EDITOR'S NOTE: THIS ARTICLE IS POSTED AS A PDF FILE. CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE COTTAGE HOUSE REVIEW REPORT (PDF)
Flexibility and diversity would seem to be more important than ever for those of us in the design and building professions. On that note, we challenged our design team to come up with some innovative ideas and concepts for what has recently been referred to as “live/work” projects.
In the last few years, the marketplace has witnessed the re-emergence of buildings that have residential units above or adjacent to office and retail spaces. This is actually an old concept of “living above your store” found in many small towns all over the country. As you take a closer look at this type of product, you’ll find a great deal of flexibility inherent in the designs. A retiring professional might continue a limited practice of law or consulting, utilizing an area that is easily accessible to the public while actually being an extension of the home. A young entrepreneur could use one of these spaces as a low cost location to start their business. The options are almost endless.
For the builder and developer, the flexibility becomes even more valuable. The ability to change from office space to extra living space (guest quarters, etc.) allows the buildings to easily adapt to the current market conditions.
DOWNLOAD THE LIVE/WORK HOUSE REVIEW REPORT (PDF)
For more on these plans and to view past House Review themes, visit www.HousingZone.com/HouseReview.