The Alan Family's Happy New House by Architect Neil Denari
Here's a website and a home you just can't resist - The Happy New House. The site outlines the Alan family's home remodel, transforming a 1,000 sq-ft mid-century home into a 2,000 sq-ft 21st century marvel. What's special is that the Alan's are a family of five, with three daughters in elementary school, middle school, and high school. You can imagine how living space was at a premium in a small, older home. Like a lot of families they've outgrown their space and need a home that enhances, rather than hindering, the way they really live.
The concept renderings of the remodel/additions (underway as of last summer) are stunning. Yet the modernist design does not ignore, but rather embraces family living. Probably the most important page on the whole site is the one called "The Family Brand." It outlines their strategy and tactics for meeting the specific needs of the Alan Family. I find it incredibly useful to think of home design in these terms. Here's how they conceptualized the project:
Family Brand Attributes:
• Artsy but not artsy-fartsy.
• Cultured by not elitist.
• Spontaneous but not disorderly.
• Creative but not obsessively so.
• Informal but not messy.
• Into macs + iPods but not techie.
• Enjoys the finer things of life but not extravagantly.
Strategy:
• Stay connected as a family.
• Grow as individuals.
• Live in “the now.”
• Encourage the enjoyment of momentary pleasures.
• Remain flexible.
• Anticipate family’s future needs.
• Connect to the natural environment.
Tactics:
• Create privacy realms for individuals.
• Create public realms to encourage “elbow-rubbing” opportunities.
• Provide multi-use “flex space” for varied family activities.
• Create a sanctuary to counter-balance the daily stress of the outside world.
• Reduce clutter.
• Connect to backyard by creating an outdoor living room.
• Provide ample + convenient storage.
One thing I particularly like about this house is the master bedroom suite. It's a simple and practical, yet really attractive approach to the space that I'm going to keep in my scrapbook. I also like the kitchen. Notice the washer and dryer tucked away beneath the kitchen island. Clever. Another cool idea to squirrel away for later.
The remodel/addition was designed by L.A. based architect Neil Denari, for whom stunning modern work appears to be the norm.
Image credits - The Happy New House website
1 comment(s):
The Happy New House site also has a downloadable podcast of a three minute interview with the homeowner. I listened to it this morning on the way to work. Mr. Alan gives a nice explanation of how their modern family is trying to maintain closeness and the daily interactions that make for meaningful personal connections, even as they almost double the size of their home. It's aptly named "Does Size Equal Happiness?" I enjoyed listening to it a lot. The Alan family's ideas about how the home supports their family are wonderful.
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