The clients, the Anderssen’s have requested a modern lake house design, that is a getaway oasis and can be used for retirement living. The house must be eco-friendly inside and out, and aim to achieve a minimum of 20 LEED points. The house must use universal design ideas that can accommodate many different types of users. Both flat and sloped roofs must be incorporated to create harmony through modern design. Universal design is defined as: “The design of products and environments to be usable by all people, to the greatest extent possible, without the need for adaption or specialized design.”
Design Elements Contributing to LEED Credits
Solar panels facing south
No tall trees SE to SW
South facing windows
Energy star appliances
Low flow valves
Rain barrels
Lots of windows
LED lighting
Fiberglass doors
Energy rated windows
Low emitting products
Universal Kitchen Design
*A Galley style kitchen allows for more than one entry and exit in times of high congestion
*Side by side fridge-freezer doors allow people in wheelchairs or scooters to access the fridge and freezer
*Hands free faucets are a convenience to turn taps on and off
*A shallow apron front sink is more easily accessible by eliminating the countertop ledge from the front
*Under the sink counter is left open, which allows wheelchairs to pull up and use this space easier
*Seamless luxury vinyl tile flooring is resilient and generally warm under foot
*The cooktop vent is retractable and built in to the counter for easy access
The client Swarovski has requested that the design for their new 18,000 square foot head office be located in a one story building in the downtown core of London, with a partial second floor to be added. The client's corporate image is critical because the building is open to the public. The new design is to be based on the recent advertisement campaign “All Things Extraordinary”. While primarily associated with crystal, the firm is now perceived as a youthful women’s fashion brand. Through the office design, the company would like all employees to understand “who we are” and “where we are going”. The theme of the space is to be “modern lux”. Open office workstations have been requested, or a unique office system, which serves productivity and happiness to employees. Swarovski would like to be seen as a democratic company of social harmony and cultural experiences. Interesting architectural details and excellent lighting conditions are a necessity in the design as well.
A custom display wall located in the reception and waiting area features a lightbox housing the recently chosen advertisement that reflects the companies new corporate image. Display pedestals with protective glass highlight the crystal creations that are featured in the ad. This wall is important because it brands the space, while emitting a strong company image that will attract new talent, additional stockholders, and help secure customers in a target market.
The clients Gary and Mary Katari, have requested a renovation and addition to their current modest size two-bedroom house. The new construction must be open and flexible, retain its ranch style, allow for forest views, and also be wheelchair accessible. Mary is confined to a wheelchair, and gardening and being outdoors is very important to her. Gary would like a new home office to run his graphic design business, and a gourmet kitchen, as well as an outdoor kitchen and barbeque area. The basement is to be finished so that it does not feel like a ‘basement’ and new finishes and furnishings are to be integrated. The lower level will have a home theatre, workout area, games area, and laundry room. To accommodate the Katari’s family, there will be two bedrooms plus a master, and the great and dining rooms will seat six but expand for parties. The stairs to the lower level will accommodate a chair lift, and the main and garage entry doors will have accessible ramps.
