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Posted by Dezignaré on February 9, 2008, 4:00 pm
>
> Here're a few links to maybe help get your log rolling:
>
> http://images.businessweek.com/ss/07/03/0314_microhomes/index_01.htm
> http://www.treehugger.com/files/2005/04/very_small_hous_1.php
> http://www.tumbleweedhouses.com/houses.htm
> http://www.landliving.com/articles/0000000581.aspx
>
http://www.amazon.com/gp/reader/0789309742/ref=sib_dp_pt/002-5878034-9377625#reader-link
>
> Still building big? Why? Why not?
>
> My initial questions/thoughts:
> Do smaller homes provide bigger design challenges?
Houses large or small can feel cookie-cutter in their approach, it often
boils down to the design sensibilities of the architect and client.
> More of a creative attention to choreography and efficiency, etc.?
Doesn't it become more necessary to use every square inch, rather than waste
it?
> When designing for a small home, should we consider hiring/importing
> Japanese over North American architect talent?
Not unless you feel the need or desire.
> Do small homes necessarily have to be/feel cramped or claustrophobic?
There are too many boring walls and long halls in the world! Give me a
shell, not a tomb!
> Do you try to suggest a smaller/greener footprint for your new clients'
> homes?
It seems to be a matter of land to building ratio that matters most to me,
be it a big castle on the hill or a cottage on the beach. If you cover every
square inch of land, what's left? Not an environment I want to be in. Years
ago I traveled back to an old haunt on the Pacific Coast - LA area. Over
the years, larger and larger building filled the voids of land along the
coast, until there was nothing but a sea of concrete....buildings stacked
one upon another. Folks were growing topiaries on their tiniest of porches
for something that reminded them of a tree. And, while I know New York is
probably a fantastic place (I've never been) I prefer to walk out my door
and see blue and green.
> (Can there be as much money in it?)
Again, wouldn't this depend in large part on the value of the land and the
design sensibilities of the client?
> How Does Ken's apparent new Okanagan home compare with his others?
You like PATATO and I like POTATO :) It may be small, but just what YOU
want. Do you want a $1000/month or a $100/month ONGOING utility bill. -OR-
do you want X AMOUNT of space, but prefer to be energy self-sufficient?
> Feelings? Ideas? Conclusions?
I like the idea of building within an envelope and not obliterating every
inch of land. I don't have a problem with space, as much as I have a problem
with individuals not having a responsibility to the environment. Beautiful
green spaces are eaten up with reckless abandon, in the name of the almighty
buck. I guess I care more about the environment, than the building, and more
about having things made of high quality, rather than having tons of junk
around.
> How small has Don designed? How big?
Itty-bitty to Monolithic? I prefer to live in a castle! But, a small castle
will do just fine! :)
> Anyone here specialize in small/green?
Everyone specializes in GREEN, don't ya know? It's called GREEN MARKETING
MANIA!
How easy is it to find one who does?
I heard "through the grapevine" that HOME DEPOT thought about setting up a
green display. SO, they approached their suppliers, but every one of them
had something they felt was "GREEN" about their particular product. It might
be better to look for something "sustainable."
>
> How might have Chris E. responded?
As Chris always did, with grace and dignity.
>
> This thread is dedicated to the late Christopher Egan, who initiated my
> interest in "choreography".
>
Thanks Rich! With fond memories we remember a guy who touched all our lives.
> Rich
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