Too big (again. Even the annexe looked huge and that wasn’t being built for a growing family and vistors) but I liked the concept if not the execution. Once again, I think it demonstrates that we generally build much more interesting visitor centres than houses.
All these designs with huge windows, the first thing I look for is any evidence of a curtain or blind, so it was quite a surprise to see the huge bedroom curtains
In a pointlessly huge bedroom (who actually spends any time in their bedroom other than in bed?) with a ridiculous open plan ensuite (smells? damp?) which meant those huge curtains would need to be closed every time anyone wanted to use the bathroom…
the designer did state he had advised the client the budget was too tight. this happens a lot and some/ (maybe a lot) clients don’t believe the professionals they employ and think they can do better because their friend told them something different
That was refreshing to see and maybe it was because he wasn’t an architect, but instead a ‘technician’ who was a lot closer to actual build projects. Our architects estimate of costs were consistently and obviously unrealistically low as they encouraged us to have various bespoke features. Most of those we pushed back on but the few we allowed ended up costing way more than estimated. We were main contractor and PM and came in on budget because we a) did a lot of costing work during design b) kept tight control on spend and compromised on stuff as some costs rose c) started with a realistic budget AND a properly sized contingency all which we spent d) Did the work ourselves so could flex time rather than having to pay more or pay someone to build in risk.