Windsor Bungalow Design Project Reveal

Posted on: November 27th, 2010 | 11 Comments

In this morning’s live episode, John and Matthew revealed their redesign of David from Windsor’s bungalow, and showcased some of the great work done by Slowhomer’s Frank, Brad W and Terri.

  • http://architecturetourist.com/ Terry

    Pardon me if the answer is obvious. What is that tablet thing (hw & sw) you are drawing on?

  • Frances GF

    [img]1_60swindsorranchdemol.jpg[/img]

    David and Patti,

    I just had a chance to view today’s segment. Since there was a small problem with the bathroom I thought I could post my (unfortunately) unfinished plan.

    The closet and bathroom vanity is one piece of millwork, it is still very rough but the germ of an idea is there.

  • Frank

    [img]3main.jpg[/img]

    Here is a photo of another solution to the bathroom view issue identified by Brad.

  • David

    Thanks for follow up on workshop great ideas Frances and Frank. Still working through layout. Unfortunately I think we sacrificed to much counter space in kitchen and loss of pantry.

  • David

    Terri I like your master bedroom plan do you think there is a way to amalgamate the two bathrooms so that they are shared more maybe shower in main bath and soaking tub in the master bath

  • Terri

    Hi David,
    Funny you should ask me this question, because that’s what I originally did with the bathroom and found so much space that I thought, why not separate them? Anyway…I’ll see if I kept a copy of that draft. And if not, I’ll try to modify the plan I submitted later today.

  • Terri

    [img]windhse2.jpg[/img]

    Hello David,
    Here’s a version with a pocket door connecting the ensuite with the main bathroom.

    I wasn’t sure if you wanted two toilets; if not, the ensuite could have a vanity where the toilet is drawn, and a towel cupboard where the present vanity is drawn. Or, if you wanted a larger tub, put it on the other outside wall with a larger vanity where current one is (this is if you remove a toilet, of course.)

    In the main bath, the shower is a large one (approx. 3 x 6), but it worked best to put it across the window space; otherwise it would protrude into the main space of the bathroom. It might be worth noting: I’ve removed a linen closet, but the master closet is larger.

    So, is this what you were suggesting?

  • Brad W

    In a slow home context there is no need for multiple bathrooms in an 1100 sq ft bungalow. If we are looking at it from a real estate market point of view maybe an argument can be made. To tell you the truth, I loved John and Matthew’s design of the living space but the bathroom effort I see as pandering to market values instead of practical sustainability and depth of design – important essentials in a slow home. Theoretically, we can say things should be right sized, well designed, properly sited and eco-conscious but can we practically follow through. I do not think it is so easy. Economics and scale aside you have a client base that has been conditioned to expect certain outcomes like master baths, large closets, etc. and for an architect to work he/she needs to satisfy those wishes. Economics in, the real estate market cannot be ignored if you wish to protect your investment.

    In this case, I think David should realize the John and Matthew are showing him the ultimate potential of his bungalow within the parameters he gave them which included two bathrooms. As always they did an amazing job. The tricky part is adapting that ultimate vision into economic and market reality. Fundamentally is it a good idea to lose a potential bedroom? I would consult with local real estate experts to decide. If so, what can you afford to do. The basement is finished so moving the bathroom will entail additional cost and upheaval. A general contractor can help you understand what is involved.

  • Terri

    While our homes may be our biggest financial investments, they are also where we “invest” a lot of time–time at home being a precious thing in a fast-paced world. I always thought that this was one of the main philosophies behind a Slow Home. Therefore, shouldn’t our homes suit us and our needs? Do we have to consider that a three-bedroom home has better marketability than a two bedroom? There will always be a similar segment of the population like ourselves, living similar “lifestyles,” so our homes would attract that segment and not another. I think we need to assess what would make the home more easy to live in, not more saleable or impressive. Of course, as always, cost is usually the ultimate determinant of how far we can go with our goals!:)

  • David

    Terri thank you for your extra work that gives us more ideas to go with. Our goal was to make a home that was liveable for us with out regard for its marketability, or resale.

  • Mid America Mom

    [img]windsorranch.jpg[/img]

    Sorry I could not submit or watch… worked the “Black Friday” and since then.

    Here is my initial thought. The present Den has great windows and is larger. If you build an addition off the back the back small bedroom may lose that window and could be unpleasant. Keep the bathroom as is since you put money into that already. So bedroom walls and closets can stay in place to save money.

    Make the smallest bedroom now a bath and closet. Close the doorway of it and make another closet there. The back part holds a double vanity,toilet, and walk in shower.

    I think I moved the entry wall back a foot or so and shaved some feet off the end. That casual seating area could handle a table. Put a new counter in, removed the overhang for the breakfast bar, and there is a great space for a banquette. This one is about 7 by 4 feet with seating on three sides. See this for an example- http://www.kpetersen.com/upholsteredlayouts.htm#halfcircle . Bonus- make the seats so you can store under them!

    On the right I show an alternate kitchen in the same area with a peninsula and no overhang and a high wall (to shield the folks at the seating from food spills on the stove). The aisle is 3.5 wide and the walkway also 3.5 feet. John and Matthew’s kitchen would work with a banquette too.

    You may want to explore an electric fireplace for where I show the TV. No need for venting and the cost associated with going up the roof or to the front of the house with an unsightly vent.

    Good luck!

    Mid America Mom