ATLANTA 01

SITE

The site is located at the north end of a small plateau in the Appalachian foothills, approximately 1,000 feet above sea level. Tall, deciduous trees densely populate the site. The soil is Georgia red clay that exhibits poor drainage characteristics.

CLIMATE

The proximity of the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean has a significant influence on the climate of this area. Mountains to the north retard polar air masses. Rainfall is abundant. Spring thunderstorms are frequent, and freezing rain and ice storms occur about every other year.

• Winter: cool, temperatures average between the high 30's and low 50's, cold spells are short-lived but not unusual

• Summer: warm to hot and humid, temperatures moderated by elevation average between the high 60's and high 80's, prolonged periods of hot weather are rare

DESIGN

This simple, compact house was designed for a young, expanding family of 3. Floor levels below grade are not necessary in this climate; however, efficient space planning is required to minimize the ratio of exterior surface area to interior volume. The solarium is a key factor in this regard as it may serve multi-functional purposes. The front entry of this design is an example. Other features typical of some other designs include layout of the utility room, bathrooms, and closets on the north to help buffer interior living spaces and to allow greater access to an abundance of natural light and other amenities of the solarium. Prefabricated wood roof trusses, commonly specified, are called out for their cost advantage.