Seattle Avenue » Small Homes

24 Rooms in 1: The Efficient Home of the Future

denice — Mon, 12 Jul 2010 03:48:34 +0000

Hong Kong architect Gary Chang has been inspired to raise the bar on minimalism and functionality to new heights and in the process created for himself an ultra efficient and stylish home. By creating a system of moving walls he’s transformed his 340 sf apartment into 24 different rooms that provides everything needed for daily living (icing on the cake is a screening area complete with hammock). Uber Impressive Innovation!

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Small homes return to popularity

denice — Mon, 05 Jul 2010 22:01:47 +0000

This story Home Sweet, Cozy Home ran on July 2 in the Seattle Times real estate section. The sensibilities of living in small homes are coming back into vogue again. Happiness!

Related posts:Small Innovative Homes | Lindal Cedar Homes Small Innovative Homes | Pocket Neighborhoods Homeowners with high credit scores strategically bail on their loans

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Small Innovative Homes | Lindal Cedar Homes

denice — Mon, 05 Jul 2010 21:01:18 +0000

environment + design + symbiosis

In the 60s Walter Lindal was granted a patent for the A-frame. Lindal Cedar Homes introduced this design, bold for its time, that’s likely influenced the design of vacation homes worldwide. Lindal Cedar Homes celebrates their 65th anniversary this year. They have over 14 new modern A-frame designs using predesigned blocks in three different sizes that are worked together in various ways. Some of these homes have a mid-century modern look but they’re all a contemporary spin on the traditional A-frame. Lindal homes can be finished with whatever energy and water conserving appliances and green and sustainable materials that you’d like.

1200sf. This is a single cube with a one-story bay. Clean, crisp lines make the most of a small footprint with a flat roof. Located off the great room, the bay is devoted to a light-filled dining room with SunWalls of glass on three sides. A flexible space off the main entry can be used for an office or guest room. Upstairs, the loft is devoted to an open master suite. Whether you build this home as a vacation home or primary residence, the open floor plan creates a sense of spaciousness that’s a daily pleasure to live in.

1500sf. Who knew a simple geometric formula could be so beautiful? This design brings together two building blocks with moderate-pitch roof lines setting off each block. Created in the spirit of the original A-frame, this design features a wall of glass that can be positioned to make the most of your view. Drama and comfort come together in the main-floor master suite. An optional deck extends your living space outdoors. The additional bedroom suite in the loft has an outstanding view to the main floor and beyond.

1200sf. This three-cube home packs a lot of punch into the luxury of a one-floor design. Two building blocks are brought together by a third smaller block which is devoted to a generous-sized entry. The master suite claims its own wing, the opposite wing includes the cathedral-ceilinged great room together with the kitchen, dining room and two additional bedrooms. A storage loft is located above the master suite and one of the other bedrooms.

This home brings together four building blocks to create a home that offers liveability on every floor whether vacation retreat or full-time home. The master suite, complete with luxurious bath, has its own wing on the main floor. Above, a second spacious bedroom suite is located in the open loft. The generous sized kitchen is located under the loft, opening onto living and dining areas that share a soaring cathedral ceiling. 1700sf.

Their largest home at approx. 1900sf is made up of five pre-designed building blocks, graced with a contemporary flat roof. With 2 bedrooms and 2.5 baths, this home provides generous living spaces. The master bedroom is in its own sanctuary wing while the open loft bedroom is positioned to take advantage of the view. All home designs can be modified to accommodate a low-pitched roof.

And there’s always their traditional A-frame designs which can be functional and wonderful small urban homes that don’t need to be reserved for a country, wood, or lakeside vacation setting.

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Small Innovative Homes | Pocket Neighborhoods

denice — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 03:17:14 +0000

environment + design + symbiosis

“Pocket neighborhoods” — a lifestyle concept familiar to local talent Ross Chapin Architects that’s gaining attention and popularity in our area — are communities of well-engineered and smartly designed cottages built around a usable landscaped commons with parking screened from the street. The emphasis: intimacy with boundaries, livability, safety, quality, eco-consciousness. The Danielson Grove community in Kirkland is featured below.

Innovative zoning | Pioneering design

The Cottage Housing Development (CHD) zoning code preserves housing diversity, affordability, character, and discourages sprawl. It allows for up to double the density of detached homes in all single-family zones (with some provisions).

The flow from public to private spaces are well thought out to create harmony between mingling and privacy. When homes are wrapped around a commons, visibility can alert neighbors to shady activity.

Danielson Grove: This award-winning pocket neighborhood is located in Kirkland on North Rose Hill and offers six different architectural plans/footprints. A mix of 16 3-bedroom homes and 1 and 2-bedroom cottages are arranged around shared garden courtyards and community clubhouse. The homes are tailored for a simple yet rich lifestyle in a setting where neighbors can know one another. The houses are BuiltGreen | EnergyStar certified and subscribe to the “Natural Yard Care” program. HOA fees pay for common-area expenses.

Small homes can feel large with enough natural light and storage. Danielson Grove homes feature high ceilings, open floor plans, built-ins, expansive windows, huge closets, open kitchen, spacious bedrooms/bathrooms, deep sills, nooks, spacious/ functional porches, ample storage, and walk-in closets.

When looking at small homes, walk through without looking at the square footage and ask yourself “Is this home livable and functional?” It’s a different question from “What’s the square footage?” Well-engineered homes are exceptionally functional. Size isn’t everything ya know, it’s how ya rock what ya got.

This home in Danielson Grove sold for $515K in November.

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