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INTRODUCTION

This article is meant as a reference toolbox for home plan design harmony and proportion. The author prefers to deal with the practical how-to of it subsequently. The author, a custom home designer, suggests that there’s a place in designer home plans for age-old Western notions of unity, harmony, order, proportion, even Classicism.

Noteworthy, virtually all of these means and motives potentially applicable to designer house plans have been addressed in the literature and elsewhere principally to public or very large private structures – coliseums, churches, huge bank buildings, and the like - rarely to home design.

The author has begun applying some very old ideas of design to some very new houses with success and surprises.

SUGGESTED READINGS

There’s a lot of reading on architectural design proportion and Classical design. Most of it’s not especially interesting – clinical mathematics, nautilus shells and phyllotaxis, irrelevance borne of style, size, etc.

In the author’s opinion, these works are some of the better:

1. The heady, heavy-going: Architectural Principles in the Age of Humanism by Rudolf Wittkower, W. W. Norton & Company, 1971.

2. The intellectually entertaining and well-written The Golden Ratio: The Story of Phi, The World’s Most Astonishing Number by Mario Livio, Broadway Books, 2002.

3. The commanding presentation of the Orders, their making and remaking in The Classical Language of Architecture by John Summerson, The MIT Press, 1962.

4. Of methods and materials, Traditional Construction Patterns: Design & Detail Rules Of Thumb by Stephen Mouzon et al., McGraw-Hill. 2005.

5. The thoughtful, The Old Way of Seeing: How Architecture Lost Its Magic (And How to Get It Back) by Jonathan Hale, Houghton Mifflin, 1994.

6. The overarching [but not over-reaching, not hardly], A Pattern Language: Towns, Building, Construction by C. Alexander et al., Oxford University Press, 1977 and its companion The Timeless Way of Building by Christopher Alexander, Oxford University Press, 1979.

FAVORED HOUSE DESIGN HARMONIES AND PROPORTIONS

As to proportion and proportions alone, here are those presently favored by the author, mostly for their simplicity of expression:

1. Golden Mean, or Golden Section or Golden Ratio, or Mark Barr’s Ratio of Pheidias (a/k/a Phidias), or phi.

2. Lambda in Plato’s Timaeus plus 5 & 7.

3. Regulating lines (ou tracés regulateurs à la Auguste Choisy et Le Corbusier)
Subjectively, this is about balance, rhythm, symmetry, a sense of schema from illusive to hard rock.

PERSPECTIVE

For perspective, “As far as the laws of mathematics refer to reality, they are not certain; as far as they are certain, they do not refer to reality.” Sidelight on Relativity by A. Einstein, translated by G. B. Jeffery and W. Perret, London, 1922.

The practical use of these metrics so far for the author mostly relates - a) positive integers from 1-9 exclusively, b) plus Phi and phi, c) generally apparent and usually symmetrical lines of relationship.

PRACTICAL OBSERVATIONS

Comment: The practical use of these formulations is to relate these numerical values and physical relationships –

1. Whole, positive integers from 1-9

2. Plus Phi and phi

3. Generally apparent and usually symmetrical lines of relationship

4. The Fibonacci series in aspects of progression

Comment: In this designer’s opinion, you can get almost anywhere from here with ordered proportions using a matrix relating 1-9 to 1-9, keeping it simple. You know, 1:1, 1:2 . . . 9:8, 9:9. This home designer has also leaned into Phi=1.618, phi=0.618, and early entries in the Fibonacci series 0, 0, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13, 21, 34, 55, 89, … Vesica Piscis, logarithmic spirals, dodecahedrons, and the like are fare for others for now.

Comment: Rule of thumb (not this designer’s, but he cannot recollect whose sentiment this first was, and he thinks that, though the first guy was talking cathedrals or the like several centuries back, the point is a better reference for home design than for larger constructs): attend mostly to ratios between 4:3 and 7:1 as the range of casually observable size distinction.

Comment: If you’re simply in the hunt for numerical relationships, knock yourself out: “music theory online: pitch, temperament, & timbre; lesson 27″ by Brian Blood, http://www.dolmetsch.com/musictheory27.htm, supporting (among others) Julien Guadet’s proposition, “Les proportions, c’est l’infini.” Eléments et théorie de l’architecture by J. Guadet, Four volumes, first ed. 1901-1904, fourth ed. 1915, Vol. I, p. 138 ff.

Forming home design in a framework of proportion, the author finds that –

1. It’s way easier to begin drawing with proportion in mind as a design premise than to attempt its imposition later on.

2. Complexity can overcome order or at least leave the practical realm when proportions proliferate beyond the 9 chosen integers and the 2 chosen irrationals, a/k/a while rigorous in harmonious design does not mean slavish, it also does not mean sloppy or obtuse.

3. Getting obsessive with this stuff can make you crazier. Enjoy.

4. There is a tendency to momentum, a propensity herewith in that proportional opportunities can present themselves sui generis with proportional precedent.

5. There arise practical limits particularly on interiors whereat function can rule.

6. There is no escaping a community’s inattention to these matters when a client demands the project must necessarily conform to sometimes hideous design choice points in keeping up with the Joneses, e.g., outsized windows, cascades of gables, unbalanced segments, predetermined clad and trim, etc. [a point which is mirrored in client or community insistence in ignorant or insensitive departure from well-expressed style], a/k/a give it up, the horse won’t drink; you hauled the water.

7. Whimsy accounts well now and then. So does artful, or creative; a little divergence is a good thing.

8. Don’t ever be telling yourself that those who have gone before you were slacking in architectural design efforts of pattern. Your barren ignorance would be showing. Even jobsite tradesmen not all that long before your time were steeped in knowledge of sacred geometry and Classical style [would that you are doubtful, sit down sometime with the photographed front elevation of a fine example of some well-know residential architectural style of, say, the late 19th century, and layout that elevation using a basic knowledge of harmonious design and the parts fit over and over and over again], those designers and builders being at the tail end of millennia of practice, practice, practice and respect, respect, respect for the craft.

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Before The Architect designs and drafts custom home plans nationwide. Its principals Ralph and Jean Pressel have worked hands-on together since the ‘60s in custom home design, drafting, consulting, plus building and repair in every major trade. The e-book Home Design Standards - Home Building Standards and the website http://www.beforethearchitect.com are enterprises of Before The Architect’s principals.

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The best way to learn how to choose a kit home floor plan is to first identify your lifestyle requirement. Kit homes are manufactured in a large number of standard floor plans. But from those standard plans you can begin to make a number of adjustments in order create the ideal home for your needs.

Kit home floor plans begin as 3, 4 and 5 bedroom plans. Within each of these styles are a large number of variations. They are also able to be modified to fit your lifestyle. You should spend quality time determining what style will suit your present and future needs. Many of the kit homes can be expanded at a later date so choosing the floor plan which will blend with future modifications is important.

Very Personal Decision

Choosing a kit home floor plan is a very personal decision. Every family has different requirements and your goal is to meet as many of them as possible. You begin by considering the lifestyle you lead. Home floor plans are designed to suit a number of purposes.

For example, if you have children, you will want to look at floor plans that are geared towards family living. These styles usually include large family rooms with easy access to the kitchen or dining rooms. There may be a couple of bedrooms on one end of the house with another bedroom at an opposite end for privacy. The family room might very well have a sliding glass door which leads to the back veranda.

But you may also want the sliding door and plenty of outdoor living space if you enjoy entertaining. The floor plans with large kitchens and dining rooms are designed to accommodate your family and guests. You might want to extend the living room area in order to make room for additional furniture for entertaining frequent guests.

If your home is intended to serve as a vacation home, the small and simple floor plans are popular. Easy to care for, the floor plans offer basic rooms such as bedrooms, kitchen and dining room without a lot of frills. Almost Perfect

When choosing a kit home floor plan, people often pick the one closest to meeting their needs and then begin to make adjustments. In many kit homes, it’s possible to add, move or remove interior walls to expand space in particular rooms. You can increase the kitchen size, make a larger master bedroom or increase the size of the family room.

The floor plan you choose should be practical and fit your budget while also offering the style of living you prefer. Floor plans are available for single level and multi-level homes. You can create a spacious floor plan with few interior walls or have distinct rooms. You can also choose a floor plan that takes advantage of your property features. If you live on a view lot, you might want to choose a floor plan that includes a family room with picture windows located where the view is at its best.

Whatever you have in mind for your home, there is a kit floor plan that will meet your needs.

Anyone fortunate enough to own beach front property should consider building themselves a beach house for the enjoyment of their family and friends. Beach house floor plans should follow the slope of the lot towards the beach and provide a panoramic view of the ocean. A clever design will exploit lot orientation, topography, gravity, direct light and spectacular views.

One type of floor plan arrangement for a beach house is based on a tri-level design. The lowest level encompasses the garage and utilities, the top level is designated as the integrated guest house with the remaining main level denoting the master and secondary bedrooms. Living and dining areas are also featured on the main level of this beach house floor plan.

The layering of living levels and slope of the land allows for a stair system from which one can enter externally, with the guest unit being independent, or via the traditional internal type staggered system. The external stair system gives the opportunity to add either a secluded terrace or patio on any level. A private footbridge with adjoining patio into the master suite would also be a welcome reprieve from the hustle and bustle of the main living area.

In keeping with the maritime feel of the beach house floor plan, interior walls of the main living area should be kept to a minimum and the oceanside end should be lifted high into the air and surrounded by glass to extend the view as much as possible. Many panoramic views are the key to maximizing the advantage of natural light.

Evenings and nights can be cool or even cold on the beach depending on the season. If your budget allows, a fireplace in an outdoor living area can be the perfect solution. Fire against the backdrop of the ocean is a classical allusion and can add to the beauty of your beach house floor plan.

Are you married to the best do-it-yourselfer on Earth? Does your husband need a challenge to feed his handyman appetite? Many people today are fulfilling their desire to build their dream home by purchasing home plans. Then, the do-it-yourselfer takes over and makes the family’s dreams come true.

Long ago in mountains of our great country pioneers, the first do-it-yourselfers, built sturdy log cabins for their families. These designs were one or two room homes built from hand cut logs and mud. Today’s modern do-it-yourselfer can purchase log house plans to use for his family’s dream home. The log homes today share the rustic look with their historic counterparts, but modern conveniences like proper insulation, installed by the family’s handyman, make today’s log home a joy to live in.

House plans for log homes are available from many different sources. The handyman of today knows that an easy way to find plans for his family’s new log home is on the internet. There are many corporations where home plans can be found. The number of plans available seems endless. The plans are as simple or complex as the handyman’s abilities.

Many do-it-yourselfers are practical people who look for a worthwhile and efficient design. This is why house plans ranch are appealing. The ranch style is not as glorious as the log house, but its efficiency and practicality make it appealing to the self made man. The family can appreciate the effort put forth by their handyman father or husband, and the inspiring man of the house can get things done quickly and effectively. Plus, everyone living in the new ranch home will be comfortable because of the floor plan that first appeared in the design.

When the time comes that you are ready to build a new house, the lot on which you build will influence the house plans you choose from. While your taste in designs will play a key role, where you build will ultimately be the deciding factor.

As much as you may want a rambling ranch house, if the lot is too small you will have to go up in your construction to attain the room you want your home to have. Most home designs may be flexible, but you cannot alter a one floor ranch house into a two-story cape cod. You will have to choose another set of house plans.

Another consideration of choosing house plans is the future salability they offer. You may love the house and its floor plan, but at some point in the future there is a good chance that it will be on the market. Designs you build into the house now may prove unattractive to potential buyers in the future and you either settle for selling it for far less than you think it is worth, or remain living in it.

You family’s lifestyle also offers an indication of the type of house plans you will review. If you enjoy outdoor activities, easy access to your yard or deck will be essential. If you want your privacy, your house can be placed on the lot so as not to open windows through which others can see. Maintaining traffic flow inside the house is also essential, but so it traffic on the outside of your house.

Having an outdoor access to your basement area without the need to re-enter the house’s main floor, can help keep yard dirt out of the house and make life simpler for those who enjoy their time spent working and getting dirty outdoors.