THE COMMERCIAL-MEETS-RESIDENTIAL COMPLEX

August 24th, 2009 by The Excel Design Team

Urban environments have made the commercial-space-on-bottom, residential-space-on-top design a common denominator on many city streets – but why not try it using modular construction?

Front ElevationDesigned for a narrow lot application, this product can be set with as little as 16 inches between buildings. Combinations could include two-story residential structures, a two-story commercial space, or a three-story combination structure with commercial on the first floor and residential space on the upper two floors.

The commercial space can be left open with only the stair, the bathrooms and minimal structure for future tenants, or customized to fit the needs of a known tenant.

The residential space features a two-story living space with skylights to bring natural light deep into the structure. Variations include a three bedroom version with a third floor loft or a two bedroom version with a formal third floor dining space that overlooks the dining room.

First floors

second floors

SPECIFICATIONS:

SQ FOOTAGE: 2952 sq. ft. max
MAX FOOTPRINT: 15’-9” x 61’-6”
# BEDROOMS: 3
# BATHROOMS: 4 max
SPECIAL FEATURES: Two story loft
OPTIONS: Length and width can be adjusted to fit lot; alternate plans also available.
MISC:  Two or three level configurations available

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The Urban Treehouse

August 14th, 2009 by The Excel Design Team

The kid in all of us has always dreamed of living in a tree house. Now that dream can come true, even in an urban environment.

rendering treehouse BD2

Designed originally as urban infill housing, the urban treehouse can also be set on an open lot in multiples to create a larger complex of homes with minimal modifications. Controlled grade level views from the first floor are intended to give the effect of the home emerging from the soil. The high windows direct your view upward, but still flood the space with natural light.

left and front elevation treehouse BD2The fireplace and kitchen cabinets have a twisting helix design, emulating the roots of a large tree. The second floor allows the structure to be exposed like supporting branches. Non-traditional window placements on this level give the impression of light filtering though a tree. The floors give way to a large wrap-around balcony and rooftop garden with grand views. A green roof and central shaft combine with specific window combinations to provide passive cooling.

The structure of this design is celebrated rather than hidden. Like the branches of a tree, the support structure on the second floor (the engineered timber supports) is exposed and part of the space.

NOTES FROM THE DESIGNER: As a child, I spent considerable time climbing trees. I loved to climb high into the canopy and view the world from a different perspective. It was not just the view from the top that excited me, but the glimpses of what was to come as the leaves and branches gave way to views beyond my backyard.

I can still feel the solidness of the trunk underfoot and the graceful sway of the upper branches as I clung tight to them in the breeze. I built many “tree houses” as a child, but that was only a means to stay in the tree longer. It was the tree that I loved and that is the essence I wanted to capture in this design.

first floor plan treehouseThe central fireplace on the first floor provides warmth and a special design element when combined with the climbing helix design of the kitchen cabinetry. High windows on the first floor provide light, but restrict views from the street level. As one climbs to the upper levels, the windows open up first with glimpses, but eventually yield unrestricted views like those of a tree.

second floor plan treehouseIntegrated balconies, passageways and decks blur the line between indoor and outdoor spaces, making the compact design feel much larger than the 2,205 square feet of conditioned space it holds.

third floor plan treehousecabinetry plan treehousefront elevation treehouse

A view a PDF containing all features of this plan, click here.

SPECIFICATIONS:

SQ FOOTAGE: 2772 sq. ft. plus auxiliary spaces
MAX FOOTPRINT: 30’-0” x 35’-0”
# BEDROOMS: 3
# BATHROOMS: 3
SPECIAL FEATURES: “Green” design, open stair tower, helix configuration cabinetry, modern “themed” design
OPTIONS: Stand alone design or multiple unit configurations
MISC: Themed design is that of a tree; level 1 is the trunk, 2 is the branches, 3 is the canopy and the roof is the treetop

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The (Un)boxy Short-Term Housing Complex

August 1st, 2009 by The Excel Design Team

“Boxy” isn’t a term used to describe multi-unit residential facilities in a positive light, but with the right design, it can be.

boxyInspired by the simple shipping container and their use in some circles as housing options, the (Un)Boxy Short-Term Housing Complex features a series of 25-by-11 foot boxes stacked end-to-end and side-by-side to create housing facilities that can be as large or small as needed – from a single unit to more than 100 units.

In the three-story project (pictured below), the individual units can be recessed or pulled out at random intervals to create visual movement in the structure’s design. This also creates attractive shadow lines on the exterior and turns a simple series of boxes into an aesthetically pleasing finished product. (Also note the interesting effect this movement can have on the facility’s hallway in the first floor plan.)

This design can be combined for quad plex housing (above right) or dormitory housing for use on college campuses, urban communities or suburban apartments. It is designed to be environmentally friendly, and can set on standard floor systems.

dormDormitory design

quadQuad plex housing design

BOTTOM LINE: Sometimes, thinking outside the box involves finding new ways to put the box to good use.

To download a PDF that includes all features of this plan, please click here.

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