In home design, there are certain conventions that are universally followed, no matter how unique a project. Born out of our collective experiences and principles of good design, these conventions, for the most part, are a positive thing.
But what happens when a site will simply not cooperate? As luxury home designers, we are not afraid to throw conventional wisdom out the door.
A project that the David Hopkins Design team is currently working on is a great example. This Gig Harbor home that’s being built on a nonconforming, infill lot, presented a site design challenge from the outset.
With 15-feet buffers required around the site and a sloping driveway that forces visitors to walk up to the front door on a long incline, the design of a grand front-door entry became awkward. Often times with these lots, visitors will instead use the back door to the home.
We weren’t ready, however, to disregard the front of the home as a prominent element where first impressions begin to form. This is where our nonconventional thinking came in.
A backyard oasis is an expected feature in today’s luxury homes — a place where homeowners can both escape and mingle with guests. We put a twist on that idea by creating a private, luxurious space in the front yard.
Visitors coming to the house are treated to an unexpected experience: an enclosed courtyard that leads them into the home. The moment they enter, they are embraced by a luxurious, private space — yet they are still outside. There’s a feeling they’ve come to a special place, long before they enter the home.
The lot’s southern exposure worked in our favor. We wanted to capture the sun and extend the daylight experience, while also providing the feeling of privacy and a private retreat space that people typically expect from the back yard.
To complement the home’s modern design, the walls of the courtyard were built from concrete. The addition of this strong element leaves no room for confusion as to where the front door is (which is a typical problem with nonconforming lots).
Luscious, thick plants inspired by Asian garden design, along with natural hardscapes and elevation contrast, complement the home’s architectural design. Visitors immediately become immersed in this space — feeling like they’ve just escaped to a space miles away from civilization. There’s no hint of neighbors or city streets being nearby.
To complete the idea of a retreat doubling as an entertaining space, a supporting bar and kitchenette will be added, along with lounge chairs and a dining room table. A water feature and a firepit will provide both interesting design elements and a relaxing atmosphere.
The courtyard connects to the living room, accomplishing the goal of bringing the outdoors in, and at the same time making the home feel more spacious.
The element of surprise is a signature of David Hopkins Design luxury homes and this project is no exception. And we know that we can’t create that surprise without pushing the envelope and turning expectations on their head.
