Subdivision building can be thoughtful in St. Marys.

Build's version of a well-designed subdivision home.

It is possible to design and construct an attractive, efficient and functional new build home within the restrictions of a modern subdivision. We did it by following the basic design rules that have worked for generations of architects in the past. 

When we were approached last year to design and build a home in a St. Mary's subdivision, we realized that there would be some inherent restrictions involved. The project was a success, a build that was on time and on budget for clients with open minds, good taste and great attitudes.

We reduced the size of the garage and made it a single door to minimize its appearance and bring the focus to the front door and entrance. The entrance is framed by appropriately sized and tapered columns with pillars matching the dramatic black brick of the lower level. The gables above the door and on the second level also bring the eye back to the entrance. The verticality of the black brick is contrasted by the horizontal white trim to add balance. The simple decoration of the brackets on the top gable, and the black casing on the windows give a hint of Craftsman influence which also ties into the interior space.

There are no unnecessary or illogical design elements that would make one go... hmmm. The design just makes sense, visually and functionally.

Rory McDonnell is a General Contractor, Licensed Carpenter and Architectural Designer with Build, a construction firm in Stratford, Ontario, specializing in new custom homes and renovations.