UNIVERSAL DESIGN

What is Universal Design?  What is the optimum approach for space planning and design for the Homes to be built at TerraScena?   While looking for the answer that incorporated features we think will be essential for a comfort and ease of living at all stages of life.  Design components to consider are open space, wider doors, kitchen accessibility, roomy safe bathrooms, lighting and flooring.

Conservation in building practices, good design, fixtures and awareness is also an essential component which TerraScena believes should be universally included in any good design.

Look for more posts on these key topics.

TerraScena:  Homes with a Natural Point of View

In Pursuit of the American Dream

 

TerraScena developers are exploring the history of home building and looking toward the future to create homes for today.

In the first half of the 20th century Sears & Roebuck was very involved in supporting the American Dream of owning a home. 

As early as 1895 Sears began to sell building supplies via their catalog.  Soon in the early 1900's Sears went into the business of  factory built housing.  Customers would choose  their design  out of a catalogue and several weeks later their new home  (in 30,000 pieces) arrived via railcar! 

The price range is stunning by today's standards.  In fact the price is much like what you could pay for a superior quality front door! 

Go to the Sears achieve to find images and prices of their home kits from 1908-1940 along with the history of their home building business.

http://www.searsarchives.com/homes/chronology.htm

TerraScena -- Homes with a Natural Point of View

TerraScena Beginnings

TerraScena is a project that has grown out of love for the Texas Hill Country land and long held vision of integrating the land with uniquely designed homes.  As a pre-teen  in the 1950's my father introduced me to exciting architectural design with images of round buildings and futuristic homes.  

 Later, he lived in what is known as a mid-century home from that era. Features I admired from that home were the open living space, the expanse of glass and clear story windows even in the bedrooms and kitchen resulting in light in every room.  The porch space and the height in the back created the feeling of being in a tree house with a wooded view that made one feel embraced by Nature even in the city with a view of the University of Texas tower in the distance. 

My own passion for architecture has continued to grow over the years. The first home I owned as an adult was built in 1916 by a Norwegian ship captain in eastern Pennsylvania.  There was wonderful woodwork and a striking staircase with a curved landing and railing reminiscent of a ship.  The charm outweigh the lack of closets and the very modest neighborhood.

The next home was passive solar and upside down living space on the second floor and bedrooms below with both areas having access to the two story glass and cedar green house which kept the home delightfully warm even with snow on the ground. 

Here one had to be in touch with the weather and open and close windows to regulate the temperature.  Much like growing up in Texas on a ranch you had to be aware of your environment.  What a gift!