Anatomy of a best-selling plan

The Atrim House

Architect
Richard C. Handlen, AIA, LEED AP
EDI International, Inc.
richard.handlen@edi-international.com
415.362.2880
www.edi-international.com

Plan size
Total size: 4,380 sf
Width: 50 feet
Depth: 67 feet

This is a large plan confined by a tight footprint. The house is focused on a light-filled atrium that functions as both the dining area and circulation central. This space flows into the kitchen/family room and opens out to private courtyards on either side of the house. The grand staircase, balcony, and study bridges overlook the atrium. Everyday access from the garage is through a large mud/laundry/hobby room. Alternately, an “adult entry” provides access directly to the base of the stairway.

Ultimately, the success of this plan lies in its ability to adapt to the needs of a large or extended family. It is open and airy for family gatherings but has many private “escape” spaces. The six potential secondary bedrooms are all designed to function as private or semi-private suites with flexible uses. One flexes as a bonus room and another flexes as a nursery, exercise, or extended master suite. The bridges above the atrium, living room, and bonus rooms can be closed off with sliding panels to escape the hubbub of the large family — or, in the case of the bonus room, contain it.

A. Two-story dining atrium

B. Everyday mud room entry

C. Adult entry

D. Outdoor living areas

E. Bedroom, nursery, exercise room, or extended master suite

F. Escape zones: study bridges, living room, and bonus room

G. Six secondary bedroom suites with flex uses