Still Changing Design
Well i have made some modifications to my original design and would like to update you on where i am at now.
I am still changing the design of the farm office addition
as I go along in the design phase. I kind of like this design but I am still
thinking snow and rain may be a problem at the foyer entrance. I was hoping I could
bring the roof down from the higher section and encompass the foyer creating more
of an open space feeling. The original floor plan is still intact as I originally
planned it but when I look at the roof sections and what is aesthetically pleasing,
I have a problem .
The way this is
designed presently would allow a high ceiling in the bathroom with glass block
at about the 6 ft. level and extending to an 8 foot level and then windows at
the 8- 10 ft. level facing east in the morning. This would allow a lot of light
to enter the bathroom and allow privacy at the same time. The ample size of the
bathroom would also include room for a washer dryer and some closet space to allow
you to store towels and such, and maybe even have a wardrobe, so that when
clothes are dirty or soiled, just take off and throw in washer. A sliding door
on barn rails will open and close at the bathroom entrance giving you a rustic
feeling and eliminating a swing problem. The hangers would be mounted on the wall
of the kitchen and would add to the rustic ambiance to the structure.
The sloping
roof of the kitchen would be reinforced with post and beam rough cut lumber and
would have a knotty pine ceiling and rustic barn lights featuring a mason jar chandelier
over a fold down table from the wall . An
island will have adjustable table height to accommodate all sizes of users. The
same with the sink, as along the back wall of the sink will be windows opening
up to view Mom’s house or a north facing. The windows will be small and at a height
from 6-8 ft. tall allowing me to look out from within, but would exclude
viewing from outside in. The back splash would be tile along with maybe a wainscoting
of galvanized steel roofing along remainder of the room at the base adding
character to the overall rustic appearance inside. More attention will be
addressed to interior once I have a firm understanding of how the outside roof
sections are and what my design parameters are. I have a limited amount of
space and intend to utilize all aspects of it to maximize my comfort and to
keep travelling inside to a minimum in case I need to be wheel chair bound or
others that may use it have the same design accommodations afforded to them .
I am designing
this not that I am anticipating any health problems, but instead hoping never
have to use half of what I am proposing , but still have it available if I do. If
I build it that way to begin with chances are I may never need it, and hopefully that will be the case.
Also in relation
to my bed being designed so that it is raised and lowered to accommodate my height
needs and being able to store it in ceiling. I now am toying with the idea of using
it to allow me to access the second floor by simply having a hole in the loft
area where I can lift the bed with me on it through a hole in the floor to the
second floor in an elevator like fashion by simply laying on the bed and using
a remote control to activate a winch to elevate the bed to the second floor height.
Safety side rails would come down preventing someone from falling through hole
when bed was on first floor level. When raised to second floor level height,
another bed could be utilized by a Murphy bed situation where the bed could be
folded down from the wall on the first floor level still allowing an extra
bedroom to be used in case of company.
This would
allow me access to second floor without using stairs. The second floor loft
area would open up to a walk out sliding glass door on the uphill side or south
facing hill behind the house. In effect with the addition of the bed that
raises to second floor level it would give me unhindered handicapped access to
my second floor level and allow me to utilize the house completely even if I was
wheel chair bound by simply maneuvering myself to the bed and laying down
raising myself or lowering as the case may be from the second floor level to
the first respectively with the bed. A wheel chair on both levels would be
needed to accommodate my movements and allow me to live independently.
I think as long
as one can maintain their independence and live in their own house regardless
of your handicap, that the quality of life is surely much better than any
health care organization could provide. A large shower with a bench seat and a
shower wand would allow me to bathe, tables and work surfaces that are
adjustable to my height also should be a priority, open flowing paths allowing
access to all parts of the house are priorities to include in the overall
design. A security camera and remote door locks and motion sensitive lighting
to allow only those areas where I am at to be lit when I am in them is
necessary. So as I move from room to room I no longer need to turn on and off
lights to accommodate my travel. An intercom system will allow me to answer
door without actually having to answer it in person.
The technology for
a lot of this is already in place and just needs to be utilized in my design
process. These are all parts of what I’m trying to think out and have on paper
before I actually start the process of building. Another thought I had of
utilizing the space under the stairs to accommodate drawers for storage of
personal items I want to keep. Somewhere in the whole scheme of things I plan
on having a lockbox that will be embedded in the structure that will be fire
proof. Of course the standard smoke detectors and carbon monoxide protection
will also be used to assure my safety as well as others that may inhabit my
farm office. There should be plenty of room in the old part for a studio/office
and that will be addressed later.
Anyhow I thought
I would update you in how the ongoing process is coming along and what my
thoughts are currently.
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