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Design Update - March, 24th
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Please click on the images above to see them larger and to see any specific notes that might be attached to them.
Thank you all very much for filling out the survey I sent around last week. Your answers were very insightful and I've taken alot of your good ideas and put them in this new design.
The survey results were also very clear. Of the 23 people who filled out the survey, 16 prefered this design scheme, 3 prefered the other, and 4 were undecided. In this iteration of the design I've tried to incorporate as many of your comments both from the survey and from this site. Some of the comments from the survey are posted below.
There are a few questions that were posted to the survey that I'd like to answer.
Some people asked what is under the Master Bedroom. Currently there is nothing under the Master Bedroom. The Master Bedroom sits on a terrace of the site. There is dirt underneath it. But the dirt could be removed and there could be a room. One person has suggested that there be a media room there for watching movies. What do you think?
Another common question has been about the pool. Does it have a glass wall. It was drawn that way so that everyone would understand that it's a pool. Some people have suggested that there be windows in the pool walls or glass block. This would work but I think that an entire glass wall for the pool would be cost prohibitive.
Some of your comments about why this design is better than the other are as follows:
The relationship of the rooms, but also that there is a central outdoor living space, instead of having it divided by the pool.
i like tha the common areas are more centralized. we all like to gather around the kitchen, which is next to the outdoor living space and proximal to the pool. the other design is more broken up.
i like the outdoor living space; i think it is a good idea to have the master bedroom not above the kitchen/living sapce as gatherings could be sleep-prohibative.
bridge! I'd also like to know what's under the master bedroom in the courtyeard design, and how you get into the master bedroom?
Design two feels a little more Asian or has possiblities or incorporating more Asian designs. I've always liked they way Asian design incorporates/is incoporated into nature. Design one seems kind of flat and ranch-house style. With design two the living spaces seem closer to an outdoor living space, which I think will be key giving how much time people will want to spend outside (eating, chilling, hanging pool-side)
In general, this design looks much more welcoming to me, because of the curved shape. Also, it looks like it would feel more protected in terms of sun, which seems important in a hot climate. I like that there is more substantial outdoor living space, not just under shade canopies... and I like that the kitchen is up above, with more light I would suspect. Very important.
somehow it just looks like it would be more fun to live and play in to me.
Posted at 6:08AM, 24 March 2006 PDT
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Love the new look. best yet!
Posted 75 months ago.
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I agree with Escape! This is a great iteration of the design. I think it makes a huge amount of sense, and is quite attractive.
Answers to your two questions:
- what is under the Master Bedroom
I agree that a small room under the master bedroom would be best, for a couple reasons. First, it will balance the design nicely, by giving a counterpoint to the kitchen/ dining / living room area. I think that leaving it empty would feel unbalanced. But instead of a media room, I would suggest a small "office" ... and I use the word office very loosely, because I realize there won't be a lot of "work" going on here. But there will be some "productivity" that needs to happen, even if its just landscaping or cleaning. This "office" could be the functional hub of the house, where supplies and toys and extra linens, etc are kept in closets. It could also have an ocean-facing desk for the occassional letter that needs to be written.
To sum it up, this "office / storage room" would be a place to hole yourself away if you needed some quiet productive time, and also a place to put away all the stuff that you might not want in a garage.
- Some people have suggested that there be windows in the pool walls or glass block
Though I can see that as a very cool idea when looking at plans like this, I don't see its value in real life. Very few people will have the opportunity to look "up" into the pool, and probably not very many people will look "out" through the glass windows while they are underwater.
What I always envisioned for that pool wall was an infinity pool; ie, that the pool would drain over the edge and down that wall. So that if you're looking at the horizon of the pool, it looks like it drops off into the ocean. That's a trendy, cool effect. In that case, you would want the wall to be something like the "smooth stones" that Eve posted in Finished, Interior and Exterior Details. In fact, it would be cool to use the same rock patterns in showers as on that outside of the pool -- keep the theme consistent.
Posted 75 months ago.
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One other question, Rahm -- where do you envision the entrances to the downstairs bedrooms? And is there any interior stairs, or ways to enter / exit those rooms aside from the stairs in front of the pool?
Posted 75 months ago.
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"In fact, it would be cool to use the same rock patterns in showers as on that outside of the pool -- keep the theme consistent."
I agree with Mr Hoose. It would be cool also to have round, smooth stones set into cement floor around the pool. Would keep people from slipping (tiles around pools can be dangerous).
Posted 75 months ago.
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I think it would be good to have a room under the Master Bedroom. even if the interior space isn't needed, I think it would look unfinished and unattractive to have dirt under that part of the house. In a beach house there are always things like surf boards and beach chairs and other stuff that needs to be covered but not necessarily indoors. Perhaps this area should just be a covered area with a deck floor where outdoor stuff could be stored.
(This is from Elizabeth, not TomRotten)
Posted 75 months ago.
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I am not into the entrance.With a tropical design I like as little walls as possible. I recommend having no wall in the entrance and letting some air and iguanas in. Also, wht is that structur right in the entrance, Simple simple simple, that's my idea of a beach house. I say get rid of the wall and the structure. Peace
Posted 75 months ago.
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About the room beneath the MBr: It could be eliminated and save on costs. If it doesn't save cost because of the underlying terrain, then I would make it as large as possible and then maybe several of the discussed uses could be provided for, i.e., storage/office/media/staff. Raising the MBr is dramatic, but one thing I don't like about the distance/separation of it is the physical and emotional effort it takes to leave or retire to or retrieve something you suddenly need.
I like the guest br's having only the outside entrance/stair. It's private and an interior stair would be very expensive.
I very much agree with that crazy Mr. Hoos's call for an infinity pool. I thought that's what is was. That would be cool pool. (That's a new phrase I'm championing by the way.)
As for the center structure in front of the pool, I would like it to be even ore sheltered because you already have a lot of porches and in the tropics the midday sun is killer month after month and some shade (and plants) would be appreciated and used, especially with the coolpool at you immediate disposal. Also it could be an outside shelter when the rains come.
I found your survey results very interesting. While I wouldn't won't to make my decisions by committee or polls (it didn't work for Gore or Kerry), it could be very helpful not only for the many comments and ideas but also to let you know you may be on a right or wrong track.
Posted 75 months ago.
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dear ranm this ismoving in the right direction maybeif you create some of the house functions onmore indivigual levels still in keeping with the generalconcept of the design i have some questions re thepool being the distancing element between the guest bedrooms what do think of lowering the pool level? more multi levels and shorting the run of stairs throught the site ,this might give the transitions between uses and levels a more relaxed meandering sense of site /house
Posted 75 months ago.
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Hi Rahm - I can definitely see how you've taken everyone's feedback into account with this updated design - not an easy task!
About the structure in the outdoor living space: cool that it's fort-like, but it might be nice to have that entire space open with a simple canvass shade covering the area (that could easily be drawn all or partially away). Sort of Billy Baldwin-esq.
The space under the master bedroom: an open-air room. That's my suggestion. Perhaps with those cool garage-door style walls for when it needs to be closed up. Seems like it would make sense that a house designed to hold potentially large numbers of people would have an over-flow room for playing games, watching movies, checking email, taking naps ...
My other idea is less design related: could the pool be chlorine-free? I've read a few magazine articles about techniques to keep pools clean yet chemical-free.
I also like Chelsea's idea of using recyled sea glass as tiling because it seems more low-impact than using natural rocks, but then again, that's just my hunch.
Rock this thing out!
Posted 75 months ago.
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I agree about eliminating the wall and the tower structure in the middle. NOW, if you take those out, it would be to put in a unifiing roof structure to link the seperate buildings, provide more shaded out door area, and make it possible to go from the master bedroom to the kithcen during the rainy season.
I also srongly agree with lowering the pool a level, or whatever it takes to bring out more of a terraced/integrated into the landscape, feeling to the lounging and living areas.
Posted 75 months ago.
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Oh, i also think it would be very important to use the space under the masterbedrom as an open-air/acordian-doors room/office. That space is the one oppurtunity to really play up the long horizontal that echoes the ridge of the site. and if there are many levels and vertical diversity... that long open space leading form kithcen back wall, shooting out between posts/walls, traversed by roofs, streching to the back wall of the office/den, that space will be where the peace of home will reside.
Posted 75 months ago.
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i'm thinking that bens idea of the open air room would lend a nice kind of negative space area which would accentthe other mass areas of the house also thinking that the lower level bedrooms could be shifted closer to the view side of house allowing side windows ,this sliding foward seems possible as the profile of the grade as shown would need a retaining wall i'd use the house stucture to do dbl duty .i do like glass block but not sure of stuctural stability re retaining water?... ie the pool concept stuctural element?
Posted 75 months ago.
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i've looked at the bedroom on the right maybe lower this bedroom it looks like it could drop in elev and create a interesting area steping down off the kitchen dining living room pavillion kind of sitting levels on the steps
Posted 75 months ago.
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I like bigbadbenboothby's idea of joining the MBr with the kitch/LR with a roof. It won't be that expensive and allows access in rain and snow (just kidding) and provide shade which is needed because you already have plenty of open space. It can be less massive than a conventional northern climate roof and it will unite the two buildings.
I still say the open air room under the MBr should enclosed for multiple uses. In years to come you'll want that enclosure more than you will want more open-air space.
Posted 75 months ago.
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Thanks for all the ideas you've posted about the design. They're really great.
The four photos above are different options for the courtyard space. Each one was done in response to comments made in this discussion. Please click on the photos to see them larger and to read an individual descripption of each one.
These designs are not mutually exclusive it is definately possible to use some of them together or to take elements from one and use it in another.
Some things to address in your comments:
* Which one or ones do you like best?
* What aspects of the designs do you think work and don't work?
* Do you have other ideas about how to improve on one or more of the designs? * Do you have other ideas that do not fit into any of these designs?
Originally posted 75 months ago.
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Rahmiel edited this topic 75 months ago.
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This photo was posted by Ben Boothby. Click on it to see it larger and read a description he wrote. It has some good ideas about the courtyard and issues like shade and terracing
Originally posted 75 months ago.
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Rahmiel edited this topic 75 months ago.
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I like the way the floor of the top level extends to make an arcade in the courtyard. Perhaps the roof of the master bedroom could extend also to that edge to frame the courtyard space and make a covered deck area. The covered space on the edges of the courtyard is really nice. Maybe the pool could extend into the courtyard. Does a pool have to be square?
I think if the space under the master bedroom is to remain site, the landscape should come down to the pool, maybe as a garden. As opposed to the terrace that is in the model. I posted a little sketch.
Originally posted 75 months ago.
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Rahmiel edited this topic 75 months ago.
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This is from Elizabeth
I like the Shade-Canopy posted on 3/28 the best.
What I like best about this one is that I really love the texture and color of tent or awning fabric. I think canopies are a good bridge between inside and outside. I think of the orange Cristo gates in Central Park that were so effective in creating the intimacy and containment of structure while maintaining the fluidity of nature: mimicing the air and trees and birds. You get the benefit of shade and enclosure with this design, without the bulk of a pavilion and roof. Since the design of the house allows you to be open to the outdoors by opening the big windows, you can be inside when it is raining and still feel like you are part of the weather. So, I think the deck should be a deck, yet provide some privacy and shade. I think you absolutely want the wall and not the bamboo as suggested in one of the other designs. I think people may want to sunbathe in the nude on the deck, or do other illicit things, and the privacy of the wall is good for that. I do not like the idea of the lowered pool because I think you want more deck space. But here is one question: Are there bugs at night? Do you want some screened in section? If so, maybe you DO want the pavilion, which then makes everything I said above moot! But maybe once again, the inside of the house can be the screened in part, and we leave the deck as a true deck.
But if you do decide to lower the pool, I would not worry about the exposure of the bedrooms to the pool. I have never been a fan of the bedrooms having windows into the pool. I think that could be a problem and is gimicky and I would lose that idea.
Posted 75 months ago.
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Ben and Ari: love your designs. The unifying roof between the MBR and the kitchen/living room frames the courtyard extremely well, making it feel much more intimate. I once visited a house in Japan that had a similar open-air courtyard that was partially covered by a roof.
Also, Ari's suggestion of extending the roof of the MBR to make a covered deck is an excellent one. It balances out the roof on the other side. I also really dig the L-shaped pool: more edge to lounge around.
Now just extend a moveable canvass canopy over the courtyard, add in the bamboo wall, and I think you've got it.
Posted 75 months ago.
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Overall response to the 4 new designs Rahm posted on 3/28:
I prefer the 4th drawing, with the wider pavillion. I think it provides plenty of shade / shelter, with the security of a permanent structure. I personally love the pavillion, but I'm the guy who likes crows nests and high places. If it were up to me, I'd add another crow's nest to the top of the pavillion, and a mini-nest on top of that ... who says 5 stories is too high? (kidding)
For more shade in the courtyard, camo netting could easily be stretched north and south from the pavillion to the walkways.
I like the look of canopies, but I worry that canopies (even retractable) will suffer in the elements, in ways that could prove very cumbersome. Experiences at Burning Man and in Haiti have taught me that canopies + wind = heartache.
The early drawing of wind patterns say:
"The house should also be designed to protect against strong winds."
I'm not sure how strong that means; do they have a hurricane season, or the equivalent? Even 30 or 40 mph gusts can wreak havoc with canopies, regardless of their support. (Knowing rahmy, he's already figured this in, but I thought I would offer my word of caution).
Different point: I agree with ben that a wider walkway to MBR is useful.
Different point: Don't drop the pool, it has too many drawbacks and not enough good reasons.
Final point: If you can create a natural wall with bamboo or a native plant, awesome. (see my posting on that page for concerns about plants) In terms of privacy, Beth can sunbath nude (or whatever other illicit things she wants to do) below the pool, on the lowest decks. The house should be inviting to the driveway, not closed off from it, unless there are nosy neighbors on opposing hills (which I assume there are not).
Great job of incorporating our ideas, Rahmster!
Posted 75 months ago.
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Of the new designs, like MrCrazyHoose I like the fourth best. Steps down to the coolpool (that term is now copyrighted) are dangerous and take up space and separate you from the pleasure of the immediacy of the water. Without the steps, the deck is wider and more usable. I would keep said coolpool rectangular for swimming and use the infinity pool idea although the L-shape could have esthetic appeal, especially with landscaping coming to it. Ari's idea of landscaping the controversial open space beneath the MBr is very good, although I would prefer to build it out, as I have said before. I have also advocated a roof to join the two buildings. A canopy would be a maintenance problem. I like both Ari's and Bigbadbenboothby's drawings, but I think a better solution may lie somewhere in between those two versions.
Also Rahm, I have to say that I am a convert to this open forum. I would love to have people inputting and debating any of my projects. The ideas and feedback are valuble and stimulating.
Posted 75 months ago.
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This is looking great!!!
Pool - meandering, through rectilinear,
to accommodate rooms on either side -
same exact water level as terrace - on west side - stairway going down between pool and room - with suspended walkway to rooms once below - with cascading water over the edge of infinity pool into a then stone garden as you walk by stone facing of pool
Terrace - needs more roofing between kitchen complex and master suite - too hot during day - also needs wall in front to close off - Costa Rica has theft problems, so can't be totally open which would be preferred
Kitchen/Dining complex - possibly just 1 floor with tall pyramidal ceiling, extending out under roofed terrace to northwest
Master Bedroom - second floor with bathroom to outdoor shower and garden - great idea to have 2nd story terrace - connection to kitchen in drawing is great - but only if both are 2 stories - The bottom floor could be an office extending out under the bathroom - dug into the hill facing view - under the bedroom is an enclosed living room that fully opens with sliding glass doors - in wood - to the roofed terraces
Concern about how to finish the outdoor terrace with roof, connecting to entrance wall/door - perhaps an opening above
Posted 75 months ago.
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I forgot -
Ari's connection is great - are there stairways within each pod?
Wind - there are no hurricanes - but very strong january winds from north east - could be a problem coming through the terrace under the roof and getting trapped in there
This is a great charrette - would be good with a video of the site to get a motion 360
Posted 75 months ago.
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I don't think that the concern about theft is something that really makes the bamboo wall imposible. First, bamboo can be really thick and very difficult to get through, the opening can still have a gate or a door on it. Second, anyone motivated enough to climg through a bamboo wall can easily climb over a normal wall or find another way into this courtyard. And third, all of the indoor spaces can, and should, have their own locks.
Posted 75 months ago.
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rahm i'm not sure if you got my late take on the photo you posted re the christine v photo check it out this is what i was invisioning as what the reality of the site might be still like awning fabric etc shade thing will it withstand windy season how about wind generator? is uplift a problem on open roof shade elements
Posted 75 months ago.
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