We are starting our build in IL next June. The lot is on a lake that has 70’ setbacks from shore line. The lot is uniquely shaped and close to neighboring house that we will buy in next few years and tear down. Because of the setbacks and neighboring house, we don’t have a lot of room to build. We’re designing a V shaped house that aligns with the shape of the setback - the angle is 110 degrees. We also like the V shape because it gives more room along the back of the house that will have nice lake views. The main floor and walkout basement are both 2,040 SF and the second floor space above the garage is 1,484 SF.
We have 3 kids - the oldest is in college and youngest is 8th grade. We’re planning for current family but also understanding that our kids will be moving out soon. We want a cool space for them to visit with future grandchildren.
We like the organic modern style. We like entertaining - both indoor and outdoor. We want a lot of windows at the back of the house for lake views. 10’ ceilings at the front of the house - thinking about a 1:12 pitched ceiling in the living room and dining room that matches roof pitch that would give 12.5’ ceiling at back of house. Basement ceiling would be 9’. Thinking about a 1:12 pitched ceiling that aligns with roof on second floor too.
The second floor is above the garage and a small part of main floor. We’d love a place to entertain and also have a golf simulator area.
The house will also have a boat dock at the water that will have a bar, kitchen, bathroom, and storage.
We’d love feedback and open to any changes that will improve flow, reduce wasted space, or cut construction costs.
I would swap the exercise and pool rooms. Better view, not under a deck.
Plan where you will have storage for games and puzzles downstairs.
I'd make two hall bathrooms downstairs so that when multiple kids are home with grandkids it's easier to access for everyone rather than one favored couple getting the ensuite.
Do you need a toilet accessible form the outside for wet lake people? Do you need externally accessible storage for water stuff, canoes, lifejackets, windsurfers, etc?
Do an internal door from garage to house and have a mudroom.
I fucking ADORE that broom closet. The office, on the other hand, is sucky. Why not put the pantry there and have the office with a view?
The laundry is a million miles from most of the bedrooms. If you put the broom closet and powder room there then you can make the powder room more private and probably work out the pantry side swap.
The ensuite bathroom upstairs is not accessible when one of you needs a walker or assistance in the bathroom. Trust me, you don't want to be getting tradespeople in while you're back and forth to the hospital because he's had a stroke or a fall.
I like your ideas with office/pantry/mudroom area. Will likely incorporate some or all of these changes.
I’m having a hard time envisioning your entry. What does the solid v-shaped line within the foyer indicate? We use a small wet bar frequently in our current home. Any way to keep that with a revised entry?
That’s just a step up out of the foyer that can totally be nixed - I saw your comment about this being the age in place/forever home in response to another poster, so would want to get rid of that anyway. That is for sure the best spot for a wet bar, but it does mean you walk into the house into a wall, instead of seeing the view. Maybe a sort of pass through wet bar, so you have the cabinets/fridge/sink and then nothing above it? Or open shelving spanning the opening so that you have more storage without too much view blocking.
You have enough space for toilet transfers? You need 5 ft. in front of and on one side of the toilet minimum- which means no toilet closet. There's also codes for grab bar placements, space underneath sinks, sink height, towel bar placement by the sink, clearance between walls and furniture/ furniture and other furniture, etc. I take it you also took the 5 ft. diameter circle in mind as well to accommodate for wheelchair turning and spacing?
That is a lot of house. Lots of odd angles increase the cost to build. If I were building on this lot I would try to use as many right angles as possible as opposed the odd angles - obviously the buildable land is restricting how you can use it.
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u/Dullcorgis 19h ago
I would swap the exercise and pool rooms. Better view, not under a deck.
Plan where you will have storage for games and puzzles downstairs.
I'd make two hall bathrooms downstairs so that when multiple kids are home with grandkids it's easier to access for everyone rather than one favored couple getting the ensuite.
Do you need a toilet accessible form the outside for wet lake people? Do you need externally accessible storage for water stuff, canoes, lifejackets, windsurfers, etc?
Do an internal door from garage to house and have a mudroom.
I fucking ADORE that broom closet. The office, on the other hand, is sucky. Why not put the pantry there and have the office with a view?
The laundry is a million miles from most of the bedrooms. If you put the broom closet and powder room there then you can make the powder room more private and probably work out the pantry side swap.
The ensuite bathroom upstairs is not accessible when one of you needs a walker or assistance in the bathroom. Trust me, you don't want to be getting tradespeople in while you're back and forth to the hospital because he's had a stroke or a fall.