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The Right House Design For A Picture-Perfect Setting

The site for the client's lake house. The house will be surrounded by trees overlooking the water.

A couple from Houston, Texas were looking for the right house design that would complement their plot of land on a lake in a picturesque area in the country near their suburban home.

"We purchased a big lot with an incredible view," said Mrs. H, "but we need the right house design that will take advantage of that view."

Located on a penisula overlooking a lake, the land was indeed breathtaking.

The couple searched the Internet for stock house plans that were suitable to the lot, the environment, and their specific requirements, but got nowhere.

"After spending weeks looking, we realized we didn't want a set of 'one size fits all' stock house plans," said Mr. H, "what we do want is an original house design that we can call our own."

With four grown kids and several grandkids, the couple needed a house that was spacious enough to host large family weekend gatherings. As empty nesters, Mr. and Mrs. H also planned to one day retire in this house so they wanted it to be more than just a cabin on the lake.

"I plan to live in this house a long time," said Mrs. H., "I want it to be tasteful and stylish, but at the same time, comfortable and homey."

Location: A lake near Houston,Texas
Project: Lake House/Residence
Completion Date: Spring 2002
Square Feet: 3,900 s.f.
Bedrooms: 4 + loft
Baths: 4

The Client's Wish List:

1. A design that blends in with the outdoor environment.
2. Large, open living, dining, and kitchen with screened-in porch on the lakeside of living area.
3. Guest-friendly design.
4. Four or more bedrooms, including one big master bedroom and bath.
5. Stone fireplace as focal point in the living room.
6. Vaults with wood beams and drywall ceiling.

• The site survey of the land, which they received when they purchased the lot.
• Photos of the lot.
• Hand-drawn sketches illustrating floor plans and exterior elevations that they liked.
• A comprehensive wish list describing what they wanted their new home to look like and what features they wanted it to include.
• Photos from magazines of lake houses they liked.

After back-and-forth communication via e-mail and phone calls, Bryan finalized the overall design scheme of the house and then completed the construction documents, including floor plans, exterior elevations, framing plans, and a foundation plan - everything the couple needed to get a building permit, obtain competitive contractor bids, and complete construction.

Perspective 3-D rendering of the lake house. Located on a peninsula, the house has an incredible view. 3-D rendering of the lake house. Close-up view of the house's exterior. Notice how the guest wing is separated from the main house.

"Because of the natural, peaceful setting of the land, I designed this house to sit quietly on a quiet lakefront site on a series of piers for minimal disturbance to the existing terrain," commented Bryan on his work, "The quiet feel and massing of the design also caters to the primary use of the house for rest and relaxation."

To blend the house in with the outdoor setting, Bryan specified the use of natural materials and finishes, such as cedar shingles, that fit in with the setting and the environment.

As far as the house's floor plan, Bryan designed it to be closed off in different areas to provide private living space for houseguests and he created an open floor plan perfect for entertaining both inside and out.

"The house design is exactly what we wanted and having VirtualArchitect design it was definitely the way to go," Mrs. H. wrote to us, "The design really does 'fit' the land and having professional plans to present to our contractor has definitely made our life easier during construction. I'm sure glad we didn't take a chance on stock house plans. Thank you so much."

Stay tuned for photos of the lake house once construction is completed!

The plans included in the client's New House Plans Design Package:
Not shown: Site plan, framing plans and the foundation plan.

The complete floor plan of the lake house in AutoCad14.

The exterior elevations of the lake house in AutoCad14.