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Pro Spotlight: Enjoy More (Sustainable) Space Without an Addition
Create a home that respects nature and your need for more room using these tips from an Austin design-build expert
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Who: Ajit Smith of Forsite Studio
Where: Austin, Texas
In his own words: “We like to focus on outdoor living, because the weather is pretty fantastic six to eight months out of the year here.”
“Square footage is limited in Austin, so open floor plans and outdoor-indoor areas make homes feel a lot larger than they actually are,” says Ajit Smith, who owns design-build firm Forsite Studio in Austin. “I like to create spaces that flow as seamlessly as possible to the outdoors.” Designing a new space is also an ideal opportunity to focus on sustainability by enhancing natural light and adding ventilation, he says.
Where: Austin, Texas
In his own words: “We like to focus on outdoor living, because the weather is pretty fantastic six to eight months out of the year here.”
“Square footage is limited in Austin, so open floor plans and outdoor-indoor areas make homes feel a lot larger than they actually are,” says Ajit Smith, who owns design-build firm Forsite Studio in Austin. “I like to create spaces that flow as seamlessly as possible to the outdoors.” Designing a new space is also an ideal opportunity to focus on sustainability by enhancing natural light and adding ventilation, he says.
The perfect combination. Smith worked on construction projects while completing a graduate degree in architecture at the University of Texas at Austin. “I started renovating my own property and doing a couple of houses here and there,” he says. Smith, who founded Forsite Studio in 2007, wanted to integrate construction with architecture, which drew him to the design-build field.
From the ground up. “I like the mix of design and construction because we get to control the process from start to finish,” Smith says. “We get to be involved in every aspect of it.” He also enjoys the unexpected nature of remodels and tries to use surprises as opportunities for interesting designs. For instance, he started doing demolition work on one home and discovered beautiful shiplap under the plaster: “We used it as a central architectural feature.”
Read Smith’s tips below to cleverly expand your space and add sustainable elements.
Read Smith’s tips below to cleverly expand your space and add sustainable elements.
1. Open Up Living Spaces
Design public areas — the living room, kitchen and dining room — as one space, Smith recommends. “By keeping walls out of large spaces, you won’t compartmentalize your house; it makes a small home feel larger,” he says. He suggests adding a vaulted ceiling to increase the spacious effect.
Central Austin clients wanted to use the majority of their about-1,300-square-foot space as a large public area. The upstairs living area is oriented toward the downtown skyline, providing them with uninterrupted views from their open kitchen and living room. “We made the design decision to leave the ceiling vaulted and open to make the space seem bigger,” Smith says.
See more of this project
Design public areas — the living room, kitchen and dining room — as one space, Smith recommends. “By keeping walls out of large spaces, you won’t compartmentalize your house; it makes a small home feel larger,” he says. He suggests adding a vaulted ceiling to increase the spacious effect.
Central Austin clients wanted to use the majority of their about-1,300-square-foot space as a large public area. The upstairs living area is oriented toward the downtown skyline, providing them with uninterrupted views from their open kitchen and living room. “We made the design decision to leave the ceiling vaulted and open to make the space seem bigger,” Smith says.
See more of this project
2. Maximize Light and Efficiency
Capitalize on natural light using large, high windows and skylights to visually expand your space. Pay attention to your home’s solar orientation and add overhangs where necessary to ensure ample shade and maintain efficiency throughout the year.
The team installed skylights, sliding doors, transom windows and high picture windows to maximize the daylight in the contemporary home seen here. The off-the-grid house, just outside of Taylor, sits on 60 acres of restored natural prairie and enjoys passive ventilation via operable skylights. Its orientation and overhangs minimize sun exposure during the summer.
See more of this project
Capitalize on natural light using large, high windows and skylights to visually expand your space. Pay attention to your home’s solar orientation and add overhangs where necessary to ensure ample shade and maintain efficiency throughout the year.
The team installed skylights, sliding doors, transom windows and high picture windows to maximize the daylight in the contemporary home seen here. The off-the-grid house, just outside of Taylor, sits on 60 acres of restored natural prairie and enjoys passive ventilation via operable skylights. Its orientation and overhangs minimize sun exposure during the summer.
See more of this project
3. Invite Nature Inside
Large sliding doors that open onto a courtyard or backyard extend a living space outside. “If possible, orient your home toward natural landscape features,” Smith says. The team installed an expansive sliding door between the living room and the screened porch of the modern central Austin home seen here.
Smith also designed the master bedroom with sliding doors that open onto the courtyard, which features an impressive tree. The clients can expand their bedroom and living room at their leisure, depending on the weather.
See more of this project
More: For more information on Ajit Smith and examples of his work, visit Forsite Studio’s Houzz profile.
This story was written by the Houzz Sponsored Content team.
Large sliding doors that open onto a courtyard or backyard extend a living space outside. “If possible, orient your home toward natural landscape features,” Smith says. The team installed an expansive sliding door between the living room and the screened porch of the modern central Austin home seen here.
Smith also designed the master bedroom with sliding doors that open onto the courtyard, which features an impressive tree. The clients can expand their bedroom and living room at their leisure, depending on the weather.
See more of this project
More: For more information on Ajit Smith and examples of his work, visit Forsite Studio’s Houzz profile.
This story was written by the Houzz Sponsored Content team.
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Forsite Studio designed and built two homes for us, both with over the top requirements and design constraints. They did nothing short of amazing with both the design and construction. We absolutely l...Mehr
The 1st three photos are of duplexes - very attractive!!! I live in Austin myself and enjoy the new architecture - the old with the new - such a complimentary mix! I wish Mr. Smith the best with his company.