Preliminary Design Concept – Elevations

Another part of a preliminary design is to see what the elevations would look like based on the preliminary floor plans.

Our idea is to have the exterior walls stuccoed in a Mediterranean style with medium texture. Due to budget concerns we want our concrete roof to be as light as possible and still resist hurricanes. The lighter the roof the less wall structure we need to pay for. To do so, we are going to paint the roof with an white elastic paint material that will be light weight and reflect heat. The wall paint will be a light Mediterranean terra-cotta color and with a white trim color.

The east elevation will have small bedroom windows (second floor) to limit the heat and sun exposure into those rooms. The upper level with have the large window to the breakfast area and will provide some light to the kitchen area. The loggia/balcony area will open to the east to allow for the breezes to blow across the loggia/balcony on the third floor. There is an ever so small view to the ocean from this side of the house.

East Elevation

The south elevation will have the small windows to limit sun intrusion. The main kitchen window at the sink will face south.This window may need a screen even with low-e windows. Most of the windows will be for the stairwells and bathrooms. The utilities will be located here at this side of the house. There are no real views in this direction. The A/C units will be affixed to this side of the house as will solar panels, if required. We are not high enough to see to the water.

South Elevation

The west elevation will also have the small windows to limit sun intrusion. Most of the windows will be for the stairwells and bathrooms.  The loggia/balcony, on the third floor, will have some western exposure to hopefully allow for sunset views. In a corner of the loggia I will have my built-in BBQ area. The carport, will for now, have the west side open.

West Elevation

The north elevation has the most possibilities. The only real view we have is north, towards a large lagoon. The first/ground floor will have one enclosed garage and two open carports. The entry to the house, typical for the Keys, will be under the house facing the carport. This offers some protection from the frequent rain. The two large windows facing north are for the two bedrooms to allow for the view and limit some of the sun exposure. The third floor will have the loggia/balcony area. Hopefully, we will be able to see sunsets but hopefully not a full afternoon/evening of residual heat. The loggia/balcony area will be enclosed with a screen and will have fans and lighting. It will be large enough to have outdoor furniture with of course a big screen TV.

North Elevation

Next step, a last look at the concept, make any changes, define materials, finishes and fixtures and work with contractors to get a preliminary construction bid to see if we really are in the financial ballpark.