Specialty Historical Period Homes: Character at an economical scale

Intermediate Sized Period Design and New Urbanism plans

 (rear load alley garages and others)

New Urbanism tenets, applied to New Towns and other communities, are based on high density development giving over green space to the public good, a central business core with close by residential development, and restrictive covenants governing the styles of architecture prescribed.  In most cases, garages are relegated to rear alleys so as not to crowd the front elevations.  Period features are based on regional styles.  Some communities allow very modern or avant garde architecture, such as in Prospect, Colorado.  Most are based on traditional Colonial, Mediterranean, Victorian, Low Country, and Classical Revival styles.

5,000 Sf. Italianate Style.  3 car Rear loaded garages, Courtyard center with Pool/BBQ, Master down with formal Living/Dining, Family/Brkfst/Kitchen and Library/Study.  Curving grand stair to three Bedrooms, Computer Study and Playroom

Camelia, Barcelona, and Avignon are based on the same floor plan which is rear alley loaded, 4,700 SF.  Barcelona photos below: Alternative design to Barcelona is Montecito below, with Casita in back, over garage   4,700 SF Chateau (built in Austin, Texas)

 

   

Creating the American Luxury Home Available now on CD- rom. (click below left) This is a history of the luxury home with sections on working with an architect and builder, style, modern and traditional approaches, etc.  Also, companion volume: Dream Home Design Questionnaire and Planning Kit (click right below, available as PDF file via email)

 

Mandalena, in current Orlando Parade of Homes, April 2007.  Select details of this 3,800 Sf plan below:

 We consider every architectural theme and style worthy of consideration and emulation in the design of 'affordable houses with character'.  Our work therefore makes several distinctions between the 'Not So BigHouse' (see critique here).  Please understand that the costs for creating new smaller homes with distinctive interior and exterior features will incur higher  costs for design and construction (per square foot) than a merchant built spec. house or a larger custom home.  Reproducing any historical style in true period detail , as compared to the clean, contemporary ('stripped down') regional derivatives, clearly requires much more effort from the entire building team.

 

3 story, 3,700 SF Mediterranean villa.  First floor contains garages and game room (non-heated space)

California Casa Spanish Contemporary @ 4,400 SF

French Provincial, 3,700 SF  Master upstairs, wine cellar under stairs, Game room

4,500 SF Mediterranean Villa w/basement design

4,500 SF Transitional French Country

Florida style Mediterranean Revival, 4,200 SF  Master upstairs.

 

3,200 Sf home design above.  Provence styled villas below

 

CLICK HERE TO SEE SAMPLES OF HISTORIC SMALL HOMES WITH CHARACTER and VICTORIANS

"....anyone who cares enough can create a house of great worth -- no anointment is required.  If you care enough you just do it.  You bind the goods and trappings of your life together with your dreams to make a place that is uniquely your own.  In doing so you build a semblance of the world you know adding it to the community that surrounds you." -- Charles Moore, Architect

'MANSION LITE' SCHEMATIC PLAN DESIGN SPECIAL 

We will create a custom Schematic floor plan and front elevation for your home - in any style -  up to 4,500 SF for a design fee of only $2.00/ SF total built area under roof.  Just fill out our Questionnaire and fax back to us at 305/ 425-5855 with a 50% deposit based on the total size under roof (conditioned and non-conditioned space).  We will respond within 10 working days with a period style or contemporary Schematic Floor plan and Preliminary Elevation.  You may request additional interior and exterior details in optional phases after your ideal plan and elevation are designed.  Contact architect at johnhenry@cfl.rr.com for more details.  

Country Home Series

       

These houses pack interesting spaces and attractive elevations in smaller spaces.  Starting at 1,200 SF, and for building on lots with a maximum pad width of 28-40 ft, these historically developed elevations were inspired by the bungalow and Americana style homes of the 20's - 40's.  (Click on the image for a more detailed view)

These two elevations, top and bottom, are from a new series to be published soon.  They are derived from the same plan @ approx. 3-4,000 SF

 

 Project above is Moderne style with only 800 SF.  'Cube House' has Living quarters on one side, garage, utilities, and connected roof deck on the other.  Single bedroom up with bath and studio; kitchen, dining, living below.  See Contemporary Homes page for more photos.

 

Call for Plans  We are currently seeking work from architects and home designers who wish to submit designs in period style that incorporate intelligently laid out floor plans with a well integrated elevation package.  We are looking for starter homes, empty nester plans, and simply smaller designs that incorporate combined spaces, have fewer bedrooms and other amenities but can accommodate modern living.  These plans can be traditionally detailed or contemporary but either must reflect characteristic historical floor planning.  We are looking for the best there is in a range of architectural styles that reflect historic (pre-1940) design principles or Modern Movement projects, transitional styles, etc.  Small houses from the 20's and 30's, craftsman style, revival styles, etc. are very good prototypes.  In addition to our own plans in development we are soliciting projects to be featured here and that will earn full compensation for their reuse under special contract provisions.   Period style accuracy will be preferred.  Homes can start from 800 SF up to 4,000 SF.  Please contact John Henry at johnhenry@cfl.rr.com for more details.  Contemporary Mediterranean at 3,500 SF above Sketch of Scheller House by Carole Rast

Low country Victorian @ 4,500 Sf. above

NOTICE: We do not believe that the current popular theory concerning 'Not So Big Houses' is complete nor accurate in its assessment of American lifestyle, space needs, nor cost trade-offs.  A preliminary explanation/rebuttal is offered as follows: (We invite your comments and discussion, to be printed below)

'NOT SO BIG': CAN LESS REALLY BE MORE?

To contact Architect: johnhenry@cfl.rr.com 

Ultra Luxury Custom Homes, Villas and Estates by design

Custom Luxury Homes and Plans by John Henry AIA.  Period traditional and contemporary modern floor plans for new homes.  Dream homes, Tudor mansion plans, French country chateaux, European castle plans, French country house plans, remodeling, interiors, house plans, luxury house plans, real estate, home plan designs, resources, free questionnaire.  Also commercial projects: theme resorts, hospitality, renovation, urban planning, small town design, retail.  

Custom Luxury Home Plans by John Henry AIA.  Period and contemporary floor plans for new homes.  Dream homes, mansions, chateaux, castle plans, remodeling, interiors, house plans, luxury house plans, real estate, home plan designs, resources, free questionnaire.  Also commercial projects: theme resorts, hospitality, renovation, urban planning, small town design, retail                                                                    Copyright 1999/2000/2001 by John Henry Design International, Inc. All rights reserved.  Republication or re-dissemination of this site's content is expressly prohibited without the written permission of John Henry Design International, Inc.