Project Description
John and Dona Vasey wanted to retire and move South to a warmer climate. John suffered a work accident so a life-span designed home with Universal Design (UD) principles at its core was the goal. They purchased the UD plan book that includes energy efficient details titled “Universal Designed Smart Homes for the 21st Century”, from Architect Charles M. Schwab. They chose a plan and modified it with Charles to suite their tastes and site along the Grand Strand in South Carolina.
The open floor plan promotes viscous circulation providing smooth and gracious movement throughout. The inside is an extension of the outside and the outside is an extension of the inside. No -step portals are seamless .
The open floor plan flows together for easy access and is defined by varying, yet flush floor surfaces and differing ceiling treatments and colors. Dimmable- up lighting levels create evening excitement, fun and beauty.
Open views from the kitchen to an aquarium, through the serving bar and then into the piano recital room move metaphorically as a musical composition while providing a visual connection and encouraging entertaining at home.
The couple has older children who visit often so the plan is separated for multi-generational living with the Master Boudoir opposite their quarters. On the Guest side of the home is a large life-span designed bathroom, that, because of its larger footprint, doubles up nicely as a hurricane safe-room. The house within the house has safety and communication features already proven effective during a storm.
The home opens up to a vast landscape and gentle slope to a fishing pond intuitively connecting with the colorful Aquarium . The home demonstrates that a life -span home can be beautiful providing serenity and piece of mind and designed for better living for years to come.