Here are some photos from the Home which is available for tour daily until October 30th

The “Net-Zero” Home of Tomorrow designed by Larry Garnett is under construction at the State Fair of Texas. Tours will begin September 23

Quite often, we work with building sites where a magnificent tree is located exactly in the location the house needs to be placed.  A builder came to me recently with just such a lot.  He couldn’t find a design that would allow the tree to stay.  After some careful measuring and lots of sketching, I came up with this concept.  The lot actually backs up to a golf course, so the view towards the rear was obviously very important. Also, a 3 -car garage was requested.  Interestingly enough, I we had to obtain a variance from the developer to face the one car garage towards the street.  I’ve always been amused by this very common restriction…they’ll allow a 3 car garage protruding 35 feet towards the street, but won’t allow any doors to be parallel with the street.  Do they really think a 3 car garage with doors facing to the side is not recognizable as a garage?  Let’s just be realistic.  A garage IS a garage.  Sure,  I’d much rather place it along the rear with an alley entrance…or detach it and place it towards the rear of the house with a driveway down the side.  But, when the client has paid a premium for a golf course (or lake) view, we certainly don’t want the  garage to be an obstruction. (see garage placement in my book Home Plan Doctor)

Garages that double as outdoor living spaces can have a dramatic impact on a neighborhood of homes with garages located at a rear alley.  Imagine the added activity along what is often just a narrow passageway for cars!  Weekend cookouts could easily transform the alley into a “people place” and a safe area for the children to play.  For more information, see design 30504

I’m currently working on several designs that could be constructed as modules.  The benefits of building homes in an indoor environment would seem rather obvious; no adverse weather conditions, templates that allow for extremely precise framing, and efficient installation of all mechanical, plumbing, and electrical components.  The greatest hurdle appears to be the preconceived idea that “modular” is the same as a “mobile home.”
My initial designs are focusing on small cottages that could be used as weekend homes.  I’m also working on several concepts that would allow for easy and logical expansion – sort of a home that could “grow” with the family.  More sketches to come…

This “Live/Work” building is a concept for a small New Urban development currently in the design phase.  These “Shop” Houses offer flexible spaces and add diversity within the neighborhood.  They also provide opportunities for local economic activity and home occupations that can reduce the need for automobile trips.  It’s a return the the old idea of “living above the store” that was prevalent in most communities in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Notice that the front door to the “shop” space can be either located directly on the front facade for direct access from the street/pedestrian walk – for a retail or office use.  Or, the door can be located within the entry area if the space is utilized as additional living area, such as a guest room or study. And, it can easily be changed back and forth as the uses might change.

In addition to the Conceptual Designs offered through Family Home Plans, we also offer a design service that provides our clients with Concepts for a home design  based on their specific criteria.

This is an example of some of the preliminary sketches that are developed during the design process.  The final Conceptual Design provides PFD and CAD files of all four exterior elevations, floor plans with overall dimensions, roof view, and cross sections.  We also include written authorization for these files to be used by the client’s local builder/designer. In other words, everything necessary for a local design professional to complete the detailed construction drawings.

Simply stated, our Custom Conceptual Designs take advantage of our design expertise and the knowledge and experience a local design professional has regarding specific codes and construction techniques.

Here’s a new sketch of a design I’m working on for a builder’s personal home.  He and his wife are considering not finishing the second floor (adding a door at the balcony).  They only need one extra bedroom on the first floor for guests.  The “home office” is located under the staircase.  Although the ceiling is about 7′-6″ in this area, note the abundance of windows.  While working in this “Resource Center,” you can easily see if a car has parked in the driveway or if someone is at the front door.

Notice the logical “traffic patterns” that allow you to walk laterally across the home, from the garage to the guest room, utilizing the “gallery” space.  You don’t have to travel diagonally through a room, weaving in and out of the furniture like you do in so many current floor plans. (see “traffic patterns” in my book)

From time to time, I create customized designs for individual clients.  The challenge (and enjoyment!) involves working with a specific site and incorporating all of the client’s requirements into a design that results in their dream home!  Each design is unique, as we merge the client’s wishes with the opportunities and often constraints of the site.  Nevertheless, the basic principles of good design essentially remain constant.  In the next posts, we’ll review some of these design elements.  If you’re impatient, you can find some of the information in my book, Home Plan Doctor.