Mia Via – A Custom Two-Story Home Showcased in the 2023 Parade of Homes

Overview

Mia Via is a custom-designed two-story home located in Lehi, Utah, built for the 2023 Parade of Homes in collaboration with Lavender and Oaks. Spanning approximately 3,759 square feet, this residence is a testament to innovative design tailored to the homeowner’s specific needs and the unique characteristics of the lot. Key features include an integrated garage designed to house an Airstream trailer, strategic placement of living spaces to maximize views, meticulous attention to interior details such as aligned countertop veining, and sustainable landscaping to minimize maintenance.

Project Goals

Trailer Accommodation: Design the home to discreetly house the owner’s Airstream trailer in compliance with community regulations prohibiting visible trailers.
Low-Maintenance Landscaping: Implement a zero-scaped landscape design to eliminate the need for yard maintenance.
Maximize Front-Facing Views: Orient living spaces to capitalize on the scenic views available from the front of the property.
Natural Light Optimization: Ensure abundant natural light throughout the home, even in internal rooms without windows.
Space Utilization: Make efficient use of available space, incorporating functional features in unconventional areas.

Design and Implementation

Exterior Features:

  • Garage Design:
    • A unique third-car garage specifically designed to house the owner’s Airstream trailer.
    • Integrated seamlessly into the home’s façade to comply with community guidelines.

Landscaping:

    • Zero-scaped front yard featuring a dry riverbed that extends up the side of the house and connects to rear flowerbeds.
    • Use of artificial turf to eliminate mowing requirements.
    • Planting of native vegetation in the backyard to reduce watering needs.

Interior Features:

Main Living Spaces:

  • Second Floor Living Quarters:
    • All primary living spaces are situated on the second floor to take full advantage of front-facing views.
    • Vaulted ceilings in the living room and master suite maximize the sense of spaciousness within a modest square footage.
  • Kitchen and Finishes:
    • Countertops and backsplashes are meticulously crafted with aligned veining.
    • The veins in the countertop flow seamlessly into the waterfall edges of the island and continue into the backsplash, creating a cohesive visual effect.
  • Natural Light Solutions:
    • Extensive use of large windows throughout the home to enhance natural light.
    • For internal rooms without windows (master closet and laundry room), sun tubes are installed to channel daylight into these spaces, eliminating the need for artificial lighting during the day.
  • Flooring:
    • Hardwood floors are installed throughout the home, providing a warm and elegant aesthetic.
    • The garage features an epoxy floor for durability and easy maintenance.
  • Master Suite:
    • Includes a wet room that combines the tub and shower into a single, enclosed space.
    • A barn door separates the master bedroom from the bathroom, with a full-height mirror on the backside.
    • When the door is closed, the mirrors over the sinks and the door mirror allow a full 360-degree view.

Basement Features:

  • Gym and Lighting Design:
    • A dedicated gym space is included, promoting health and wellness.
    • Innovative lighting design features LED strips that ascend the walls and transition onto the ceiling.
    • The dynamic lighting creates a futuristic ambiance reminiscent of a “Star Wars” aesthetic.
  • Wine Room and Space Utilization:
    • A wine cellar is cleverly tucked under the staircase leading to the basement, efficiently utilizing underused space.
    • Behind the wine cellar, at the landing area, a multipurpose room serves as a play area for grandchildren or a cozy space for pets.
  • Additional Amenities:
    • Bedrooms and Bathrooms:
      • The home includes four bedrooms and three and a half bathrooms, accommodating family and guests comfortably.
    • Sewer Clean-Out:
      • A sewer clean-out is installed specifically for the trailer, adding convenience for the owner.

Challenges and Solutions:

  • Community Regulations:
    • Challenge: The community prohibits visible trailers, requiring a creative solution to house the owner’s Airstream.
    • Solution: Designed a custom third-car garage specifically to store the trailer, integrating it into the home’s design to comply with regulations.
  • Maximizing Views on a Front-Facing Lot:
    • Challenge: The best views are at the front of the lot, contrary to typical rear-oriented designs.
    • Solution: Positioned primary living spaces on the second floor at the front of the house, ensuring panoramic views are enjoyed from key areas.
  • Natural Light in Windowless Rooms:
    • Challenge: Internal rooms without windows (master closet and laundry room) lacked natural light.
    • Solution: Installed sun tubes to direct sunlight into these spaces, providing ample daylight without windows.
  • Space Optimization:
    • Challenge: Efficiently using limited square footage while maintaining a spacious feel.
    • Solution: Vaulted ceilings in key rooms and innovative use of space under staircases for the wine cellar and multipurpose room.

Outcome

Mia Via stands as a showcase of thoughtful design and attention to detail, successfully meeting the owner’s unique requirements while adhering to community guidelines. The home offers luxurious living spaces that maximize natural light and scenic views, despite the lot’s orientation. Sustainable landscaping choices align with the owner’s desire for low maintenance, and innovative interior features like aligned countertop veining and dynamic lighting add a touch of sophistication and modernity.

Key Features Recap

  • Total Square Footage: Approximately 3,759 square feet.
  • Location: Lehi, Utah; featured in the 2023 Parade of Homes.
  • Garage:
    • Unique third-car garage designed to house an Airstream trailer discreetly.
    • Epoxy flooring for durability.
  • Living Spaces:
    • Primary living quarters located on the second floor to maximize front-facing views.
    • Vaulted ceilings in the living room and master suite for enhanced spaciousness.
  • Bedrooms and Bathrooms:
    • Four bedrooms and three and a half bathrooms.
  • Special Features:
    • Gym with futuristic LED lighting design.
    • Wine cellar creatively placed under the staircase.
    • Multipurpose room for children or pets.
  • Natural Light Solutions:
    • Extensive use of large windows.
    • Sun tubes installed in windowless rooms (master closet and laundry room).
  • Interior Design Details:
    • Aligned veining in countertops, waterfall edges, and backsplashes.
    • Hardwood flooring throughout the home.
    • Wet room in the master bathroom with tub-shower combo.
    • Barn door with full-height mirror in the master suite.
  • Landscaping:
    • Zero-scaped design with dry riverbed feature.
    • Artificial turf to eliminate mowing.
    • Native plants requiring minimal watering.

Conclusion

Mia Via exemplifies the successful integration of personalized homeowner requests with practical design solutions. Shadd Johnson Design’s ability to navigate community restrictions, maximize the lot’s potential, and pay meticulous attention to interior details results in a home that is both functional and visually striking. The project’s inclusion in the 2023 Parade of Homes highlights its appeal and showcases the firm’s commitment to innovation and client satisfaction.

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