The Kansas Residence – A Functional Spec Home in Eagle Mountain, Utah

Overview

The Kansas Residence is a 3,700-square-foot spec home located in Eagle Mountain, Utah. Positioned directly across the street from the Michigan project, this home was designed with practicality and functionality in mind. As a speculative build, the Kansas offers standard features suitable for a wide range of potential homeowners. Key highlights include a spacious three-car garage, an open floor plan on the main level, a two-story living room, and a built-in mother-in-law suite. The home provides ample living space across three levels, catering to both family living and guest accommodations.

Project Goals

Market Appeal: Create a home with broad appeal for potential buyers in the Eagle Mountain area.
Ample Living Space: Provide multiple bedrooms and living areas to accommodate families and guests.
Functional Design: Offer a practical and comfortable living space with standard features.
In-Law Accommodation: Include a mother-in-law suite for extended family living or guest use.

Design and Implementation

Main Floor:

  • Open Floor Plan:
    • The main level features an open-concept design, promoting easy movement and interaction between the kitchen, dining, and living areas.
    • Ideal for family gatherings and entertaining guests.
  • Two-Story Living Room:
    • A standout feature of the home, the living room boasts a double-height ceiling, creating a sense of spaciousness and grandeur.
    • Large windows may be included to enhance natural light (assuming standard practices, as no specific details are provided).
  • Mother-in-Law Suite:
    • Located behind the garages, the suite offers privacy and convenience for extended family members or guests.
    • Includes essential amenities, though specific details are standard for a spec home.
  • Three-Car Garage:
    • Provides ample space for vehicles, storage, and workshop needs.
    • Enhances the home’s functionality and market appeal.

Second Floor:

  • Bedrooms and Bathrooms:
    • Three bedrooms provide comfortable accommodations for family members.
    • Two full bathrooms offer convenience and reduce morning bottlenecks.

Basement:

  • Additional Living Space:
    • Two bedrooms and one bathroom cater to larger families or can serve as guest rooms.
    • A living room in the basement adds versatility, potentially used as a recreation area, media room, or home office.

Materials and Finishes:

  • Standard Spec Home Features:
    • Materials and finishes are chosen for durability and cost-effectiveness.
    • Neutral color palettes and fixtures appeal to a broad range of tastes.

Challenges and Solutions:

  • Spec Home Considerations:
    • Challenge: Designing a home that is appealing to potential buyers without over-customization.
    • Solution: Incorporated popular features like the two-story living room and open floor plan while keeping other elements standard to control costs.
  • Mother-in-Law Suite Integration:
    • Challenge: Including a mother-in-law suite without compromising the main floor layout.
    • Solution: Positioned the suite behind the garages to maximize privacy and efficiently use space.

Outcome

The Kansas Residence achieves the goal of providing a functional, family-friendly home with features that are attractive to potential buyers in the Eagle Mountain market. The inclusion of a two-story living room adds a touch of elegance to an otherwise standard spec home. The layout efficiently uses space across all three levels, offering flexibility for various family dynamics. The home stands as a practical choice for those seeking ample living space without the need for extensive customization.

Key Features Recap

  • Total Square Footage: Approximately 3,700 square feet.
  • Location: Eagle Mountain, Utah.
  • Main Floor:
    • Open floor plan connecting the kitchen, dining, and living areas.
    • Two-story living room providing a spacious atmosphere.
    • Built-in mother-in-law suite located behind the garages.
  • Second Floor:
    • Three bedrooms and two bathrooms.
  • Basement:
    • Two additional bedrooms, one bathroom, and a living room.
  • Garage:
    • Three-car garage offering ample storage and parking.
  • Design Style:
    • Standard spec home features with neutral finishes to appeal to a wide market.

Conclusion

Kami’s Cabin exemplifies a successful collaboration between the homeowner and Shadd Johnson Design, resulting in a mountain home that is both functional and harmonious with its natural surroundings. The project’s unique challenges were met with innovative solutions, particularly in site access and maximizing views. The cabin stands as a testament to thoughtful design and careful execution, providing a cherished retreat for the owner that capitalizes on the beauty of the Utah landscape.

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