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When asked what his inspiration was for the New Southern Home, Chris
Gooden replied, “It was Martha’s Vineyard / Cape Cod meets the Michigan
Lower Peninsula.” He proceeded to tell me that it is actually the
homeowners providing him with a vision of what their home should be that
serves to inspire designs as unique as each of his clients. Hailing from
Charlotte, NC, Chris said that the Colonial and French Country styles of
architecture found in that area also influence his designs, but without
limiting them.
An admitted non-conformist, Chris likes blending the traditional with
the non-traditional to create spaces that will meet all of the needs and
desires of each homeowner. Chris takes into consideration lifestyles,
the flow and function of the home, and of course, to the best extent
possible, their budget. “The cost of the home depends a lot upon the
homeowners choices in kitchen cabinetry, appliances, fixtures, etc. and
will ultimately determine the final cost.”
Chris utilizes SoftPlan© by SoftPlan Systems, Inc. to help speed the
design process along. Since the Krantz’ had such a clear vision of what
they wanted this home to be, the conceptualization took a mere two
weeks, and the final plans were finished in just three months time.
When I asked Chris what he found most challenging about designing the
New Southern Home, he told me that since the home will incorporate so
many types of “green” technology, he had to familiarize himself with
many new products. The New Southern Home takes advantage of the latest
and greatest technology that will not only make it energy efficient and
insect resistant, but more capable of withstanding the sometimes severe
weather conditions that Florida can experience. Products such as poured
concrete walls, double paned windows, cement fiber siding and fireproof
concrete shingles will help to make a home that will require little
maintenance and that will stand the test of time. In keeping with the
“Green” theme, Chris took the home’s orientation into consideration and
added features such as long overhangs to help keep it as energy
efficient as possible.
Chris has been designing homes for 19 years. While most projects are new
custom homes, he has designed commercial buildings, historically
accurate remodels of classic homes, and even designed a yacht for a
client. You can contact Chris by calling 407.701.6029 or at
chrisgoodenkdj@hotmail.com.
J.H. for New Southern Home |
