1635 Alpine Dr Aiken, SC 29803

Advance planning-down to the last doorknob-not only eases building pains but allows time for material selection, a workable room arrangement, and low-maintenance design. If planning includes comfort and beauty as well as function, the results can be outstanding, as shown here.
Living is easy with low-upkeep, natural materials that minimize the need for paint and stain. There's more time or leisure-thanks to the no-maintenance ground cover and carefree stucco walls throughout. These broad areas of textured stucco are never monotonous. The structural framework provides striking contrast.
Unusual shapes and forms await inside. First, broad steps lead to a recessed entry. This link divides the house into two basic parts. Left: a leisure-oriented living-dining area, activity space, and kitchen. Right: a shed-roof wing zoned for bedroom seclusion. For street-side privacy, the front is almost windowless.
By contrast, glass doors scoop light into the active living areas and open the deck across the back. Clerestory windows under the shed roof brighten private lofts in each bedroom (see dotted lines and ladders on plan).
All through the living zone, open planning saves this family time, and unclogs traffic. Yet the informal kitchen-family room is separated from living-dining area.