THINK BOARD
Exploring and creating the client’s project stories
Southern Exposure with ADU
The Ely project story, represents a new single family residence. The main objectives entailed: 1. maximize southern exposure, 2. create a crystal clear functionality, 3. Do not want garage to appear as a priority, the entrance needs to be front and center. 4. future guest or ADU opportunity separate from main living area— must not appear as after thought
The proposed provides a cost-effective design solution that created a central structural spine which provided a design clarity. We also placed the garage and service entrance at the side. (often this is front and center) This design placed far more importance on the formal entryway to the home. A simplified, yet elegant solution
Additionally, the deign provided maximum southern exposure for natural light to fill interior spaces. This presented opportunities to balance the objectives and establish a meaningful order and flexibility to the internal functionality. The program simply provides a simplified function which enhanced the day to day operational and room relationships, as well as providing access to the exterior wrap around deck.
The Ely project did reveal to me, that more than any design style, the importance of having clean, crisp and elegant ‘lines’ can provide a way to create elegant design solutions; were less is more. Further. all the better when the homes functionality is simplified and operational performance is enhanced. Provides a strong character and way of creating substantial value.
Project ‘X’ began with a design challenge to recommend design alterations to a proposed new town home project that was originally advanced by a development team. The townhome also bordered a Golf club and the client was looking for ways to improve their cookie cutter plan.
Due to the unusual nature of the project and limited budget the scope was limited to three main areas. However, we were able to make key adjustments to 1. expand course view at rear, 2.simplify roof plan, and 3. adjust garage at front entrance; and improve functionality..
Challenging projects like this represent great design difficulty due to the late introduction. Our ability to improve functionality and create value is extremely limited. However, it the extreme challenges can offer opportunities to make a profound difference.
The updated design revisions entailed changing the rear of the town-home to allow for a dual view of the golf course. In addition, the roof system was greatly simplified and differentiation to the garage entry was proposed to bring in more natural light and allow for a larger entryway system.
Using a scaled massing model, it was used as a design tool to make design recommendations. In addition, due to complex design issues propose concepts could be quickly interpreted and facilitating effective collaboration with client.
All in all the improvements greatly simplified the original roof complexity and ultimately saved on construction costs, while improving the aesthetics and creating value.
Information Kiosk @ Normandale Community College
Project design challenge began with a request to design a new information Kiosk at Normandale Community College. However the real challenge was to develop a solution with a limited number of available materials. The information Kiosk was required to utilize only the ‘spare parts’ that existed on the college campus storage facilities. And the proposed kiosk was required to be a minimum of 90% sustainable.
The Kiosk houses a computer terminal and allows for user interaction and interface with the campus network system. The elevation side view (drawing) on left depicts various ellements that were included in the project.
The project was designed as an independent system and crafted as a piece of furniture. With the exception of a new computer system, and applicable fasteners. Most all of the materials were harvested and reutilized from on site storage. The project became a one of a kind sustainable piece of equipment.