first round of floorplans

well, we had our first meeting with studioMET regarding the schematics of the home and the floorplan to the right is the result of our initial meeting. [click on picture to enlarge] when we started the process with studioMET we gave them a list of things we wanted in the home. some were specific, and some were just a list of feelings we wanted to evoke when someone comes to and into the home. we plan on flipping the floorplan horizontally so that the "C" formation faces east or up on the floorplan above. other features we like are the study that can turn to a 4th bedroom b/c it has a closet and a connected bathroom. also, we totally dig the carport. just for reference, the space of the kitchen, dining and living room is approximately 22x40 feet. for those that have been to our townhouse, it is roughly the size of our second floor but 6 feet wider. also, notice that the living, dining room has a wall of windows...probably sliding glass doors since fold-away windows (like nana walls) would thoroughly break the budget.

below is the list we initially came up with for the architect, let me know your thoughts on whether you think the design embodies our list:

~mid-century inspired design

~1 story~2500-3000 s.f.

~indoor/outdoor feeling

~courtyard feeling

~home that runs the depth of the lot

~at least 3 bedroom

~at least 3 full baths

~possibly a study that could convert to room if needed

~possibly a small sitting area

~main living space (kitchen, dinning, living room connected) towards back of home so you don't walk right into the main area from the front door

~master bedroom towards back of home

~large kitchen space

~low-slung roof

~stone/cmu on the front elevation

~possibly 3 car garage, or 2 car garage with carport

~exposed beams

Schematic Forthcoming

Well...we are in the early phase of design. Studio Met will be getting us the initial schematic drawing in about a week or two. Hopefully our first meeting a month ago conveyed enough of what we had in mind. Fingers crossed.

soil testing

soil testing occurs today. this is done so that the engineers can design a good foundation for the home. being in houston, the ground is usually either sand or clay, and causes great expansion both in winter and especially in the summer. designing the correct foundation can either "make or break" a home. also to take in consideration is the likelihood of flooding on the lot. luckily for us, the lot is not in the flood plain, which will eliminate several costly issues.

architectural firm decided

well we finally made our decision for the architect for the lampton house. drum roll......studio met of houston, texas (www.studiomet.net) or their general construction site (www.mdgi.net). we look forward to working with the principal architect su nguyen.