February was crunch time for the design process as we geared up for our “Stress Test” presentation. We began to refine our façade concept, material choices, and detailing. Always balancing the initial condition of the home with the potential for expansion and adaptation over time.
Charlie building the model 
framing model
Our presentation prompted a lively discussion about the decision-making process for design. The critics urged us to continue to push our expandability concept by detailing the house to allow for the owners to easily modify in the future. We discussed how to design these details both to facilitate future construction processes and to provide clues to the owner about how to expand.
After a long day of presentations, we all gathered to hear the verdict… and we were given the green light! We were urged to consider the 1,000 foot view of the 20K and to keep in mind that our home is one point within the context of the larger research project.
The next day we were introduced to our site and our clients! (Margie and Andrew). We are beyond excited to get to know the clients and to begin surveying and preparing the site for construction.
Prof. Xavier, Devin, and client Andrew on site