Architecture
Think Like an Architect: Know Your Homesite for a Great Design
Learn how to approach a building site the way professionals do — considering everything in sight
Great home designs always have two things in common: They reflect the lifestyles of their inhabitants, and they relate to, or are extensions of, the environment in which they are built.
The first step to a great design is understanding the site of the home. Where is the best location for your house? Which site features do you want to highlight? How can you take advantage of views? And what should you try to avoid? In this ideabook I will try to help you understand the dos and don’ts of site design and explain some standard terms architect typically use.
The first step to a great design is understanding the site of the home. Where is the best location for your house? Which site features do you want to highlight? How can you take advantage of views? And what should you try to avoid? In this ideabook I will try to help you understand the dos and don’ts of site design and explain some standard terms architect typically use.
The very important first step to great design is to do what in architecture lingo is called a site analysis — an examination of how the existing structure or new build relates or will relate to its unique existing environmental conditions. These conditions include topography, access, solar and wind orientation, views, existing trees or streams, and neighboring properties.
Topography refers to the surface shape and features of your property. Is your site sloped, stepped or flat? Are there large boulders or rock croppings? Is there a pond? Many sites have a combination of topographical elements. Choosing where to locate your house in relation to these elements can make a big difference in the construction cost of your home. While locating your house on a rocky slope might create a dramatic setting and take full advantage of sweeping views, the foundation design will be extremely expensive. (Here’s a cost-saving tip: Avoid large retaining walls.)
Access is how you get to your house from the nearest road. If your house is on an average city street, this is pretty straightforward, and there are not a lot of options. On larger rural properties however, the distance your house is from the nearest street can make a huge difference in the construction cost.
One access consideration is the length of the driveway, which is often dictated by the fire department, which requires a minimum width, turnouts for fire trucks and a turnaround at the end. Utilities are another aspect. If your driveway is a half mile long, you most likely will have to pay to have electrical, plumbing, gas, cable and water lines run that distance as well. There is nothing like having a private refuge with nothing around but nature; just make sure you don’t overlook the less obvious but important consideration of access.
Views can create dramatic backdrops for a home — always take advantage of appropriate views. And know that the success of your project will depend not only on using beautiful vistas, but on blocking and avoiding unpleasant ones. Proper site design takes into consideration the neighboring property conditions and should provide privacy, safety and a sense of independence for your home.
If you are fortunate enough to have a site with an existing stream or grouping of trees, be aware of them, as they are great design elements and add a sense of nature and dynamism to any landscape. Development around trees, creeks or streams is highly regulated in some jurisdictions.
If you are looking to purchase a property that has a large dry creek running through it, be aware that there could be setbacks required, greatly reducing the buildable area of your property.
If you are looking to purchase a property that has a large dry creek running through it, be aware that there could be setbacks required, greatly reducing the buildable area of your property.
Understanding your homesite, and properly locating and orienting your building, is the first step to great design.
Tell us: Have a question about site design, or have you had a good or bad site experience? Share it in the Comments below.
Tell us: Have a question about site design, or have you had a good or bad site experience? Share it in the Comments below.