Architecture is the Foundation of a High-Design Home Build
Written By Graham Ouwerkerk
Good architecture is the bedrock upon which great design is built. It transcends aesthetics to encompass functionality, comfort, sustainability, and personalization. For every project that Tectonic takes on, whether it's a transformational whole home remodel or a custom new build in Colorado, we practice four foundations to build our homes with exceptional quality and timeless design. As Tectonic’s lead architect and a Passive House Certified Designer, I work collaboratively with the whole team, from our interior designers to carpenters. Adhering to the same design practices and ethos is essential for our vision to align.
My work begins with the bones of a home where I imagine the overall architectural design of people’s most personal spaces, while considering the home’s environmental impact and its energy efficiency. The architect also plays a key role in creating functional home layouts customized for our client’s lifestyles and desires. Through careful spatial planning, I elevate the livability and comfort of a home and ensure every square foot is utilized. We tackle the meticulous details of the design and construction, so you can focus on selecting gorgeous finishes with our interior designers.
Regarding visual appeal and design, architects are essential in communicating a cohesive design from the outdoors in and throughout the home’s structural details. Our holistic, healthy homes are achieved because of the in-house architect's special touch. The collaboration between the construction team and me ensures that the details of the building envelope are optimized for energy efficiency and air tightness. This degree of communication is a truly exceptional benefit of Tectonics design-build approach versus the typical design-bid-build approach.
Here, we break down the 4 Foundations of an Architect-Designed Home
1. Quality of Life
The primary goal of residential architecture is to enhance the quality of life for the inhabitants. Through architecture, I create functional and comfortable spaces executed with thoughtful design to meet the unique needs of our clients. I look at functionality through a 90/10 lens. Sometimes clients want a design feature that they will realistically only use 10% of the time when there is an alternative design arrangement that we know will be used 90% of the time. For example, think of how most people build their kitchen sink to look out a window, it is a nostalgic idea, but it’s not very practical to have your back to your family or your guests. We like to integrate sinks into the kitchen island or peninsula for a more engaged experience. Other optimized spatial layouts include building primary room closets with two entryways, so you don’t have to walk back through the bedroom. In addition, there is the simple idea of designing the laundry room on the same floor as the bedrooms for convenience.
We also always try to apply the Passive House principle of proper orientation of the home to make sure that the indoors receive as much natural daylight as possible. This improves solar heat gains, which helps to reduce energy use. Designing for appropriate daylight has been proven to elevate inhabitants' moods and increase productivity. We also strive to create a direct sense of harmony with the natural world by bringing in biophilic elements, including natural wood tones, the presence of water, and living plants and florals into the built environment.
2. Emotional Connection
Architecture has the power to evoke emotions and create a safe place for us to gather, connect, and unwind; all while forging a connection that aligns with the client's identity and aspirations. We work closely with you to understand your desires and lifestyle, so that your space meets your daily needs and supports overall wellness. We love working with our Boulder community because they have a strong awareness of why it’s valuable to invest in a healthy home and the endless emotional and health benefits for them and their families.
3. Innovation and Creativity
An architecturally designed home is a cohesion of aesthetics, programming, sustainability, and functionality. This holistic approach provided by an architect’s expertise and a dedication to stewardship, strikes a balance between exceptionally designed homes, which also have a reduced carbon footprint. Pushing the boundaries of what makes a healthy home, I prioritize resilience, timelessness, and adaptiveness.
I select natural materials whenever possible, concrete elements for durability, and high-quality windows and doors to maintain the home’s air-tightness and envelope integrity while elevating indoor comfort levels. During remodels, we take a creative approach to integrate elements of the original structure when it’s appropriate. This may include highlighting an exposed beam or brick wall to create unexpected spaces that complement our modern aesthetic.
4. Long-Term Value
By adhering to these fundamentals of design, we are building valuable and durable structures that are likely to retain their value and appeal over time. Our holistic and energy-efficient design solutions increase the home’s marketability, and our building practices support a highly functioning home that requires less maintenance over time. We also take a refined and minimalist approach to design. By reducing ornamentation that is often only trendy for a season, a Tectonic design stands the test of time and therefore always looks new.
We have a responsibility to create exceptional, healthy homes for people while also considering the environment and the future of the planet. Through intentional design and collaboration, our custom home builds result in a statement of luxury communicating a legacy that will continue for generations to come.
