Alternate facade?

6 years ago

Hi there, I am currently going through the planning stage for my family home and was hoping for a more interesting japanese/Scandinavian inspired front & side facades. Keen to hear your thoughts. :-)

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PRO

Paul Di Stefano Design

6 years ago

last modified: 6 years ago

Ahhhh (sigh) yes...... wouldn't that be great Arcke - a conversation about the true benefits and value of professional design..........one of the biggest challenges I think (we as) designers have is when design is done well, it looks so simple and effortless, that it can be mistaken that it's easy to do.......when in fact (as you know) that underlying the (as you said) "illusion of simplicity", is a deep and complex balancing process that ultimately takes years, arguably a lifetime to properly master........

Wai's house here is a remarkable opportunity (frustrating to look onto from our position) as it (dare I say relatively easily!) could be cleaned up to be a stunningly elegant residence of simplicity, with a far superior living experience and consequently a much more valuable piece of real estate long term......but it requires a seasoned design Pro at the helm who understands this type of architectural language, form and the relationship of human scale to deliver it, not just a drafty who has been directed what walls to draw up by the owner and just slaps a hip form over it all.....

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Comments (30)

siriuskey
6 years ago
Hi there Wai, looks like you have decided on your floor plan, we would love to see it, something for you to ponder, nothing more Japanese/Scandi than timber
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PRO
Dr Retro House Calls
6 years ago
Bit of a challenge with a steep corrugated roof, rendered finish and the style and proportions of your windows. If it is a corner site then you have a lot of elevation to make look good. Depends on your budget and what you are prepared to change.

Have a look at this house, which is the authentic Scandinavian style for some inspiration:

https://www.wowhaus.co.uk/2018/08/19/1950s-kjeld-dirckinck-holmfel-midcentury-modern-property-aalborg-denmark/#more-24151

Best of luck,

Dr. Retro

of Dr. Retro House Calls

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JE C
6 years ago
I assume you have google image-d japandi exteriors, there are a few nice exterior photos that might help if not. I like timber and black combos.
siriuskey
6 years ago
That roof line definately doesn't look Japanese/Scandi, it's way too big, change the roof style and it would look more authentic
Wai
Original Author
6 years ago
Hi Siriuskey, this is pretty much the final design.
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Wai
Original Author
6 years ago
Thank you all for your comments. I guess would need to use a flat/ skillion roof to make it more modern/ attractive?
PRO
Dr Retro House Calls
6 years ago
last modified: 6 years ago
From the plan it looks like an expensive home, but doesn't look like an expensive home from the outside. I would engage a professional designer who understands style, materials and proportions to draw up the elevations properly and get the right look. Yes, the roof is wrong for the look you want, but it is only just the start of what could be improved with the right hand and input. To be blunt the person who drew your floor plans may not have the design skills to design elevations, or else you didn't convey the style you want?

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Best of luck,

Dr Retro

of Dr Retro House Calls
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dreamer
6 years ago
Wood, blacks, stonework. Shingle concrete tile roof, not colorbond. Sectional garage door. If roof line can't be changed, build flat elongated porticos at entrance and side, to distract from 'normal' roofline.
siriuskey
6 years ago
last modified: 6 years ago
Wai this is a beautiful house that you could draw inspiration from it has all the Japanese elements, black, timber door, stone and exterior entrance.

cheers
JE C
6 years ago
That's a lovely picture Sirius and I think suggests a Japandi look could be achieved on this home for Wai with the right finishes and landscaping and with existing roof lines. Wai, I think I would reconsider the type of fencing shown in your design, I am not sure it is consistent with the look you want.
siriuskey
6 years ago
I agree JE C some Vertical narrow timber with small spacing for the fence would suit much better, I would also lower the height of the roof similar to the photo.
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PRO
Paul Di Stefano Design
6 years ago
last modified: 6 years ago
Well this just demonstrates the difference between the capacity to design in 3 dimensions, and not.........a building's articulation will be derived from the plan resolution....it's not simple as just doing the plan and then working out the roof.... or applying/switching some materials here and there.......that hip roof at that pitch & scale is so out of balance and not surprised that you are not happy with it - you are on the right track to try and seek a better elevated resolution....yes a flat roof design or a combination/composition of floating pop ups over flat or parapet forms would be more suitable, but more complex & expensive ...advise that you work with a designer who has the chops to deliver you the home you seek......clearly you are not winning here, and if you have to jump back on Houzz at this stage in the design process well that kind of says it all...

Good luck! Cheers PD

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Wai
Original Author
6 years ago
Thank you for all the feedback. I think the challenging part for me is to find comparable single storey houses with a well designed side facade that i could reference. The roof and windows selections will likely need to be changed.
JE C
6 years ago
I agree Siriuskey about the vertical timber, love that look.
oklouise
6 years ago
one of the best aspects of great Japanese and Scandinavian design is the simplicity of the shapes...look through HOUZZ photos for Japanese and Scandinavian photos and you'll find hundreds of beautiful examples ...i think the way your rooms bump out in odd places makes the roof look clumsy..tidying up the floor plan and lowering the angle of the roof could help simplify the design and then see where to add some timber and/or stone features
siriuskey
6 years ago
You don't have to have a flat or skillion stye roof for Japandi style, you just need to reduce the height of your roof in your existing plan to about half
dreamer
6 years ago
Pitched roofs
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PRO
Paul Di Stefano Design
6 years ago
the problem here is more in the floor plan (still) than anything else....oklouise is spot on in regards to simplifying the plan form......contemporary Japanese architecture is the absolute king of simplicity and balance.....and this plan couldn't be further from the essence of that, and since the form is derived from the plan, the answer lies in simplifying the plan solution....if you want a more simple and elegant looking house, then you have to drive the design of the plan to achieve that, not just apply it.....you can't apply/change a building style the same as say changing into a different style jacket ..........and re "referencing" please be very careful that you don't get into issues with breaching copyright....
Wai
Original Author
6 years ago
Cheers and dont worry, i have yet to find an appropiate side facade to be inspired by let alone disrespecting the copyright.
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siriuskey
6 years ago
last modified: 6 years ago
Some more for you to ponder
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siriuskey
6 years ago
Wai, your floor plan is very hard to read can you make it clearer including measurements thank you
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PRO
Arcke Pty Ltd
6 years ago
Well said Paul. Architectural style needs to be considered from the very beginning, rather than applying a ‘look’ to the interior or exterior of a building either through materials, colour or form. There is an opportunity for a much broader conversation here between home owners embarking on new builds or renovations and the design education, time and modelling that goes into creating pleasing proportions and (the illusion of) simplicity.
oklouise
6 years ago
a simpler roof would allow more options for improving the facade and a professional designer with on site knowledge and personal information would be the best investment for your new home but it's also good to refine your own ideas to see what might suit...
siriuskey
6 years ago
last modified: 6 years ago
Love that floor plan design Oklouise . Wai you have some great design ideas to take to your onsite appointment with your chosen Professional
Wai
Original Author
6 years ago
Thank you all for your valuable inputs and a special thanks to oklouise for your tireless efforts and guidance.
siriuskey
6 years ago
last modified: 6 years ago
Wai your side fence

courtyard could look something like this house on a corner block. cheers
JE C
6 years ago
Looks great Siriuskey, Wai I hope you keep us posted on what you end up with.
Wai
Original Author
6 years ago
Dear all,

In order to cover all basis, I am using what I learnt so far about my requirements to enlist multiple design house/builders to come up with an alternate design for my family to choose. The premise being I will go with the one that will offer us the best overall design and value. That way I will also do what is best for the property.
oklouise
6 years ago
this variation is about 350sqm and the courtyard is wider and should fit on the block with at least 2m from closest boundaries and space for courtyard garden on the south side and the off street parking at the front entry...the simpler roof should make it easier and more economical to build
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