STYLE Spanish / Mediterranean
ARCHITECT Stephen Pogue
DESIGNER Alex Miller Cole
BUILDER J5 Homes
The home uses the following architectural patterns very well:
- defined space
- outside connection
- windows on at least two sides
- site orientation.
This post is the first in a series of four, with each post describing one pattern in detail. Before I describe how the home defines space, lets look at the overall floor plan.
Floor Plan
Defined Space
One of my favorite features of the Well-Balanced Box is how well it balances the macro functions of formal entertaining, relaxed living and sleep. The structure clearly defines each of these spaces into zones. The formal living space, as below shows, occupies the left half of the first floor. The dining room, living room and outdoor yard are clearly joined.
Formal Entertaining
Small walls define the spaces individually. For example, an arched-barrier separates the dining room from the living room, and a partial wall separates the living room from the outdoor yard. Although protection of space is important for many reasons, with this house, the reason is simple: people feel more comfortable in smaller groups. Imagine a great party someday where four couples stand around the dining table eating food, a large group surrounded by smaller ones occupies the living room, and many conversations of two to three people occupy the outside. Next, imagine standing outside. You move from room to room, finding new conversations, not only in content, but also in number of participants (think back on conversations that are one-to-one versus one-to many. Very different!)
Now remove the dividers. The space becomes one. When it becomes one large space, I’d argue people would begin to feel uncomfortable. For me at least, I much prefer the intimacy of a small room to a massive ballroom. The latter creates too much pressure to navigate the room, say hello to all, and facilitates small talk versus longer, deeper, more meaningful conversations.
Casual Living
Next, consider the relaxed living space. The home partitions two zones: a mini great room on the first floor and family room-spa on the ground floor. The mini great room does a good job of creating three intimate and functional spaces within the room. The configuration below shows the functions of cooking, working (think homework or casual projects), eating, socializing and watching TV.
Sleeping Space
Finally, the sleeping space is divided between the downstairs room and the top floor. Two things I like: first, it facilitates many different room arrangements. The rooms with the Jack-and-Jill bathroom are perfect for younger siblings. I like it because it would make the kids share and take dual responsibility for keeping it clean, and it allows private access between rooms (for late night storytelling, or whatever). The downstairs room is perfect for an older child or office. Or, put the office in the suite adjacent to the master suite or in the room with balcony access. I like the latter because you can walk to your office in the morning by balcony. The master suite allows its occupants to sleep, read, watch TV or relax in the tub with four spaces: bed, sitting area by windows, outdoor balcony or bathroom.
Next time we look the pattern outside connection.
