Square One: Good Home Design Starts Here

Design snapshot: Cottage placemaking

By Katie Hutchison

The siting of these simple, little cottages makes them all the more enchanting. Angled obliquely towards one another and within comfortable proximity, they are engaged with each other and the landscape, while also afforded a measure of autonomy. Informal shrubbery provides a touch of privacy for the brick-edged, flagstone patio off the front of the cottage in the foreground. A few steps back or beyond reveals a larger intermediary patio between the cottages where the occupants of each might convene for a barbeque. A weaving, gravel drive connects the cottages and accommodates neighbors passing by. Such thoughtful siting can encourage interaction while acknowledging personal space.

by Katie Hutchison for House Enthusiast and SquareOne

Read more design snapshots by architect Katie Hutchison

Fine Homebuilding Recommended Products

Fine Homebuilding receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

A House Needs to Breathe...Or Does It?: An Introduction to Building Science

Allison Bailes is great at explaining complex building science topics in simple terms that anyone can understand. If your goal is a new house or remodel that embodies the best practices that building scientists have to offer, buy this book right away.

Buy at Amazon

Pretty Good House

For anyone interested in a sensible and cost-effective approach to designing and building a home that is comfortable, healthy, efficient, and durable, this book is a fantastic starting point (really, it may be all you need!).

Buy at Amazon

A Field Guide to American Houses

If you want to plan, design, or remodel based on the vast tradition of American architectural styles you first have to understand their history, geography, architectural significance, and relationship to one another. This book can help with that.

Buy at Amazon

Log in or create an account to post a comment.

Become a member and get full access to FineHomebuilding.com

View All

Up Next

Video Shorts

Featured Story

What’s Old Is New — An Exciting Announcement

Fine Homebuilding's editorial director has some fun news to share.

Featured Video

Video: Build a Fireplace, Brick by Brick

Watch mason Mike Mehaffey construct a traditional-style fireplace that burns well and meets current building codes.

Discussion Forum

Highlights

Plus, get an extra 20% off with code GIFT20

"I have learned so much thanks to the searchable articles on the FHB website. I can confidently say that I expect to be a life-long subscriber." - M.K.

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

View All

Fine Homebuilding Magazine

Fine Homebuilding

Follow

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Membership & Magazine

Fine Homebuilding receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

This is a dialog window which overlays the main content of the page. The modal window is a 'site map' of the most critical areas of the site. Pressing the Escape (ESC) button will close the modal and bring you back to where you were on the page.

We hope you’ve enjoyed your free articles. To keep reading, become a member today.

Get complete site access to expert advice, how-to videos, Code Check, and more, plus the print magazine.

Design snapshot: Cottage placemaking

Log in or create an account to post a comment.

Become a member and get full access to FineHomebuilding.com

More Square One: Good Home Design Starts Here

Up Next