The past year of advances machine learning image generation has brought us an ability to conceive countless iterations of countless architectural and interior designs whether practical, ludicrous, or anything in between.
The latest exploration of using "AI" to develop possible concepts tries somewhere in the BC Fraser Valley floor - let's say the outskirts of Abbotsford. In contrast to typical home design from Port Coquitlam to Chilliwack and beyond, I've nudged toward and curated for a subtle modern Asian touch but mostly used West Coast cues - lots of wood, deep overhangs, dark steel beams, and chunky wood elements.
The following selection is a collection of hypothetical designs selected to represent this modern home somewhere up in the Fraser Valley still within view of the mountains.
The Sub-Alpine Meadow House DCAi-02
Imagine a single-storey house comprised almost entirely of clean gable forms like mini-mountains or rocky outcroppings from the valley floor. One of the techniques used to make net zero homes and Passive House construction more economical is a simple building form.
Shaded by an enormous overhang, the front glazed wall faces East-Southeast to frame Mount Baker in Washington.
The second peak marks the entrance, where we enter.
The entry is simple and open - clean lines with just enough décor to feel welcoming.
The living room is at the front of the house, and Mount Baker is framed in the windows.
From the bedroom, forested Mount Sumas to the Northeast defines the skyline.
The master bathroom is near the centre of the house, up against a hill. Skylights are a great way to illuminate bathrooms since there will always be access to whatever sun is in the sky and since no windows - which compromise privacy - are required.
The powder room is another quiet, tranquil space with natural light from above.
The kitchen is a simple mix of synthetic white stone and stained wood.
However, the oversized kitchen island is a conversation centre that connects directly to the dining area with a live edge dining table. The windows here face Southwest and provide most of the solar heating gain for the home. Clerestory windows here ensure that natural daylight enters high and reaches as far as possible into the house.
The alfresco dining area outside the indoor dining space is fully covered to reduce punishing sun during a summer day but allow it to warm you up as it sets in the evening.
Beyond the alfresco dining area is a simple rectangular pool.
The rear of the house catches the sunset at an angle, and the sun casts a golden-orange light on the walls within as the it's refracted through the polluted air of Metro Vancouver.
While lovely, these images serve just as a jumping-off point. They suggest some arrangements of building form and a material treatment scheme. When we proceed to design development, we evaluate all of these suggestions to take what we like, to iterate upon, and to discard what doesn't work for us.
Additionally, there are many other images developed as candidates and they expand the palette of ideas. However, with so many ideas, it's critical that you have a guiding star through the exploration. Having first a reference document that clearly states your objectives and priorities will help prevent you from being lost in infinite possibilities. It's easy to get drunk on the variety of designs and distracted by so many options; you could be scanning through different images for months the same way some people scroll endlessly through their social media feeds.
To prevent that wasted time, the first step in any project I take on is the Pre-Design Diagnostic Scan™ and R.A.D. Study™. This two-part predesign phase assesses the resources on hand and maps out your desired outcome. The result is a more efficient, always-forward process in which you can see your progress at any time and feel confident that you're moving toward a successful completion. Watch my short video on the Pre-Design Diagnostic Scan™ and R.A.D. Study™ by clicking here.
If you like this formalized approach to design and are planning to upgrade your existing house or build a new home, click the button below to book a free, 30-minute call - the DIAGNOSTIC SESSION - with me during which you'll learn what steps to take to get this simple process started.
If you're not quite ready to chat, you can also download any of my free resources such as the Project Planning package or a sample R.A.D. Study™.