In the first part of this blog, we discussed the 10 Principles of Considered Design for Production Homes. Considered Design is an important evaluation tool that helps create successful, market driven designs. It is also a pledge to evaluate each nuance of a home’s design to optimize its value and livability.
Today we’re going to continue that discussion by diving into the nuances of Considered Design. The nuances of Considered Design are guidelines that we refer back to time and again when designing production homes. This is where we break things down – room by room – and look at very specific elements of the plan, making sure every inch of the home is used to the fullest.
Kitchen
Islands should be a minimum of 7’ long; recess the refrigerator to be flush with the cabinets. Pantries are a must. Place cooktops on an outside wall for easy venting.
Master Bedroom
Minimum master bedroom size: 13’x 15’. Bed walls should be at least 13’ in length. If there is a furniture wall perpendicular to the bed wall, make the bed wall 15’.
In the closet, provide 1’ of rod for each 100 SF of home. A 2,000 SF home should have 20’ linear feet of rod (not counting the doubling of rods).
When possible, make the master a destination space rather than a connector to the bath and closets.
Secondary Bedrooms
Minimum secondary bedroom size: 10’-6” x 11’. Bedroom closets should be perpendicular to the bed wall and have a 20” return to provide for the depth of a bed side night stand.
Interior Doors
Interior doors should be “gathered” and doors should be provided a place to “store” when open. Eliminate door conflicts.
Light Paths
Plan light paths through the home. In 50+ product a higher level of task lighting is necessary.
Garage
Provide an alcove for steps from the home into the garage. It adds foundation corners but also creates more useable car bays. This is key for large SUV and truck owners! Add a dedicated place for the trash and recyclables.
Mechanical and Energy Performance
Centralize the mechanical unit location and trunk lines. Seek value based energy management solutions, specifications and controls (i.e. insulation packages and envelope design). Smart phone controlled appliances and thermostats are appreciated by technology savvy buyers.
Great Room
Provide a minimum of 3’ from a perpendicular wall for placement of the television or fireplace. Do not bury either one in the corner of a room, behind the arms of furniture.
Linen Closets
Provide two linen closets: one in the hall and one in the master bath. Allow 24” depth for bedding.
Owner’s Entry
The owner’s entry or mud room should not double as a laundry area. Owner’s entries should have a closet, bench and other appointments. This overlooked and under designed room can be a surprise memory point for perspective buyers.
Conclusion
The art of designing market driven production homes goes way beyond the above set of guidelines. The nuances of Considered Design for production homes are exactly that – a set of guidelines. Guidelines that are universal in many cases, but not all. Guidelines that allow for infinite possibilities, while ensuring we never lose sight of our final goal: to create successful, market driven floor plans that optimize each home’s value and livability.
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