This is an excellent example of a simple dogtrot house which is essentially a small home split into to halves that are separated by a breezeway. It’s an ideal design for hot and humid climates because the cooling effect of the breezeway helps keep the two halves of the home comfortable. It’s also very conducive to outdoor living since the breezeway can easily double as added living space.
While this particular example was architect designed it’s still a great example of a small usable home many people could tackle building themselves due to it’s scale, dimensions, and simple form. You might also be wondering about the lack of windows. It was built as a second home so it locks up tight behind large secure doors.
The Zachary House was designed by architect Stephen Atkinson for a client with property in Louisiana. The two halves of the dogtrot home add up to a total of 549 square feet of interior living space. One side has a bedroom and bath and the other is a living space with a small kitchen at one end. Stephen’s client wanted something simple and even participated in the construction. Visit Stephen Atkinson’s website to see more of his work. Photos credit to Timothy Hursley and Stephen Atkinson.
Thank you, finally someone who knew exactly what kind of house that has been in my head since I was six. I have tried to explain this type of house to several construction people and none of them knew what I was talking about. To see my dream on screen was the most exciting day. Now that I know it is possible I can start saving to have my home built. Thank you again.
Gosh, Dawn Hill. Since you were six… Perhaps the most eloquent compliment I’ve gotten on the whole shebang; however, I need to hear more about what you envisioned.
The design is clever. We have a open hill top building site on a 30 acre property in Tasmania that over looks the Huon River 200m below. It is exposed to strong south westerlies from the Antarctic.
We were wondering whether the design could accommodate a shallower roof gable and have the roof line extend to the fireplace on the shorter deck and to and equal distance on the other aside. This breezeway/deck would be enclosed s it could be use at all times.
The platform would be replaced with a slab to create a thermal mass heated by geothermal heat.
Additionally, we will usually have guests so a second bedroom would be needed with one share bath. No hallway but have entry through external doorways along the now covered roof area. Either side is okay. The idea is to flatten the dwelling’s appearance on the hill side
If you don’t think we have mucked around with you designs principle too much we would appreciate hearing from ypu.
Cheers Stuart and Suzanne
Stephen…I don’t know if you check this anymore…But I’m curious about how you detailed the plexiglass (I think) windows behind the corrugated fiberglass panels. …I’m a graduate student in architecture and I’d love to know!
Thanks,
Sam