Our Dream
How did we get where we are today? Back in 2002, we began to think seriously about "relocating". After 28 years in the same house, we sensed we were ready for a change. We were tired of the rush and bustle of suburban life and were craving something simpler and closer to nature. In an attempt to stay "close to home", we first checked out properties in northeastern Illinois, on the fringe of the Chicago metropolitan area, then over the next few years went successively to Arizona, southeastern Wisconsin and Oregon in search of that elusive "perfect spot".
In the beginning, we weren't focused on building a new house-that idea came later and gradually took root in our imaginations. The notion of building an energy efficient house of natural materials appealed to us. In Arizona we investigated the possibility of building a straw bale house. In February 2006 we received a newspaper clipping about an EcoNest-it seemed like the perfect combination of beauty, tradition and energy efficiency. We investigated the possibility of building one in the Midwest, and then in Oregon. Attending the EcoNest seminar in February 2007 proved to be a turning point: three days later we'd decided that an EcoNest was truly for us and that Santa Fe was the place.
So how did we get here? We've tried to reconstruct the major steps of our journey for you in the form of bits of advice and food for thought. Your journey will be uniquely yours, but you may be able to benefit from our experience.
What Does Your Dream Look Like?
Begin by asking some important basic questions about your life style, your likes and dislikes, your wants and needs. Sometimes knowing what you don't like/want/need can help clarify things. Determine the environment and dwelling type that best suits you. Establish your priorities and make a master list of all essential points. We found many helpful ideas and techniques in Homing Instinct: Using Your Lifestyle to Design and Build Your Home by John Connell.
THIS IS NOT A ONE-TIME EXERCISE, BUT THE BEGINNING OF A PROCESS
THAT WILL TAKE YOU TO THE REALIZATION OF YOUR DREAM.
The Process
Designing and building a house is essentially a creative process and must be approached as such. Think of the creation of your house as you would the creation of a painting, a literary work, or a musical composition. No work of art is created in a single gesture. Rather, it requires many gestures made over time. There are often false starts, certainly numerous "rough drafts" and refinements before the work can be declared "finished". The process will require your close involvement and a good deal of patience. The first plan developed will not, in most cases, be the final one, and the evolutionary steps along the way will help you become better and better acquainted with who you are and the kind of life you live.
"Make buildings which are poems."
From the introduction to A Pattern Language
by Christopher Alexander et al.
Refining Your Vision
You must continually reassess the items on you master list and be ready to add, delete and make changes. This process is one of "unfolding"-you will not have the "big picture" from the outset. A steady stream of new ideas and information will lead you to more precise questions and answers about where you are headed and perhaps even to some new priorities. Update your lists regularly. The more you refine your vision, the more your house will reflect your own tastes and unique style. Try to achieve a healthy balance between "WANT" and "NEED". Be clear about the things you truly want, but keep an open mind and be ready to compromise if necessary.
Communicating Your Vision
No one can guess what you are thinking or know what you want. An architect cannot read your mind. Once you have determined your wants and needs, articulate them in a clear, unequivocal manner. After each consultation it is a good idea to follow up with a written summary of the points discussed and agreed upon. Good communication is the key to building working relationships and making the process as stress-free as possible.
Doing Your Homework
Once the process is underway, your responsibilities have only just begun. Take the time to review your plans closely. Learn to use an architect's scale and make notes as you proceed. You will have many decisions to make all along the way, so get started as soon as possible. Check out floor materials, tile, lighting and plumbing fixtures, appliances, etc. Figure out which features are important to you and make lists of all the products, finishes and details that appeal to you. Clip pictures from magazines that illustrate your ideas. At some point, gather all your information into a central place, such as a file drawer or a 3-ring binder.
Think about the location and dimensions of drawers, cabinets, closets, and bookshelves. Do the same for doors and windows. What furnishings, rugs, lamps, etc. do you plan to use? Do you plan to purchase new pieces? How will it all fit together in your new environment? Imagine yourself in your new space, moving through the rooms while engaged in typical daily activities. How does it feel to you? Is everything conveniently and logically located? Are light fixtures, switches and outlets well placed? Take notes on your reactions to this imaginary tour and make any necessary changes while your plans are still in the drawing phase.
It helps to compare houses you have lived in-especially your current house-to the one you are planning. What features would you keep, and which ones would you absolutely change? What things have you always wanted to have? Other people's houses can also provide clues. It's hard to imagine what space will feel like, so don't be afraid to ask for measurements and other details. This is one way you can have concrete and pertinent information for your own house. Visiting open houses can also be instructional, for Dos as well as Don'ts. Carry a tape measure with you and use it!
