The Gregory Residence project was the most challenging and time consuming yet. Starting with a very small residence and moving to a completely new, redesigned residence took a lot of thinking. First, all interior walls withing the original plan were removed and two walls were bumped out for additional space. About 800 square feet was added to the east side of the residence to allow for more room as well.
Decideing the final floor plan was one of the first challenges I encountered. With Patti being handicapped, making sure she had enough room to move made constructing a floor plan harder than usual. After a few failed attempts, a final plan was made and was based of the idea of symmetry. My found object, a small electrical casing, was completely symmetrical, so I thought it was appropriate to incorporate this symmetry into my project.
The plan includes a custom kitchen that will make Patti's experience much easier while it also accomodates those in the home who are not handicapped. A roll up sink and stove make access easy, while countertops that can be lowered with a flick of a switch allow easy use for all members of the family. Three foot wide doorways and ample passing space were also included to allow Patti to move freely throughout her home.
Upon deciding on a color theme for the home, I concluded that the concept of contrast would work extremely well as it also reflected the contrasting shapes of my electrical piece. A cool color scheme along with soft textures was chosen to contrast the hot, rough atmosphere of Tempe, Arizona, where the home is located.
Environmental awareness was important to the Gregory family, therefor many recycled and sustainable materials were used. Bamboo floors and cabinets ran throughout the house, while recycled glass tile and countertops were used in the kitchen and bathrooms.
The Accessory Dwelling Unit for Patti's parents reflected the main residence in that all of the same materials were used. The main structure of the ADU, three straight walls and one curved, directly relates to the concept of contrast. Deciding of a plan for the ADU was also challenging. Since it is such a small space, it was very difficult fitting a fully equipted kitchen and living space in one public area. To provide seperation between the kitchen and social space, a wall was constructed between the two. A bedroom was also included in the plan along with a bathroom and three foot wide doors to allow Patti access to all.
Outdoors the main residence and the ADU are connected by adjustable shade panels that relflect the concept of movement. These panels also cover the south patio. The yard is outfitted with dyed concrete to allow Patti easy mobility, along with drought resistant trees and shrubs that provide shade. A water feature is located along the east wall of the yard and uses the same tile as the kitchens. This water feature was added because the pool was removed and I thought it was important to keep some aspect of the water in order to relate the outside to the concept of contrast.
I learned a lot during this project. Problem solving became a main theme and I discovered that by using skills I had learned in other classes, it was much easier to solve problems. Working with a home that had to be completely accessible was a challenge, but also a great learning experience. A designer I spoke with said he had never worked on a project that needed to be accessible, so I feel as though I have a step ahead by understanding how to accommodate the handicapped.
