Imagine looking at a traditional two-story home through the lens of a child’s kaleidoscope. As you twist the lens, the home starts to transform. What was ground is now at roof level. What used to be a single recognizable component is now fractured into multiple pieces. This architectural perspective was the inspiration for the design of Excel Homes’ “Kaleidoscope” custom home.
Set on a typical flat lot, or one that gently slopes to the rear, this home focuses on a sunken courtyard and a rear, south facing veranda. These indoor/outdoor spaces expand the home’s livable space, and create secure, shaded areas that enhance its passive cooling design. A two-story water feature helps to keep the home cool as air is pulled naturally from the sunken courtyard up the open stairs and out the upper level windows.
This home also focuses on those who will live and grow within it. A private second master suite with private entrances and a bathroom that meets ADA standards allows for a secluded getaway and helps to maintain independence for the home’s older residents. Additionally, an accessible ramp, elevator and wide circulation paths allow for ease of movement by all.
Green design helps to ensure a healthy environment both indoors and out for the family and the remaining 7 billion inhabitants of the world. But sustainable or green building involves more than simply adding a low-flow faucet or installing ENERGY STAR rated appliances, and the Kaleidoscope home takes this concept to a new level. Integrated solar panels, a green roof, gray water systems, long lasting eco-friendly materials, energy monitoring devices and modular construction combine with the more common green finish materials to produce a home that is not only sustainable by design, but also a pleasure to live in.
Like it? Don’t like it? Think something should be changed or added?
Please feel free to comment on this design by leaving a comment below.
I applaud green design for its economy and stewardship of our environment, but this house has much more going for it: With its internal sunlit courtyard and passive cooling, it will uplift the spirit of its occupants every sunny day. It is a celebration of the environment of our earth instead of an obligatory fashion statement.
Thank you for your kind words Rod. We here are Excel believe green and sustainable building is not just the current trend, but a model for doing business. Before we introduce a “green” home series or product we have choose to first look at our day to day practices and make sure our own facility is green and sustainable. Recycling efforts, material efficient in designs and process and an attitude of good stewardship have all been a focus for Excel for some time now because we believe it is the proper way to do business.
I love this design!!! I sincerely hope that this is one that is under development because I’d love to buy something like this right now.
Is the waterfall included in the base price?
The Kaleidoscope was originally designed for a national competition, but as is typical of all product posted to the Drawing Board we can and will build the home. We can work with you and your builder to finalize and specify this home to your site and specific needs. The waterfall is not just for looks, but is an integral part of the design as noted in the commentary. It requires some additional work on site, but we can help the builder with the prep work required in the structure.