30/03/10 – Dallas/Fort Worth – Townhomes

James Murray Scott

Both are somewhat comparable but I see only one G unit left, so you had better buy quickly since it has the best orientation. E-1 has a few available but they vary in orientation, so be careful.

I question the size of the furnishings throughout both plans. And there is a loss of deck space with E having the skylight over the master bath.

G is also an end unit and I think there is better lighting.

G gets the vote.

BradW

Plans are very similar but E-1 offers the flexibility of having the study separate from the master. For me, it would come down to location within the site but given the information here I choose E-1.

MollyK

Good morning everyone,
My first comment is how nice the floorplans are drawn. Providing furniture gives added perspective to living conditions. The rooms have dimensions, even the powder room…that has got to be a first. Did anyone notice the tankless water heater in the storage room on the top floor…how wonderful. Even a novice can get a better sense of the spaces from the plan…this should be the standard always.
Moving on, the plans are overall quite similar but E-1 was my pick. I agree with all Matthew’s concerns except the laundry in E-1…I thought it was a decent space with a window. I don’t think it takes up too much frontage and allows light. The study is available from the hall and the master suite which is not the case in plan G. I preferred the U kitchen with island over the L with island (plan G)…I didn’t like the odd little columns.
I was surprised that the long stairs on the side of E-1 didn’t interfere with the flow on and between the floors, yet the more compact stairs of plan G (which you might think would allow for more usable space on each floor) actually made a negative impact on the floorplan.
One other note is the small (very small) balcony off the dining area in E-1. We know it isn’t “usable” but it allows fresh air and a sense of openness that you can’t get with the dining in plan G. Sometimes just the perception of being outdoors (i.e., a room with a view and an open window) can make a living space more “livable”.
It seems to me that “livable” means having 4 floors in a townhouse. I wouldn’t like to live in them myself but would encourage anyone who is interested in one to find plans likes those of Trinity.

Elizabeth

I’d choose E-1. Maybe it’s just a feeling, but seems to have fewer little levels and stairs on the main floor. Master bath in G is a big waste of space. Have to traverse thru the master bedrm to get to the office/study which is obviously, therefore, just part of the master. So maybe it’s a mislabeled space.

In G, I’d hope to find a way to cleave off something out of the master bathroom to create a second bathroom upstairs. The guest bedrm on the first floor is more ideal as the study/den, (have the whole floor to yourself to work, not work, etc) and it has access to that private patio, which looks lovely. The patio would be a wasted space it it were just sitting there, waiting for out-of-town guests to arrive.

Matthew North

Molly K – I agree with you about the quality of the drawings themselves – they are quite well done and have a lot of detail. They read like there has been a lot of thought put into the design.

Mid America Mom

Sorry John and Matthew but I could not resist…
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Last year at theslowhome.com Blend? of the Modern with Traditional. Review of the Checkey Residence addition, comments from the architects- QB design , some of our regulars, and the Owner.
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http://theslowhome.com/case-study/cheskey-residence-by-qb3-design/
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Mid America Mom

Carol

Room dimensions should be compulsory! What a difference it makes.

My overall choice is E-1 but the kitchen island is almost a deal breaker. How does anyone cook on there? Where do the hot pots land and where do you put all your prepped ingredients when you are cooking? I think the kitchen could be reconfigured, still maintaining the great u-shape (also my fave), to fix this problem.

I agree Elizabeth, that “spare” room is a waste as a guest room and unless it was permanently occupied I would move the den/media room down there.

MollyK

Hello Elizabeth,
I concur with your observation of the 1st floor bedroom. My original thought was that I liked it better than the Master because of the outdoor space. Imagine what you could do with it…it could be anything from calm Zen to bold tropical. But one wonders how often the room would be utilized…a study may be used more often and allow more enjoyment of the outdoor space. So much would depend on who occupied the house and their needs. At any rate, it looks like the 3rd floor might not be large enough to comfortably support 2 bedrooms, esp. with one being the Master.

MollyK

Carol,
Just caught your comment. You are dead on about the kitchen island’s lack of counter space in E-1. I’m not a big fan of down-draft fans either so I didn’t like the island arrangement in general. I think you’re right that it could be redesigned and cooking would be easier.

Terri

I am impressed with these townhouses with so much access to the outdoors. They’re much better than the ones I tested yesterday.These wouldn’t be good units for a family, but very nice for a professional couple with a teen or a retired couple.

I also choose E-1 for the separate study/media space; even if it means a little more circulation hallway upstairs, it’s more versatile being separate from the bedroom. I also like the possibility of opening the juliet-balcony doors in the dining room (as MollyK points out, it gives a sense of space). I really liked the efficiency of the master bathroom layout in E-1 too. It’s much better than G’s waste of space around the tub.

I thought that G’s extra (more direct) access to the kitchen might be good, but then I could see that E-1 allows for fairly direct access to kitchen while not impeding on the furniture grouping at all.

MollyK

MAM,
Please forgive me if I sound out of sorts but I don’t have time to read the entire link of your post. Could you give me some insight as to why you put it on the webpage today? Thanks :)

Matthew North

Elizabeth – as for your question yesterday – John and I will be in Toronto next week – we would like to meet the Slow Homers casually for a drink on Saturday, April 10 from 2 – 4pm. We will posting the location soon. I hope you can make it! We are VERY interested to meet everyone!

Scott

Comment: At first glance, this plan seems to be OK, but when you look more closely, it really is a design disaster. The organization is poor – lots of long hallways and the circulation that cuts into furniture placement. The entry is a bad hall, and why the walk in closet? The living is too small when you factor in the hallway space to the bedrooms. The outdoor living is a bare pass. The kitchen has awkward shared circulation with the garage entry and the appliance triangle is too big – plus a useless island. Don’t forget to look at the eating bar stools located on the hallway! What a terrible place to sit and have your corn flakes. The dining gets a pity point – but the proximity of the washing machine is unfortunate. The master bedroom has a terrible 45 degree angle and the secondary bedrooms are too small to fit beds with night tables. The master closet is poorly laid out. I guess you put your alarm clock on the floor. The master bath is a rambling mess – look at all the space around the toilet! The laundry is poorly placed in the dining room. Conclusion – do not buy this disaster.

Project Name: Mansions @ Rockwall – Regatta

Size: 2163 sq ft

Project Address: 1518 Texas 276 Rockwall, TX

Project URL: http://www.mansionsofrockwall.com/Floorplans.html#

Slow Home Test Score: 4

Alejandro

Comment: Overall – not bad. However, I am being hard on a couple of points. There are too many ensuite bathrooms – three plus a powder room – this is unnecessary. The parking is too tight – I worry about the cars hitting the door – look closely at the plan. The roof deck and level two balconies are great.

Project Name: Newton Townhomes – E2

Size: 2554 sq ft

Project Address: 4111 Newton Avenue, Dallas

Project URL: http://4111newton.com/residences/files/E_2.PDF

Slow Home Test Score: 15

Alejandro

Comment: Well done plan. I still think the parking is too small in this complex. First townhouse I’ve seen with a good entry on the garage level.

Project Name: Newton Townhomes – A1

Size: 2024 sq ft

Project Address: 4111 Newton Avenue, Dallas

Project URL: http://4111newton.com/residences/files/A_1.PDF

Slow Home Test Score: 16

Alejandro

Comment: A few issues here. I do not like plans with tandem garages and spiral staircases, so I am taking away the organization points – this is just too narrow for all the features. The outdoor living roof top deck is great but I am taking away the point for the very poor main floor deck – just get rid of it! Save the expense! I gave the parking a point as the clearances work – biy a tandem garage is not a good idea if it can be avoided.

Project Name: Newton Townhomes – D1

Size: 1842 sq ft

Project Address: 4111 Newton Avenue Dallas, TX

Project URL: http://4111newton.com/residences/files/D_1.PDF

Slow Home Test Score: 13

Scott

Comment: Again, no site plan and no environmental features. The whole project is located on a greenfield site in an area with a walkscore of 26. Better than the “Regatta”, however, some horrible elements here. The entry looks right at the kitchen, but the bedrooms and bathrooms are the worst design features here. The shape of the master bedroom is a terrible mess – why the 45 degree wall? It wrecks the whole plan. The bathroom is so badly designed – too much floor space, too little counter space for two sinks, plus a gross super sized tub – who would want o go in there? Not me.

Project Name: Mansions @ Rockwall – Razorfish

Size: 1553 sq ft

Project Address: 1518 Texas 276 Rockwall, TX

Project URL: http://www.mansionsofrockwall.com/Floorplans.html#

Slow Home Test Score: 7

Claudette N.

Comment: Would like to see powder room on the second floor. While I like the combined entries, there needs to be a closet for me. The kitchen is marred by the single wall of appliances (no triangle there) and the silly little window that lets the pot-scrubber look out but lets in so little light that it’s basically useless. The door swing issue with the pantry and fridge would be infuriating. Is it just me or are those the tiniest sofas in history drawn on the plan? Anyways, good bedrooms and modest bathrooms.

Project Name: Ridglea Place, The Ashford

Size: 1219 sqft

Project Address: 3801 Westridge Ave, Fort Worth

Project URL: http://www.ridgleaplace.com/floors_ashford.html

Slow Home Test Score: 10

Braden

Comment: Poorly organized unit despite lack of angled walls, 2041 sq ft and only a 2 br??? Lots of wasted space, stair design is terrible, leads to long circulation path. Issues yet again with natural light getting into the center of the unit with only a tiny window on the kitchen wall. Third floor is entirely the master suite, which is very wasteful. Master bathroom and master WIC have huge floor areas in the middle of the room. Like the roof terrace though.

Project Name: The Vine – Unit C

Size: 2041 sq ft

Project Address: 3210 Carlisle Street Dallas, TX 75204

Project URL: http://www.thevinetownhomes.com/resources/pdfs/unit_C.pdf

Slow Home Test Score: 13

Anonymous

I prefer E-1 to G, the study is the major concideration. I like the flexibility offered with the study having it’s entry off the hall as opposed to being part of the master suite. The extra circulation space this requires is not a concern as it just ends up as in the master bath creating a “too large” feel in an already spacious bath room.

I also like the island kitchen better. I don’t like the secondary circulation path through the kitchen in plan G.

Of smaller note is the double wrap around stair into the living room, it steals 8 inches from the width of the living room pushing the seaating arrangement over.

Finally on the lowest level, if I could make one change I would have the bathroom door location of plan G rather than having it opening directly into the guestroom.

I also agree with others as to the use of this room, my first thought was this room is perfect for a home office. A private entrance and washroom, even outdoor space to provide light and distraction. Very green to work from home rather than commuting and seperate enough to have clients in.

Braden

Comment: Huge corner unit. Awful study. A three car garage?? Like the balcony bringing light into the second floor and rooftop terrace. Crazy bedrooms on floor 3 – loads of wasted space, poor proportions on bed 2. Master bathroom is ridiculous, as is the door opening onto the toilet in the guest bathroom on the main floor. Massive kitchen. Too much circulation overall.

Project Name: The Vine – Unit D

Size: 3321 sq ft

Project Address: 3210 Carlisle Street Dallas, TX 75204

Project URL: http://www.thevinetownhomes.com/resources/pdfs/unit_D.pdf

Slow Home Test Score: 9

Frances Grant-Feriancek

Sorry, anonymous is me.

Mid America Mom

Oh, another website I am on, http://unclutterer.com/ , they have a post they put up I think once a week called “A year ago on Unclutterer” which I enjoy.
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It made me think what was happening on this site one year ago, when we were not doing the project, and found the content (a profile of a home addition) quite interesting. Thought I would share.
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Mid America Mom

Scott

Comment: Location is good (though walkscore just makes it over at 50%). This plan is terrible. The entry is a long and dark hall. The organization is so bad – a lot of the floor space of the dining room and living room would be eaten up by circulation. The living room has a horrible 45 degree angle fireplace. The plan option to get rid of the fireplace gives you a useless outdoor space – what a horrible trade off! Both are bad! Kitchen is OK. Dining is dark and all circulation. Neither bedroom has a decent way to get into it – one is at the entry, the other open directly onto the living space. The master bath is badly designed – the vanity and tub are awkward next to each other. Steer clear of this one.

Project Name: The Estates of North Richland Hills – Barcelona

Size: 1717 sq ft

Project Address: 6250 Rosewood Dr North Richland Hills, TX

Project URL: http://www.estatesofnrh.com/Floorplans.html#

Slow Home Test Score: 8

Scott

Comment: Much better than the “Barcelona” from the same complex. Only real problem here is the entry – it is too narrow next to the garage and there is a collision of doors and not enough room for more than one person. Other than that…not bad.

Project Name: The Estates of North Richland Hills – Castellon

Size: 1344 sq ft

Project Address: 6250 Rosewood Dr North Richland Hills, TX

Project URL: http://www.estatesofnrh.com/Floorplans.html#

Slow Home Test Score: 14

orangeopolis

Comment: Overall, this is a pretty good plan. Its modest and everything works well. There is no sense of outdoor living, which is too bad, because everything else is really well done. I am surprised to find this on Katy Trail, as the apartment/ loft projects on Katy Trail were just terrible.

Project Name: Highland Gates @ Katy Trail: The Claudet

Size: 2418 sqft

Project Address: 4608 Abbott Trail Dallas, TX

Project URL: http://www.highlandgatesonkatytrail.com/dallas_townhomes/floorplans.php

Slow Home Test Score: 19

orangeopolis

Comment: This plan is not quite as good as its smaller sister the “Claudet”. I am being hard on this plan, not giving it the point for the study as it is accessed through the back of the kitchen and seems oddly placed – I chose to do this instead of taking away the organization points as the unit is fairly well laid out. I think the “flex space” on the main floor has to be built otherwise this level is really marginal. The small deck off the study is disappointing.

Project Name: Highland Gates @ Katy Trail: The Etienne

Size: 3031 sq ft

Project Address: 4608 Abbott Trail Dallas, TX

Project URL: http://www.highlandgatesonkatytrail.com/dallas_townhomes/floorplans.php

Slow Home Test Score: 18

Scott

Comment: Mixed review here. I wish the bedrooms were consolidated in the plan, so I do not think it deserves the organization point. The entry is again too small. Living and outdoor living are OK. Kitchen could be more efficient and that angle is terrible. But other than that, the rest of the spaces seem reasonable.

Project Name: The Mansions By The Vineyard – Merlot

Size: 2093 sqft

Project Address: 2400 State Highway 121 – Euless, TX

Project URL: http://www.mansionsbythevineyard.com/Floorplans.html#

Slow Home Test Score: 11

Mid America Mom

As for the two units we are to buy.

I would go for G.
-I love the light in the stairwell.
-The lower level bath door is in a nice spot.
-As for the living level they seem so similar except the kitchen layout. I do not like E-1′s U. I know surprise! It is too stretched. The fridge is so far from the sink where most people tend to prep. Where is the landing space for groceries? the floor? That stove is a firehazard but they do not have the space for a larger island. You need landing space on both sides of a stove – http://www.nkba.org/guidelines/kitchen_17.aspx . If you expect people to be in your kitchen for conversation ( and drinking wine from that wine cooler)- the counter needs to be there to prevent people into backing INTO the stove top, and tipping a pot over by its handle or lighting themselves on fire (picture long hair) since this is gas. G is more efficient. A more compact triangle. The refrigerator is near the sink so I can have less steps to pull stuff out of the refrige and prep at the nice work space around the sink. I can place my groceries on the island.
-Upstairs. I do not like the laundry in either plan (But I can see where we could reconfigure space in G versus E1) . In E1 the bathroom is so narrow but then in G it seems to be overdoing it. I like the openings in E1 but as a woman I LOVE the G closet thank you (now where would my partner put their clothes …) . I like thinking of this floor as an owner’s retreat so the study works. The roof well both overlook the drives (why not work it so they look the other way? is there an issue with that?) but the G seems more usable as it is more square without obstructions.

Mid America Mom

Claudette N.

Comment: Double adjacent living rooms, enclosed and windowless kitchen, bedroom access to patio only, laundry is in the kitchen, and parking is somewhere else – I can’t tell where since there isn’t a site plan to go off of. I don’t know if there’s much to like here… maybe the dining room? The entry is good and there seems to be a decent amount of storage.

Project Name: Forestwood, Unit D

Size: 1350 sqft

Project Address: 5133 Forest Lane Place, Dallas

Project URL: http://www.forestwoodtownhomes.com/townhome-floorplans/2-bedroom-D-plan-lg.jpg

Slow Home Test Score: 6

Claudette N.

Comment:

Project Name: Forestwood, Unit A

Size: 1850 sqft

Project Address: 5133 Forest Lane Place, Dallas

Project URL: http://www.forestwoodtownhomes.com/townhome-floorplans/3-bedroom-A-plan-lg.jpg

Slow Home Test Score: 0

Claudette N.

Comment: Let’s try this again.
Better than Unit D. Living rooms are doubled again, but in this case they aren’t right next to eachother at least. Maybe you could use the front formal living room as a really nice study. Kitchen is enclosed (but it gets a window), dining is ok as part of the family room, organization is good, all bedrooms and bathrooms are good. Every room gets decent light and the family room connects to the patio. Still, poor location, no environmental features, and no site plan to give those big points.

Project Name: Forestwood, Unit A

Size: 1850 sqft

Project Address: 5133 Forest Lane Place, Dallas

Project URL: http://www.forestwoodtownhomes.com/townhome-floorplans/3-bedroom-A-plan-lg.jpg

Slow Home Test Score: 9

Scott

Comment: There are some problems here. Organization is a train wreck – what a bunch of useless angled walls and bizarre proportions for rooms (why the huge laundry but basically no dining space?). The kitchen has too much floor space and the angle is terrible. There is really no place for dining. The master bedroom is OK but I am taking away the point for the guest bedroom – what a mess of awful door swings! The study off the kitchen is a dark hole. Why on God’s earth is the laundry so big? One more comment – why is this unit called the Santa Barbara? Is Santa Barbara a horrible place wrought with bad design?

Project Name: The Mansions By The Vineyard – Santa Barbara

Size: 1307 sq ft

Project Address: 2400 State Highway 121 – Euless, TX

Project URL: http://www.mansionsbythevineyard.com/Floorplans.html#

Slow Home Test Score: 8

Braden

Comment: This is a small townhouse. The organization is acceptable but many of the details are a problem. First off, the entry is bad. Too small with too many doors. The kitchen has almost no counter space and there is a bad diagonal entryway into the family bathroom and second bedroom. The walk in closet in that bedroom is really awkward. It is like a box in the corner that reduces the size of the window and makes the room a very awkward shape.

Project Name: The Villas on The Green – Laurel

Size: 1013 sq ft

Project Address: 8515 Grapevine Hwy North Richland Hills, TX 76180

Project URL: http://www.villasonthegreen.com/Floorplans.html#

Slow Home Test Score: 11

Braden

Comment: This unit is not too bad. The organization is clear and good with bedrooms on either side of the living space. There is a defined front entry with a closet and the living, dining, and kitchen are quite good. The back entry from the garage is bad. It is too small and shares space with the laundry. The two secondary bedrooms and family bathroom are well designed. The master bedroom is poor, however, with a large walk in closet obstructing the front corner of the room. The so called sitting area beside it is too small to be very useful. The laundry is really bad, with machines on either side of the back door.

Project Name: The Villas on The Green – Colonial

Size: 1188 sq ft

Project Address: 8515 Grapevine Hwy North Richland Hills, TX 76180

Project URL: http://www.villasonthegreen.com/Floorplans.html#

Slow Home Test Score: 11

Mid America Mom

Comment: Not quite downtown Dallas.

Rear Garages. Walk is 88. Constructed to energy star specs. These units face east/west and I picked an east facing.

The study has no light, master bath is too large, the kitchen nook is worthless, the patio cannot handle furniture. Organization- well the upstairs hall is forever and the back entry to the living space is just one large hallway.
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Bedrooms look to be ok and the closet well this is a large plan and it is functional, the living and dining space is spacious, The laundry closet is sufficient. The L kitchen with island is adequate.
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Mid America Mom

Project Name: Regency at Lakewood- Rowhouse

Size:

Project Address: 6269 Oram St Dallas, TX 75214

Project URL: http://www.regencylakewood.com/images/plans%20PDFs/2%20Story_Market%20Plan_All%20Units_MASTHEAD.pdf

Slow Home Test Score: 14

Mid America Mom

Comment: Another from same development near dallas.

These units face South at the front and North at the back. I pick unit 10 which from street view has some shade. The other trees will help once they are grown (look tall now- I bet Linden). Though i knocked on environment.

I like the floorplan. Only problem I really have is the entry- long. Porch off kitchen, separated dining area, nice laundry.

Project Name: Regency at Lakewood- the brownstone

Size:

Project Address: 6269 Oram St Dallas, TX 75214

Project URL: http://www.regencylakewood.com/images/plans%20PDFs/3%20Story_Market%20Plan_Traditional.pdf

Slow Home Test Score: 16

Alejandro

Comment: Circulation issues. Coat closet is in a very strange place under the stair. Kitchen is separated off, too small for two people to use without getting in eachother’s way. Laundry has strange double access from kitchen and bedroom. Closet in lower bedroom reduces size of window, amount of light. Bathroom on lower level is accessed through the bedroom – we’ve seen this before! Bedroom on upper level is ok, don’t like the bathroom layout on that level with the motel-style sink.

Project Name: Heather Glen – Plan C

Size: 980 sq ft

Project Address: 2300 Ridge Run Road, Arlington, TX

Project URL: http://www.heatherglentownhomes.com/index-3.html#planc

Slow Home Test Score: 6

Richard J

Comment: The patio in this townhouse at the front door is quite nice. The front entry is too small and I don’t like the master bedroom door right there. The living, dining, and kitchen are acceptable and I like the way the bathroom functions as both a guest bathroom and ensuite bath. However, it might have been better to put the vanity and the toilet in the same space rather than the toilet and the tub. The back entry is to small and conflicts with the laundry. The second floor is pretty good with the big exception of the larger bedroom which only has one small window in the corner. The walk in closet and attic is very awkward. The desk in that bedroom is silly.

Project Name: White Rock Hills – Plan SC2

Size: 1320 sq. ft.

Project Address: 7229 Ferguson Road, Dallas

Project URL: http://www.whiterockhills.com/floorplan_popup.aspx?id=820

Slow Home Test Score: 8

Alejandro

Comment: This townhouse has a very strange kitchen. The island is an odd shape and is too far away from the back counters, I don’t like that the guest bathroom opens into the kitchen, both the back and front entries are bad – pretty much non-existent. On the second floor the “flex room” is a huge waste of space, the master bedroom and the two bathrooms are good but I think it is unfortunate that the closet in the second bedroom is on the outside wall (no good reason for that because of all the space available in the flex room) – all it does is make the bedroom window too small.

Project Name: Avalon Square Townhomes – Rockmoor

Size: 1589 sq ft

Project Address: 6422 Love Irving, TX

Project URL: http://www.khov.com/Home/TX/422

Slow Home Test Score: 8

Richard J

Comment: This is a very close variation on the SC2 plan and many of the same comments apply – front entry too small, awkward bedroom door location at entry. The kitchen in this unit however is not good. I don’t understand why the peninsula counter is so narrow. It makes the kitchen almost unusable. The upper bedroom in this plan is much better.

Project Name: White Rock Hills – Plan SB1

Size: 986 sq ft

Project Address: 7229 Ferguson Road, Dallas

Project URL: http://www.whiterockhills.com/floorplan_popup.aspx?id=817

Slow Home Test Score: 9

Alejandro

Comment: This townhouse has a games room on the main floor that doesn’t get any light. In reality it is just a big circulation space between the garage, the second bedroom and the stair. The covered balcony on the second floor is too small to be useful and creates an awkwardly shaped living area with wasted space between the balcony and the stair. The dining room is well defined but feels almost too big for the rest of the unit. By contrast, the kitchen feels too small and cramped.

Project Name: Avalon Square – Easton

Size: 1626 sq. ft.

Project Address: 6422 Love Irving, TX

Project URL: http://www.khov.com/Home/TX/422

Slow Home Test Score: 10

Manolo

Comment: This townhouse has a front formal living space and a back family room. This seems really odd. Who will ever go into that front room? It is funny that the entry foyer is beside the stair and away from the front door. The actual front door opens right into the family room. The dining room is too small to be used. The master bathroom is supersized.

Project Name: Oak Trail Villas – Ashton

Size: 1940 sq.ft

Project Address: 9431 Timberleaf Dr, Dallas TX

Project URL: http://www.oaktrailvillas.com/models/index.htm

Slow Home Test Score: 10

Andrew

Comment: Several problems: kitchen and dining are buried in plan, neither have windows; severe split in bedroom locations, leading to a lot of circulation space; loft area is ok, but there is a lot of wasted space around it; garage blocks access to the front door (also taking ‘eyes off the street’) and is too narrow for 2 cars along sides. Location is in the middle of nowhere (unless you count the freeway as a place to be) and there are no environmental features to speak about.

Project Name: Ridgeview Park – Plan C2.5AT

Size: 1869 sq.ft

Project Address: 3520 Maxwell Dr, Plano TX

Project URL: http://www.rentridgeview.com/floorplan2154.372.htm

Slow Home Test Score: 9

Manolo

Comment: Another house from the same project. Here there’s too much circulation! The front study’s nice and it could be also used as a formal dining room. This is fortunate because the other area labeled dining is in the middle of the main circulation route and is also too small. The living room is a good size but doesn’t have many windows. Upstairs, the master bathroom has too much floor area – it is another waste of space. This house is closet challenged: The master walk in is an awkward shape that will be difficult to use, bedroom 2 has a very small closet, and the slightly larger closet in bedroom 3 has some sort of extra wall in it. This room also doesn’t appear to have a window but this must just be a drawing mistake (I hope). In any case, the fireplace flue takes up most of the outside wall so any window that does exist would have to be pretty small.

Project Name: Oak Trail Villas – Brighton

Size: 1980 sq.ft.

Project Address: 9431 Timberleaf Dr, Dallas TX

Project URL: http://www.oaktrailvillas.com/models/index.htm

Slow Home Test Score: 12

Rita H.

Comment: This is the strangest layout for a townhouse I’ve ever seen. Giant sized rooms (dining, master bedroom and living room) leave a tiny kitchen, an crummy single car garage/laundry room combo, and a lot of space for circulation – look at the second floor loft area unusable space! I don’t really understand the staircase in this plan, I think it’s drawn wrong. The courtyard captured in the front by the master bedroom and the garage is unused and a completely missed opportunity.

Project Name: Waterbury Place: Unit B3

Size: 1270 sq ft

Project Address: 2201 Waterbury Place, Arlington, TX

Project URL: http://www.waterburyplace.com/FloorPlans/unit-B3.htm

Slow Home Test Score: 4

Rita H.

Comment: Another one. Interesting to see a 1 bedroom 2 story townhouse. The den sounds nice, but in actuality would be a dark, noisy space that isn’t big enough to have been a bedroom. The worst part is that this unit has such potential because it has a really good overall proportion so that every space can have light and a view, and yet only the bedroom and the living room does.

Project Name: Waterbury Place: Unit A2

Size: 975 sq ft

Project Address: 2201 Waterbury Place, Arlington, TX

Project URL: http://www.waterburyplace.com/FloorPlans/unit-A2.htm

Slow Home Test Score: 6

Mid America Mom

Rita I agree with that being the strangest townhouse. It is like they took inspiration from a bug (body is the living room and the legs the others).

Mid America Mom

Andrew

Comment: The main floor of this townhouse is the same size and proportion of the attached garage. The organization is poor because the stair is badly placed and the loft is a waste of space. I also don’t think the two storey living space is of much use. The front and back entry spaces are too small and I don’t like the way the dining space is part of the kitchen. I do like the shared bathroom upstairs.

Project Name: Carrington Court – Biscayne

Size: 1222 sq ft

Project Address: 6837 Sandshell Blvd. Ft. Worth, TX

Project URL: http://www.carringtonhomestexas.com/downloads/biscayne-floor-plan-carrington.pdf

Slow Home Test Score: 5

Andrew

Comment: This unit is a better variation of the Biscayne floor plan. I gave it points for organization because the upper floor is better and the loft space has disappeared. The stair is still too close to the front door. All of the other issues remain, however, with the dining and kitchen and entry spaces.

Project Name: Carrington Court – Hampton

Size: 1489 sq ft

Project Address: 6837 Sandshell Blvd. Ft. Worth, TX

Project URL: http://www.carringtonhomestexas.com/downloads/hampton-floor-plan-carrington.pdf

Slow Home Test Score: 8

Rita H.

Comment: M.A.M. – glad you agreed, I just took one look at it and I was like, “really???”
This plan: Ok. Entry needs definition, I don’t like the patio and what would likely be a silly little strip of grass near the fence, the kitchen has some wasted space, but I think it’s ok (maybe room to set up a desk of computing while cooking (online recipes?) near the pantry. Powder room is in an awkward spot with the dining room right there! Corner fireplace (John’s favourite) wrecks things in the living room.

Project Name: Hidden Bend: Unit B1

Size: 1054 sq ft

Project Address: 5630 Spring Valley Rd Dallas, TX

Project URL: http://hiddenbendtownhomes.com/unit2.htm

Slow Home Test Score: 12

Alejandro

Comment: “Green Built” North Texas. Some things about this plan look OK, but I have some issues. The entry is just like a fire exit. The kitchen has a weird angled counter that serves no purpose and has space for an eating nook but that seems really questionable. I took away the dining point because there is a “flex” room and a “great” room but not real sense of where to put a table. The bedrooms are OK, but I would prefer to lose the 45 degree walls. The bathrooms seem jammed into the plan and the main floor powder room is a strange box in the middle of the “great” room making it not all that great after all.

Project Name: Hunter’s Ridge – Brightwater

Size: 2259 sq ft

Project Address: 1442 Biltmore Lane Irving, Texas 75063

Project URL: http://www.ashtonwoodshomes.com/modelDetail_full.php?PlanID=1684&communityID=264&parentCity=3

Slow Home Test Score: 14

Alejandro

Comment: “Green Built” North Texas. Much better plan than the “Bright Water”. Entry is still a fire exit and not good at all. Kitchen is way better even though I do not like the corner pantry and wish the island was larger – at least the nook can fit a table. The dining space I think is hampered by the stair location but I still gave it the point. The powder room location in this unit is better than the “Bright Water” It is kind of fun to compare these two units.

Project Name: Hunter’s Ridge – Whitewater

Size: 2298 sq ft

Project Address: 1442 Biltmore Lane Irving, Texas 75063

Project URL: http://www.ashtonwoodshomes.com/communityDetail.php?communityID=264&parentCity=3

Slow Home Test Score: 17

Joti Singh

Comment: Slow Homers……am I a bad person for scoring this unit with a zero for organization? I need a second opinion! I just feel that the two level living space is not the best use of the plan – I think the unit will feel smaller than if the whole living space was on one level. I would love to talk to someone about this!!! The entry is just a door so it gets a zero, but I really like the design of the other spaces….I feel bad about the organization score….BUT?
There are 2 of these units, both infills on an existing site. There are a lot of environmental considerations here as well, including NO voc paints, greywater recycling, photo voltaics, and many recycled materials (ie. gypsum and counters).

Project Name: Thoughtbarn 1560

Size: 1560 sq ft

Project Address: 3701 Byers Ave Fort Worth, Texas

Project URL: http://sensebuilders.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/THOUGHTBARN_3701-BYERS_FLOOR-PLANS_022210.pdf

Slow Home Test Score: 17

Braden

Comment: This is a different kind of townhouse because the outside walls are not straight and parallel. This results in sunlight being brought into the center of the plan behind the attached rear garage – creating a nice kitchen and dining area (although the back door from the garage opens directly into the space which isn’t very nice). The front entry is better but there is some wasted circulation space beside the stair in the living room. The theme of wasted circulation space continues upstairs with the oversized hallway. The two storey entry is too small to be very nice. The bedrooms are both good. The family bath does not have enough counter space and the master bathroom has wasted floor space. The EPA (env. protection agency) gave this developer a “5-Star Rating” for it’s designs.

Project Name: Quail Creek North – Camellia

Size: 1571 sq ft

Project Address: 4213 Swan Forest Dr Carrollton, TX

Project URL: http://www.ryland.com/find-your-new-home/9-dallas/1235-quail-creek-north-town-homes/14380-camelia.html

Slow Home Test Score: 13

Braden

Comment: Pretty well designed townhouse. The notched plan brings light into the dining room and kitchen behind the attached rear garage. I assume there is a nice outdoor space that these two rooms open out into. The front entry foyer is too small, awkwardly shaped, and has no closet. The back entry is also only a door but at least it opens into the kitchen which is marginally better than a principal living space. The dining room is probably the nicest room in the house. The study is effective and well placed. The upper floor is also very efficient with good sized bedrooms and well laid out bathrooms.

Project Name: Quail Creek North – Jasmine

Size: 1864 sq ft

Project Address: 4213 Swan Forest Dr Carrollton, TX

Project URL: http://www.ryland.com/find-your-new-home/9-dallas/1235-quail-creek-north-town-homes/14381-jasmine.html

Slow Home Test Score: 13

Joti Singh

Comment: SLOW HOMERS……CHECK THIS OUT FOR A LAUGH!!!! First of all, this whole development gets a 0/100 on the walkscore! This plan is bad! The organization on the main floor has a very strange passage-way from the garage, behind the kitchen and into the master bathroom. It is the weirdest thing I have seen in Dallas! The entry is opulent in a “Gone With The Wind” sort of way. The living space is in the middle of the house and I don’t like it. How would furniture work here without getting in the way of circulation. The kitchen is also all circulation. The door to the garage will hit the fridge door about three times a day I think. The dining space is the best part of the home. The bathrooms are all rambling messes – none of them ae well designed. The laundry is in the circulation route from the garage. Who thought this was a good design????

Project Name: Normandy Estates – 6808

Size: 2706 sq ft

Project Address: 6808 Francesca Lane, Plano

Project URL: http://www.hwhomes.com/pdfs/6808_francesca.pdf

Slow Home Test Score: 8

Joti Singh

Comment: The designer of this plan needs some basic design lessons. The organization has made it impossible to do anything properly from a Slow Home perspective. First, you enter directly into a living room that is impossible to furnish. The kitchen is a hallway of circulation. The door to the patio will hit the dining table. The laundry is in the hallway to the garage with not enough space to do laundry. All the bathroom s are poorly laid out with too many doors and wasted space. Don’t buy this unit.

Project Name: Normandy Estates – 6812

Size: 2504 sq ft

Project Address: 6812 Francesca Lane, Plano TX

Project URL: http://www.hwhomes.com/pdfs/6812_francesca.pdf

Slow Home Test Score: 7

Joti Singh

Comment: I really don’t like this development. This unit is suffering from the same bad designer as the other two. Again, we have that really strange passage-way from the garage into the master closet – I guess if you were storing your wrenches in your sock drawer that would make sense. Same bad design carries through most of the other spaces. A lot of circulation through the main spaces is the biggest issue I think.

Project Name: Normandy Estates – 6816

Size: 2758 sq ft

Project Address: 6816 Francesca Lane, Plano TX

Project URL: http://www.hwhomes.com/pdfs/6816_Francesca.pdf

Slow Home Test Score: 8

Catherine Taney

Comment: Score was bumped up due to the decent location (57 walkscore). Bad angles just there to cause frustration. I have a kitchen layout and sink location very similar to this, and when my husband and I try to use the same area at once we’re always asking eachother to move to get this or that. Maybe it’s fine to use if there’s only one of you in the kitchen at a time, but what kind of attitude is that toward your partner? Maybe there should be a calendar scheduling who cooks on what day if that’s your attitude (because I’m not cooking while his lazy bones are plopped on the couch every time). Uh oh… I think I’m ranting!

Project Name: Wexford Townhomes – Plan A

Size: 821 sq ft

Project Address: 600 Wembley Circle, Duncanville, TX

Project URL: http://www.wexfordtownhomes15.com/live/site/photo.floorPlanPopup?usid=&pid=32064&fpid=9998&mid=905999&logo=1

Slow Home Test Score: 8

Manolo

Comment: Much more square townhome, with light on the long walls rather than the short ones (typical). Pretty good layout. I think that the end-unit condition is really being taken advantage of here. I might want to switch the swing of the master bath door (swing in not out) and to enlarge the entry so that there’s a spot to leave your guests’ shoes. No environmental features – a big 3 points off as well.

Project Name: Park Vista – C2

Size: 1300 sq.ft.

Project Address: 6728 Park Vista Blvd, Watauga, TX

Project URL: http://www.parkvistatownhomes.com/Floorplans.html

Slow Home Test Score: 15

Catherine Taney

Comment: Living room is windowless and has a corner fp. Dining room is actually really small given the circulation to the (stupid little) patio, stair and kitchen. Kitchen is completely cut off from the living room (blocks the light too!). Second level is fine, only qualm is the second bathroom’s door that opens onto the toilet.

Project Name: Wexford Townhomes – Plan C

Size: 1262 sq ft

Project Address: 600 Wembley Circle, Duncanville, TX

Project URL: http://www.wexfordtownhomes15.com/j/r/zoomphoto.jsp?mid=906001

Slow Home Test Score: 8

Andrew

Comment: This townhouse has two living spaces- a living room and a gathering room. I guess you don’t need any natural light to “gather” because this room is in the middle of the plan. The entry is located ½ flight down from the main living floor. It is too narrow and feels like you are entering onto a stair landing. There is also no closet. The kitchen is quite effective and the dining room is nice. The location of the guest bathroom is good. Upstairs the two bedrooms are acceptable and the bathrooms are good although the walk in closet for the master is unnecessarily oversized.

Project Name: Park View Villas – Forest

Size: 1742 sqft

Project Address: 2120 Mcparland Ct, Carrollton, TX 75006

Project URL: http://www.ryland.com/find-your-new-home/9-dallas/1473-parkview-villas/15346-forest.html

Slow Home Test Score: 13

Andrew

Comment: This is townhouse is pretty well designed. The entry space is on the ground floor and is common to both front and back doors. It is acceptable. The main living areas are on the main floor. The living room is a good size but may not have enough windows. The dining area is too narrow to be useful. The kitchen layout is good and the arrangement of the guest bathroom and laundry is very effective. The layout of the upstairs is efficient and aside from a ridiculous walk in closet that has more wasted space than hanging rods, all of the rooms should work quite well.

Project Name: Park View Villas – Park

Size: 1996 sqft

Project Address: 2120 Mcparland Ct, Carrollton, TX 75006

Project URL: http://www.ryland.com/find-your-new-home/9-dallas/1473-parkview-villas/15347-park.html

Slow Home Test Score: 16

Rita H.

Comment: General organization is good and I like the stair location, however, there are some issues. The loft is basically an enlarged stair landing, the master bathroom is very long and strange, the powder room is hidden behind the front door, the kitchen has a corner sink (I SO agree with Catherine Taney) and a silly little island, and the living room has wasted space. Oh I also don’t like the angled doors in the two bedrooms on the left side of the plan. I think that there’s room for a good dining table in the bottom right hand corner of the main floor plan, the table will end up limiting access to the outdoor living space. All in all, a good candidate for a design project!

Project Name: Townhomes of Camp Wisdom – 3 Bed, 2.5 Bath

Size: 1533 sq.ft.

Project Address: 2992 Europa Drive, Grand Prairie, TX

Project URL: http://www.townhomesofcampwisdom.com/html/floor_plans.html

Slow Home Test Score: 12

Mid America Mom

SLOW HOMERS- Joti’s plan with zero organization but good besides. How can that be?? http://sensebuilders.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/THOUGHTBARN_3701-BYERS_FLOOR-PLANS_022210.pdf
*
That is a different kind of layout. At first I was like oh some view from the second floor? Not that I can tell with street view and mapquest. Oh is there some kind of obstruction nearby that makes looking out the first floor living space undesirable? I am thinking no again.
*
Looking at their website I am under the impression that cost was a factor (and looking at that neighborhood I can see why- all these like 1950 ranches). Ok run the mechanicals in the middle of the home but they still could have designed living on that level. In the process they could have lost a half of a bath which would be fine and more green.
*
I think the rooms do look to hold up and yet I agree with 0 organization.

Mid America Mom

Manolo what a find with Park Vista! That is an interesting plan… that organization is quite good. Of course I am not a designer or architect but I can see the changes that you suggest with the entry and the master bath door would be nice. I also would have moved up the back bedroom door to not swing so far into that room.

Mid America mom

Mid America Mom

Comment: A master planned community South west of Dallas center. Looks quite not populated for a Dallas address. Pushing urbanism but the walk score is bad and I do not see where a market would be. A private school is at the edge of the community (I used their address for the score).

The site has three builders and then live/work units facing east across from a park.

The lower level has a garage in the rear and a stair to the 2 bed and bath living unit above. The work space has plenty of windows and access upstairs as well. A unique feature is that the lower level features an interior courtyard that can hold a table or seating arrangement. Yes we have a light shaft from the roof down. This shaft though helps to deliver light to the center of the 1600 foot living space. Though the living space suffers from a large center hall, two side stairs, I like it.
*
No real entry to the living to speak of. The living and dining is separated by the kitchen. The kitchen suffers from angle”itis” and being probably a little too big. The dining is next to the light shaft, with large windows, and I think a small overlook. No real outdoor space though is connected to the living. The beds, which overlook the back of the unit, and bath are reasonably sized.

Mid America Mom

Project Name: Capella Park- Townhome

Size: 2620 (includes workspace)

Project Address: 3303 Potter’s House Way Dallas, Texas 75236

Project URL: http://www.capellapark.com/builders-livework.html

Slow Home Test Score: 9

Mid America Mom

For those of us that saying planning plays a large part in promoting a fast home/ culture here is news on the New Urbanism movement from Washington DC
*
Breaking Silos: Momentum Builds in Washington for Livable Communities, Sustainable Networks – http://www.cnu.org/node/2772
*
“… But serious interest in a smarter coordinated approach to housing, transportation and economic policy is surging within both the Obama Administration and Congress. This new reform spirit was on display this week at a two-day hearing on advancing livable communities and greening federal transportation and housing policy held by a House subcommittee with an appropriately interdisciplinary name: the Appropriations Subcommittee on Housing, Transportation and Urban Development chaired by Rep. John Olver (D-MA)…. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood and Secretary Shaun Donovan of the Department of Housing and Urban Development. The two cabinet officials used the joint appearance to announce a Sustainable Communities partnership “to help American families gain better access to affordable housing, more transportation options, and lower transportation costs.“ ”

Mid America Mom

Comment: An almost downtown Ft. Worth development
*
Walk is in the 70′s. Facades are not that fun to look at. Choose a unit that I can tell from street view face North and the garage is at back. No mention of green.
*
The entry, bedroom, baths suffer from being BIG. The kitchen can handle a small table in it if you want. If not feels wasted. Has a small loft on the third floor that looks to be able to fit a desk. Deck on roof.

Project Name: Palisades- Mondrian

Size: 2190

Project Address: 604 E Bluff St, Fort Worth, TX

Project URL: http://www.palisadesfw.com/images/floorplanpdfs/mondrianfloorplan.pdf

Slow Home Test Score: 12

BradW

Joti Singh – I think you may have been too harsh scoring a 0 for organization on this project – http://sensebuilders.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/02/THOUGHTBARN_3701-BYERS_FLOOR-PLANS_022210.pdf. I understand having the living room on a separate floor from the kitchen and dining is unusual but notice that the living space is open to the dining. The dining space will feel open and light as a result of the high cieling volume. The unit is very efficiently arranged with stacked bathrooms and a shared kitchen wall. Circulation space is minimal. I really like this unit – for sure it is a great example of a Slow Home – nice find!

Mid America Mom

Comment: Another from palisades. Two bedroom on the 3rd floor which I like. Yikes here you go through the master to reach the stair to the deck. The master space feels wasted because of it. Baths seem more reasonable in size and design. Tandem garage :(

Project Name: Palisades- Rothko

Size: 2220

Project Address: 604 East Blu Street Fort Worth, Texas 76102

Project URL: http://www.palisadesfw.com/images/floorplanpdfs/rothkofloorplan.pdf

Slow Home Test Score: 9

Mid America Mom

Comment: From a large builder. They are playing up some of the green features on the standards amenities sheet. Walk was like 68 so I will give it to them.
* No site plan. This is an end unit with first floor master. The front entry is ok but the back is Not. Kitchen is ok and I can see a dining table fitting where they want it to. Amazingly they do not have supersized baths. The family room suffers from circulation. The secondary bedrooms have walks when they should not. Though the retreat upstairs is decent. The laundry is in a good place upstairs.

Project Name: Brick Row Townhomes- Burgess

Size: 1619

Project Address: 680 Matthew Place Richardson, TX 75081

Project URL: http://www.davidweekleyhomes.com/Site/Images/MCs/BD4912E22D1F4057AD43EEBAC7A9262E/MI_4FFDFB53682E411C80DCFF295E9B5CE3_ORIG.pdf

Slow Home Test Score: 12

Elizabeth

Matthew, thank you for your info about the Toronto meet-n-greet. I’ll be there with bells (or other easily recognizable accoutrements) on!

Day 70 Which House Should I Buy? – Part 2 ( video )

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