Architectural Elements

Subterranean Outdoor Area

I really like the idea of a below-ground outdoor area. A patio or a courtyard that is below the grade of the surrounding ground. This would let light into lower levels, and it would offer an outdoor area with shade and privacy. There would be some drainage requirements.

Subterranean Outdoor Area

I actually became interested in the idea when watching Star Wars. Luke's uncle on Tatooine lives in an open-air home that is mostly underground.

Church-like Adobe

If I am going to fit into Denver, especially if I end up on the dry side of the mountains, it would make sense to fit into the local architecture by utilizing adobe or stucco (what is the difference?). Also, I kind of like the idea of giving the building some elements that are purely for aesthetic purposes, having the look of a sort of church.

Wind Towers in Dubai

The photo above is actually a building in Dubai, but I really like the look of it. I also like those doors.

Metal Roof

I really would like to break from tradition by using metal roofing rather than ashphalt shingles. This is particularly true of the snow-bound Colorado Rockies where I am looking to settle. However, I think a metal roof will only be attractive if it does not attempt to follow the same lines as a typical asphalt shingle roof. More snow fall dictates a steeper roof pitch.

Aldine Ave. & Marcus Ave. in St. Louis

Modern roof styles are broken up roof sections. These small, steep roof spires would look great with red brick and a green roof color. Or natural adobe color with a red roof. It might be even more interesting with dormers. Here is an example with an interesting style of dormers, though they are less efficient in terms of window space.

Dr. Martin Luther King Dr. & Marcus Ave. in St. Louis

Interior

This doesn't really belong here, but I saw this image, and it make me really want to decorate an office like this. Basically, all black furniture and accents, with some gray and white. But the walls are the only thing with color. It doesn't have to be lavender, but it definitely needs to have a cheery color.

Dojo

How is this for an outdoor patio. It is kind of an enclosed courtyard space, with it own garden and stream.

This suggests that the subterranean area spoken of above does not need to be fully enclosed with a wall, but could be a natural slope on one side. There could be screens. The slope wouldn't have to come down to the floor, there could be a low wall, maybe even with a planter box.

It also makes me think of more ideas to make a courtyard more practical. The two downsides of a courtyard are increased building costs and increased energy loss. Of course, energy loss is not a problem in mild climates where courtyards are common, but Denver is not such a place. What if the courtyard could have a removable canopy that provides some insulation?