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The Michigan Residence – A Multi-Level Spec Home in Eagle Mountain, Utah
Overview
The Michigan Residence is a 3,500-square-foot spec home completed in 2019 in Eagle Mountain, Utah. Built on a unique hillside lot, the home features an innovative multi-level basement design to accommodate the steep terrain. With two basements—a high basement and a lower basement—the structure effectively addresses the challenges posed by the sloped site. As a speculative build intended for quick sale, the home incorporates standard features and materials, offering spacious living areas and outdoor spaces without extensive customization.
Project Goals
Terrain Adaptation: Design a functional home that accommodates the steep hillside lot without excessive concrete exposure.
Efficient Use of Space: Maximize livable space within the constraints of the lot’s topography.
Marketability: Create a spec home with broad appeal that can be sold quickly.
Outdoor Living: Provide outdoor spaces that take advantage of the lot’s elevation and views.
Design and Implementation
Site-Specific Design:
Dual Basement Structure:
- High Basement:
- Positioned to prevent the foundation from protruding excessively above ground level.
- Sits at the nine-foot mark relative to the slope.
- Lower Basement:
- Added below the high basement by introducing an additional foundation wall.
- Aligns with the grade to finish at another nine-foot height.
- Back Wall Height:
- The combined basements result in an 18-foot-tall back wall in the basement area.
- This design minimizes the visual impact of the foundation and integrates the home into the hillside.
Exterior Features:
Spacious Rear Deck:
- Extends from the main living area, providing outdoor space with elevated views.
- Capitalizes on the hillside location for leisure and entertainment.
Patio Underneath Deck:
- Offers additional outdoor space accessible from the walkout basement.
- Enhances the functionality of the lower level.
Interior Features:
Standard Spec Home Amenities:
- Designed with features that appeal to a wide range of buyers.
- Focused on functionality and comfort without high-end customization.
Flooring:
- Utilizes Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) flooring throughout the home.
- Provides durability and a modern aesthetic at a cost-effective price point.
Railing:
- Features standard horizontal metal framing for stair and balcony railings.
- Adds a contemporary touch while maintaining budget considerations.
Layout:
Main Living Areas:
- Open floor plan to maximize space and natural light.
- Rooms are arranged to provide practicality and ease of movement.
Basements:
- High and lower basements offer additional living space or potential for customization by future owners.
- Walkout basement design enhances accessibility to outdoor areas.
Challenges and Solutions:
- Steep Terrain:
- Challenge: Building on a steep hillside without creating a foundation that excessively protrudes above ground level.
- Solution: Implemented a two-basement system with staggered foundation walls to follow the natural slope, reducing the visual impact of the foundation and integrating the structure into the landscape.
- Spec Home Marketability:
- Challenge: Designing a home that would appeal to potential buyers and sell quickly.
- Solution: Kept design elements standard and neutral, focusing on functional spaces and popular features like an open floor plan and outdoor decks.
Outcome
The Michigan Residence successfully addresses the complexities of building on a steep hillside lot while providing a functional and appealing home for the speculative market. The innovative dual-basement design effectively utilizes the sloped terrain, offering potential buyers ample space and unique features such as the spacious rear deck and walkout basement patio. The home’s standard finishes and materials ensure broad market appeal and cost-efficiency, facilitating a quick sale.
Key Features Recap
- Total Square Footage: Approximately 3,500 square feet.
- Location: Eagle Mountain, Utah.
- Completion Year: 2019.
- Terrain-Adaptive Design:
- Two basements (high and lower) to accommodate the steep hillside.
- Back wall of the basement is 18 feet tall due to the dual-basement structure.
- Outdoor Spaces:
- Spacious deck off the rear of the home.
- Patio area beneath the deck accessible from the walkout basement.
- Interior Features:
- Open floor plan for main living areas.
- Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) flooring throughout.
- Standard horizontal metal framing for railings.
- Spec Home Considerations:
- Designed for quick sale with standard features.
- No extensive customization or high-end finishes.
Conclusion
The Michigan Residence demonstrates effective problem-solving in residential construction on challenging terrain. Shadd Johnson Design successfully created a marketable spec home that integrates seamlessly with its hillside lot. By focusing on functional design, efficient use of space, and standard yet appealing features, the project meets the demands of potential buyers while overcoming the site’s inherent challenges. The home’s successful sale reflects its alignment with market expectations and the thoughtful approach taken in its design and execution.
