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Modern in Granbury - ARC Decision
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The last blog entry left off with our submission of plans to the ARC of our development. In short, they disapproved the design because the didn't think it would fit in with the development because of its modern look. Even after we made major plan modifications, including adding a pitched roof and changing the plan to a 2-story option, they still disapproved it. My advice to anyone trying to build a modern home - show the ARC preliminary plans/designs before purchasing land. Also, try avoid using the word "modern" too much - unless you are building in a strictly modern community. Anyway, my wife and I have found another potential piece of property, and are in the process of getting plans approved by the developers. Unfortunately, the floorplan had to be almost completely revised for solar orientation, and in order to take advantage of the views/privacy of the wooded lot. The positive side is that our architect came up with another really good design. I guess good design does come from restraints. I will keep you all posted with the the next ARC decision, and, if approved, will submit some pictures of the new design for all to see!
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ARCs
- In the place where we still hope to build (don't get me started), the city had created an entire architectural "quality" section to the zoning ordinance. From the ordinance, it was pretty clear that the new rules were determined by city council members, not any architect. As much of a pain as they were, at least there was no review committee who could ding us for not staying within the spirit of the rules. They may not like our plans (they are really shooting for
- in their words -- an "old-world/Texas Hill Country" aesthetic), but they cannot stop us since we technically comply. Interestingly, at least in our case, there is no way that zoning ordinances can legally cover such architectural details as the color of the garage door and the exterior materials, but cities bank on the fact that no one will take the effort to sue them.
I really do think that these issues (whether zoning or ARCs or HOAs) are the biggest hurdle modernism has to entering the mainstream. Keep us posted and keep the faith!
ARC Help...
I would find a couple of books on Texas Architecture... or a couple issues of Texas Architect and show them the work of contemporary Texas architects like Lake/Flato in San Antonio or the work of Max Levy, Frank Welsh... or some of the work that is going up in Kessler Woods... Cliff Welsh, Hammers and Partners, etc... You could also reference the work of David Samela of Minnesota... all of these architects have a modern take on the "traditional" crackerbox... from the elevation I viewed that house would be very contextual in a number of 50's neighborhoods in Fort Worth...
Just my 2 cents... Good Luck... Jim
modern
Unfortunatly "modern" freaks people out. I do not understand it? We are building a modern home in a historic neighborhood and have come to use terms like "Mediterrenean" to help people be more appreciative of our design. We haven't gotten approval from the committee that must approve us- so who knows what will happen. What about hte term "soft modern"! What does that mean? I see it in the paper in the realestate ads all the time.