Progress report on Home of Tomorrow at the Texas State Fair.  The home will open Friday September 30th.

Construction photos.  The framing has started on the Net-Zero Energy Home of Tomorrow at the State Fair of Texas.

I recently had the privilege of designing the home that is now being built at this year's State Fair of Texas.  The energy efficient concept home will be open for tours from September 30 until October 23..

Quite often, we work with building sites where a magnificent tree is located exactly in the location the house needs to be placed.  A builder came to me recently with just such a lot.  He couldn't find a design that would allow the tree to stay.  After some careful measuring and lots of sketching, I came up with this concept.  The lot actually backs up to a golf course, so the view towards the rear was obviously very important. Also, a 3 -car garage was requested.  Interestingly enough, I we had to obtain a variance from the developer to face the one car garage towards the street.  I've always been amused by this very common restriction...they'll allow a 3 car garage protruding 35 feet towards the street, but won't allow any doors to be parallel with the street.  Do they really think a 3 car garage with doors facing to the side is not recognizable as a garage?  Let's just be realistic.  A garage IS a garage.  Sure,  I'd much rather place it along the rear with an alley entrance...or detach it and place it towards the rear of the house with a driveway down the side.  But, when the client has paid a premium for a golf course (or lake) view, we certainly don't want the  garage to be an obstruction. (see garage placement in my book Home Plan Doctor)

Garages that double as outdoor living spaces can have a dramatic impact on a neighborhood of homes with garages located at a rear alley.  Imagine the added activity along what is often just a narrow passageway for cars!  Weekend cookouts could easily transform the alley into a “people place” and a safe area for the children to play.

The detached garage could be built along with the home, or, depending on the finances, constructed later.  The “carport” easily transforms into a spacious outdoor living area.  Combined with the optional kitchen and toilet room in the garage, the entire space offers an efficient alternative to a separate and costly “outdoor kitchen.”

"Architecture... is for the young. If our teenagers don't get architecture – if they are not inspired – we won't have the architecture that we must have if this country is going to be beautiful." (Frank Lloyd Wright)

I have always believed that most individuals have a certain innate understanding of proportion and scale.  That being said, it's unfortunate that our education system rarely offers even a basic presentation regarding architecture and design.  Perhaps if our public schools weren't constantly eliminating "the arts" from the curriculum, our future clients might have more appreciation and understanding of design. 

In the meantime, there are youngsters who are being introduced to architecture in various ways.  Here's Megan's color interpretation of a black and white sketch.  She's 8 years old and definitely has an idea of how she thinks a house should look! 

One of the most imaginative projects I've ever seen can be found in Austin, Texas.  Designed by Overland Partners of San Antonio, this collection of buildings and gardens mirrors the surrounding landscape with the use of native stone and cedar.  Meticulous detailing and careful placement of various building elements result in an amazing group of spaces.  Although constructed just a few years ago, several of the stone walls appear as if they have been in place, weathering for several hundred years. The Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center in Austin is open to the public. http://www.wildflower.org/about/

I’m currently working on several designs that could be constructed as modules.  The benefits of building homes in an indoor environment would seem rather obvious; no adverse weather conditions, templates that allow for extremely precise framing, and efficient installation of all mechanical, plumbing, and electrical components.  The greatest hurdle appears to be the preconceived idea that “modular” is the same as a “mobile home.”
My initial designs are focusing on small cottages that could be used as weekend homes.  I’m also working on several concepts that would allow for easy and logical expansion – sort of a home that could “grow” with the family.  More sketches to come…