The June Fan Residence – A Feng Shui Inspired Custom Home in Cottonwood Heights, Utah

Overview

The June Fan Residence is a custom-built home located in Cottonwood Heights, a suburb of Salt Lake City, Utah. Completed in the early years of Shadd Johnson Design, this 6,500-square-foot home replaced an existing structure through a complete teardown and rebuild. The project was a significant learning experience for the company, particularly in incorporating Feng Shui principles into modern home design. The homeowners were highly particular about the layout and placement of elements to align with Feng Shui practices, resulting in a unique and harmonious living space.

Project Goals

Feng Shui Integration: Design the home in strict accordance with Feng Shui principles to promote harmony and balance.
Signature Design Elements: Incorporate distinctive features such as a custom staircase with natural light.
Multi-Generational Living: Include a private mother-in-law suite with its own garage and amenities.
Natural Materials: Use natural materials throughout the home, including wood and stone, as per the homeowners’ preferences.

Design and Implementation

Main Floor:

  • Entrance and Staircase:
    • The main entryway features Shadd Johnson Design’s signature staircase located to the left of the front door.
    • Four rectangular windows ascend alongside the staircase, flooding the area with natural light.
    • The stairs are constructed from oversized glulam beams, offering both structural integrity and aesthetic appeal.
  • Flooring:
    • Natural redwood flooring is used throughout the main floor, except for the kitchen.
    • The use of natural materials aligns with Feng Shui practices and the homeowners’ desire for authenticity.
  • Kitchen:
    • Features a natural stone slate floor, differentiating it from the rest of the main floor.
    • Designed to meet Feng Shui guidelines while providing functionality.
  • Master Suite:
    • An open-concept design connects the bedroom, bathroom, and closet without doors, as requested for Feng Shui harmony.
    • Promotes a seamless flow of energy and accessibility.
  • Mother-in-Law Suite:
    • Accessible from the main house but functions independently.
    • Includes its own kitchen, bathroom, bedroom, small living room, and a private single-car garage.
    • Designed to provide privacy and autonomy for extended family members.

Second Floor:

  • Bedrooms and Bathrooms:
    • Three bedrooms and two and a half bathrooms.
    • Unique Jack and Jill Bathroom:
      • Each bedroom has its own sink and toilet.
      • A shared tub and shower are centrally located, with the tub on the right and the shower on the left.
      • This innovative design offers increased privacy and convenience.
  • En-Suite Bedroom:
    • Used for the homeowner’s mother.
    • Features a private deck off the rear of the bedroom, providing outdoor access and relaxation space.
  • Theater/Multi-Purpose Room:
    • Not a traditional enclosed theater; includes large windows.
    • Functions as a versatile space for movie nights or game nights with ample natural light.
  • Sunroom and Laundry Room:
    • Combined space serving dual purposes.
    • The sunroom allows for indoor cultivation of herbs and spices during winter months.
    • Incorporates laundry facilities, enhancing functionality.

Basement:

  • Apartment:
    • A two-bedroom apartment with a separate entrance, suitable for guests or rental purposes.
  • Additional Living Spaces:
    • Three more bedrooms and a living room for the main house occupants.
    • Provides ample space for family members or guests.

Exterior Features:

  • Three-Car Garage:
    • Unique configuration with a two-car garage serving the main house on the left.
    • A separate single-car garage on the right dedicated to the mother-in-law suite.

Challenges

  • Feng Shui Compliance:
    • Challenge: Adhering to strict Feng Shui principles required careful planning of the home’s layout and material selection.
    • Solution: Collaborated closely with the homeowners to understand their specific Feng Shui requirements, ensuring proper placement of rooms, doors, and materials.
  • Material Selection:
    • Challenge: The need for natural materials excluded the use of vinyl planks and other synthetic options.
    • Solution: Used natural redwood flooring and natural stone slate to meet the homeowners’ preferences and Feng Shui guidelines.
  • Innovative Design Elements:
    • Challenge: Incorporating unique features like the custom staircase and the unconventional Jack and Jill bathroom layout.
    • Solution: Leveraged creative design solutions and structural expertise to implement these features successfully.

Outcome

The June Fan Residence stands as a hallmark project for Shadd Johnson Design, showcasing the firm’s ability to blend cultural practices with modern home design. The home meets the homeowners’ desire for a Feng Shui-compliant living space that is both functional and aesthetically pleasing. The multi-generational aspects of the home, including the mother-in-law suite and basement apartment, provide flexibility for the family’s needs. Signature design elements like the custom staircase and innovative bathroom layouts add uniqueness to the residence.

Key Features Recap

  • Total Square Footage: 6,500 square feet.
  • Feng Shui Integration: Design and material choices made to comply with Feng Shui principles.
  • Signature Staircase:
    • Located next to the front door with four ascending rectangular windows.
    • Constructed with oversized glulam beams.
  • Natural Materials:
    • Natural redwood flooring throughout the main floor (excluding the kitchen).
    • Natural stone slate flooring in the kitchen.
  • Master Suite:
    • Open-concept layout without doors between bedroom, bathroom, and closet.
  • Second Floor Amenities:
    • Unique Jack and Jill bathroom with separate sinks and toilets, shared tub and shower.
    • En-suite bedroom with private rear deck.
    • Multi-purpose theater room with large windows.
    • Combined sunroom and laundry room for indoor gardening and utility.
  • Mother-in-Law Suite:
    • Independent living space with private garage, kitchen, bathroom, and living area.
  • Basement:
    • Two-bedroom apartment with separate entrance.
    • Additional three bedrooms and living room for the main house.

Conclusion

The June Fan Residence is a testament to the successful integration of cultural traditions within modern architectural design. Shadd Johnson Design embraced the challenges of adhering to Feng Shui principles and delivered a home that exceeds the homeowners’ expectations. The project highlights the firm’s commitment to personalized design solutions and showcases their ability to handle complex requirements. The residence not only provides a harmonious living environment but also serves as a foundational project that contributed significantly to the growth and expertise of Shadd Johnson Design.

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