctive Home is centered on the site.  The subtitle of this chapter - "Marrying a house to the land" - conveys the overarching message that in order for a home to be distinctive it must be in union with its site. Eck explains that siting is the biggest challenge in designing a home and that the goal is "to tailor a home to its site in an intimate and thoughtful way so that it appears to - and actually does - belong" (Eck, 31). This belonging can often go unnoticed as that is sort of the point - the house becomes part of the land rather than an object set upon it.

New Construction: 
1.  Eck advises that the first thing to do in searching out a site for a new home is to find north then rotate yourself 180 degrees to find south. The southern sky is where most of our sunlight comes from - at least in the northern hemisphere - and will become a key factor in the design of your home. Eck recommends positioning the longest side of a house with 30 degrees of due south so that the majority of rooms in the house with get some direct sunlight throughout the course of the day. 
2. Look at the surrounding context whether the site be rural, suburban or urban and begin to understand what makes the place unique. 
3. Remember that a distinctive home is often a "natural result of the thoughtful consideration of climate" (Eck, 45). This is to say the home should respond to the specific climatic factors of the site and region taking into account such things as prevailing winds, precipitation, shade etc.  
4. Try to imagine and consider what the site will look like in the future. For example, if it is the summer what will the site look like when the trees lose their leaves? Or if there is a vacant lot next door where would be the logical place for someone to build a house?
5. Understand the parameters of the site - zoning, drainage, setback etc.
6. Site a home where it makes the most sense considering the above factors. 

Purchasing a Home: 
1. The first point pretty much applies here minus the ability to change the orientation of the home. When viewing potential new homes notice the light in each room. If lights are turned on, turn them off. Try to imagine what the light will be like throughout the course of the day and try to schedule repeat visits at different times. Notice if any factors such as paint colors, shades or outside landscaping are affecting the light. 
2. Same as above. 
3. While you have no control over how the house is sited you can educate yourself about how it responds to its climatic surroundings. Does it have overhangs to block out harsh summer sun? How well can the house be cross ventilated? Is the house in full sun? Full shade? What is the slope of the roof like? Etc.
4. Same as above.
5. Same as above. In addition, it is important to understand what can you change about a given house and how these changes fit into your budget and timeline. On the flip side, you also need to know what can't you change and if you are willing to compromise on these points. The professor who recommended The Distinctive Home to me once said "you can't change location, neighbors or natural light - everything else is pretty much far game" - that is if you are willing to take on a project...
6. Does not apply.

Modifying a Home: 
1. While there is nothing major you can do to change how much natural light your house receives (unless you are planning a big renovation) there are smaller things that can make a large difference. First off, open the shades! Seems fairly obvious but so many people are accustomed to leaving them down. Secondly, use light colored paint that will reflect and bounce the light you do have around the room (dark colors will just absorb light). Turn to artificial light but try to stay away from too much bright overhead light and instead use lamps and overhead lights on a dimmer. Clean your windows ;)
2. Just because you have lived in your home for a while doesn't mean there aren't new things to notice and discover. Keeping yourself invested in your home will help you appreciate it more.
3. Same as above. 
4. Does not apply.
5. There is always more to learn especially if you are considering a renovation...
6.  Does not apply.

Tune in tomorrow to see an example of a site specific distinctive home!

Resource Review: Remodelista and Gardenista

images via REMODELISTA and GARDENISTA

Two of my favorite blogs are REMODELISTA and GARDENISTA. They are run by the same group of women who describe themselves as "a group of friends who share eerily similar design sensibilities; a collective design DNA". Their style is "minimalist but not monastic" as well as having an international viewpoint (one of the editors is based in London). The blog is both a sourcebook (current issues not to missed entitled Summerhouse and Summer Gardens) as well as a provider of daily design inspiration. The content of REMODELISTA is focused on interiors and covers everything from "10 Easy Pieces" - a recurring series on well designed objects - to "Restaurant Visits". GARDENISTA has a similarly large breath of content with the outdoors being of main interest. 

What I really enjoy about these blogs is that the readership is aimed at both designers and consumers. The content is intelligent, clear and useful while the design and visuals are easy to navigate and beautiful to look at. Also with the just the shear amount of information available there is something for everyone to appreciate. At the root of it, these two blogs' focus is always good design - featuring it, appreciating it, making it attainable. So make sure to check them out!