Form vs function

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Second floor and rear addition project converted a little bungalow into a contemporary custom home with 4 bedroom and 5 bathroom. New design features 10' ceilings on the main floor, 9' ceilings in the second floor and a large basement full of natural light.

The living space of a one storey brick dwelling was tripled, and a small bungalow was converted into the one of the kind 3 storey contemporary house with finished basement and livable 3rd storey attic. In an established enclave of 1-1/2 storey homes, adding a third floor to a proposed dwelling is difficult enough. The key factor in obtaining the positive verdict of the Committee of Adjustment was the fact that the addition would be constructed on existing footprint, not to mention the fact that using existing foundation helped to save the homeowner over ten thousand dollars.

 

May 10, 2018 Form vs function

Tags: custom built homes Etobicoke;

In the sphere of home care design, many are grossly misled about whether form should take precedence over function or vice versa. Dated architectural tenets dictate that form follows function, however this is perhaps a bit too rigid given the practicalities of the human condition.

For example, should a kitchen only have those amenities that allow for cooking or would it be more practical for it to also accommodate family gatherings?

2018 has witnessed a significant growth in modern home design efficiencies, even more so in the burgeoning district of Etobicoke. Superior design choices meet high-performance structures to strip away the non-essentials: gimmicks, tacky ornamentations and unnecessary trends.

Valuing quality over quantity, custom built home designs have shifted to accommodate simplicity and purpose. Timeless beauty and functional sensibilities - those have become the bedrock for modern homes.

This form-function equation stating that form follows function was coined by 19th-century architect Louis Sullivan who ironically, in a bid to disregard his own mantra, created intricate skyscraper experiments that boasted of frilly decorations and other useless structural addendums. However, in this day and age with the arrival of savvy technologies like 3D modelling and printing software as well as computer guided routers, it has become increasingly easy for interior designers to integrate amorphous and inspired qualities to our homes and cities.

Here are some savvy design elements that morph these two concepts to help you envision your smart and functional dream home.

 

Open Floor Plans Break Down Traditional Barriers

Free flowing spaces with minimal transitional elements and hallways are the way of the now for most modern homes. Traditional architecture tends to obstruct structural simplicity and makes for harder navigation between different rooms. By breaking down barriers, not only do we enhance the visual appeal of the home but also make it more lifestyle-intuitive.

Gestalt Psychology suggests that human beings are hardwired to feel less stressed and more positive when presented with as little visual information as possible. Subconsciously, we are inclined to laud symmetrical designs.

Modern design truly shine through well-structured bathrooms and kitchens. Uninterrupted surfaces, fewer embellishments and linear forms create a picture of spaciousness and orderliness. This minimalist approach also means that your home will be much easier to maintain and clean. Modern custom architecture allows for ample storage space to fit with fast-paced contemporary lifestyles.

 

Harnessing Natural Light

Undeniably better for not only the planet but also your health, most modern custom built homes have well-lit interiors resulting from expansive windows and skylights. Studies conducted by scientists at the Lighting Research Centre have proven that environments lit by natural sources ameliorate poor health and contribute to increased comfort and productivity.

So how exactly does this concept work? Architectural plans inculcate strategically placed windows so that inhabitants do not compromise on their privacy. As an added bonus to the invigorating effects of having large windows, these are placed at key points to afford spectacular panoramas of the surrounding areas.

Energy efficient and passive solar homes often harness the power of natural lighting to the maximum. There is a functional advantage to them too. Homes that have a photovoltaic system use the energy from the sun to power the heating, electricity and hot water. Interior spaces, windows and the overall flow of the home are assembled in a way that allows for the optimal movement of light. This reduces the stress on man-made sources of energy while supporting human heath, indoor landscaping growth and daily activity.

 

Neutral Earthy Tones and Natural Interior Finishes

Custom built architectural plans go beyond being energy efficient with breathtaking views. They also feature covered awnings, extended rooflines, transitional patios and atriums. These home decor amenities have hallmark stylings and are made from natural biodegradable materials like metal, stone or wood.

To add to the au naturel aura, the finishes also incorporate earthy tones, textures and colours. More often than not, custom built sustainable homes infuse materials sourced from nature that have undergone little to no processing to reduce the carbon impact and lessen exposure to toxins.

Well Built creates beautiful homes with your core functionality, durability and sustainability in mind. Purposeful in design and practical in utility, let our experts make your dream home a reality.

 

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