The process of designing a modular seashore home should follow fundamental design principles, taking into consideration the client's lifestyle needs, the form of exterior architecture sought, the property surroundings, and the functionality of the interior and exterior space. So how do these pieces all fit together? Are the challenges of designing a seashore home employing modern modular technology any different from designing for traditional site-built housing?
The design process must begin with an understanding of the physical characteristics of the building lot, particularly its size, shape, and legal / physical constraints. Once these are understood, the building envelope can be developed that will show the prospective total building volume in which the design can take place, for both interior and exterior uses and building elements. Modular building components from a high-quality, custom modular manufacturer can be designed and built on-site to accommodate almost any building configuration.
Designing to a lifestyle will generally include the following major considerations.
• Open floor plan or smaller, individually divided rooms are the choice. Most of our clients today are seeking open, airy floor plans, regardless of the architectural exterior style being sought.
• On a multiple level home, most common for seashore homes, a traditional floor plan features the bedrooms on the upper level, separate from the daytime rooms. A reverse living floor plan is one in which the uppermost full floor contains the daytime rooms from which views are best enjoyed. In certain instances, a reverse lifestyle floor plan may have the master bedroom suite included on the uppermost level, as well.
• Most seashore communities have building height limitations that will not allow a full third floor. However, it may be possible to design a half-floor of living space into the attic. This space can be effectively used for overflow bedrooms, children's quarters or private spots to enjoy water or sunset views.
• The total bedroom count must be determined. The relationship each should have to each other, bathroom facilities and general living quarters will govern the design and placement of the bedrooms. Dual master bedrooms are a very popular option today for dual family ownership, an owner that entertains often and wishes to offer comfortable guest quarters, or rental homes that are designed for multiple family occupancy. En-suite baths and Jack'n'Jill shared, private baths are common options.
• Lifestyle will finally dictate the remainder of the rooms. Standard rooms include living room, dining room, kitchen, family room and study. Optional rooms becoming popular as home sizes enlarge and lifestyles evolve, include a great room for multi-purpose entertaining (often in-lieu of living and dining room), music room, breakfast room, solarium, media room, wine cellar and guest quarters.
A quality-conscience, design-flexible, custom-oriented modular manufacturer can custom design floor plans to incorporate either an open or more traditional floor plan, including optional reverse living concepts. Today's technology allows those same manufacturers to design and build either a full third story or livable attic. Bathrooms can be place en-suite to every bedroom, if necessary. And designing the more contemporary alternative rooms into any floor plan is easily executed today.
Seashore homes are generally designed to traditional Victorian seaside architectural style, modernistic or an eclectic style, the last two being highly personalized to the owner's taste. Victorian style is typified with mansard or gambrel roof elements, including turrets and elements designed similar to widow's walks. Modernistic homes can be typified by flattened roofs, ample glass walls, and are often minimalistic, avoiding heavy looking design elements. Eclectic homes usually appear very casual, and may borrow from architectural elements across a range of styles and eras, often purposely asymmetrical. All of these architectural styles can, indeed, be easily achieved in your new seashore residence utilizing modern modular technology, provided you employ that same custom-oriented manufacturer, coupled with an experienced modular builder.
The functionality required by the client will also impact design. Spatial relationships must be well defined and understood. Separate areas for living, working and playing need to be considered. No hard and fast rule here, simply understanding and applying sound design principles to accommodate the client's lifestyle. Furniture dimensions need to be considered and sufficient wall area and open area need to be provided. Importantly, we always review the client's spatial needs and desires and test them against norms, advising the client when their preferences conflict with norms. Again, that same custom-oriented manufacturer will have experienced architects and engineers on staff to handle these concerns.
Views of water, preserved wetlands, marshes, bird sanctuaries and special view corridors need to be identified and the design oriented towards maximizing those views. This creates real value for the client. Private spaces need to be factored into the design. Decks, patios and outdoor kitchens will enhance the client's lifestyle and enjoyment of the outdoors, always a precious commodity at the shore. Not a problem for that quality-conscience, custom-oriented manufacturer or experienced modular builder.
And no design is complete without intelligent thought to providing for mechanical equipment and normal storage. Mechanical equipment will need to be installed out of flood zones and should ideally be screened out of view from living and entertaining areas. The storage areas should be adequate for recreational equipment, vehicles, golf carts, beach necessities and personal property. When a client intends to entertain frequently or to rent the home, separate owner storage areas need to be provided for security. In seashore building, most of these elements are the result of careful planning by your modular home builder, and will be mostly completed on-site employing conventional building technology.
So far, none of these required design elements are any more difficult to achieve with modular technology than with traditional site building, and perhaps are even easier. The sole exception is that each floor of a multiple level modular home has its own floor and ceiling joist system, which may add approximately seven inches to the height of the second floor to your new seashore home.
So, it fairly clear that the challenges of designing a seashore home employing modern modular technology are no greater than designing for traditional site-built housing, and are perhaps less challenging! The key to successful design is the old adage "the devil is in the details". Pay attention to the details, employ modern modular building technology provided by the right manufacturer and expert builder, and you should get excellent results!
http://www.southviewhomes.com A leading modular home builder in central and southern New Jersey, Southview Homes represents Westchester Modular Homes, experienced in the designing and building of fine custom modular homes, along the New Jersey shore and primary residential communities throughout the state
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