Home Owner

by Bob McCauley
(Flemington, NJ, USA)

I fail to understand while Schools of Architecture continue to teach modern residential home design, when the market place has clearly rejected it. It is surprising that magazines such as Dwell exist today. I chalk that up to architects buying the magazine. Have not found any new subdivisions of modern designed homes.

I would of thought with the rise of long term disability costs people would reject assisted living housing; opting instead to reside in their universial design and/or aging in place functional home. But I am mistake, as there seems to a new and larger assisted living housing popping up everywhere (with traditional designed buildings). But someone must be paying to send their parents into assisted living. Quilt has always been a good motivator.

I do have a bone to pick with architects. Buy any kitchen magazine at the supermarket. There is a window in the kitchen. Buy any new book on home plans, the kitchen is in the middle of the house. I get the concept of an open floor plan between the kitchen, breakfast nook and family room. But in the middle of the house? Most of Slaters home plans illustrate this point. The only explanation I can come up with. Is a response by builders to build a narrower house. thus to sell more homes per acre. Increasing their profit margin. I don't like it! I am forced to design a custom house, just so I have a window in my kitchen. As a care-giver I hate stairs. My only choice is a one story house. As I am not a fan of ranches, I looked at U shaped houses. My reaserch tells me that folks that never owned a U shaped house, love the concept. While those that own one, hate it. Reason? To much walking from one end to the other. Instead of walking the longest distance around a circle. I will close the U, create my own private courtyard. Now, I will have two hallways to reach the other side of the house. The concept of a private court yard is very appealing.

Thanks for listening, just my thoughts.

Bob McCauley