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Q: My husband and I recently purchased a vacant city lot...and now are researching the most cost effective way to build on it. We have a small budget for architectural drawings and the building itself. We live in a 100 year old working class neighborhood with an eclectic array of housing stock, the majority being similar toVictorian duplexes, with upper and lower flats, very minimal interiors and exteriors.

We are looking to combine this historical aesthetic/style with something contmeporary. I plan on having a working ceramic studio and exhibition space in the lower and we plan to design the upper flat to be condusive to an "open" space concept-artist work space with two bedrooms. Each flat will roughly be 900 sq. ft. We were hoping to have the studio/lower flat exterior reflect a streamline or deco style while retaining the victorian style on the upper exterior.

The buildings in our neighborhood have steep gabled roofs with cedar shakes on the gabled ends along with wood trim and clapboard siding. The lot size is long and narrow and is a corner lot that is exposed on the North end. It formally was a commercial building with a living space above. (It burned to the ground 4 years ago)I would like to have a corner enterance when re-thinking this design of the lower flat.

Our question to you is: Do you have any suggestions on how to go about designing this building while paying attention to the history of the previous building and bringing in new contemporary exterior considerations. Also, natural light is an issue because of the narrow lots and two story structures. There is about 3-4 feet between houses. Windows and safety become another important issue. How would you effectivley go about putting windows into the lower, as it is not an official live-in space, but a work/studio space. How would one go about using glass block and/or piano windows to bring in natural light?

My husband wants to know about "panel" construction and if it is a quality and cost effective alternative to "on site" stick building?

A: Your project is an exciting one.

Is there any chance you could scan or send digital snap shots (small file
sizes preferred) of the site and adjacent buildings? That would be helpful
from a design standpoint since there's such a wide range of interpretation
for Victorian and Deco.

There are numerous zoning and building code issues that your proposal brings
into question -- a licensed architect would have to review all this.

Lighting will be a challenge -- there are strategies you can employ that
will help filter light into the spaces. You might try describing on paper
your own "ideal" qualities of light and space. Study the work of Sir John
Soane to learn how he "borrowed" light to create luminous interior spaces.

Construction materials can be further explored but there are many other
questions to address before you get there.

CUSTOMER RESPONSE (Genuine e-mail):
"Many thanks for your advice - this is a website worthy of a bookmark -"

COLLEGE DORM LOFT
Q: i am in search of a tried and true design for a college loft, although an innovative design would be attractive as well. just wondering if you had the specs on any designs already.

A: There is no "one-size-fits-all" in loft design. It's a great opportunity for you to be creative. It's not clear from your note who would do the actual construction for your college loft or whether this is a school design project but there are many challenges for creating comfort, levels of privacy, access, lighting, color, zones for work, eating, rest, listening to music and spatial drama, as but a few examples. If it's for yourself, consider writing about it first -- your "wish list," the spatial and light qualities you envision, etc.

CUSTOMER RESPONSE (Genuine e-mail):
just wanted to say thanks for responding. we ended up getting a great loft built. both beds are raised to six feet, under one we have an entertainment shelf system with 27 inch tv, vcr, cd changer, two sub woofers and a mid speaker. under the other we have a futon couch. we are pretty proud of our set up! thanks again for your help!

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