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Housing for all

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Our region, like many others in the nation, is grappling with a significant housing affordability crisis. The Housing for All Task Force is one initiative that our community leaders in both the government and the private sector are working on together to help address the issue. At Canin Associates, our team has been focused on providing leadership in this area for over 10 years. We have been designing homes that are more affordable without sacrificing quality and livability. We are now pleased to introduce a series of house plans that have been tested in the market and adopted by public agencies such as the City of Orlando and the Orlando Community Redevelopment Agency.

These plans are construction ready and are available for purchase. They also fall within the recommended price range identified in the Housing for All Task Force study. They can be utilized in multiple scenarios for infill, replacement or new housing developments. These homes offer a range of square footages from 1,520 square feet to 2,300 square feet, with a variety of appealing facades that will help create a unique contemporary character in any neighborhood.

4 Plex Townhome

product size – 1,520 sq. ft.
unit size – 22′ x 50′
layout – 3 bed / 2 bath

 

Small Lot Single Family Cottage

product size – 1,526 sq. ft.
unit size – 40′ x 85′
layout – 3-4 bed / 2.5 bath

Small Lot Single Family Cottage

product size – 1,576 sq. ft.
unit size – 42.5′ x 92′
layout – 3 bed / 2.5 bath

Small Lot Single Family Cottage

product size –
1,782 / 2,056 sq. ft.
unit size – 30′ x 62′
layout – 3-4 bed / 2.5 bath

Single Family Home

product size –
1,864 / 2,050 sq. ft.
unit size – 60′ x 66′
layout – 3 bed / 2.5 bath

2018 Outlook: Home Design Trends

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Looking toward 2018, I thought it would be interesting to first look back a decade to see what was trending in home design in 2008, at the start of the Great Recession. The economy, jobs, wages, and the size of homes were all contracting. Home sizes, like companies, were “downsizing”. Before the crash, normal floor plans with spaces like Great Rooms, Cafés (or Breakfast Nooks), and formal Living and Dining Rooms had become smartly condensed into “Everyday Living” spaces with an open kitchen. Tubs in shrinking Master Bathrooms were removed to accommodate larger showers. These floor plan trends began to stick back then and are still preferred by most buyers today.

Over the past 10 years the pendulum has started to swing back, with plans starting to slowly grow larger again. Space gained through consolidation has translated to larger Kitchens, Outdoor Living Areas, Walk-In Closets, and Storage. Evolving plan drivers are more focused on enhancing the living experience within the home. Here’s a look forward at new design trends progressing into next year.

 

OUTDOOR LIVING SPACES

Buyers are spending more time outdoors, enjoying time with family and friends. Covered outdoor living spaces today are designed the way we design interior living rooms, with comfortable outdoor furniture and TVs. Some include gas fireplaces, outdoor bars, grills for cooking, and dining areas. 2018 trends include painting the color of the exterior living space walls the same color as the interior, not the color of the siding, and also extending the flooring from the inside to the outside. Eliminate the barrier between the indoors and outdoors with large, pocketing sliding glass or folding doors. Buyers love the openness of the two spaces, and they perceive the combined usable spaces as higher value.

 

 

KITCHEN

Buyers still prefer large kitchen islands, especially with seating. But now that Kitchens are open to the Everyday Living spaces, countertop clutter needs to be hidden. Buyers love to show off their high-tech appliances, but not the coffee maker, can opener, blender, etc. So next year our floor plans are including “Sculleries” or “Small Appliance Pantries”. They replace the same space Butler Pantries used to and provide extra countertop preparation space and cabinet storage too.

 

 

 

 

 

WHATEVER SPACES

Storage ranks high on buyers preference surveys. In new floor plans, we provide small signature spaces for buyers to use as they please. Only utilizing 48-64 square feet, or 6’x8’ to 8’x8’, these small spaces can be used for a hobby room, luggage storage, wine room/cellar, home tech closet, shopping club storage, pet suite, or any other use a homeowner can imagine.

 

 

 

 

CONNECTIONS

Who would want to buy a new home with a tight, cramped, and undersized laundry room? Or have no place to store the vacuum or Swiffer? Buyers love the expanded functional space of Domestic Suites, especially when they are conveniently connected to a Master Closet for easy access. The Domestic Suite should have enough counter space to the left of the washer/dryer to sort clothes and countertops to the right for folding and ironing. It should also provide a clothes rod for “delicates” to air dry. In your suite, include a broom and vacuum closet with an outlet for recharging; include shelves for household cleaners. Use the extra cabinetry in the room for extra household storage (batteries, flashlights, tape, scissors, lightbulbs, etc.), and use the wall space for dry goods shelving. There is an opportunity to impress buyers if the room can be made large enough for a small work island or hobby desk. The Domestic Suite can also double as a Pet Suite. Well-designed and planned utility spaces add tremendous value to the home and they can be scaled for all home sizes.

 

 

FLEX SPACE

Formal Living Rooms were once seldom used, however new floor plans have evolved by changing the Living Room into a “Flex” room. Buyers now have the option of making these spaces home offices, as the trend over the past decade shows more people are working at home. Flex Rooms are still a 2018 trend, which gives buyers the option to “office” somewhere else in the house and use the flex room as an office or a Guest Bedroom.

A home office does not necessarily have to be in the default location in front of the house. Often the homeowner benefits from a more private location, out of view from guests. 2018 trends include smaller home offices, called Pocket Offices, because bookcases, file cabinets, and bulky PCs are no longer needed. With laptops, tablets, smartphones, and other mobile devices, a desk in a small space is sufficient for a printer, router, and basic office needs. These small spaces often hide the “clutter” with barn doors.

 

SHEDQUARTERS

Small, detached retreat spaces are a new thing. Modest and remote “getaway” spaces are perfect for that small work-at-home space, a playroom for kids, a media room, a hobby room, or any other use. You do not need to program this space, buyers will do it for you!

 

 

ONLINE SHOPPING DELIVERY BOX

96% of Americans shop online, and the majority of those shoppers prefer doing so to save time and avoid crowds. Look at the success of Amazon and how it is changing retail. Wal-Mart is competing, meal delivery programs are consistently becoming popular (Blue Apron and HelloFresh), and prescriptions can now be delivered right to your door. Most people seem uncomfortable by Amazon Key, Amazon’s new electronic feature that temporarily unlocks your door for the delivery to be placed in your home and then locks the door again when the delivery driver leaves, all while you watch from a security camera. However, there is a better way to guard against “porch pirates”. As a safer solution, with just a little extra wall width, a wall-mounted package drop vault ($440) can be installed on a front porch or near the foyer.

 

      

 

There is not enough space in this article to go into all the exciting new things for 2018, but technology is certainly making an impact on every aspect of design and construction. As technology continues to grow and influence everyday lifestyles, it will provide us with more modern conveniences and spaces to enjoy with family and friends for the next decade to come.

Download the full PDF: Design Trends 2018

Courtyards in Mexico: More than an architectural feature

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Canin Associates Fall Studio Sponsorship at the University of Miami

The group walking the streets of San Miguel de Allende

 

This Fall, Canin Associates sponsored an upper-level research design studio at the University of Miami to study “Courtyard Housing.” The focus was around the history, theory, practice, and technology of courtyard houses in three cities in Mexico. The aim of the project is to translate the design principles of courtyard housing and apply them to a master plan in Florida and then develop appropriate architectural typologies for the community.

Each student was provided an opportunity to study notable courtyard examples from around the world, including some by famous architects and designers including Mies van der Rohe, Le Corbusier and OMA. Most of the studio then had the opportunity to travel to Mexico and tour three of the most important “Magic Towns,” or “Pueblos Magicos,” in the center of Mexico: Guanajuato, Santiago de Queretaro, and San Miguel de Allende. Canin Associates’ President, Brian Canin, traveled with the group. Each city provided excellent examples of courtyards with a variety of topographic conditions, materials, vegetation and scale. The students had the opportunity to document both public and private buildings with shared typologies and plazas. Each courtyard and plaza exhibited powerful placemaking design techniques. The site  chosen for the implementation of the master plan is  in Homestead, Florida, which is home to many seasonal Mexican migrants. The six block,  95-acre site will be planned to accommodate this population using courtyard designs.

 

San Miguel de Allende courtyard space

 

Each student will design a “Mexican Enclave” with an elaboration of one section of the plan containing all proposed building types, including facades, sections, plans, physical models, and perspective views. The final presentation will take place on December 11th at the School of Architecture at the University of Miami with Brian Canin in attendance. The Canin Associates team is looking forward to seeing the final designs so look out for a follow-up post later next month!

Queretaro tree-lined public courtyard

 

Our 5 Top Posts of 2015

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Happy New Year! Like most of you, we hit the ground running in what is sure to be a busy and exciting 2016. Nonetheless, we want to take a quick look back at some of our favorite posts from the past year. From streetcars in Atlanta to architecture in Lima, we took a look at mobility, buildings styles, and a new way to approach single-family homes.

Bike Lanes - Pros and ConsBike Lanes or No Bike Lanes: A False Dichotomy?

In many cities, a false dichotomy has dominated recent conversations around cycling: Should bicycle-riders travel on their own specialized networks of bike lanes or should they ride on any road alongside automobiles?

 

 

 

Saarbrücken SidewalkA Connectivity Case Study in Saarbrücken, Germany

Like most German cities, Saarbrücken’s core is a mix of walkable streets, urban buildings, and historic sites. Despite this, city leaders and residents are concerned about the future connectivity, mobility, and livability of their city.

 

 

 

Peru - Cusco - ArchitectureThree Architectural Periods in Peru

Peru as a country boasts a mix of cultures, climates, and architecture. What makes it an incredible place to visit is that modern Peru seamlessly blends together its diverse history.

 

 

 

 

Single-Family Homes in an Urban EnvironmentSingle-Family Can Be Urban, Too

American housing design is in need of a paradigm shift. Recognizing generational preferences, increasing affordability constraints, and sustainable solutions are needed to start a new chapter in the planning of our cities, especially when it comes to housing. But that doesn’t mean the single-family home is dead.

 

 

 

streetcar_implementation_atlantaImplementing Streetcars: Lessons from Atlanta

The streetcar fits a unique niche in our transportation system different from bus or light rail. It’s often described as an extension of the walking environment thanks to its ability to be used for short trips, while still connecting different neighborhoods within a city. However, as recent streetcar projects like the Downtown Loop in Atlanta have shown, their success requires patience.

 

Indoor-Outdoor Design: Tips and Trends

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Fall is here, and for Florida and much of the South that means it’s time to take life outside. From barbecues to relaxing by the pool, our backyards, porches, and decks become an extension of our home. While not all indoor-outdoor spaces are created equal, implementing smart design elements can quickly maximize the backyard of your new home or next remodel project.

A great example of a high-performing indoor-outdoor space is our Palazzo Lago home in Windermere, Florida (pictured below). The home was the winner of the Grand Award – Custom Home in the 2013 Orlando Parade of Homes and Orlando Life magazine’s 2013 Home of the Year runner-up. Palazzo Lago was also featured in the August 2015 edition of Hearth & Home in the articles “Trends in the Outdoor Room” and “Seamless Indoor-Outdoor Living.” Here are a few ways we make sure a backyard functions as a great living space:

 

Indoor-Outdoor Living Trends

 

A Smooth Indoor-Outdoor Transition

To create a seamless indoor-outdoor space, a covered hard roof area is essential. Incorporating a portion of your deck or patio under a hard roof will offer functional relief from sun and drain and will also serve as a transition space from inside to outside.

Don’t think of the outdoors as a separate part of your home. Rather, blend it further with the indoors by minimizing the visual and physical barriers between the two. Many homeowners are replacing their aluminum sliding glass doors with folding glass doors. These doors open all the way to maximize the sense of openness. This easily accessible area can now become an outdoor living room with cushioned furnishings, ceiling fans, and intentional lighting. As such, plan your covered patio or lanai large enough to comfortably fit an outdoor furniture arrangement.

 

Palazzo Lago Custom Home - Porch

 

A Resort-Style Pool in Your Own Backyard

In recent years, residential pool construction trends have aimed at adding a resort feel to pools. Spillover spas, fountain jets, and waterfalls are today’s slides and diving boards of years past. Additionally, attention is paid as much to the layout of the surrounding deck space as to the water itself. For example, deck size is key. The target deck-to-water ratio should be 3:1. Also, plan your furniture layout ahead of time to make sure the space works how you envisioned it.

Any pool that transitions from kid time to adult time needs ample storage. Avoid clutter by providing adequate storage space for toys, towels, and cleaning equipment. The size of storage required can vary depending on the number and age of pool users, and how much of the pool maintenance you intend to do yourself. An exterior 4′ x 4′ storage closet, for example, will allow you to conceal unattractive items and secure chemicals.

 

Indoor-Outdoor Pool and Patio Renovation Orlando FL

Courtyard Comebacks

Backyards aren’t the only space you have for outdoor enjoyment. In some cases, a private, open courtyard can be a great place for a relaxing getaway. Even courtyards as small as 8′ x 8′ provide an intimate al fresco experience. Courtyards can be placed off the master bedroom, in a side yard, or even under a large tree in the front yard. Enhance your courtyard with a wood trellis and a vine, colorful aromatic plants, or a water feature for soothing background sounds. During the cooler months, invite friends into your courtyard as a place to chat over a fire pit, or use it as a romantic place for two.

 

 

Design Principles for Aging in Place

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Many recent surveys show that homeowners are staying in their homes longer. It could be due to the economy with decreasing home values making it difficult to buy a new home or the cost of assisted living facilities or the desire to continue to live in a familiar environment. Many people who plan to stay in their current home consider remodeling over buying a new one.

If you’re staying put for a while, then a well designed home should accommodate your current needs for comfort and safety and also be designed with enough forethought to evolve with your needs as you grow older or as your lifestyle changes. Aging-in-Place design considers creative solutions for wheelchair users, people that rely on mobility aids such as walkers, or crutches and people with visual or physical impairments.

 

Aging-in-Place Home Design Features

 

Consider using these Aging-in-Place design ideas for the ongoing future enjoyment of your home:

Floor Level Changes

  • Minimize change in floor levels. Have the least amount of steps possible. If a ramp is needed, then install one with 12” of length for every inch of rise. For example, if there is an 8” difference in height between floors, than the ramp should be eight feet long.
  • Seniors prefer one level homes over two levels. Stairs can be difficult to climb.
  • The step between the bathroom floor and the shower floor can be inconvenient for wheelchair users. Roll-in showers offer an option – the transition between the bathroom floor and the shower floor is relatively flat – the shower floor slopes from that point down to the drain. This option requires a larger shower to mitigate the shower spray from getting on the bathroom floor. Non-slip tile makes sense for everyone.

Pathway Clearances

  • Hallways and other circulation paths through rooms and around furniture should be between 36”-42” wide. Use this same minimum distance between countertops in a kitchen.
  • All doors should be a minimum of 32” wide with lever handles.

Baby-Boomer-Home-Features

Kitchens

  • Lower the countertops from the typical height of 36” to 32”-34”.
  • Provide roll-under cooktops and sinks. (These are counters with drop-in fixtures at 32”-34” high with knee space below them).
  • Outfit base cabinets with drawers instead of doors. The drawers provide easier access to kitchen items with less bending.
  • Mount built-In wall ovens or microwave ovens at lower heights so the controls are no higher than 48” above the floor.

Bathrooms

  • Use an elongated type toilet bowl with the seat 18” above the floor.
  • Provide blocking in the walls for future grab bars between 33”-36” off the bathroom floor. Install the blocking behind the toilet (24” wide), on a wall beside the toilet (42” wide) and in a shower or around a tub.
  • Specialty accessible tubs are available with a seat and they have doors for easy lateral transfers from a mobility device – grab bars are already pre-installed.
  • Sinks heights are determined for each individual’s needs – 32”-34” for wheelchair users or for people of short stature, 36” for people with bad backs.
  • Good lighting helps those with poor vision.

Laundry Rooms

  • Mount shelves at convenient heights for easy access to cleaning supplies.
  • Choose front-load washers and dryers with lower folding counters.

 

You can make these accessible accommodations by retrofitting your current home, including them in remodeling plans or even in a new custom home design. If you are buying a new home from a homebuilder, ask for these considerations that you are entitled to by law. In any case, work with your design professional to implement these and other universal design principles to ensure the barrier-free use and enjoyment of your home for years to come.

 

A Dramatic Remodel with Minimal Structural Changes

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Orlando Custom Remodel

The Chapin Residence recently underwent a dramatic remodel with minimal structural changes.

The existing kitchen’s cramped walls were removed to open up the space to the new, larger family room with views of the pool. The original laundry room was relocated near the existing garage to provide space for the living room expansion. Additionally, the ceiling in the family room was raised two feet to make room for transom windows above the new French doors, improving the overall scale of the family room.

The kitchen, bathrooms, and bedrooms were also remodeled, including the master suite, complete with walk-in closets and an updated bathroom. The porch was turned into a functional outdoor living space thanks to the addition of a lanai.

For more information on the Chapin custom remodel, please visit the project profile.

 

 

Canin Collection: Canin Micro Homes

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The Canin Micro Homes respond to a real-world housing shortage of affordable yet desirable products. Achieving densities of 20 to 24 units per acre, the homes range in size from 454 to 1,400 square feet. The designs feature open floor plans, front porches, and customizable options.

Canin Micro Homes

A new frugality is taking shape in the American mindset. A “less is more” attitude based on enhanced quality and attention to detail is reinventing spending patterns, housing choices, and amenity preferences. The Canin Micro Homes, part of the Canin Cottages initiative, are aimed at exploring this “new frugality” by implementing these homes where there is a need for more affordable yet higher-quality housing.

Canin Micro Homes

By attaining higher densities while remaining detached, these homes appeal not only to a wide range of buyers, but also to developers for their higher per-acre return. Additionally for builders, these Micro Homes are perfect for cost-effective systems-built construction.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Canin Associates to Present at the 2015 Southeast Building Conference

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On Friday, July 17, 2015, Canin Associates’ Tony Weremeichik will present at the 2015 Southeast Building Conference (SEBC) in Orlando, Florida. Now in its 37th year, the SEBC has been a meeting place for building industry professionals from the areas of contracting, remodeling, architecture, engineering, and development. The three-day conference includes exhibits by more than 265 companies, as well as offering over 40 continuing education credits worth of workshops, panels, and presentations.

 

SEBC 2015 Canin Associates Architects

 

The topic of Tony’s presentation will be Buyer Magnets for Gen X, Gen Y, and Boomer. He is scheduled to present on Friday, July 17, at 1:00pm. Be sure to follow us on Twitter and Facebook for more information.

 

 

Canin Collection: Paseo Cottages

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A new addition to the Canin Collection, the Paseo Cottages, feature unique three-bedroom plans that fit perfectly on 50′ by 50′ lots and achieve a density of 10 units per acre.

Canin_Paseo_Cottages_right_sized_home_Design

We anticipate that the theme in homebuilding for 2015 and 2016 will continue to center around the idea of reaching higher densities in single-family homes. Our Paseo Cottages respond to these modern requirements with three new 3 bedroom, 2.5 bath designs ranging from 1,539 to 1,840 square feet. Situated comfortably on 50’ by 50’ lots, these homes engage the entire yard with strong indoor/outdoor connections throughout the living spaces. While the site 50x50_Lot_SitePlanmay be compact, the homes are anything but. Expansive master bedroom suites feature spa-like baths, while separate domestic suites and generous walk-in closets offer the highest levels of convenience and utility. The open-plan, oversized kitchens offer ample cabinet storage, prep areas, and optional islands for cooking and seating. These beautiful cottages reside on intimate, pedestrian-friendly paseos and have room for three cars on-site (two in the spacious garage and one in the private driveway).

 

 

 

 

Tips on Achieving Sound Protection in New Homes and Remodels

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While at a get-together at a friend’s house, a small group of us were talking in the great room, just outside the guest bathroom. A friend needed to use the bathroom. Our conversation was interrupted by a sudden surprise sprinkle sound—and I’m not so sure it was the faucet. And no, the exhaust fan they depended on could not drown out the sound. When the friend came out, I felt embarrassed for them, for they had no clue it was so audible. Later, I tapped on the door and, as suspected, it was a hollow core door. This is a shame, especially since the house was a luxury home.

I live in a house where the sound from the TV in our family room can be heard through the wall in our master bedroom, even at a modest volume. Sounds easily migrate through metal stud walls and hollow core doors. Normal conversations and sounds can be heard through them; they just simply do not provide enough buffering for sound privacy.

“When it comes to privacy, every dime you spend is worth a dollar.”

Amanda Bowers, The Kearney Companies

Walls and Doors serve three primary purposes: security, visual privacy, and sound privacy. The third purpose is just as important as the first two, yet is often overlooked, or simply ignored for the sake of a cheaper door selection or construction materials.

Home design and building professionals should consider specifying acoustical walls and doors for sound sensitive rooms, with doors and construction materials achieving high STC (Sound Transmission Class) ratings.

 

Control sound and offer more value in new home construction or remodels, using the following construction guidelines:

  • On a floor plan, use a highlighter marker to identify rooms or areas that require sound privacy or buffering, and highlight the doors and walls surrounding all bedrooms, bathrooms (especially toilet closets) and air conditioning/heater closets or any other room that requires isolation from noise. Include a solid core door with a threshold; doors should not be undercut for venting. Therma-Tru noise reduction doors is one brand that provides an acceptable STC rating of 36;
    Sound-proof-floorplan-example
  • Use wood studs for all interior walls, not metal studs;
  • For best acoustic management, finish walls using National Gypsum Gold Bond® brand 1/2″ SoundBreak® XP® Gypsum Board with Sporgard™ or CertainTeed’s SilentFX Noise-Reducing Gypsum Board or similar specialty wallboard. These high-density gypsum core boards consist of a layer of viscoelastic damping polymer sandwiched between two pieces of high density mold resistant gypsum board, providing constrained layer damping;
  • Also fill the wall cavities with Certainteed NoiseReducer Sound Attenuation Batt Insulation, Owens Corning Sound Attenuation Batts (SAB’s) or mineral wool batts. These provide excellent in-place acoustic performance for interior partition acoustic systems. Depending on the construction method used, SABs can improve Sound Transmission Class (STC) ratings by 4 to 10 dBs.
  • One alternative to the specialty drywall is to use Acoustiblock’s soundproofing membrane attached directly to the wood stud framing, before wallboard is applied. The pliable, 3mm (1/8″) thick Acoustiblok membrane is engineered not to stop or even absorb sound, but through a unique thermodynamic process that reduces sound transmission virtually the same as 24-inches of concrete. A typical 2 x 4 gypsum stud wall is usually 33 to 35 STC. Acoustiblok installed in the 2 x 4 wall is lab certified at an STC of 52, better than 12″ of poured concrete (STC 51).

Acoustic Wall Detail

 

 

Do Home Buyers Really Want Smart Home Technology?

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As a home designer, for many years I’ve been greatly anticipating a time when we will see useful and affordable electronics as standard items in our homes to make our lives easier–whether they offer convenience or save us money. I am still waiting. Options are all out there; we have the technology, but the costs are not quite attainable yet.  But new cars, at all price points, offer integrated Bluetooth technology, fuel monitoring, navigations systems, WiFi, etc.  The auto industry has responded to consumer demand, so why hasn’t the housing industry done the same?

 

NESTthermostatPicture2“I want that!” Home electronics and automation selections can be overwhelming. If you have ever researched the latest home technologies, or ever heard a presentation, you may feel like a kid in a candy store as there are boundless options. For most, it’s a dream come true to live in a technologically advanced, fully automated home as if you were George Jetson yourself. You may find you “would really like this” or you “gotta have that”…and the list usually grows.

 

But home electronics come at a cost, and frugal consideration must be given to home buyers’ needs and the conveniences they are willing to pay for.

 

What matters to homebuyers? A recent technology survey, “What Home Buyers Really Want,” presented at the 2015 International Builders Show, reveals what ranks at the top of buyer’s tech wish lists:

 

BALA_Chart

 

Since not everyone can afford it all, practicality rules. Level-headedness must prevail. But almost every type of buyer wants at least home security and programmable thermostats.

 

Millennial buyers seem to be the most tech savvy, but most are not in a financial position to be able to afford extras like central vacuums or lighting control systems. They are fine with their iPad controlled Apple TV and a wireless home theater surround sound system from Best Buy. For the most part, the same is true with the Gen-Xers and Boomers. Simple and easy-to-use gadgets that can be controlled with your smartphone seem to be what’s mainstream now.

 

Here are a few new, yet attainable, technology ideas that buyers may find to be “must haves” are slowly creeping their way into new homes, and Home Design and Building Professionals must adapt new plan designs to accommodate these needs:

 

  • Charge Electronics Devices: Most new home designs have a drop zone, a small transitional area where you “Drop” things when you come home, usually located between the garage and the kitchen. This convenient space allows you to drop your keys, purse, phone, mail, etc. on your way in without having to drop it all on the kitchen countertops. Instead of equipping this counter with a normal duplex outlet to recharge your phones, use the new USB Duplex outlets here, which provide two USB plugs for any smartphone charger. Already growing in popularity in hotel rooms, these USB duplexes come in handy behind the nightstands in the bedroom or in the home office as well.
  • Programmable Thermostat: Nest is a Learning Thermostat that learns your schedule, programs itself and can be controlled from your phone. Teach it well and the Nest Thermostat can lower heating and cooling bills up to 20%. ($250, nest.com).
  • Front Door Locks: The bluetooth-controlled Kēvo is a new way to lock and unlock your front door without a key. Using your smartphone or keychain fob, this smart lock will unlock at the touch of a finger. The smartphone app lets you send e-keys, track entries and lock your home remotely. ($220, kwikset.com)
  • Healthy Home:  How much is clean air worth to your buyers? How do you eliminate the unpleasant microscopic, particle-sized pollutants that surround you indoors and how do you remove them from the air you breathe? Innovated in Sweden, Blueair purifiers use HEPASilent® technology to silently and effectively remove triggers like dust mites, allergens, volatile organic compounds (VOC’s), pet dander, mold, cigarette smoke, and more. ($330+, us.blueair.com)
  • Wrinkle Free Clothes: Save yourself time and money from having to go to the drycleaners, and do it yourself, sans the iron and steamer. Available at Best Buy, Whirlpool’s new Swash is a 10-minute clothing care system ($500, Swash.com). In new home or remodel design, consider a space to store it in the laundry room or master closet, and provide an outlet for it as well.

 

WhirlpoolSwashPicture[1]

 

Home design is constantly changing and evolving to meet the needs and lifestyles of today’s homebuyers – much like the invention of the toilet that launched bathroom design in homes, refrigerators replaced ice boxes and furnaces replaced fireplaces, home electronics are now making a significant impact on the way we live and the way we have to design homes today for tomorrow.

 

 

Three Architectural Periods in Peru

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Peru as a country boasts a mix of cultures, climates, and architecture. What makes it an incredible place to visit is that modern Peru seamlessly blends together its diverse history. Nonetheless, each culture and each historical period is still visible and alive throughout the country. Traveling through Peru last year, I noticed that a recurring theme was not only the country’s architecture, but the way it was adapted to changing circumstances. In general, buildings in Peru can be assigned to one of three categories: pre-Columbian, colonial, and vernacular.

Peru - Cusco - Architecture

Pre-Columbian Architecture in Peru

When we think of Peruvian architecture, we immediately picture large works of perfectly connected stone from the pre-Columbian period. And for good reason: These massive creations appear throughout the country and surrounding areas, from the desert coasts to the mountainous highlands to the Amazon jungle. They’ve withstood earthquakes, wars, conquest, colonial rebuilding, and the elements.

What sets Incan architecture apart is not just the size of the stones and the precision with which stonemasons cut them, but the fact that in many structures the blocks are not held together with mortar. Instead, craftsmen created a perfect fit and sometimes built in interlocking features on the tops, bottoms, or sides of the stones. At some of the most important sites, evidence suggests that these interlocking features were “cemented” together with traces of silver. To give flexibility to their structures during earthquakes, Incans sometimes built walls on top of gravel or small-stone foundations many meters deep.

However, when walking around historic places like Machu Picchu, you’ll quickly notice that not all buildings feature smooth stones that fit together perfectly. That’s because this time-intensive building style was reserved only for the most important buildings: temples and civic structures. Regular homes and agricultural sites were built with rustic stones, mortar, and thatched roofs.

Colonial Architecture in Peru

Once the Spanish conquered the last Inca stronghold in 1572, they rebuilt cities in what we now call a Spanish Colonial or Andean Baroque style. But on closer inspection, you’ll quickly notice that the new Spanish cities preserved many of the original elements. For example, the Spanish expanded on the existing grid system in Cusco, the former empire’s capital, and kept many of the same plazas. Religious structures were replaced with religious structures and elite residences were replaced with elite residences.

On the surface, these new buildings appear European, including their lavishly decorated baroque façades. However, along the foundations of many buildings, their Incan heritage is clearly visible. Hallmarks of Spanish colonial architecture in Peru are a base of perfectly fitted Incan stones, European-style white stucco walls, baroque stonework around doors and windows, and intricately carved wooden balconies.

Vernacular and Contemporary Architecture in Peru

While architectural grandeur reached stunning heights in Peru’s most important cities during the colonial period, vernacular architecture at cities’ outskirts and in rural areas has remained widely unchanged for many centuries. Dwellings are usually constructed with whitewashed adobe bricks; roofs are constructed with wood, straw, and hand-made clay tiles. Of course, being one of the world’s fastest growing economies in recent years has left its mark on the country’s largest cities. In Lima and Arequipa, growing modern skylines are ringing in yet another chapter of Peruvian architecture.

 

Canin How-To: A Quick Hand-Colored Elevation

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A quick marketing image can be created and used at any stage of the design process. An architectural rendering can assist in giving the client an understanding of the building or concepts of the design that can only be explained in shadow and/or color. By creating the image by hand, the client can visualize the project and add comments without feeling locked in to a photo-realistic computer-generated image.

Creating a hand-drawn elevation is a great way to flex those design muscles that may be a little rusty and to create a unique stamp for your personal and company brands. Below, you’ll find our six easy steps to go from blank paper to colored rendering, which we also collected in an infographic.

How_To_Color_Architectural_Elevation2

Tools used:

  • Pilot razor point pen (linework)
  • Staedtler lumocolor B (heavy ground line)
  • Prismacolor Cool Grey 30% and French Grey 40% (shadows and window poche)
  • Chartpak assorted colors
  • Total time: 30-45 minutes

 

Step 1: Creating Your Linework

Using a light table or trace paper, sketch a new elevation.  A single line weight is fine for this style of rendering.  If you want a more detailed or realistic quality use multiple line weights.  Depending on the scale and desired level of detail, do not overdo the details and material renderings. A heavy ground line gives the images a strong base since it will not be framed

 

Step 2:  Establish Landscape and Context

For this image, trees and shrubs will give the home context. Aim for balance and by paying attention to the overall composition.  Again, do not lose yourself in drawing every leaf or branch; go for outlines and texture, the detail can be added later or with color

 

Step 3:  Window Poche and Step 4:  Building Shadows

Windows when viewed in sunlight are actually relatively dark. However, you can add dimension to your window poche (the filling in of windows) by creating a soft gradient from darkest at the bottom. For shadows, establish your sun location and angle. This will also give you your shadows for when you add color. A simple trick is to place the shadow on the artist’s dominant side: for righties, the shadows are on the right and bottom, for lefties on the left and bottom.

 

Step 5:  Base Color

Test all colors on a separate sheet of the same paper. This way you know exactly how it will show up and can juxtapose the color variations quickly without having to lay a lot of color down on the image. Start with one flat base layer of color.  As a rule of thumb, have two or three hues per piece, for example three greens for the trees, three pinks/reds for the shrubs, and so on. For a smoother transition of color, you can add a second layer of the same color before changing to a different marker.

 

Step 6:  Add more color and you’re finished!

Use the same sun location you established when you did the building shadows in grey for your colors. This will keep the image consistent and still give an air of realism. Frame the building with a soft sky color, fading from darkest at the horizon line.

If you want, the shadows and window poche can be added after coloring, since the markers act like watercolors and allow a multiplying effect. Feel free to combine a hand-rendering technique with computer software for a more crisp that still has a lot of personality. This style can be used on any 2D image, plan, or elevation, as well as for 3D perspective views. It’s quick and simple, but still creates a great marketing image and branding style for you or your architectural office.

How_To_Color_Architectural_Elevation

 

 

Architectural Case Study: Designing a Semi-Custom Home

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Often times, our clients come to us with a specific design challenge. In the case of Magnolia Park, our client wanted to demonstrate that high quality and a great price are not mutually exclusive. Below, we take a closer look at our design process for this semi-custom home.

MagnoliaPark3

Challenge

For Magnolia Park, we were commissioned to create a builder-friendly floorplan with striking elevations that stands apart from the competition. Because of that, our design for this semi-custom home needed to maximize value while adhering to a specific price point. Working within these design criteria posed a unique challenge as there were few precedents as reference.

 

Solution

To meet our client’s needs, we focused on smart design solutions that added value to the home without overcomplicating the footprint or the structure. We provided flexible living spaces and expansion options, created a layout that allowed for a spa-inspired master suite, and made sure that the entire house was tech-ready.

A hallmark of the home’s flexible living space is its seamless indoor-outdoor relationship. Inside, this grand entertaining space features vaulted ceilings and an eat-in kitchen with an island. Then, by simply opening the oversized glass doors, this great room becomes even more spacious by connecting directly to the outdoor living space.

The design’s openness is met only by its flexibility: The office has a full-sized closet and access to the hall bathroom, making it an ideal fourth bedroom. The garage was designed to allow for standard parking and ample storage around, with an additional 300 square feet of open attic—perfect for seasonal decorations. For even more space, an optional 576-square-foot flex room or guest suite can be added above the garage, creating an additional getaway or multigenerational living space.

Meanwhile, technology is integrated throughout the house: The master bathroom boasts a large shower room complete with hydrotherapy tub, the kitchen features a special iRobot storage cabinet, and an optional smart thermostat controls the home’s climate.

 

Product

The resulting Magnolia Park semi-custom home features a cutting-edge, dynamic floorplan that is demographically neutral. The home lends itself to all ages, from single-women buyers and couples to young families and baby boomers, while offering high quality at a reasonable price.

 

 

 

 

CNU Florida Summit 2015: Our Takeaways

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Last week, members of the Congress for the New Urbanism convened in Orlando for the 2015 CNU Florida Summit. The event’s theme was Transit and Transects: Sparking Florida’s Urban Revival. Speakers and tours covered topics including the rebirth of Downtown Orlando, the return of rail transit to Central Florida, and the development of urban neighborhood centers. Below, six Canin Associates team members share their takeaways from the two-day conference:

 

2015 CNU Florida Summit

 

Eliza Harris, Canin Associates Orlando“We were pleased to hear Billy Hattaway [District 1 Secretary, Florida Department of Transportation] talk about taking the connection between land and transportation seriously. The new standards will help urban state roads support community building.”

Eliza Harris, Director of Urbanism

 

 

jtcinquemani_150“The conversation about the successful conversion of College Park was really interesting, especially how the design of our main streets plays a fundamental role in how we think and feel about our community. The public realm is such an essential part of every community, and fully utilizing the economic, environmental, and social benefits is key.”

JT Cinquemani, Architectural Designer

 

elena_haas“As a newcomer to both CNU and Orlando, I was surprised by how much more I learned about the city, and how much New Urbanism is shaping it. Behind the scenes, Orlando is implementing many more New Urbanist principles than I realized.”

Elena Haas, Intern Architectural & Interior Designer

 

 

monica_pinjani

“Seeing several projects at different stages and in unique contexts helped me rethink the approach to design and its impact on end users. Since the challenges of urbanization are universally similar, it’s great to see how teams react to each project’s specific context with innovative solutions.”

Monica Pinjani, Urban Designer

 

Alex_Lenhoff_CNU“I found it interesting that important design elements that used to be optional are now required in many jurisdictions. It was inspiring to see policy and design begin to take steps in the same direction.”

Alex Lenhoff, Urban Planner

 

 

michael_richardson“It was refreshing to be reminded of the strong directional opinions at play in building and design-related industries. Despite overall progress, leaders continue to find creative ways to deal with the current social and built environments on a more detailed scale.”

Michael Richardson, Architectural Designer

 

 

 

More information on individual sessions and speakers can be found in the 2015 CNU Florida Summit Agenda.

 

5 Tips to Get Your Clubhouse Right

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A clubhouse can be a neighborhood focal point and help attract new residents. However, not all amenity centers are created equal. From functionality to aesthetic appeal, here are five tips to make your clubhouse shine:

Custom Clubhouse / Amenity Center

1. Function, then form.

The program of your clubhouse is everything. Decide on what functions your clubhouse should have, and that will inform how much space it will require; don’t try to squeeze in amenities where they don’t fit, or they won’t add value to your space or community. Certain rooms require specific minimum sizes. For example, fitness rooms should be around 40 feet wide to allow for cardio equipment on outside walls with space for weight machines in the center. Give some thought to how the entrances and exits of spaces are aligned, so furniture space isn’t wasted, allowing for crisscrossing circulation paths across the multi-purpose room or other large, open spaces.

2. One building, or several?

So you’ve decided on a hefty program, and now you’ve got to figure out where it’s going to fit into your community. Phasing, access, and amenity sites can be used to determine if your needs can be met by one large building, or several single or double-purpose buildings. What you decide could create a community focal point or an amenity complex with meeting and multi-purpose space, fitness cabana, refreshment building, pool bathhouse, and more. Breaking up the building also reduces the overall square footage requirement, if the size is what’s holding you back.

 

Zero Entry Pool - Avalon Park / Orlando, Florida

3. The clubhouse is an important amenity to potential homebuyers.

One of the biggest selling points of a community is the clubhouse. If a neighborhood requires HOA fees, offering large-scale community resources is a great way to persuade potential homebuyers. Providing a clubhouse can also address a homebuyer’s typical hesitations, such as not having enough yard for a backyard pool, lacking space for large gatherings, being too far from the gym, or needing a way to get acquainted with neighbors. A clubhouse can be an excellent option as a “third place”—a gathering space other than home or work for community members to meet and mingle.

4. Elevation: scale and proportion.

This is your chance to “wow” guests and to create a community focal point. Use the clubhouse exterior to define the architectural style and feel of the neighborhood. With a great entrance and landscape package, it can create that memorable image that defines the community. Each part of the building has its own function, so use that to your benefit and pop the main entrance or fitness space forward or up, creating a defined piece and humanizing the scale of the structure.

5. Quality over quantity.

Building costs almost always affect design choices, so think practically. For example, over-articulating corners and walls can create dead spaces in a plan and add extra construction costs. If you have porches or patios, make sure they are of an adequate size to perform their function, like allowing space for furniture. A beautiful, functional clubhouse does not have to break the bank, and when done right, can help to sell every lot and home in the neighborhood.

 

 

Single-Family Can Be Urban, Too

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American housing design is in need of a paradigm shift. Recognizing generational preferences, increasing affordability constraints, and sustainable solutions are needed to start a new chapter in the planning of our cities, especially when it comes to housing. But that doesn’t mean the single-family home is dead. In fact, if we begin to build houses around the principles of density, efficiency, and flexibility, a modern version of the single-family home could bridge the gap between what incentivizes builders and developers, and the new reality faced by many potential homebuyers.

 Single-Family Homes in an Urban EnvironmentSeattle, 1947. Photo © Seattle Municipal Archives

 

The nation’s changing demographics are a driving force behind a new focus on the often overlooked needs of two explosive market segments: singles in both Gen Y and Baby Boomer cohorts. With over half of all American adults single1, it’s no surprise that 28% of new-home buyers (18% women and 10% men) are single2. Additionally, Generation Y (now between 20 and 34 years old) and Baby Boomers (currently between 50 and 68 years old) make up nearly two-thirds of homebuyers3. While the housing industry has begun looking at the opportunity to serve Baby Boomers, it often fails to completely understand the needs of Gen Y and single buyers.

 

Singles in the United States

 

While three-quarters of Americans across all cohorts still prefer to live in single-family detached homes4, it has become difficult for Gen Y and single buyers to find affordable, tailored homes in the current stock of home designs and builder offerings. Financial pressures are increasingly affecting young homebuyers’ decisions. Adjusted median household income has remained virtually unchanged since 19895 and is one of the factors behind increased credit card debt and high student loans. Combined, stagnant earnings and growing personal debt are reducing the buying power of many young Americans, which is reflected in a 12% drop in first-time homebuyer market participation in the past decade6. Because the conventional building model does not take these restrictions into account, it misses out on a large portion of potential homebuyers.

 

Median Household Income

Changing demographics, increasing financial constraints, and modern preferences create the perfect springboard for a new era of very different single-family offerings. For example, without losing the quality and appeal of a traditional single-family community, micro homes (under 1000 sq. ft.) can create neighborhoods of truly detached single-family homes at densities of over 20 units per acre. For builders, higher densities can mean lower land costs per unit; for developers, micro neighborhoods can yield significant margins in per-acre sales; and for buyers, the ability to afford a detached home can once again become an aspirational reality.

 

In our site planning tests, we found that micro neighborhood designs can fit between four and six specially-designed homes (ranging from 500 to 900 square feet) onto a quarter-acre lot, allowing for densities of 16, 20, or even 24 units per acre. This model gives developers the ability to create complete, intimate neighborhoods. By limiting the size of the offerings to no more than 20 to 30 homes per neighborhood, it becomes possible to drive rapid absorption by matching demand and opportunity on a finely calibrated scale. Developers can create a sense of buyer urgency with flexible pricing that they can adapt to demand, available inventory, and market pricing.

 

With diversifying preferences and changing economic conditions, increasing residential density is the next logical step in American home design for builders, developers, municipalities, and, most importantly, buyers. By adapting the single-family home to a more urban context, we can take these considerations into account and create walkable, authentic communities.

 

Sources:
[1] Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2014
[2] National Associates of Realtors, Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers, 2011
[3] National Association of Realtors, Home Buyer and Seller Generational Trends, 2014
[4] National Association of Realtors, National Community Preference Survey, 2013
[5] US Census Bureau, 2012
[6] National Association of Home Builders, Wall Street Journal, 2014

 

 

ULI Central Florida: 2015 Emerging Trends in Real Estate

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On January 30, 2015, ULI Central Florida held its annual Emerging Trends in Real Estate conference. At the half-day event, guest speakers and panelists shared their 2015 forecasts and projects with over 200 registrants from industries including real estate, development, urban planning, and architecture. With a recovering economy and positive job growth particularly in Orlando, the general outlook for 2015 was positive, albeit cautious. Jobs, oil, and Millennials proved to be steadfast topics of discussion throughout the event.

Back by popular demand, local political commentators Lou Frey and Dick Bachelor of WMFE’s Intersection opened the conference with their trademark banter on the local and national political scene. Mr. Frey, a former Florida Congressman (R), and Mr. Bachelor, a former Florida House Representative (D), gave their thoughts on the presidential race and what it could mean for Central Florida.

 

The event’s Keynote Speaker was Jeff Korzenik, Chief Investment Strategist at Fifth Third Bank. He summarized his economic outlook for 2015 into five points:

  1. The US economy will continue to grow.
  2. The GDP gap is shrinking.
  3. Oil will a big deal.
  4. The Federal Reserve will a bigger deal.
  5. Investment opportunities are narrowing.

 

Mr. Korzenik went on to describe each point in detail, using jobs as a context. Despite the slowing growth of emerging markets worldwide, the United States has seen the strongest job growth since 1999 by adding over 200,000 jobs each month. Still, two challenges remain: employers are having a hard time finding qualified labor and aging Baby Boomers, who are retiring en masse, are leaving behind a diminished available workforce.

 

Other observations included:

  • Oil prices will rise again, but not to previous levels.
  • While bonds are still lagging worldwide, US bond yields are still attractive enough to draw local and international investments.
  • If your business is labor-dependent, it will be a tough year due to rising wages.
  • Slowly rising interest rates are not destructive to the economy, but will affect industries like real estate and development more than others.

 

Overall, Mr. Korzenik’s forecast was positive for Florida’s land-use related disciplines. The state is set to benefit from continuing to expand and improve its infrastructure, as well as the growing population in areas like Orlando and Miami.

 

Emerging_Trends_Real_Estate_2015Following Mr. Korzenik, Andrew Warren gave the event’s signature Emerging Trends in Real Estate presentation, based on the Emerging Trends in Real Estate – United States and Canada 2015 book, which can be downloaded here (PDF). Mr. Warren, the Director of Real Estate Research at PwC, called for more awareness and “sustainable momentum.” He noted the importance of “keeping an eye on the horizon and how much of the runway is left, more so than in 2006.”

 

Some of the takeaways from the Top 10 Emerging Trends for 2015 were:

  • Millennials and Baby Boomer are still affecting the market, notably through urban preferences.
  • The “18-Hour City” and diverse infrastructure will play important development roles.
  • Land costs are up, which translates into people taking greater risks.
  • While domestic government gridlock threatened to derail the economy in the past year, 2015’s biggest uncertainty will be worldwide geopolitical events.
  • One side effect of global events could be higher construction costs.
  • Despite growing job numbers, income is lagging behind, causing affordability to decrease.
  • More information on the presentation can be found on the PwC website.

 

After Mr. Warren’s presentation, two panels took the stage. The first group featured John Classe of Crescent Communities, Tony Eelman of FBC Mortgage, LLC, Maurice Johnson of Taylor Morrison, and Trip Stephens of ZOM. Together with moderator Lisa Dilts (Compspring), the panelists discussed Housing Trends for 2015. Once again, jobs were a major topic of discussion: “Job growth will stoke Millennial household creation, who prefer urban areas,” said Mr. Classe. Therefore, Mr. Johnson argued that “single-family homes should have all the features and amenities of city life to attract Millennials.”

 

The second panel, Commercial Trends, was moderated by Michael “Doc” Terry of the UCF Rosen College of Hospitality Management, whose panelists discussed commercial trends with a focus on Orlando’s tourist corridor: International Drive. Mr. Terry was joined by Jim Bagley of Encore Housing Funds, Carl Kernodle of Hyatt Hotels, and Josh Wallack of Mango’s, SOBE, and Skyplex. One major trend expected by the panelists will be the diversification of hotels, including urban hotels with a city atmosphere, hotels geared towards longer-staying international tourists, and families looking for multi-generational accommodations. Meanwhile, attractions in the district are becoming more aware of pedestrians and their safety. For International Drive itself, this means improved infrastructure such as pedestrian bridges.

 

The 2015 Emerging Trends in Real Estate conference concluded with the 2015 Trendsetter Award. This year’s winner was The Church Street Exchange. The team behind this effort took a defunct mall in downtown Orlando with nearly complete vacancy and leased it fully within 18 months, creating a model for adaptive reuse that serves Orlando’s growing tech, start-up, and non-profit scene. Other nominees included the City of Tavares, Laureate Park at Lake Nona, and First Green Bank.

 

 

 

 

Tony Weremeichik at 2015 International Builders’ Show

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Every year, over 75,000 attendees from around the world convene at the NAHB International Builders’ Show (IBS). Alternating every two years between Las Vegas and Orlando, the 2015 IBS is taking place in Las Vegas from January 20th to the 22nd. Our Principal of Architectural Design, Tony Weremeichik, is attending this year’s IBS on behalf of the Canin Associates team.

International_Builder_Show_Classes_2016

 

While there, Tony will be one of the experts leading the Kitchen & Interiors Design Plan Review Workshop. At this session, attendees have the chance to meet one-on-one with over a dozen experienced professionals in the fields of interior design and architecture. During this time, participants will learn how to optimize their designs through fine-tuning and editing of ideas.

 

 

 

Workshop Details

Title                        Kitchen & Interiors Design Plan Review Workshop

Day                        Wednesday, January 21

Time                      2:00 – 5:00PM (Reserve seat 30 minutes prior to session.)

Location                South 224

Tracks                   Design, Development & Community Planning

 

During the show, keep an eye out for Tony and follow him on Twitter at @CaninArchStudio.

 

 

 

Design Principal Tony Weremeichik Named Among “Who’s Who in Green Home Building 2014”

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Canin Associates is proud to have Principal of Architectural Design, Tony Weremeichik, named among Green Home Builder Magazine’s “Who’s Who in Green Home Building 2014.” Tony’s article, “Green Lifestyle Views by Different Generations” was published in Green Home Builder Magazine and its sister publication, Builder and Developer, last year.

 

Orlando Architect Tony Weremeichik
Tony in a Certified Green Professional (CGP) and has been a leader in architectural design for over 20 years, specializing in new, custom, and remodeled homes, as well as in master-planned communities and resorts in the US, Europe, and Central America. Canin Associates’ design work combines historical precedents and classical proportions with new technologies and contemporary designs. This process has led to sustainable traditional and custom homes, as well as innovative housing types, including the “Jewel Box” homes, Paseo Cottages, and Baby Boomer plans. These efficient, “right-sized” homes, based on current market trends, are targeted specifically for today’s homebuyer, who prioritizes efficiency, technology, and a sense of community.

 

 

 

 

Canin Award Funds Student Trip to Medellín, Columbia

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Last fall, a group of students and professors from the University of Miami School of Architecture had the opportunity to visit Medellín, a Columbian city now famous for implementing a series of smart urban solutions in the past decade. Canin Associates is thrilled to have been able to help make this trip possible, along with support from the University of Miami Citizens Board.

Miami_Architecture_Canin_Medellin_Columbia

Medellín as a city has garnered a lot of attention in the past few year, from being named Innovative City of the Year in 2013 to hosting the United Nations World Urban Forum in 2014. Not only have city leaders and citizens actively reduced the cartel-induced crime that plagued the city for decades (the name “Murder Capital of the World” may come to mind), they also dedicated themselves to fostering social urbanism, a form of people-focused urban development. Today, outdoor escalators and a streetcar-like gondola line connect the city’s hilly outskirts to the center of town. A state-of-the-art library is paired with a new park to create the Parque Biblioteca España, one of the city’s architectural icons. These projects are mirrored by many more smaller scale initiatives with a focus on community building.

Canin Award Funds Thank You

In Medellín, young designers from the University of Miami studied the city’s architecture and saw first-hand the importance of innovative urban interventions. The students turned their experiences abroad into 11 proposals. Their visions focused on the future of the up-and-coming area around the Cemetery of San Lorenzo. Students presented their final concepts for “Studio Medellín” last December, and Professor Carmen Guerrero will create a report collecting these designs and the lessons learned on the group’s trip.

 

 

5 Takeaways from Harvard Design’s Miami Weekend

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Last week, my alma mater was kind enough to bring the alumni event to us here in Florida for the first time. The Harvard Graduate School of Design held its Alumni + Friends Weekend in Miami, coinciding with Art Basel and Design Miami. The three-day meeting included a series of presentations, discussions, and site tours led by local and national experts in architecture, landscape architecture, and urban design. Below, I share the top five takeaways and trends to give you an intimate look into the GSD Weekend.

Miami_Design_District

Paseo Ponti in Miami’s Design District

1. Everyone is passionate about cities.

During A Conversation at Arquitectonica, three of the company’s original founders discussed the ties between New Urbanism, contemporary architecture, and the comeback of cities. They reflected on how their own companies’ shared history mirrors the larger conversation around the future of cities: with both traditional and avant-garde practitioners taking different paths to bring the American city out of negative cycles of the 1960s and 70s. Bernardo Fort-Brescia, Laurinda Spear, and Elizabeth Plater-Zyberk talked about creating the modern-focused Arquitectonica and the branching off by Plater-Zyberk (with fellow Arquitectonica co-founder and Congress for the New Urbanism co-creator Andrés Duany) to form DPZ with a focus on urbanism both in cities as well as greenfield towns.  Fort-Brescia discussed how their early projects focused on bringing housing into the city which at the time was viewed as a place for business only. Plater-Zyberk discussed how their work at Seaside led to a much larger conversation about the future of cities. They also spoke about how their differing educational backgrounds at Yale, Columbia, and Princeton influenced their outlooks on architecture.

2. Miami21 is making buildings more urban.

It’s one thing for skyscrapers to promote density, but it’s an entirely different hurdle for them to embody urbanism. This was another central theme discussed during A Conversation at Arquitectonica. Fort-Brescia noted that previous versions of the city code often negatively influenced the design of buildings and projects. He discussed how elements of Arquitectonica’s iconic Atlantis project in Miami responded to the codes of the time, which required suburban-style setbacks and landscaping. He credited Miami21 with giving architects the opportunity to design urban, city-supportive architecture. The Miami21 Code resurfaced several times during the conference. Architect Carie Penabad mentioned the potential for the code to help Miami rediscover the “Missing Middle” of housing typologies.

3. A renewed focus on cities and sustainability could narrow the divide between traditional and avant-garde architecture.

The comparisons of traditional and contemporary architecture carried over into the final symposium of the weekend, called Coastlines: Architecture, Landscape, and the Construction of Waterscapes. During the Saturday afternoon architecture session, Chad Oppenheim spoke about incorporating the techniques of Miami Modernist architecture, more popularly known as MiMo, into his contemporary architectural style.

There are many lessons that can be learned from the MiMo style, including the way it handles the area’s relentless sun exposure and resulting heat gain. Carie Penabad discussed how initially much of the downtown skyline was populated by steel and glass contemporary buildings in styles imported from the Northeast that do not take climate into account. Oppenheim and Penabad showed how the focus on climate adaptation has helped identify common ground between avant-garde and classically inspired architecture.

4. Water: the Good, the Bad and the Ugly.

A major theme of the weekend was water: engaging with water in a positive way, as well as dealing with the inherent vulnerability to storms and flooding both in Miami and around the world. We toured the one-of-a-kind Miami Marine Stadium that has a storied history of hosting boat shows and floating concerts including acts like The Who and Jimmy Buffett, but has been closed down now for two decades. Currently, local citizens are rallying to bring back this unique water-based resource.

Miami_Marine_Stadium

Miami Marine Stadium

During the Coastlines symposium, speakers discussed the steps taken to deal with increased flooding in Miami Beach, as well as big ideas to keep buildings above water in even worse storms. With the increased potential for Sandy-esque superstorms, resilience planning that targets water intrusion will shape future development trends. While conventional engineering methods focus solely on hardening (building walls to stop water in its tracks), new mitigation strategies promote a mix of hardening and softening. Softening methods included preserving and enhancing natural systems as well as building new landscape solutions. Natural and manmade strategies include barrier islands, wetlands, sunken parks, and break-away walls, both natural and manmade.

In the most eye-opening session of the symposium, Kunlé Adeyemi discussed his work with the African Water Cities Project, which creates architecture in the floating world of low income communities in Nigeria where walking or swimming are the only forms of transportation.  These communities represented both a poetic interdependence where water is both home, creation, transportation and food source as well as the challenges of dealing with fluctuating waters, sanitation, and often a lack of legal legitimacy. Adeyemi proposed a classification of water-integration in communities ranging from a water independent locations, to hybrid cities like Venice and Amsterdam, and finally to the completely water-dependent communities on the Nigerian coastline.

5. City infill should focus on the missing middle.

Carie Penabad talked about Miami’s missing middle: the gap between expensive high-rise condo developments and the historic stock of mostly one-story dwellings. Much of the focus for the afternoon had been on those high dollar, luxury projects which can typically afford exotic architecture. When the topic of affordability came up, several of the architects expressed how much they would love to do affordable housing designs and said “bring us a project!” Penabad proposed filling in the missing middle as an important strategy to bridge this gap.  Miami21 has the potential to fill this need both physically and economically by allowing for more medium-density buildings that better match the city’s median income figures and to help smooth the transition between existing neighborhoods and high rises. The “Missing Middle” idea has been gaining steam for some time. The term was coined by Dan Parolek of Opticos in California and we have been busy generating new missing middle typologies here at Canin Associates.

Eliza Harris Harvard Graduate School of Design - Miami Alumni Weekend

Eliza Harris, second from the right / Photo courtesy of the Harvard Graduate School of Design

 

At Canin Associates, both Brian Canin (MAUD ’68) and Eliza Harris (MUP ’07) are graduates of the Harvard GSD.

 

 

Tony Weremeichik to Present at MCBC

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Tony Weremeichik, Principal of Architecture, Canin Associates, OrlandoThe Master Custom Builder Council (MCBC) has invited Tony Weremeichik, principal of the architecture studio at Canin Associates, to present at November’s General Membership meeting.

 

He is joined by Shanna Bender, owner and design principal at Design Studio 15, and Patti Guthrie, director at Marc-Michaels. Together, the three panelists will spend an exclusive lunch session with MCBC members to discuss 2015 design trends.

The event takes place on Tuesday, November 11th, 2014 at Winter Park’s beautiful Alfond Inn from 11:00am to 2:00pm.

 

 

 

David Weekley Partners with Canin Associates on New Home Designs

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David Weekley Homes, Professional Builder Magazine’s 2013 National Builder of the Year and one of the Nation’s most reputable Home Builders, has joined forces with Canin Associates’ Architectural Design Studio to produce some of Central Florida’s most exceptional new homes.

 

winter_park_florida_luxury_attached_homes
Canin has given a fresh new look to the traditional elevations of some of Weekley’s best-selling Custom Classic house plans in Baldwin Park, and we have also created brand new, contemporary floor plans and elevations for their Central Living infill lot projects throughout Orlando and Winter Park.

Lyman Avenue Paired Villas

Another addition to the David Weekley lineup is the Lyman Avenue Paired Villas. These elegant new designs present homeowners with the best of both worlds. Located just minutes from Winter Park’s scenic Central Park and bustling Park Avenue, these stylish paired homes combine easy access to restaurants and entertainment with a comfortable, serene design. A fully equipped al fresco courtyard kitchen, ample storage space, a home office, a grand kitchen, and high-end bathroom finishes enhance this unique 2,009 sq. ft. living experience.

Images courtesy of Canin Associates and David Weekley Homes.

 

 

 

Canin Associates to Present at 2014 SEBC

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SEBC 2014 Canin Associates Architects

 

On Friday, July 25, 2014, Canin Associates’ Tony Weremeichik will present at the 2014 Southeast Builders Conference (SEBC). Now in its 36th year, the SEBC has been a meeting place for building industry professionals from the areas of contracting, remodeling, architecture, engineering, and development. The three-day conference includes exhibits by more than 265 companies, as well as offering over 40 continuing education credits worth of workshops, panels, and presentations.

 

Together with Lisa Dilts of Compspring Architectural Design Solutions, Tony Weremeichik will lead an architecture and design discussion from 2:30 to 4:00PM in room 205C. The presentation will let you:

 

“Discover leading trends in today’s hot floor plan and elevation designs that resonate with target buyers at challenging price points even in new housing typologies” –with cool new features that are driving home sales. Learn to capture Single Women and Baby Boomers. Size homes the right way – clever 1,400 to 1,600 sq. ft. homes plans designed right with efficiency and feature in mind. You’ll take away innovative ideas for rooms that buyers didn’t even know they wanted…and how these details make a difference!

 

For a complete schedule of the event and to register, please click here.

 

 

The Value of International Planning

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International Planning and Architecture, Florida Bahamas

 

As an idea-driven firm, working abroad is especially thrilling for us. To offer our urban planning services to communities in other countries is a unique and rewarding experience. There are many benefits to this type of work, but also certain requirements you must be aware of before embarking on this endeavor. We have found that creativity, adaptability, and motivation are major factors in international planning.

 

Creativity in International Planning

 

International planning is a different beast, but one that can bring many benefits, including the ability to be even more creative. Often, it’s a challenge to implement placemaking strategies in the United States because the policies in place don’t always support new and “unproven” designs. In many Latin American countries, however, the lack of bureaucracy makes is easier for creative ideas to flow. The ability to innovate brings freshness to the planning profession.

 

Travel itself is a driving force behind creativity. Exploring different forms of urbanism by experiencing them first hand is a pleasure for any urban planner or architect. International planning adds inspiration and knowledge about the built environment that can be applied to both current and future projects.

 

Adapting to a Unique Context

 

International planning is professionally stimulating because in addition to being creative, you must be adaptive. Each location has its unique requirements. For example, security features are very important for Columbian projects, where guarded gates and CPTED (crime prevention through environmental design) are common elements.

 

It’s also important to remember that you, as the planner or architect, are part of that context. Are you being hired for your American point of view to attract US clients, or did they pick you for your ability to understand the local vernacular? In European countries like Germany, a traditional design is difficult to market amidst the local historical buildings. Countries like Mexico, however, appreciate strong understanding of local architecture in both resorts and master-planned communities.

 

International Planning and Architecture Croatia Resort Design

 

International Planning = Staff Motivation

 

Planning abroad is a highly concentrated, thought-packed initiative. With quick turnaround times and tight deadlines, a design team is motivated to craft a complete vision for the client during a single trip. Generally, our goal is to provide more ideas in rough form, rather than fewer ideas in finished form. Often, we want our ideas endorsed by the client, and then at home we package them properly. The amount of work a team accomplishes in a short amount of time is a rewarding and motivating experience.

 

A Checklist for International Planning

 

Finally, preparation is everything when planning abroad. Some must-haves include:

  • A good proposal: Get concurrent with the client on objectives; there should be no lack of clarity.
  • Advanced preparation: Know what will happen, who will do what, and when. Scheduling is essential to make the most of a client’s time.
  • The right team: International planning can be a burden on overhead, so every team member must count. However, planning abroad can be a great mentoring opportunity. Take a risk by giving a younger associate this experience.
  • The right communication approach: We have had great success with classic sketches, but many clients appreciate our ability to create a 3D SketchUp fly-through in a short amount of time. Also, plan what types of communication technologies are most appropriate for your client.

 

Canin Wins First Place Whole House Renovation at 2014 Parade of Homes

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Our team at the Canin Associates Architectural Design Studio is thrilled to announce that our retro-inspired home remodel earned First Place – Whole House Renovation in the 2014 Greater Orlando Builders Association Parade of Homes™ Remodel Showcase.

Mid-Century Modern Renovation

Mid-Century Modern Renovation

With partners Hardwick General Contracting, we immersed ourselves in Florida’s rich mid-century modern tradition to completely redesign an existing home to meet today’s needs. You can learn more about this project in our post, Retro-Renovation: How to Bring New Life to an Outdated Floor Plan.

 

 

What in the World is a Woonerf?

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What is a Woonerf

If you’re a civically minded urban planner or citizen, then you’ve dreamed of streets that mix residential with commercial uses, where cars drive slowly, and the pedestrian is king. Most likely, what you’ve been longing for is a woonerf, a Dutch concept that translates to “living street.” In the United States, woonerf’s cousin—the “complete street”—is creating a lot of buzz. And rightly so: both streets feature human-centered design principles and improved safety for pedestrians and cyclists. So, the question remains: What makes a street complete and what makes it a woonerf?

 

The Woonerf and its History

 

2014.05.22 Placemaking in Maitland, FL - Master PlanOver the past decade, the popularity of complete streets has steadily grown in the United States. Like the woonerf, the American complete street takes the focus off of the automobile and instead spotlights pedestrians, cyclists, and public transportation. However, the woonerf takes it one step further: the distinction between pedestrian and vehicular space is blurred and virtually non-existent. Through the absence of sidewalk boundaries, curbs, and distinct lanes, those on foot and bike have equal access to the road as do cars. Speed is limited to “walking speed” (about 4 mph) and the design enforces this through curving roads and the use of public amenities such as playground equipment. Speed-bumps, which don’t add to the pedestrian experience, are not used.

 

Although its true implementation has been limited in the US, the woonerf concept has continued to appear in national publications in recent years, including the New York Times. While it may be brand-new to Americans, this smart design has been applied to over 6,000 Dutch streets. As a backlash to post-war, auto-centered street design, woonerfs (or woonerven) started in the 1970s and remain popular today.

 

Why should we use Woonerfs?

 

Woonerfs are commonly translated as “living streets,” but more exactly the name means “living yard.” In many places where private outdoor space is limited—as is the case in older European towns or any large city—the street acts as another outlet. For residents of a woonerf, the public space in front of their homes is a place to play, socialize, and engage in the community.

 

In addition to the community-building principles of woonerven, there are substantial safety improvements that have made them a success: In Dutch areas that have adopted the concept, traffic accidents dropped by 40% or more. Although cities often implement woonerfs in residential areas, they also support placemaking in denser mixed-use corridors. One local example of how a woonerf could be used to revamp a city’s core is the Maitland, Florida, case study.

 

Woonerf by the Numbers

 

  • The Netherlands feature over 6,000 woonerf zones.
  • Around 2 million people live in these Dutch woonerven.
  • Traffic accidents dropped by 40% or more in woonerf zones.
  • Over 70 of these zones exist in England and Wales, called “home zones.” The concept is also popular in other European countries, especially Germany.
  • Over 400 US cities have or are implementing woonerf-inspired complete streets.

 

 

Placemaking and Living Streets: A Maitland, FL Case Study

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Maitland, Florida, is a small city of about 15,000 residents. Located just north of Orlando, it is home to a network of museums, a popular independent movie theater that plays host to the annual Florida Film Festival, and beautiful parks. Despite the city’s amenities, one albatross remains: the lack of a cohesive, walkable center of activity. Now, with three potential projects in the pipeline for downtown Maitland, the City Center officials have been planning for since the 1990s may finally come to fruition.

 

Placemaking through Woonerf - Living StreetFor almost two decades, placemaking has been one of the community’s top priorities. Between 1998 and 2003, community workshops and designs by planners have solidified a vision for the city’s Town Square, complete with an in-depth set of design standards. From these efforts has sprung the city’s first new anchor: an urban city hall with an adjacent fire station.

 

With three development proposals planned for Maitland, creating a new city center is now closer to a reality than ever before. To optimize these new developments, city officials and designers will need to create a cohesive community gathering place.

 

Placemaking through Living Streets

 

For over a decade, Canin Associates has selected a University of Miami student to research an urban design topic each summer. In 2012, Gabriel Williams worked with Canin Associates staff and faculty advisor Jaime Correa to design downtown Maitland’s Independence Lane as a “Living Street” envisioning a striking and lively new center for the community. A Woonerf, the Dutch term for Living Street, is a shared street that prioritizes pedestrians while still allowing cyclists and drivers. Shared space, traffic calming, and very low speeds make these living streets beneficial to both placemaking and pedestrian safety.

 

In Woonerfs (or, more correctly, woonerven), automobile pathways are integrated to create a calm and safe residential environment, focusing on plantings, benches, and bike racks. Rather than having separate sidewalks, the entire width of Independence Lane would be designed to allow free pedestrian movement. The plan also shows this shared street continuing extended to connect to points further north and south.

 

Placemaking in Maitland, Florida - Orlando Urban Planners

 

With the former city hall slated for demolition, the team saw a perfect opportunity to place a public park on the city-owned land. Mixed-use buildings in an urban configuration could contain continuous ground floor retail overlooking the new park.

 

Placemaking Urban Planners in Maitland / Orlando, Florida

 

Tying together the existing urban fabric in a retrofit can be a challenge. To achieve stylistic and spatial cohesion, placemakers must juggle an existing arrangement of asymmetrical volumes, setbacks, and construction techniques. An urban plaza and a new contemporary building are designed to reconcile the elegant and classical proportions of the city hall with the modern geometry of the neighboring bank.

 

Today, with a fresh opportunity to take another leap towards an active city center, the City of Maitland has the chance to refocus on the importance of placemaking and master planning. Only if people truly feel welcome will this new district become successful.

 

 

 

Millenials Want to Be Green: Taking Sustainability to the Next Level

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Millenials Seek Green Homes

Labeled as the generation to turn around the housing market, Millennials (born between 1980 and 2000) represent a huge new segment of current and future homebuyers. But what has garnered them so much attention in the world of urban planning, design, and development? One major characteristic of this group is its attitude towards wanting to a live a more conscious lifestyle. Studies love to label Gen Y as “green” and “sustainable.” But delving deeper, new research shows that Millennials are thinking greener than they are acting. This presents the perfect opportunity for home builders to create products that help Millennials reach their sustainability goals, while creating the type of independent and customizable homes they desire.

One of the major reasons green building practices have piqued the interest of homebuilders in the past decade is the overwhelming support for them in market surveys. According to a recent McGrann Associates survey, a whopping 91% of respondents said that they would be likely to consider green or energy efficient features in a home—if the cost isn’t drastically different. This attitude applies to both new and existing homes. Interestingly enough, the two groups that seemed to know the most about green building practices were those aged 25 to 34 and those aged 55 to 64. In short, Millennials and Baby Boomers (the two demographic heavyweights that represent today’s largest home-buying segments) are most interested in leading a green lifestyle.

What “Green” Means to Millenials

Gen Y is a generation that equates “green” with “high-tech.” In fact, according to a Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Survey, a substantial 84% of 18 to 35-year-olds say that high-tech appliances are must-haves. The three most popular high-tech home features are energy efficient washers and dryers, security systems, and smart thermostats. After “green” and “sustainable,” Millennials are on the lookout for the next buzzword: “high-tech.”

Still, it’s important to realize that this generation interprets “being green” differently than other generations. Most notably, according to the 2013 Eco Pulse Study, Millennials are more attitudinally green than behaviorally green. While they theoretically support everything sustainable, few practice what they preach. For builders, the key is to make a conscious lifestyle easier to implement. Gardens for growing food at home and places to store recyclables are inexpensive quick fixes for creating greener homes. Furthermore, Millennials are more likely to buy homes that already feature energy efficient appliances and upgraded thermostats, rather than installing them themselves. This is where builders can step in and make homes more appealing to Millennials by supporting their desire to live a green lifestyle.

In addition to technology-driven homes, it’s undeniable that Millennials are seeking adaptive places to live. Cookie-cutter is out, unique is in: This generation wants more than the stereotypical luxury home their parents always dreamed of. In lieu of mega-mansions, 77% of Gen Y-ers actually prefer “essential” homes. These are smaller and more adaptive than conventional houses. For builders, that means flex rooms should also serve as home offices, in-home technology outweighs curb appeal upgrades, and houses must be as unique as their inhabitants. And if there’s something for Millennials to fix up themselves, even better (at least according to the 30% of survey respondents who are ready to get their hands dirty in a renovation).

Millenials value Simplified Curb Appeal in new home trends

Millenials Want to Be Sustainable Outside the Home

For Millennials, having a green attitude isn’t confined to the home itself. The National Association of Home Builders found that 30% of first-time home buyers (generally of Gen Y), select a home based on its location to where they work. This is especially underscored by reports of automakers left flabbergasted by this generation’s seeming indifference to owning a car. With Gen Y auto sales down and only 54% of Americans getting their drivers licenses before turning 18, the need for walkable, transit-conscious housing is sure to increase in the coming years.

This generation may be more aware of the total cost of ownership than any other. Transportation costs and commute time are often as important to Millennials as the opportunity to reduce their utility bills. The McGrann Associates survey found that 83% of respondents understood that the initially higher investment in green building practices is eventually evened out. Like most investments, Gen Y has the benefit of time when it comes to reaping the rewards of their green homes.

Millennials are an important demographic for builders. Their habits are reflected in their immense numbers, giving them the ability to change the course of American home building. While their interest in living an eco-conscious, high-tech lifestyle should be celebrated, many Gen Y-ers lack the resources to translate their attitudes into actions. By providing unique, efficient, and progressive homes, designers and builders can begin to bridge the gap between what Millennials want, and what they can attain.

This article also appeared in Green Home Builder Magazine.

Retro-Renovation: How to Bring New Life to an Outdated Floor Plan

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Florida Mid-Century Modern Architecture - Update and Renovation

Florida has a rich architectural history when it comes to mid-century modern buildings. While the style has become a mainstay in sun-kissed cities like Miami and Orlando, some original features have not stood the test of time. Luckily, a skilled architect can revamp an existing structure to fit today’s needs without losing its historical charm. One example of bringing new life to an old building is 3107 Ardsley Drive, which is featured in this year’s Orlando Parade of Homes.

Photo by Hardwick General Contracting, Inc.

 

Elements of a Mid-Century Renovation

 

What makes the Ardsley Drive renovation especially successful is that the designers salvaged many of the original buildings blocks. For example, the keeping of specific walls preserved much of the building’s initial shape. Within the walls, however, an open floor plan accommodates the family’s contemporary lifestyle. Other vintage elements, such as the fireplace, add to the building’s history.

 

Updated Mid-Century Modern Floorplan

At 3,800 square feet, the four-bedroom, four-bathroom home offers an expansive everyday living space. The house’s size and open-concept layout easily meet today’s needs. Additionally, spacious closets and an oversized garage offer smart storage solutions.

 

To further the feeling of openness, architects removed visual barriers for a floor plan that now blurs the separation of indoor and outdoor spaces. This seamless transition is supported by natural light from an abundance of clerestory windows. Furthermore, all living spaces (and even the master suite) now feature stunning views of the adjacent lake.

 

Lastly, this complete remodel afforded architects and builders the opportunity to implement energy-efficient design standards and construction practices. From new windows to energy-saving appliances, the home takes “being green” to heart.

 

With its sleek transitional-contemporary design and energy-conscious implementation, this retro renovation creates a strong connection between Florida’s vintage architecture and today’s living needs. Having breathed new life into a stagnant design, it’s safe to say that Ardsley Drive is ready for another 50 years.

Master-Planned Communities in a New Economy

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Inarguably, conventional growth patterns coupled with the recent economic rollercoaster have left urban planners scratching their heads. A major question remains: How can we create new, master-planned communities with a robust framework to prepare for an unpredictable housing market in the future? To find the answer, municipalities and developers are looking back at historical growth patterns for inspiration. But instead of only using a New Urbanist design approach, planners are focusing on economic factors more than ever before.

 

The City of Edgewater, Florida, has taken this new approach to heart. The approval of a form-based code will guide the 20-year build-out of Restoration, the city’s Sustainable Community Development District. As noted in Better Cities & Towns, Restoration is the largest post-recession traditional neighborhood development planned to date. To ensure its success, the 1,315 acre project must balance two factors: economic feasibility and smart design.

 

To guarantee economic viability, the Restoration code allows a frugal, incremental build-out. The master plan includes a variety of phasing options responsive to market conditions. It begins with single-story commercial buildings and modestly-sized homes, building up to an eight-story town center that will likely be developed in later stages. Furthermore, businesses will have a great deal of flexibility on where they can locate to meet the demand of new residents’ changing numbers and needs.

 

Historical growth pattern in Restoration features a multi-way boulevard ready for a streetcar.

 

The hallmark of Restoration’s traditional design will be a transit-ready boulevard designed to accommodate a four-mile streetcar system. Other important factors for creating a livable environment include:

  • Providing a range of different environments, from residential districts to mixed-use blocks.
  • Building forms, regardless of their uses, must respond to a walkable scale.
  • Organizing buildings around an urban grid.
  • Placing green spaces in primary locations to create a healthy public realm.

 

The goal of Restoration’s code is to allow a new, walkable place to evolve authentically, while remaining resilient through changing market conditions. A traditional development will be built to create an active community with the resilience to weather future market fluctuations.

 

Appealing to a Booming Market: 5 Must-Haves for the Baby Boomer Generation

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With a growing number of baby boomers looking for their ideal new homes, designers and developers are turning their attention to this explosive new market. When creating the perfect baby boomer residence, architects must strike a balance between features that are needed now, and features that will be essential in the coming years.

Our country’s diversifying housing market has made it possible to craft specific homes for every niche, leading to accelerated sales and more satisfied residents. For the baby boomer generation, we’ve pinpointed five must-have elements that are important to every community’s success:

Baby Boomer Home Features

1. A Single-Story Experience

The ideal boomer home focuses on the present, but looks to the future: designs should feature a single-story experience for those who wish to age in place; an optional second story gives flexibility and extra space to those who need it.

2. Multi-Generational Living

What do retirees do with that second story when they no longer require it for themselves? Smart floor plan designs ensure that the house can be used for a single generation (baby boomers) or expanded for multi-generational living (baby boomers and their children or grandchildren).

3. Great Indoor/Outdoor Relationships

Many homebuyers move to Florida for one simple reason: the weather. To make the most of a transplant’s new lifestyle, homes should be designed with a focus on great indoor/outdoor relationships.

4. Parks and Street-Side Patios

Baby boomers will be looking for ways to meet their new neighbors. By socializing the street and promoting it as a community space through parks and street-side patios, residents have the opportunity to be part of an active neighborhood network.

5. Modern, Open Floor Plans

Finally, this is a generation whose members have worked hard to afford their dream homes, and what better way to enjoy it than with modern, open floor plans? A frontrunner in market research, open plans are perfect for living, dining, and entertaining.

 

By implementing these features, architects and developers can deliver homes that are tailored to the growing demand of baby boomers. Focusing on these five primary elements ensures that a house will become the perfect home, for now and in the years to come.

Visit our Portfolio for these and other exciting new market-focused home designs.