I believe that as an architect I have an ethical duty to design solutions that are energy efficient, durable, and healthy. It is my job to understand the materials that are available in the market today, know how to use the materials effectively, and to know the impacts on indoor air quality, durability, and the environment. The added value that an architect brings to a project is based a practical understanding of material science, building science, and spatial relationships. The process of design is like translating musical notes into a symphony of parts to create a masterpiece. The results will not always be an icon of building mastery, sometimes it will simply be a well crafted space that brings function and form together into a harmonious marriage.
This Spanish Colonial design is inspired from the traditions of the American Desert Southwest. The Arbol house is filled with charm and a close attention to detail, this home incorporates aspects of Pueblo, Mission, and Mediterranean Building styles. With a stucco exterior, red terra cotta roofing shingles on a low pitched roof, interior courtyard, arched doors and windows, and patterned tile walls and floors, this home will allow you to relax in your own nature sanctuary. The low maintenance finishes, energy efficient design, and water efficient fixtures will save money and resources. This house has it all for the home owner looking to be environmentally sensitive while living in luxury.
The heavy wooden gates at the entry of the home create a dramatic threshold between public and private space, providing instant age and character to this stately manor home. The interior courtyard brings nature into an exterior living space designed for gathering, meditation, and tranquility. Upon entering the home, the large organic fireplace and tile floors immediately connect the exterior aesthetic to the inside, setting the tone for this family friendly home. The Home office is designed to be large enough to allow for telecommuting, or could easily become a quite library for reading. The large kitchen provides ample space for kids to do homework while dinner is being prepared, and could easily accomodate large crowds for entertaining. The formal Dining Room is the perfect place to enjoy the views of the courtyard or look out over the vistas while reconnecting with friends and catching up with the family.
The private wing of the home features a grand master suite, a laundry center, and two bedrooms. The Master Suite is strategically placed to maximize views while providing the solitude that any head of household needs after a long day. With a sitting area, an oversized walk in steam shower, and a grand soaking tub, this master suite may make a trip to the spa as easy as waking up in the morning. The laundry center provides an easy place to maintain the necessities of family life, while the two bedrooms are generous spaces for the kids to have their own private retreat.
High quality, efficient footprint, with plenty of storage, this home provides all the comforts that you are looking for in a new home. The 900 sf Eleanor is a classic aesthetic that learns from the desire to build a smaller footprint with higher quality materials. The large front porch encourages a connection to the neighborhood, while providing a quiet place to read the morning paper. The native landscaping minimizes the time spent in the yard doing maintenance and allows for plenty of time working in the vegetable garden.
Entering the home from the front porch, you first notice the large open spaces with the vaulted ceiling in the living room and the hardwood wide plank floors giving the home instant age and character. The built-in cherry wood window seat and shoe cubbies allow for a place to relax and transition into the home, while giving order to the arrival sequence. The custom-built in shelving on either side of the window provides for plenty of storage for your book collection and photos. The efficient kitchen layout has plenty of custom-made concrete countertop space for prepping dinner and the built-in pantry cabinets give ample storage for your canned foods from the garden. Beyond the kitchen is a mud / laundry room that allows you to keep the muddy boots out of the living areas of the house preserving the indoor air quality. The bathroom features a curbless shower to prevent any tripping and to allow for people of any ability to live comfortably. The bedrooms are separated from the living spaces by a foyer area to provide a quiet retreat from the activities of the home. The built-in storage systems in the closets maximize space for your clothes and coats.
