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09/02/10 – Los Angeles – Large Single Family >2500 sqft
February 9th, 2010  |  69 Comments

Assembledge – Part 1 ( video )

Assembledge – Part 2 ( video )

  • James Scott

    Oops? Maybe? Both video 1 and video 2 are the same. Very interesting though, creative juices are flowing.

  • BradW

    Passion for design really shines through in the interview and in the work. In particular, the Ridgewood Residence shown above and the Leslie Lane shown on the Assembledge web site are notable.

  • BradW

    Comment: Last week I promised to “trump” everything presented thus far. The Estates at Trump National speak for themselves. The site is not walkable but that is of no consequence given the unparalleled ocean front location. The property is aligned with the garage to the north and the master bedroom in the south. The backyard and kitchen exposure is east-south. I have two minor criticisms of this design. There is no hall closet on the entry-level floor plan, the breakfast nook is narrow at only 10′. The living room is very large but appropriate given the scale and luxury of this development.

    Further, I cannot think of anything more entertaining than watching John interview Donald Trump.

    Project Name: The Estates at Trump National – Lot 3 Cass de la Paz

    Size: 6300 sqft

    Project Address: Twin Harbours View Drive San Pedro Ca

    Project URL: https://trumpnationallosangeles.com/theestates/default.asp

    Slow Home Test Score: 20

  • MollyK

    BradW
    Where do you find these great deals? I have just a couple of observations on the floorplan. First, the dining room feels slightly boxed in with only a set of double doors for light from the North, which is probably filtered further by gorgeous vegetation in the courtyard. Second, the master bedroom located beside the front porch has just one window and no courtyard entry. It seems to play a distance “second fiddle” to the Master Bedrooom at the south corner. Otherwise, the entire house, including the lot location is perfect….perfectly pretentious (and I say that with a mix of humor and seriousness). I guess if one can afford that lifestyle I hope they can afford to make it the GREENEST house on the block. Don’t you?

  • MollyK

    Comment: To get to the floorplan go to the webpage I’ve provided, click on ‘floorplan’ then click on ‘plan viewer’. Disregard the scrolling bar that says “loading”.

    I’m not sure I’m going to submit many more floorplans like this. In general this home has problems similar to other homes I’ve reviewed. No true entry OR the entry is not thoughtfully designed. The living room (or in this case family room) is too big for 1 seating arrangement but too small to break into 2 smaller cozy seating areas. It has a formal living room that is big and probably not used. The triangle in the kitchen is too big (I’d be walking a ‘country mile’ as they say to get from the sink to the frig). The frig is in the circulation path to the breakfast room, yes it is called a room and is big enough to be one! The dining room is off in another area of the house–literally. All the bedrooms are on the big side. The Master closet is almost as large as Bedroom 2. Master bath has wasted space and yet other bathrooms are squeezed in as if afterthoughts. I actually gave the plan 1 point for the garage because it sat back and slightly to the right of the front door (not jutting forward) and had a workshop niche.
    The BEST room in the house…LAUNDRY!

    Project Name: The Williams Residence

    Size: 2805 sq ft

    Project Address: 1240 W. Daffodil , La Habra CA 90631

    Project URL: http://www.newhomesource.com/homedetail/market-28/planid-539526

    Slow Home Test Score: 10

  • Rita H.

    Comment: walkscore 12/100

    Project Name: Pacific Highland – Plan 5

    Size: 3800 sq ft

    Project Address: 39106 Desert Holly Ln, Palmdale, CA

    Project URL: http://www.pacificcommunities.com/pacifichighland/plan5.html

    Slow Home Test Score: 5

  • Claudette N.

    Comment: walkscore: 9/100 This house has a ridiculous garage. It dominates the house. I also don’t like the dining room/optional office and bedroom 4/ optional den. They seem to be superfluous and wasteful. The kitchen is a galley style which seems out of place for such a large house. I don’t like that you can see through the work area from both the nook and the great room. The gathering room seems unnecessary although it creates the potential for a partial courtyard outdoor living space. The bedrooms are all a good size and don’t face into the side yards but the bonus room/ optional bedroom 5 is wasteful. The tech center off the bonus room is unnecessary. The bathrooms are okay.

    Project Name: Carmody @ Avonlea

    Size: 3551 sq ft

    Project Address: Whitewel Rd, Corona, CA

    Project URL: http://ebrochure.sheahomes.com/sheahomes/index.html?community=981&plan=plan3

    Slow Home Test Score: 9

  • orangeopolis

    Comment: Orientation – Pulled to one side makes for good access to light for nearly all rooms. While the N arrow isn’t given, this siting does attempt to maximize natural light.
    Organization – Floor 2 does not respond to the overall house’s orientation: only the hallway looks onto the great courtyard light. This seems to be the opposite of what you would want to do. It would be much better if the bedroom windows looked into that courtyard.
    Location of garage leads to a strong likelihood of a paved ‘yard’ which means that the nook sliding door opens onto (or at least looks onto) asphalt. Unless of course you hire a landscaper after the fact to tear up the mess that the developer made to put in some of those permeable pavers or some kind of hardscaping that diminished the driveway thing. Regardless, with kids, that space could be really great for playing. Duplicated uses near the entry undermine those spaces’ ability to function. The dining room is as huge!

    Project Name: Stetson Ranch – Remington 4

    Size: 2822 sq ft

    Project Address: 29324 Ohare Ct, Santa Clarita, CA

    Project URL: http://www.khov.com/Home/CA/781/ModelsAvailable/782R1/InteractiveFloorPlan.htm

    Slow Home Test Score: 7

  • Dominique

    Comment:

    Project Name: Chase Collection @ Reseda – Plan 2

    Size: 2888 sq ft

    Project Address: Reseda, CA

    Project URL: http://newhomes.move.com/homedetail/market-24/specid-785602

    Slow Home Test Score: 12

  • Dominique

    Comment:

    Project Name: Renaissance Summit @ Porter Ranch – Residence 3

    Size: 5465 sq ft

    Project Address: Porter Ranch, CA

    Project URL: http://newhomes.move.com/homedetail/market-24/planid-751709

    Slow Home Test Score: 4

  • Dominique

    Comment:

    Project Name: Brookville @ River Village – Residence 2

    Size: 3060 sq ft

    Project Address: Santa Clarita, CA

    Project URL: http://newhomes.move.com/homedetail/market-24/planid-537032

    Slow Home Test Score: 5

  • BradW

    MollyK

    I agree about the dining room and certainly green is not the first priority here at the Trump Estates. I do not for a minute believe this is what Slow Home represents but the house is not too bad – it is simply in a different world catering to a lifestyle few can afford. I posted it as a point of interest and discussion. And for a bit of well-intended fun.

  • Dominique

    Comment:

    Project Name: Stetson Ranch – Winchester 2

    Size: 3283 sq ft

    Project Address: Santa Clarita, CA

    Project URL: http://newhomes.move.com/homedetail/market-24/planid-795926

    Slow Home Test Score: 6

  • Dominique

    Comment:

    Project Name: Three Oaks, Saddlewood – Residence 2

    Size: 3999 sq ft

    Project Address: 19778 Prospect Place, Walnut, CA

    Project URL: http://www.newhomesource.com/homedetail/market-24/specid-790919

    Slow Home Test Score: 8

  • Claudette N.

    Comment: walkscore: 31/100 There is a lot of wasted space in this house. The main floor hall is a nice entrance but it is too big. I also think the loft on the second floor is supersized and a waste. There is too much space devoted to circulation. The family room is good but the formal living room seems awkward, as does the formal dining room. The nook separates the kitchen from the family room. The master bathroom is supersized and silly. There are too many bathrooms upstairs. I don’t like three car garages but this one is well integrated into the house.

    Project Name: Braeburn@Chapman Heights – Residence 2

    Size: 3807 sq ft

    Project Address: 34014 Golden Crown Way, Yucaipa, CA

    Project URL: http://inlandempire.lyonhomes.com/chapmanheights/communities/braeburn/floorplans.php?res=2&fp=1

    Slow Home Test Score: 6

  • Alejandro

    Comment: Horrible Entry, horrible parking. Walkscore was 8/100. I can’t imagine needing a 4 car garage – especially in this economy. As well, the cost of operating 4 vehicles is astronomical.

    Project Name: Red Sky – Mayfield

    Size: 3300 sq ft

    Project Address: 11871 Hillary Way, Victorville, CA

    Project URL: http://www.beazer.com/new-homes-for-sale/Victor-Valley-CA-Red-Sky-new_home-Mayfield_at_Red_Sky_-_Plan_5-133122.aspx

    Slow Home Test Score: 7

  • Joti Singh

    Comment: I gave the orientation point because all the rooms look to be trying to maximizing natural light. For living, I assumed that the family room would be the main living space, and the ‘living’ would be mostly used as a study. The loft the courtyard adjacent, which would be nice. Dining has duplicated use and wasted space. I’m not sure that you could sit at the table and have open the french doors without feeling like you had to position your chair in the threshold. Overall, pretty speedy.

    Project Name: Trailpoint @ Three Oaks – Residence 1

    Size: 4298 sq ft

    Project Address: Lemon Ave and Amar Rd, Walnut, CA 91789

    Project URL: http://www.standardpacifichomes.com/new-homes-floor-plans/walnut-san-gabriel-valley-three-oaks-trailpoint-residence-1.html

    Slow Home Test Score: 8

  • Catherine Taney

    Comment: I like the organization of this house because it creates a courtyard between the kitchen and the casita. This is a great way to take advantage of the Southern California climate. I like the front entry, even though it is a bit narrow and the great room really is great. The kitchen is well designed and the nook opening to the courtyard is good. I don’t think the formal dining room is necessary. It is too far away and too removed. It would be better used as an office or just eliminated. The bedrooms are all a good size and well organized although bedroom 2 opens onto a side yard which may be a problem for light and view depending on the lot. The master bath is supersized and the tub is in a bad location. I think the shared bathroom on the second floor is also a little awkward. Overall a pretty good house.

    Project Name: Carillon in San Clemente – Res. 1

    Size: 3500 sq ft

    Project Address: Calle Mattis, San Clemente, CA 92673

    Project URL: http://www.standardpacifichomes.com/new-homes-floor-plans/san-clemente-orange-county-carillon-residence-1.html

    Slow Home Test Score: 11

  • MollyK

    Comment: No walkscore since this is strictly a floorplan. No points on #1
    I took liberties with #2 and gave the plan a 3 because of the use of photo voltaic panels and other energy-efficient construction that directly reduces energy consumption and other environmental impact.
    Several living areas made the scoring difficult. However, all areas had a “strong connection” to a focal point. The area labeled ‘living’ had nice furniture arrangement and view of the indoor garden to its left on the plan.
    The middle bedroom on the 2nd floor might by criticized for having the least amount of light but overall the bedrooms were not oversized.
    The bathrooms were thoughtfully planned compared to other designs I’ve seen. Nothing really cramped, even the Master bath was modest and functional. Great use of pocketdoors to increase wall space and better circulation in and out of rooms. I noticed the bathrooms did not have windows–too bad. But solar tubes could be utilized in 2nd floor bathrooms for natural light without the heat.
    The garage monopolized the front of the house. However, I scored it a 1 because it didn’t interfere with the interior of the house or restrict light and ventilation into the principal living areas. Also my guess is that the material for the garage door will blend architecturally with the rest of the house exterior.
    I believe from a SlowHome perspective this floorplan exceeds most of the others I’ve seen so far. I probably wouldn’t be too far off to say that the plan would be oriented on any lot to maximize passive solar heating and interior light.
    Check out the INTRO page for LivingHomes.com and you can see time-lapsed video of the sun’s movement through one of their homes. Impressive! This group has impressive credentials as well (think LEED platinum). I believe this home could be a good nominee for the 2500+ sq. ft. floorplan.

    Project Name: RK1 Ray Kappe Living Homes

    Size: 3100 sq ft

    Project Address: Living Homes 2910 Lincoln Blvd., Santa Monica CA 90405

    Project URL: http://www.livinghomes.net/homesCommunities.html

    Slow Home Test Score: 16

  • MollyK

    BradW
    That’s what I like about you, Brad. Never letting us get too serious. Thanks so much!
    I wouldn’t mind being a guest (even in the 2nd Master bedroom). Do you suppose the bedroom off the laundry area is for the housekeeper, maybe named Alice.

  • Corey

    Comment: walk score 6

    Project Name: Sierra Heights – Residence 1

    Size: 3138 sqft

    Project Address: 12666 Sierra Creek Dr., Riverside, CA 92503

    Project URL: http://www.standardpacifichomes.com/NeighborhoodBrochures/Sierra%20Heights_Brochure_6192007_1486.pdf

    Slow Home Test Score: 11

  • Corey

    Comment: walk score 8

    Project Name: Key Gate at Adeline’s Farm – Plan 2

    Size: 3632 sqft

    Project Address: 36680 Cady Road, Winchester, CA

    Project URL: http://www.sheahomes.com/main.cfm?dir=findahome&sec=none&subsec=models&temp=communityother&communityid=252&planid=585

    Slow Home Test Score: 6

  • Corey

    Comment: walk score 12

    Project Name: Camden At Spencers Crossing – Residence 1

    Size: 2617 sqft

    Project Address: 35768 Quail Run St. Murrieta

    Project URL: http://www.lennar.com/New-Homes/California/Riverside-County/Camden-At-Spencers-Crossing/Residence-1

    Slow Home Test Score: 7

  • BradW

    MollyK – LivingHomes is a great ‘out of the box’ find. Definitely, deserving of a nomination this week. Imagine a subdivision build using only LivingHomes…very cool.

  • BradW

    Also MollyK – the bedroom you cited is maid’s quarters

  • Matt KB

    Comment: Project 1

    Project Name: Three Oaks Saddlewood

    Size:

    Project Address: 19638 Three Oaks Lane

    Project URL: http://www.newhomesource.com/homedetail/market-24/specid-790919

    Slow Home Test Score: 10

  • Matt KB

    Comment: Project 2

    Project Name: Three Oaks Trailpoint

    Size:

    Project Address: 19658 Three Oaks Lane

    Project URL: http://www.newhomesource.com/homedetail/market-24/planid-719758

    Slow Home Test Score: 9

  • Matt KB

    Comment: Project 3

    Project Name: Three Oaks Windcroft

    Size:

    Project Address: 19658 Three Oaks Lane

    Project URL: http://www.newhomesource.com/homedetail/market-24/specid-790638/view-directions

    Slow Home Test Score: 16

  • Anonymous

    Comment:

    Project Name: Oak Crest–Plan 4X

    Size: 3300SF

    Project Address: 27311 Rose Mallow Lane, Santa Clarita

    Project URL: http://www.pardeehomes.com/fair-oaks-ranch/oak-crest/floorplans/plan-4x/#top

    Slow Home Test Score: 10

  • Terri

    I submitted the Oak Crest Plan 4X above. This house has ample space but pretty much follows the usual routine of putting a formal living/dining space separate from kitchen, not enough access to outdoors, an oversized front garage with circulation problem–accessing the garage through the work triangle of the kitchen. It got 10, because I generously said that the orientation could be 3 if the place were built on the right site.

  • Catherine Taney

    Comment: The front entry is more of a hallway but still good. The front bedroom is also good because it could double as an office. The kitchen is good but the nook is in an awkward location in the center of the living area. I don’t mind the two living spaces because they are connected by the kitchen. The “teen room” could be a study or a waste of space. The master bathroom is supersized. I don’t think a three car garage is a good idea but the tandem design reduces the size of the garage door on the front elevation.

    Project Name: Birch River @ Glenwood – Residence 5

    Size: 3258 sq ft

    Project Address: Santa Barbara Dr, Aliso Viejo, CA

    Project URL: http://buyonline.sheahomes.com/SheahomesFloorPlan?community_id=299&community_name=Birch%20River%20at%20Glenwood%20-%20Model%20Homes%20Now%20Open!&plan_code=0005

    Slow Home Test Score: 10

  • MollyK

    BradW
    Sorry about the mislabel of the “maid’s quarters”.
    I think LivingHomes is pretty impressive. After venturing further into the website I found alot of videos and pictures of these designs. I was amazed at how warm the surroundings felt given the openness of the floorplan. I did have one BIG question (as a mother with children)…How do you keep all that glass clean? It’s not just the windows but there are knee walls made of glass. Between dogs and children I’d have to request a maid’s quarters in my home plan just to have someone to help with the streaks!

  • Joti Singh

    Comment: This one gets a 3 for its 52/100 walkscore, but I think that that is being very generous considering the community’s adjacency to the San Diego Freeway. What tipped the scale for me is that it is right next to a large grocery store, is built on a leftover site in an existing neighborhood, and not far from transit.
    Otherwise, the house is poor. Funny, because the location point is so hard to obtain for these projects – you think that the effort involved in finding a good, urban site for a project would translate into a good effort designing well-planned houses. Think again for Tremont.

    Project Name: Tremont @ Fountain Valley – Plan 1

    Size: 2875 sq ft

    Project Address: 17200 Oak St, Fountain Valley, CA

    Project URL: http://www.kbhome.com/Plan~PlanID~00450320-150.2805.aspx

    Slow Home Test Score: 5

  • Alejandro

    Comment:

    Project Name: North Park – Plan 6

    Size: 2600

    Project Address: 1451 Northstar St, San Bernardino, CA

    Project URL: http://www.clpo.com/northpark-floorplans6.php

    Slow Home Test Score: 8

  • Alejandro

    Comment: Walkscore 62/100
    Without the point for location, this house would have been a 1.

    Project Name: Tapestry – Kemmerer (Plan 3)

    Size: 3257 sq ft

    Project Address: 1250 W Marigold Ave, La Habra, CA

    Project URL: http://ebrochure.sheahomes.com/sheahomes/index.html?community=115&plan=plan3

    Slow Home Test Score: 4

  • BradW

    Comment: I had to laugh when this location scored a 2, yes a 2, on walk score. I guess that explains the 4 car garage. So location is no. Orientation is unknown so also a no. It should be noted that this is an estate subdivision with homes on 1 arce lots so there is a good chance you could find a properly oriented site. The house itself is pretty good. I think the entries are notable for a change as a mud room is provided. Given no basement for storage, four car garage might even make sense.

    Project Name: Stellan Ranch – Morgan

    Size: 4500 sqft

    Project Address: 7369 Breckenridge Drive Riverside, CA

    Project URL: http://www.pulte.com/communities/ca/riverside/stellan-ridge/index.aspx

    Slow Home Test Score: 12

  • Matilde

    Comment:

    Project Name: Sage @ Sedonia – Residence 7

    Size: 2955 sq ft

    Project Address: 6840 Dock Dr, Corona, CA

    Project URL: http://www.drhorton.com/corp/GetFloorPlan.do?dv=25&pr=42039&pl=1140502

    Slow Home Test Score: 5

  • Terri

    Comment:

    Project Name: Pacific Highland-Plan 5

    Size: 3900SF

    Project Address: 39001 Pacific Highland, Palmdale, CA

    Project URL: http://www.pacificcommunities.com/pacifichighland/plan5.html

    Slow Home Test Score: 7

  • Claudette N.

    Comment: Walkscore 8/100. The orientation of this house is not indicated so it receives a zero score. I think it is poorly organized on the main floor because you enter right into the middle of the living space. There is a lot of circulation on the upper floor- also a zero. The back entry is right into the dining room – bad. The living areas are well proportioned but the formal space at the front is going to be difficult to use because of the entry. The kitchen is good but I don’t like the location of the nook. The bedrooms are okay but why are there no windows at the back of the house? The bathrooms are also okay but the master is getting pretty big. The loft would be difficult to use as a study due to its adjacency to the laundry.

    Project Name: Green Brier – Plan 2

    Size: 2684 sq ft

    Project Address: 33.904271, -117.815464

    Project URL: http://www.mbkhomes.com/home_finder/neighborhood/details.php?neigh_id=1034&page_id=D

    Slow Home Test Score: 8

  • Terri

    My comments on Pacific Highland seemed to have disappeared…I noted that this had a walkscore of 11. I gave 3 for orientation, assuming that as a new build, one could orient the house all right. Otherwise it’d get 4, and that’s when you opt for the two-car garage instead of 3. I found that there was only one door from the main living area outside–a slider next to the eating nook. Kind of absurd, given the floor area. The Pacific Highland website boasts about the parks and rec centre nearby, so possibly you’re supposed to go there when you want to be outside.

  • Paulina

    Comment: Walkscore 46/100 – not enough for the point. Cirulation is wasteful on floor 2, long hallway on floor 1. Living needs a very large arrangement of furniture to work, has a bad corner fireplace. Superscaled kitchen with a ridiculous island. Bed 3 has a very nice view of the garden. 4.5 baths in a 3 br house??? Good study.

    Project Name: Vista Vallarta @ Glenwood – Residence 1

    Size: 3474 sq ft

    Project Address: Anacapa Ln, Aliso Viejo, CA

    Project URL: http://buyonline.sheahomes.com/SheahomesFloorPlan?community_id=446&community_name=Vista%20Vallarta%20at%20Glenwood%20-%20Residence%201%20Model%20Grand%20Opening%20January%2023rd!&plan_code=0001

    Slow Home Test Score: 7

  • Joti Singh

    Comment: Walkscore 3/100

    Project Name: Stellan Ridge – Dartmoore (Residence 5)

    Size: 3703 sq ft

    Project Address: 7453 Breckenridge Dr, Riverside, CA

    Project URL: http://www.pulte.com/templates/av/index.html?plan=../../communities/ca/riverside/stellan-ridge/plans/av/residencefive

    Slow Home Test Score: 5

  • orangeopolis

    Comment: Walkscore is a big 0/100. One of the biggest problems with this house is the amount of circulation. There is a convoluted hallway to bedroom 4, a big hallway that wraps around the stair on the second floor and an awkward entry into the master bedroom. Both the front and back entries are bad. The rear family room is really good but the formal front living room probably won’t get used because it is so far away and the front door opens directly into it. I am worried that the one dining space is removed from the back living area. I don’t like the way you have to walk past the kitchen to get into the family room. Bedroom 3 and 4 are awkwardly shaped and the master bathroom is supersized.

    Project Name: Candlewood – Plan 2

    Size: 3000 sq ft

    Project Address: 8608 Candlewood St, Chino, CA

    Project URL: http://www.pardeehomes.com/the-preserve-at-chino/candlewood/floorplans/plan-2/

    Slow Home Test Score: 6

  • Tiff

    Comment:

    Project Name: Mariposa @ San Joaquin Hills — Residence 3

    Size: 2827 sq ft

    Project Address: 27725 Manor Hill Rd, Laguna Niguel, CA

    Project URL: http://www.shapellhomes.com/communities/smartplan.cfm?plan=south-mariposa-3.swf&community_id=340

    Slow Home Test Score: 4

  • Eunice

    Comment: Fast (but on the cusp into Moderately Fast)

    Project Name: Pine Valley Estates –

    Size: 3608 sq ft

    Project Address: 15124 Canon Lane, Chino Hills, CA

    Project URL: http://www.meritagehomes.com/images/data/attachments/0003/8763/PVERes1.pdf

    Slow Home Test Score: 7

  • Eunice

    Comment: Fast!

    Project Name: Stanford Grove – Plan 4

    Size: 2917 sq ft

    Project Address: 13252 Paul St, Corona, CA

    Project URL: http://www.stanfordgrove.com/plan-4.php

    Slow Home Test Score: 4

  • Eunice

    Comment: One more Fast one to tilt the graph.
    This one has a ‘gallery’ – that’s a classy name for ‘hallway’.

    Project Name: Sierra Bella – Residence 2

    Size: 3134 sq ft

    Project Address: 12624 Cathedral Ridge Way, Riverside, CA

    Project URL: http://www.lennar.com/New-Homes/California/Riverside-County/Sierra-Bella/Residence-Two

    Slow Home Test Score: 4

  • Preston

    Comment:

    Project Name: Saddlewood @ Three Oaks – Residence 2

    Size: 3800 sq ft

    Project Address: 19488 Juniper Bend, Walnut, CA

    Project URL: http://www.threeoaks-walnut.com/saddlewoodR2.php

    Slow Home Test Score: 6

  • Paulina

    Comment: this one got a walkscore of 75/100. I selected the end lot facing the park + hills. There is some SW light entering the unit based on this orientation, but I think the view of the park is worth it. The circulation causes a few problems, and the entry is really a stair landing, but mostly it’s a very good unit. I really really like the study – a generous space separated from the living areas so it’ll be quiet, yet it has a bathroom close and a really great terrace. Not fully into the slow range, but very close, and the highest rated project so far (except for the Trump one which got “full” marks! hehe).

    Project Name: Mondrian — Typical Floorplan

    Size: 2500 sq ft

    Project Address: 12300-12498 W Bluff Creek Dr, Los Angeles, CA

    Project URL: http://www.leehomes.net/New_Homes/Mondrian/mondrian.html

    Slow Home Test Score: 17

  • MollyK

    Comment: To view design go to the “Click Here” phrase highlighted in the paragraph about the RK 2.1 design. You will be able to see the first floor layout and the optional second floor which puts it in the 2500+ category.
    This floorplan had a separate but small entry with closet/storage just inside the hallway.
    The dining and living are separated by a wall with I like–less loft-like and more intimate.
    Can’t find frig. designation in kitchen but figure it was an oversight.
    Bathrooms modest but space is useful.
    Laundry may be criticized for its placement but layout is good.
    No garage–go figure.
    The most frustrating score came from the bedrooms. I was split down the middle…Master and 2nd floor bedrooms good BUT couldn’t endorse the side-by-side bedrooms at the end of the hall. It killed me to score them a 0.

    Project Name: The Ranches at Joshua Tree–RK 2.1

    Size: 3135 sq ft (2-story option)

    Project Address: LivingHomes 2910 Lincoln Blvd., Santa Monica, CA 90405

    Project URL: http://www.livinghomes.net/communities.html

    Slow Home Test Score: 15

  • Mid America Mom

    Want a LEED home? There is one for sale- custom- South West of LA in Manhattan Beach. http://photoplan.planomatic.com/viewer.php?propertyTourID=3694

    I did not even score it as a HUGE home at 7758 feet. Wasted space everywhere. I guess it needed to be LEED to afford the utility bills. The entry hall I think is larger than my present apartment or is it that master bath LOL!

  • Jodi J

    Comment: – Walkscore rating of 5
    - no information on lot orientation
    - bedroom 4 seems awkward and out of place on the main floor
    - enters straight into formal living room (no entry)
    - no focal point in living room/family room
    - lots of wasted floor space in the master ensuite (awkward angled wall in in watercloset also seems unnecessary and a waste)
    - assuming “loft” is the study
    - awkward angled in laundry make floor space minimal and space difficult to negotiate within
    - large 3-car garage dominates facade of the house

    Project Name: Residence 4 – Cambria Hills

    Size: 2575 sq ft

    Project Address: 29419 High Ridge Drive, Riverside County, CA

    Project URL: http://www.khov.com/Home/CA/12188/ModelsAvailable/12188R4/InteractiveFloorPlan.htm

    Slow Home Test Score: 5

  • Anonymous

    Comment: 69 walk score; orientation unknown; enter directly into living/dining room; tiny bedrooms with weak “walk-in” closets; wasted space in master bath…

    -Sarah

    Project Name: Ivy Lane at Laurel Gate

    Size: 2477

    Project Address: Holder & Lincoln, Buena Park, CA

    Project URL: http://www.lennar.com/New-Homes/California/Orange-County/IvyLaneLaurelGate/Plan-Three

    Slow Home Test Score: 10

  • Jodi J

    Comment: – Walkscore Rating of 6
    - no information on lot orientation
    - a defined entry space! finally!
    - bedroom 3 shape is awkward, master bedroom WIC is huge, but all bedrooms have either front or rear-facing windows (no side yards)
    - powder room is a bizarre shape

    Project Name: Veranda at Morningstar Ranch, Residence 3

    Size: 2946 sq ft

    Project Address: 35103 Lost Trail Court, Winchester, CA 92596

    Project URL: http://www.brookfieldsd.com/j/i/28745/VerandaFloorPlans/Veranda__Residence_2/Veranda__Residence_4/Veranda__Residence_3/Veranda__Residence_2/Veranda__Residence_3.html?mid=317754&cid=6136

    Slow Home Test Score: 12

  • Anonymous

    Comment: 5 walk score; orientation unknown; I just hate this plan for some reason! The master bath is odd, there is very little living space for a house this size, and the kitchen is too wide.

    -Sarah

    Project Name: Paloma at Portola Springs

    Size: 2530

    Project Address: 46 Ridge Valley, Irvine, CA

    Project URL: http://bkf.brookfieldsouthland.com/bkf/newhomes/floorplans.asp?CommunityID=por&MenuName=4

    Slow Home Test Score: 6

  • Anonymous

    Comment: 9 walk score; orientation unknown; this plan is very confusing.. individual elements seem okay, but the lack of circulation makes it seem jumbled and disorganized.

    Side note – my posts are all coming up “anonymous”, I’m not sure why! (I promise I’m putting in my name & email..)

    -Sarah

    Project Name: Eton at College Park – Plan 1

    Size: 3964

    Project Address: 6549 Wheaton St. Chino, CA

    Project URL: http://mbkhomes.com/home_finder/neighborhood/details.php?neigh_id=1032&page_id=D

    Slow Home Test Score: 8

  • Mid America Mom

    Comment: Molly you opened gate- and I am stepping through :)

    Recently I have been doodling shipping containers as a home or low rise complex. I was inspired by a construction site I saw outside my apartment window and did some internet research.

    I am sure those of you who are architects or students of – this is not news. But I was surprised to find there are some out there as homes, hotels, other commercial buildings. The architect Peter De Maria did one in Southern CA that is well known- http://www.architectureweek.com/2007/0207/building_3-2.html. He also started a prefab container housing business and that is where this test comes from.

    ***I was looking for a plan from 2500 to 3000 but there are no models. So I went for the Seto 3164.

    I love the openness and that it can sit on a narrower lot. You will see there seems to be an aversion to closets (can someone tell me if those are built ins instead?) and too many rooms with certain functions. I gave it YES for walk and orient as it is not known. The organization and circulation of this plan could be better. With sleeping on the top and bottom floors and living as well I just could not give them organization. As for circulation- you have to go through the middle of the home, into the living spaces, to get where you need to go. Neither entry really has its own definition nor closet. The second living space on the first floor looks to the view outback and upstairs to an interior fireplace. We have some wasted spaces in living with a large library and a front living room that feels like a giant entry. As for outdoor living. Love it! You can LIFT the bank of back windows – kind of like a garage door. The master has a private deck (see the overview). The kitchen is large. Use of counter depth and wide refrigerator. Considering the size of the space the work triangle is compact. You can seat 6 at the peninsula or eat at your dining table. The placement of the sink and stove puzzle me. The bathrooms are not too crazy. The master walk in shower with tub area is a nice idea. The bedrooms, look to have some built ins for storage. Is that master bedroom too much? Probably but then this home is 3100 sq feet so I giving them YES. The office looks to have a built in wrap around desk with upper cabinets and windows on two walls. The second floor laundry has space to fold and work – with a sink too. And the garage is a two car and looks normal sized. Loved looking at this plan just wished it did not have the downstairs library, that front living room, and first floor bedroom.

    Project Name: Logical Homes

    Size: 3164

    Project Address: Pre FAB- Container

    Project URL: http://logicalhomes.com/1/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=77&Itemid=100

    Slow Home Test Score: 14

  • Mid America Mom

    Hi Sarah- first hit the add a house to the project icon to launch the test Then fill in your name. That should work!

  • Mid America Mom

    Hi folks feedback-

    the section under the google map with the pins that is labeled “Slow Home Test Score – Project Name”…I think it would be nice to have it display the Slowest homes at top and not the fastest.

  • Vickie

    Comment: walk score of 28

    Project Name: Edgemont at Rosedale, Residence 4

    Size: 2,858 Square Feet

    Project Address: Edgemont

    Project URL: http://www.christopher-homes.com/edgemont/edgemont_plan4_floor1.html

    Slow Home Test Score: 11

  • Vickie

    Comment: Walks score of 2!
    the kitchen island seems oversized?

    Project Name: Pulte Homes/ Morgan

    Size: 4,578 Square Feet

    Project Address: 7369 Breckenridge Drive Riverside

    Project URL: http://www.pulte.com/communities/ca/riverside/stellan-ridge/plans/residence-three.aspx

    Slow Home Test Score: 8

  • Vickie

    Comment: walkscore of 62
    Entry? I see a closet space on the right hand side beside the powder room.
    The designated Living room is blocked off by kitchen, and seems to make it a bit secluded from the rest of the organization. Although Family room is in good location, with access to outdoor space.
    Dining room? it seems blocked off again by the kitchen, secluding the space from the rest of house- maybe a good thing for the serious dinner parties?

    Project Name: Premier Collection

    Size: 4,192

    Project Address: 3027 W Avenue M-4 Quartz Hill

    Project URL: http://www.americanpremiere.com/en/CA/lancaster/premiere/davinci.htm

    Slow Home Test Score: 13

  • John Brown

    M.A.M
    Thanks for the suggestion about ordering the homes on the map. We agree and are trying to figure out how to do it.

  • Wayne

    Comment:

    Project Name: Sauvignon

    Size: 3173

    Project Address: Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91730

    Project URL: http://www.newhomesource.com/YAHOOREALESTATE/homedetail/view-floorplan/planid-699786/?TRACK=YAHOOFL

    Slow Home Test Score: 11

  • Wayne

    Comment:

    Project Name: Vantage

    Size: 2719

    Project Address: Ranco Cucamonga

    Project URL: http://www.newhomesource.com/YAHOOREALESTATE/homedetail/planid-757164/view-floorplan

    Slow Home Test Score: 13

  • Wayne

    Comment:

    Project Name: Crescent Heights

    Size: 2680

    Project Address: Placentia

    Project URL: http://www.newhomesource.com/YAHOOREALESTATE/homedetail/view-floorplan/planid-770718/?TRACK=YAHOOFL

    Slow Home Test Score: 9

  • BradW

    Vickie – Interesting that we both rated the Morgan from the same development. I see you are a little more strict in your marking.

  • BradW

    MAM – Logical Homes is another nice post. Like LivingHomes, while this is not mass market housing, I think this is a great concept.

  • Mid America Mom

    Thank you BradW!

    SIP seems easier to get to market then container but hey the loads these containers can handle make it a good structure for this market.

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