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The Edith Plan – Custom Home in Orem, Utah
Overview
The Edith Plan is a custom-built home located in Orem, Utah. Designed for a retiring couple relocating from Portland, Oregon, the home encompasses approximately 3,200 square feet. The project faced unique challenges due to a high water table on the lot, which prohibited the inclusion of a basement. Budget considerations were paramount, as the homeowners desired a basic, functional residence without luxury enhancements. The design emphasizes practicality and comfort, featuring essential living spaces suited to the couple’s lifestyle.
Project Goals
Budget-Conscious Design: Create a cost-effective home that meets the homeowners’ needs without unnecessary luxury features.
City Compliance: Navigate city regulations to achieve desired design elements, particularly concerning the garage orientation.
Functional Layout: Provide a practical floor plan with essential spaces for daily living.
Adaptation to Site Constraints: Design the home to accommodate the high water table and corner lot positioning.
Design and Implementation
Site Challenges:
- High Water Table:
- Unable to include a basement due to site conditions.
- Designed the home as a slab-on-grade structure.
- Corner Lot Considerations:
- Faced initial city resistance regarding the side-entry garage.
- Successfully negotiated with the city to allow the preferred garage orientation.
Main Floor:
- Formal Dining Room: Provides a dedicated space for meals and entertaining.
- Living Room: Serves as the primary gathering area for relaxation and socializing.
- Kitchen: Functional and efficiently designed for everyday cooking needs.
- Office: Offers a workspace suitable for managing personal affairs or remote work.
- Flooring:
- Due to the slab-on-grade construction, all main floor surfaces required coverings.
- Installed a combination of carpet and tile throughout the main level.
- No luxury vinyl plank (LVP) flooring was used in this project.
Second Floor:
- Bedrooms and Bathrooms:
- Four-bedroom layout accommodates guests and provides extra space.
- Three bathrooms ensure convenience for residents and visitors.
Materials and Finishes:
Interior:
- Flooring:
- Utilized carpet in living areas and bedrooms for comfort.
- Installed tile in bathrooms for durability and ease of maintenance.
- Bathrooms:
- Featured tiled surfaces to enhance functionality without exceeding budget constraints.
Exterior:
- Maintained a straightforward design aesthetic in line with the homeowners’ desire for a basic feel.
Challenges and Solutions
- Budget Management:
- Carefully selected materials and finishes to stay within budget.
- Focused on essential features and avoided unnecessary luxury additions.
- Garage Orientation:
- Challenge: City regulations initially opposed the desired side-entry garage on the corner lot.
- Solution: Engaged in discussions with city officials and ultimately gained approval for the side-entry design, achieving the homeowners’ preference.
- High Water Table:
- Challenge: Inability to include a basement due to site conditions.
Solution: Adapted the design to a slab-on-grade foundation and reallocated space that would have been in the basement to other areas of the home.
Outcome
The Edith Plan successfully provided the homeowners with a comfortable and functional residence tailored to their retirement needs. Despite budget limitations and site challenges, the design met all essential requirements without compromising on quality. The home offers ample living space with four bedrooms and three bathrooms on the upper floor and key living areas on the main floor. The resolution of the garage orientation issue enhanced the home’s accessibility and convenience.
Key Features Recap
- Total Square Footage: Approximately 3,200 square feet.
- Main Floor Layout:
- Formal dining room, living room, kitchen, and office.
- Second Floor Layout:
- Four bedrooms and three bathrooms.
- Garage:
- Side-entry design achieved despite initial city resistance.
- Flooring:
- Combination of carpet and tile throughout the home.
- Adaptation to Site Conditions:
- Slab-on-grade construction due to high water table.
Conclusion
The Edith Plan embodies a practical and budget-conscious approach to custom home design. Shadd Johnson Design effectively addressed the challenges presented by the site and municipal regulations, resulting in a home that meets the specific needs of the retiring couple. The project showcases how thoughtful planning and flexibility can overcome obstacles to deliver a satisfying and functional living environment.
