Adjust and Refine

As this cottage began construction in 2014, some further refinements and material selections were made.  An operable sidelite next to the front door was seen as too great a custom expense - could something more standardized be built here?  A 3d study helped confirm that a more conventional operable window could be installed, separate from the door assembly.  The dark cement panels between door and window helped to visually connect these elements.

Some further study of the entry soffit was made.  Was the dark cement panel soffit most appropriate (see above)?  Or a continuation of the painted wood cladding (see below left)?  Large cement board panels can be heavy to lift and install, but are made in 2' wide strips specifically for easier ceiling application.  From an aesthetic viewpoint, I was most comfortable with the cement panel, then the painted wood 2nd, and in 3rd place, an untreated pine soffit (see below right).

Careful attention was spent on the final colour of the mullions, metal roof and wood cladding.  A light colour roof was seen as the desirable choice (practical to limit heat gain), and a bronze colour was selected for the mullions.  Pure black mullions were considered, but this can appear flat, lacking in visual depth.  The red door was desired by the owner as a welcoming symbol.

It takes a certain amount of energy to keep things simple.  What is often not seen is the process, study and consideration required to get there.