A home's intended design may not always suit its property's natural grading. We recognize the importance of this relationship and make site planning the first order of business when approaching the design of a new home or renovation.

From flat lots to steep slopes, every home should be designed in mass and layout to suit the site's contours. The unique characteristics of a property should be seen more as opportunity than a challenge.

Our client wanted a garage that would blend into the natural slope of his lot. By utilizing the contours of his existing site, we were able to provide him with the 15 foot ceiling he requested in the lower portion of the building as well as a 3-car garage with living space above. (See examples below)

   
Waterfront Side (Bottom of Slope)                              Rear Side (Top of Slope)       

Here are the essential cues we take from a site before we start designing:

1. Capture views and sun. Plan your house to best utilize view corridors and sun. Don’t build your house on the sunny spot of your lot but rather adjacent to it. Try to maximize those south facing outdoor spaces. Look to bringing that winter sun into the house while keeping the summer rays at bay.

2. What’s unique about your property? It might be a cliff, a view or a just a big, bright yard but this special feature can play an important role in the design of your house.

3. Understand the essence of the site. Try to work with the site rather than force something on it. The placement of structures, roads, gardens and outdoor areas should enhance the site rather than take from it.

4. Be strategic in the placement of your house and its landscaping. Use the building itself to screen unwanted views and create private zones. Be creative with your landscaping. It too can work as an effective tool to separate public and private areas.

Location on the site is the key first step to a successful design. Get this right and the value of your home will always benefit.