Hola friends,
Continuing the story, once we decided to create the bodega (storage space) on the new sub level, we decided to change the planned space of the first floor bodega to a third bathroom. In doing this, we then decided to alter the plan so that doorways entering the bathrooms will be directly off each first floor bedroom rather than a common door of the lavanderia (laundry) room. This change then resulted in our altering the laundry plan so that it is a large rectangular room with just three doors (one each bedroom, plus entry) and thus no need for a privacy wall for the bathroom door. So now we'll have an enclosed countertop created out of steel and covered in ceramic tile with a big sink; and the front loading washer and dryer underneath. This way it will look more like a welcoming entryway and not like a laundry.
We then layed out each bathroom a bit differently so that each gets a nice window over the sink, and a nice vent window over the shower or a nice long window in the room. The entry doors will be mounted on the bedroom side, and will be a slide-by surface door with a translucent material. We'll put a transom on top to keep air going, even when door is closed. We'll do the same over the bedroom entry doors as well.
We decided the bed wall will be different than originally planned, making the large glass sliding door to the veranda more accessible, and the room more visually appealing. We are excited at the prospect. We think guests (whether family, or paying guests) will really enjoy these rooms. The veranda's will be separated with an obscuring screen so that guests have visual privacy when sitting on the veranda. We'll insulate the thick wall dividing the bedrooms so that guests have even more privacy.
Upstairs we decided that the roof extension covering the kitchen bumpout will have a gable end rather than a hipped end consistent with the rest of the roof, so that windows will be OVER the kitchen cabinets providing opportunity for more light and airflow. While the back wall of the bumpout will be largely obscured, that light both above, and from the side will make it an inviting space.
We also decided to significantly enlarge the two sliding glass doors to the veranda, which should make the connection with both forest and ocean more significant. In our original plan, we had intended on a short wall covering the side of what will be a clothes cabinet (wood). We decided to eliminate that wall, so that one would see the side of the wood cabinet instead. Finally, since the second floor bathroom looks onto a quiet, private part of the forest; we'll have a floor to top window which will position right behind the lav sink. Yes, that does mean that traveling monkeys might see one's hind-end in the morning - but that is the price of connection to the forest.
I so wish I had samples of the tiles we picked out. I will ask Roderick to forward samples so I can post here. The combination will be warm, natural, elegant, casual. Go figure that one!!!! While our inside space will be simple - we think we're going to love it - and hope guests do as well...
So, this sums up the changes we made as a result of our trip. Simple alterations, but easy to make now, and we think the result will be worth it. Until the next post....
Ricardo y Jeeeem
ps - Jim set up a NEW BLOG which will set about to give the history BEHIND this construction project. Part 1, 2 and 3 are posted; others to come over the next several weeks. Link is: http://jimdicktdacasainthebeginning.blogspot.com/
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