Architect + Fantastic Clients = Amazing Houses

Estimated reading time: 4 minutes

Finding the right client who understands not only the process for construction but has an appreciation for the level of detail in design to craft a fantastic house … is – well – ideal!

We are excited to have been contacted by a great couple that found us off our Houzz.com profile.

​We responded immediately as we typically do. After an initial consultation that SAME DAY, our estimate and bid as well as responsiveness, energy and passion for 3D and sustainable design had ultimately won the client over.

We usually offer these complementary consultations over the phone, email or on-site as needed to properly assess the project. This is part of our regular Services.

We are glad it did because we were very excited to help bring to life this project.

Continuing reading to find out more details below.

Zanzibar House

The project was named by the client to represent many interesting facets. These tie into the collaboration, concept and implementation of the physical structure.

​Zanzibar is a Tanzanian archipelago off the coast of East Africa.

On its main island familiarly called Zanzibar, is Stone Town, a historic trade center with Swahili and Islamic influences.

​The owner has ties and appeal to these direct cultures and styles.

The building materials will be a rustic stone, stucco and bronze palette.

Zanzibar’s winding lanes present minarets, carved doorways and 19th-century landmarks such as the House of Wonders, a former sultan’s palace.

The home will ultimately be the embodiment of the client’s vision for the property.

During the Age of Exploration, the Portuguese Empire was the first European power to gain control of Zanzibar. They kept it for nearly 200 years.

The principal architect, Neil Silva is what do you know … Portuguese.

Project Visualization

After several lengthy meetings to capture as much detail and information as the client had worked out on their own, we began to put together those ideas.

This presented some design challenges to resolved and fine tune.

The 3D model shown below is used to generate all of our documentation set of drawings, cost estimates, building analysis and many, MANY perspectives.

See Also: Understanding Architect Fees: A Comprehensive Guide

Nothing helps clients see the potential finished product like design options!

For the homeowner, the views from the Catwalk are important to how it overlooks the living area.

Keeping a pretty open floor plan on the first level with a very high vaulted ceiling creates a nice connection with the bedrooms upstairs. Alternatively, the master bedroom may be on the main floor.

There are many stages to the design and documentation process. We have provided on-going analysis and feedback on the building’s design.

Such as, we frequently get asked similar questions which we’ve highlighted in our FAQs.

From here we are currently in Construction Documentation. We are working closely with our structural engineer to develop construction details and solutions to some particular issues.

8TFive Studio will also remain on-board during the entire construction process. We will provide Construction Administration as a means of ensuring a high level of design intent gets translated from paper to built form.

We look forward to sharing future updates once construction begins early Fall of 2016.