Attached Casita and Courtyard design
Initial Design Parameters
Bev and Dan are the second owner of a home that is less than ten years old and represents one of many floor plan options originally offered in a gated, golf course community. The community is in Goodyear, AZ, west of Phoenix. The existing home is approximately 2120 square feet with a recessed entry flanked by a forward guest bedroom and two-car garage. The master bedroom is at the back of the home, on the same side as the guest. A master and guest bath separate the two. A dining room/den/office is immediately to the right of the entry which opens to a living room and family room. The kitchen is further around to the right, behind the garage.
The couple plan to continue living in the home part-time for now, but will eventually make it their full-time residence. They had for some time been investigating the possibility of adding an attached casita to the front of the home, extending from the guest bedroom to be flush with the front of the garage at the front setback. The newly defined space leading to the entry would be transformed into a usable, gated courtyard.
Following is a summary of their needs and wants as gleaned through discussion and a Client Profile Form which I provide to new clients. This list comprises the basis for the Design Parameters for this project:
The attached casita
• Separate entry to convey a sense of privacy and self-sufficiency for guests when staying in the casita. This separation is also important for Bev and Dan.
• Full bath including a medicine cabinet over a single sink with adequate counter space; separation between the sink and the walk-in, doorless shower & WC
• Small closet
• The sleeping/living space needs to be uncrowded and comfortable
• Space for a queen-size bed and two night stands
• The existing front window in the guest will be transplanted to the new casita front, helping to define an interior seating area with a TV
• An area dedicated as a small efficiency kitchen to contain a small fridge, microwave, and coffee maker
• The existing guest bedroom would be made into a felxible space which could serve as a guest bed, office, den and/or TV room. The wall separating the two rooms should be sound-proofed.
• The new attached casita should have, as much as possible, dedicated services - HCAV, water heater, etc.
The new courtyard
• The courtyard would receive minimal sun as the front of the house faces east. Plants would be potted and should be selected to fit the environment
• Water feature
• Existing concrete to be removed and replaced with natural stone pavers
• Entry into the courtyard would be through a custom, wrought iron gate
• The landscaping in front would be assessed and re-evaluated
General considerations
• Ease of maintenance
• Maintain exterior style of existing home relative to materials and color
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