Architect Tony Weremeichik’s mission was to build a home that took full advantage of its pretty surroundings while speaking to an increasingly common living situation: multiple generations under one roof. With this in mind, Builder asked Weremeichik to pair a storyteller’s outlook with his architect’s mindset and imagine who the family might be that would live here. The architect imagined a couple who are moving up in the world and ready for a bigger house than the one they’re in now. Both have demanding jobs. The kids are still at home. Perhaps the family is a blended one, with a high school–aged child from a first marriage and one or two younger kids from the current marriage. In this scenario, one or both grandparents live with the family.
Weremeichik nailed it. In this house, a variety of open and private spaces work in concert to encourage together time while providing ample room for all. “Although buyers want to be close to loved ones and share their lives, they also value their independence,” says Pete Osterman, vice president of operations for Centerline Homes, the builder that oversaw the entire Gen XYB project.
Check out the media room on the right as you enter the house. While the kids are texting friends or checking Facebook updates, mom and dad can be emailing colleagues or talking on the phone. Walk on in, and you’ll come to an open plan kitchen with a large center island. Here’s the perfect place for homework while dinner’s on the stove. At the top of the staircase is a big hangout area where kids can gather with friends to watch movies. Separate laundry rooms ensure that there’s no pileup when soccer uniforms, school clothes, and table linens all need to be done at the same time (and, with luck, might encourage kids to do their own laundry).
In this multigenerational setup, grandparents (or an aunt and uncle or adult sibling) have a place of their own: a full apartment upstairs equipped with its own entrance, private bathroom (this one has a tub that can be raised and lowered for easier access), kitchenette, balcony, and plenty of privacy. The “granny suite” is also accessible by elevator.
With all that activity, mom and dad need quiet time. The master suite is on the first floor, away from the kids’ rooms with sliding doors that face east for morning light and views of the golf course. There’s also a private entrance to the hot tub area for late-night unwinding after a hectic day.
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Plan X The first floor of the house has a rotunda entry that’s two stories high, with clear views straight through the house to the back. The open plan includes plenty of family space: an office where everyone can work on their computers together, as well as an open kitchen, dining area, and living room. But mom and dad also get quiet time—the master suite is tucked away on the other side of the entry, with its own separate entrance to the pool out back. On the second floor, the kids each have a room of their own plus a shared hangout space. The “grandma suite” is on the second floor, too, accessible by both elevator and stairway. Take the TourThe Builder Concept Home 2012 is open for free guided tours during exhibit hours of the International Builders’ Show, with free round-trip shuttle service from the Westwood Entrance of the West Concourse of the convention center. Parking is severely limited and driving is discouraged. ContributorsStanding, l-r: Shawn Tofte, Canin Associates; Tony Weremeichik, Canin Associates; Scott Queckboerner, Centerline Homes; Michael Woodley, Woodley Architectural Group; Olaf Nillies, Centerline Homes; Peter Osterman, Centerline Homes; Eric Emerson, Emerson International; Seated, l-r: Alexy Reyes, Centerline Homes; Craig Perry, Centerline Homes; Debra Falese, Woodley Architectural Group; Boyce Thompson, Builder; Kay Green, Kay Green Design; Jerry Collin, Kay Green Design; Erin Nunnery, Kay Green Design FoundationDeceuninck (windows) www.deceuninck-americas.com SupportingCarrier (HVAC and thermostats) www.carrier.com PerformanceHearth & Home Technologies (fireplaces) www.hearthnhome.com AllianceA.O. Smith (water heater) www.aosmith.com Local ContributorsA-1 Roof Trusses (roof and floor trusses) www.A1truss.com For a virtual tour of the Builder Concept Home 2012, visit www.builderconcepthome2012.com.
Learn more about markets featured in this article: Orlando, FL. |
