Hi all SSers,
As I said in another thread, I have now received the initial concept plans for our retirement nest on Kangaroo Island. (Google LOT 51 Lovers Ln
BROWNLOW KI SA 5223.)
The views are predominantly to the north east thus the glass in that area.
There are a few areas with which we are not happy right now. Before discussing these, we would like to get some feedback from you guys.
We will be living upstairs and the unit downstairs will be used for visitors and some holiday rentals from time to time.
Your thoughts please. I am happy to answer any questions.
This is the initial brief we gave the architect:-
Just some thoughts on what we are thinking for the house on KI.
As you will note, the block is fully wooded and we want to retain as much of that as we can. With this in mind, we also want to take advantage of the views and therefore we need to go up (Council says 6.5 M but will go with 7M) and build a house on stilts. Unfortunately the views are to the east and north east which creates a challenge as far as cooling etc is concerned. I think we could overcome most of the problems by having wide verandahs all round which we want anyway.
We want the house to be as green as possible and to this end we will be installing grid connect solar power which needs to be installed on a (true) north facing roof at 30 degrees. We would prefer not to have to install frameworks to attain the angle. The roof also need to act as catchments for the water tanks and we will be installing a grey water treatment system. We would like to not have to install aircon and try to get away with insulation and fans in summer and a slow combustion wood heater in winter. Also we will be using the Zego system (http://www.zego.com.au/index.php?option=com_content&task=blogsection&id=13&Itemid=131 ) Please have a look.
We would like the house to be wheelchair friendly and therefore a ramp??? from the outside to the verandah and adequate internal spacing. (This is where we will live and hopefully grow old and more doddery than now.)
To the structure:
Downstairs: (We will most likely use this area as accommodation for B&B guests.)
Two double sized bedrooms large enough to fit a queen bed, couple of easy chairs and TV. Towel rails, chest of drawers and built in robes.
A bathroom with shower and bath. (Maybe small en suites would be more suitable.)
Shared self contained kitchen for making coffee and toast etc.
We will be using these for visitors and bed and breakfast type accommodation.
A large laundry with a chute from upstairs. Cupboard and bench for folding linen, trough, washing machine and dryer. Enough room to do ironing.
A large linen press outside the laundry. (Slatted doors.)
Upstairs:
A large master suite to accommodate two beds, Ensuite with shower (1000 x 2000), bath with spa jets, combination extractor heater, full size vanity with drawers and cupboard space. Separate toilet with extractor fan.
A craft room for "She who must be obeyed" with workbench/desk and shelving. (Min 3600 x 3600)
A study for "He who does the obeying"
Good size dedicated theatre room.
Powder room with basin and toilet for visitors.
Large country style kitchen, very large walk in pantry for bulk food storage and a chest freezer, open plan living/eating/TV/area opening onto the wide verandahs. This area should be considered as the primary area to take advantage of the views. (Use lots of glass here.)
Lots of storage space including linen press.
This is what he came up with.
Your considered opinions and suggestions would be much appreciated.
Thank you in advance.
Cheers.
Chris.
As I said in another thread, I have now received the initial concept plans for our retirement nest on Kangaroo Island. (Google LOT 51 Lovers Ln
BROWNLOW KI SA 5223.)
The views are predominantly to the north east thus the glass in that area.
There are a few areas with which we are not happy right now. Before discussing these, we would like to get some feedback from you guys.
We will be living upstairs and the unit downstairs will be used for visitors and some holiday rentals from time to time.
Your thoughts please. I am happy to answer any questions.
This is the initial brief we gave the architect:-
Just some thoughts on what we are thinking for the house on KI.
As you will note, the block is fully wooded and we want to retain as much of that as we can. With this in mind, we also want to take advantage of the views and therefore we need to go up (Council says 6.5 M but will go with 7M) and build a house on stilts. Unfortunately the views are to the east and north east which creates a challenge as far as cooling etc is concerned. I think we could overcome most of the problems by having wide verandahs all round which we want anyway.
We want the house to be as green as possible and to this end we will be installing grid connect solar power which needs to be installed on a (true) north facing roof at 30 degrees. We would prefer not to have to install frameworks to attain the angle. The roof also need to act as catchments for the water tanks and we will be installing a grey water treatment system. We would like to not have to install aircon and try to get away with insulation and fans in summer and a slow combustion wood heater in winter. Also we will be using the Zego system (http://www.zego.com.au/index.php?option=com_content&task=blogsection&id=13&Itemid=131 ) Please have a look.
We would like the house to be wheelchair friendly and therefore a ramp??? from the outside to the verandah and adequate internal spacing. (This is where we will live and hopefully grow old and more doddery than now.)
To the structure:
Downstairs: (We will most likely use this area as accommodation for B&B guests.)
Two double sized bedrooms large enough to fit a queen bed, couple of easy chairs and TV. Towel rails, chest of drawers and built in robes.
A bathroom with shower and bath. (Maybe small en suites would be more suitable.)
Shared self contained kitchen for making coffee and toast etc.
We will be using these for visitors and bed and breakfast type accommodation.
A large laundry with a chute from upstairs. Cupboard and bench for folding linen, trough, washing machine and dryer. Enough room to do ironing.
A large linen press outside the laundry. (Slatted doors.)
Upstairs:
A large master suite to accommodate two beds, Ensuite with shower (1000 x 2000), bath with spa jets, combination extractor heater, full size vanity with drawers and cupboard space. Separate toilet with extractor fan.
A craft room for "She who must be obeyed" with workbench/desk and shelving. (Min 3600 x 3600)
A study for "He who does the obeying"
Good size dedicated theatre room.
Powder room with basin and toilet for visitors.
Large country style kitchen, very large walk in pantry for bulk food storage and a chest freezer, open plan living/eating/TV/area opening onto the wide verandahs. This area should be considered as the primary area to take advantage of the views. (Use lots of glass here.)
Lots of storage space including linen press.
This is what he came up with.
Your considered opinions and suggestions would be much appreciated.
Thank you in advance.
Cheers.
Chris.
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