Rachelle, in a joint endeavor with one of her very good friends, Betty, purchased an acre of hill top land just south of Prescott, AZ. They split the acre and each began the process of planning, designing and constructing what would be for each, their dream home. I was very fortunate to have Rachelle contact me to design her home. At the time I was brought into the process, excavation of both benches had been completed. I met with Rachelle on site to get a feel for the setting and discuss the parameters for her home. I asked her to fill out one of my client profile forms as well. Since that initial meeting, I have been to the site one more time, and have had additionally meetings with her.
Following is a summary of the Design Parameters that have been established through these visits and discussions:
General considerations
• Three floors: FIRST FLOOR to be a Garage large enough for two cars and two ATVs as well as a separate space for a Pottery Studio; SECOND FLOOR to consist of the Kitchen with a large island opening up to a Great Room, two Guest Rooms (one on either side of the Great Room), and the Main Entry; THIRD FLOOR consists of a Large Master Suite and Artist's Studio Loft.
• All views should be maximized
• Lots of windows
• Lots of light (windows, skylights, solar tubes)
• Emphasis on Indoor/Outdoor Function
• Decks, decks, and more decks
• Seating on the decks
• Natural cedar siding
• Natural materials such as wood and stone
• Large, oversized, entry with a big WOW factor (perhaps glass block side lights)
• High, vaulted ceiling with exposed beams over the great room opening up to a loft off of the third floor studio (8-10ft in the guest rooms, 10-12ft in the master)
• Dimmer switches, three/four-way switches
• Interior walls to be painted sheet rock (texture TBD)
• Wood floor in Great Room, tile for remainder (perhaps carpet in master)
• Consider using glass block in the bathrooms for light
• Consider incorporating boulders from excavation into decks as one means to blur the distinction between structure and nature
• All showers to have benches but no curbs
• Consider placing laundry on the third floor for convenience
The garage / Pottery Studio
• The garage, at minimum, should be a two-car garage
• Additionally, a third door for two ATVs
• Windows in the garage doors
• Plenty of storage for tools, golf clubs, bicycles, etc.
• The pottery area should accommodate a kiln
The Main Floor
• The kitchen is the heart of the home and should have an extraordinary view of the landscape
• The island/bar needs to be large, house a sink, and seat four comfortably
• There needs to be an area for a small table to serve as a dining space
• The outdoor grill needs to be convenient to the kitchen
• A large walk-in pantry adjacent to the kitchen
• A fireplace situated opposite from the kitchen that does not obstruct the view and is constructed of stone (perhaps the boulders saved from the excavation could be used) with a wood hearth and mantle
• The Main Guest Room should considered a second master for use by her mother if need be
• The second guest room is smaller and will be used as a TV room and office
• Consider an entertainment center adjacent to the fireplace
• Introduce a powder room with an entry hidden from great room view
The kitchen
• Pull-out drawer to house garbage and recycling bins
• Appliances are important, but need not be high-end
• Consider a wine cooler (perhaps at the end of the island)
• Granite counter tops
• Cherry or maple cabs
The Master Suite
• Large & roomy enough for a king-size bed, two side tables, big chair, dresser and fireplace (directly over the great room fireplace)
• Large walk-in closet with drawers, multi-level hanging, storage, good lighting
• Outdoor deck accessed by large sliders or french doors
The Master bath
• Walk-in snail shower with multiple heads (no tub)
• Two sinks
• Functioning windows for venting
• Lots of cabs, drawers
• Linen closet
The loft studio
• This space will serve as an artist's studio as well as an office
• Office elements include: computer, file cabs, book shelves
• Studio elements include: sink, cupboards, drawers for specific supplies
Lifestyle considerations
• She likes to entertain small, informal groups, but at times may have parties of 15 or more
• Likes to keep the house open to breezes
• Likes open spaces except in the Master, which should be more intimate
• Decks should accommodate flower pots and water features
• Consider a water feature(s) as part of the natural landscape
• Consider wall space for hanging some art or travel pictures
• Plan for an elevator
design considerations
• Open, efficient floor plan
• Inviting, warm and comfortable interior... yet WOW
• Mountain home, timber frame, cedar, exposed beams
• Lots of light
• Metal roof (standing seam?)
• Energy efficient
• Consider handicap access
