Living Area Redefined

After we last posted an image of our evolving design process, we had a chance to sit back and evaluate it. We decided that the basic layout was mostly good, but the overall look of the building was pretty ugly. As our focus at that time was on function, not form, we weren’t overly stressed.

What disturbed us most was how poorly the outdoor living room was shaping up. We essentially had a set of sofas in a space that was ill defined and looked more like a corridor than a room.

We immediately got to work on fixing the living space, making it more intimate while staying well connected to the outdoors. We are currently experimenting with a screened arcade that can open or close as needed to provide protection from the weather, bats and the ever-present mosquitoes.

What follows is a set of images that illustrates how it’s shaping up. Largely  schematic, the images lack details such as garden, glazing, colors, and materials, but you get the idea. Take a look and let us know your thoughts.

1. Looking south, this image shows the entrance to the central courtyard. Garden seating is situated to your left in a yet-to-be-defined green space.  The main living area lies around the corner to the right.

2. Crossing from the garden seating area into the living room. At this point you start to catch a glimpse of the rear garden through the windows at the end.

3. A view through the doors to the dining room.  The rear garden (imagine lush and tropical) opens up through the large picture window.

4. The dining room and kitchen share a common space. This image looks into the dining room from the central island in the kitchen.

5. Returning to the living room, looking north from the dining room. The screens running along the right can be closed when the weather isn’t cooperating. The stairs on the left take you up to the bedrooms.

6. Standing in the central courtard looking toward the media room in the main house. Looking up you see the master bedroom with its view below.