A Dream Home is one that makes you feel proud and smile that this is where you live. So it really is multi-faceted covering the architectural design, impact with the environment, function, form and cost.
Where to Start
The Dream Phase:
Take note of houses you have seen that you like or are inspired by. Note the particular features you like and take photos if possible.
Collecting Pictures:
Both online and in published material, collect photos of features that you like. From all aspects of design, take note of cladding materials, roof lines, colours, design, use of features, kitchen designs, bathroom designs – collect as much information as you can. At this point, do not think of the cost, only inspiration. A physical or computer/email based folder needs to be a collection that you can share with your Designer.
There is also a wonderful online platform for inspiration – try Houzz, Pinterest and Instagram
Identify What the Home Will Be Used For
Function:
How many people is the home for? What ages? How many bedrooms? Will any guests stay? How often? How many bathrooms will you need?
Will the new home be for holidays or permanent residency? What activities will take place there?
House Construction
The choice of construction materials will often be defined by the client. However, the climate does have a big influence. In South East Queensland you basically want your house to be cooler than the outside during the day for the majority of the year and in turn cool with the night time drop in temperature for sleeping. As such a ‘lightweight’ building structure with roof shade over will provide the protection from the sun, while the controlled breeze will provide the cooling.
A lightweight structure would be defined as a timber or metal frame with an attached cladding material. At night you might want the lightweight structure to cool which will occur much quicker than say a masonry structure, that will retain heat for many hours.
Conclusion
A well-designed custom home not only meets the Client’s expectations but goes beyond this to incorporate the climatic and sites attributes.
The combination of meeting and then exceeding the Client’s expectations as well as addressing attributes the Client may not have been aware of will provide a well-designed home that ensures a Client will appreciate for years to come.
