Living in Place 02

from Morgan Kolb Interior Design Portfolio

"Detached from the bothers of life"

Project Description

The goal of this project is to design a home for Mr. and Mrs. Kimura in Austin, Texas. This home represents the Kimuras’ Japanese culture and traditions while also creating a space that allows for aging in place. The design accommodates the Kimuras’ personal needs and interests of Tai Chi, watercolor painting, flower arranging, and gardening while maintaining enough space for their children and grandchildren to visit. Overall, the space is relaxing, emphasizes indoor-outdoor living, and incorporates local Austin elements.

Design Concept

The overall design for the Kimuras’ new home is driven by the Japanese term ukiyo which means “living in the moment, detached from the bothers of life.” Implementing natural light, wood tones, greenery, and emphasizing indoor-outdoor living provides a clean, calming, and comfortable environment that considers aging in place. The design is inspired by the Kimuras’ Japanese culture while combining mid-century modern and traditional Japanese design aesthetics. There is clear functional areas for work, hobbies, and entertainment within the house. The design successfully considers accessibility, aging in place, and the Kimuras’ own personal needs and interests.

Floor Plan

The floor plan incorporates an open layout with clear sight lines, wide openings and walkways, and turnaround spaces. The use of natural materials can be seen through the wood flooring, green accents, and neutral color palette.

Bubble Diagram

Preliminary space planning shows public, semi-private, and private spaces as well as primary and secondary pathways within the Kimuras’ new residence. The space has connected public areas and keeps private spaces further away from the major points of entry.

Kitchen and Dining

While adhering to the Japanese, midcentury modern design style that Mr. and Mrs. Kimura desired, this space also utilizes wide walkways and accessible counter heights.

Kitchen Elevation

The accessible kitchen features seen here include: a shallow nineinch deep sink, a freezer drawer, full extension drawers, cabinet catches, soft close fittings, an elevated dishwasher, and a nine inch toe kick.

Kitchen, Living, & Dining Mood Board

The neutral color palette and use of natural materials creates a calming and comfortable atmosphere for the Kimuras, while their Japanese culture is represented through artwork and unique plant arrangements.

Primary Bathroom Elevation

The accessible primary bathroom features seen here include: wall niches for storage in the bathtub, a large vanity, grab bars, a bench next to the bathtub, and sink knee clearance. These features enable the clients to feel comfortable and safe within a space that can sometimes be stressful for aging individuals.

Primary Suite Mood Board

The natural materials and textured wall covering create a calming and zen primary suite, relating back to the concept of ukiyo and escaping the troubles of everyday life. The wood flooring is paired with white, tan, and green materials to create a sense of biophilia.

Primary Bedroom

A calm setting for the Kimuras to relax and wind down. The textured wall covering adds interest to the room while the rattan pendant lights allude to their Japanese heritage.

Technical Drawings 03 Argonaut Building

Project Scope

The Argonaut building is a 17,040 sf. office space that was built and designed for Mrs. Smith and her company. The first floor accommodates eight full-time employees, one executive, up to six interns, and up to sixteen volunteers. The second floor does not currently have a tenant.

The new building takes advantage of the curtain walls that line the facade by placing offices away from exterior walls. Interior curtain walls were used in offices and collaborative spaces to allow natural light to flood the interior spaces.

Final Document Set

The final construction documents set includes a title sheet, architectural plans, exterior elevations, partition plans, furniture and finish plans, reflected ceiling plans, interior building sections, interior elevations, ADA restroom details, reception desk details, stair and partition details, schedules, and power plans.