?

I'm not a fan of the back. The timber frame highlights the chimney really well, but the chimney doesn't seem worth highlighting. And the usable space under the roof is not very big; you probably don't want to put a grill in front of the window so if you want grilling space it will have to go in front of the chimney, however that puts it right in the path from door to what would be seating in front of the window. And that area left for seating is tiny. Maybe you don't want outdoor cooking space...

Is the right side the garage?

I also don't quite understand the roofline.

On the front elevation, there is a bit of imbalance with the windows. Can you add another window to the two to the right of the front ones? Also, make the style the same all the way across the front with the upper mullions. I might also add little metal roof arbors over the two left windows. In other words, give the windows a bit more attention. You might be able to mix metal roofing with shingles for more interest on the two separate gables.

2016 Spring Parade Home · More Info

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It looks like 3 different houses hobbled together.

Is this a total new house or an addition?

I'm guessing...this was "designed" by a drafter recommended by a builder...

Do you think it's rather bulky and boring on both ends with an Ooops in the middle, both front and back?

To me, the front entrance looks like a cross between early 2000's McMansion and a contemporary lake house. It's a little weird, tbh. Also don't care for the brick accents. Sorry I can't be more positive.

This is one of those instances when I wish I had the fortitude (or whatever you want to call it) to consume a bottle of pinot noir and express what I really think about a design.

Having not consumed alcohol in several days, I can only say that the massing and fenestration lacks balance and composition. The (I assume) log detailing appears pretentious and also assume the plan was laid without consideration of the exterior. I recommend (as I normally do) engaging a local architect to design a home with you that will meet your needs and fit your site.

(there, i made it through without using profanity)

This sort of timber or log detailing works best when it's an integral part of the architecture. This looks like a couple of log features stuck on the outside an otherwise pretty conventional house. If you want to pursue this idea, find more ways to incorporate the log trusses and posts into the architecture in meaningful ways. When done right, the look is rugged and masculine and should look substantial and strong. These porches are too tall for the columns supporting the trusses and the bases are too feeble looking. IMO the entry porch should be much lower and massive.

Can I talk you out of logs? It's been overdone and it requires painstaking (expensive) craftsmanship to do well. You can do amazing things with timbers.

Eidelweiss Parade Home · More Info

I would eliminate every forward facing gable. The windows are really bad too. Please hire an architect.

Without seeing the floor plans it's hard to visualize and to make any useful suggestions. My critique, based on what we see, is that the bulk of the elevations, left and right of center, are simply unimaginative. The massing and proportions aren't very interesting, and the windows seem placed based on some sort of interior room arrangement, but on the exterior have no rhythm, variety or any sort of exterior appeal.

The center portions, front and rear, are not harmonious with the rest of the façade, and seem as if designed without concern for the scale or proportion of the rest of the house. These center elements are simply too large, and too divorced from the rest of the house's development.

What is needed, IMO, is a stronger overall integration of the exterior, with a more imaginative use of shapes, forms and glazing.

Good luck on your project!