When we started working on the design of a new house I built a simple set of web pages to help communicate ideas and information with the architect that we employed to get us started. Instead of a hastily scribbled or even formally written design brief I used a collection of pictures, SketchUp files, links to examples etc. In general this worked very well and since it gathered all the persistent information together and it acted as a good place to see where we were and what was still undecided. John Gower & I sent each other SketchUp files as each of us tried out ideas and it was easy to add little annotations to show where I agreed or disagreed. I think that with a little development it could work at least as we ll as the commenting/annotating system in Microsoft Word.

This page is a trimmed snapshot of the set of pages that resulted and lists the requirements and wishes we settled on.

The Lot

• North facing slope with views across Georgia Strait to coast mountains
• 2.5 Acres approx 270ft wide by 450ft deep
• steep slope up for about 1/3rd of depth, then gentler slope for 1/3rd then steep wooded for remainder
• slopes down also on east side
• rough driveway already cut
• power already provided
• water from well across road, piping/pump/storage to be installed

The House
Guiding design idea is a timberframe, SIP walled, metal roofed lodge.
Design Influences

• Tedd Benson, Bensonwood Homes & Open Building Initiative In particular, see his seminal book
• Sarah Susanka, The not so big house etc Sarah Susanka - Architecture and Design
• Johnny Grey, Reinventing the Kitchen Johnny Grey, The Art of Custom Kitchen Design and Interior Architecture,
• Prairie and Green & Green genres

See also

• Ross Chapin Architects
• BC Mountain Homes - Home Builder Plans, Custom Floor Plans - this is the practice of John Gower, who got us off to a great start.

Things we’d like if possible.

• Heating by hydronic underfloor if possible, maybe geothermal if we’re really lucky
• propane stove/fireplace in living room.
• HRV system
• cavity ceiling between floors to provide space for ducting, piping, wiring
• central vac
• electrical system designed for

• • backup generator installation
• • lighting control via X-10 or similar remote control technology

All living accommodation on main floor

• entry (entrance will very likely need to be at end of building due to the slope)
• living room(s)
• kitchen
• eating
• master suite
• garage (at least garage access)

Secondary rooms most likely below in walk-out basement area due to the terrain

• one or preferably two guest bedrooms
• storage room
• bathroom
• possible lower guest lounge
• place for gym (likely in one of the spare bedrooms?)

Entrance

• clearly defined entrance lobby
• large door
• mudroom with light and space, bench for booting up, 'wet closet' for drying coats
• washroom with space to handle laundry and plant watering duties
• should connect main entry area to garage
• stone/ceramic tile/concrete flooring

Kitchen

• size around 15 x 10
• open living space
• plenty of windows
• minimal upper cabinets
• large pantry 8’ by 8’ ish, room for fridge, microwave, etc, to allow for loss of upper cabinets
• island
• double oven, electric convection
• gas cooktop
• double sink
• bookshelf space for cookbooks
• seating area (windowseat for example)
• stone/ceramic tile/ concrete flooring

Living room

• size around 13 by 17
• low, deep sill wndows
• french windows to rear (south) garden
• possible secondary seating area for TV viewing
• gas fire or stove
• wood flooring

Eating space

• size around 15 by 15 - to fit 6 seater table
• wood floor

Master suite

• bedroom size around 13 by 17

• • large windows
• • interesting roofline - no rectilinear boxes need apply

• bathroom

• • good size; this is an important room
• • ideally wetroom with stepless shower
• • soaker tub
• • walk-in shower
• • dual sinks, or at least space similar to that
• • toilet

• walk-in closet
• wood flooring

Secondary rooms downstairs

• all windows would be to north due to slope of lot
• one or two guest rooms
• space for gym equipment
• bathroom
• mechanicals room
• storage

Office

• Need a substantial space since I work at home; currently the space above a double garage serves very well and a similar space is needed.
• Good light and ventilation are important.
• Bookshelves & storage.
• Space for several computer workstations.

Garage

• single would be acceptable since workshop would provide more space for any subsequent owner
• should connect to mudroom for access to house

Workshop

• Need substantial workshop space; double garage is not enough. Need not be attached to house
• wood (ply) over insulation flooring
• heated
• plumbed for half-bath

Landscaping

• stone patio to south/rear
• restraining wall after patio with upslope garden leading into forest
• maintain as many trees as practical whilst clearing enough for ocean views to north/east
• maintain screening to neighbour at west