BSB Design 2018-11-05 13:09:03
When a builder strives for design inspiration on every new project, it’s not surprising when one ends up in a magazine called inspire. That’s exactly what happened at Farmhouse at Willow Creek in Folsom, California.
To rebrand a suburban infill parcel, BlackPine Communities selected a singular architectural genre. Adjacent neighborhoods contained a hodge-podge of looks resulting from different attempts at various stucco-based elevation styles. But at Farmhouse at Willow Creek, all 126 homes are modern farmhouses, a bold and forward-thinking design vision that immediately captured the attention of prospective buyers. Burke Bair, principal with BSB Design, said, “Even before sales prices were announced, deposits had been made to reserve 12 homes,” and that excitement continues to grow.
Authentic theming at Farmhouse is everywhere, from the model complex landscaping and its vintage-style windmill, to the clearly similar but distinctly individual looks of the four available plans. With only two elevation options each, the program’s simplicity preserved room in the budget for higher-cost detailing and finishes. Then five base colors in six different schemes were used to create 30 color combinations that help diversify the streetscape.
And that streetscape is unforgettable. For example, on the smallest plan, an oversized porch frames the entire front corner of the home with stylistically rich details, including exposed rafter tails and square timber columns supporting the metal roof. The entry connects directly to the family room and offers a standing invitation to passersby. In fact, when it rained during the grand opening event, the porch easily accommodated 10 guests, proving that this small house offers big opportunities to bring people together.
To complement the consistent exterior theming, BlackPine was determined to ensure every plan had a similar main floor layout that integrated the kitchen, dining area and family room. This proved challenging since the two-story homes ranged from under 2,000 to more than 2,800 square feet. Consistent lot widths in the cluster community helped, and so did the builder’s dedication to creating amazing kitchens that all looked and felt similar regardless of square footage.
Thoughtful design decisions in the kitchens established them as the lifestyle centers of each home. Refrigerators were pushed out of primary view so islands and range hoods could take center stage, framed by glass-faced cabinets or windows. Instead of adding volume in the living or dining rooms, it was used as a focal element in the kitchens. Designers created a “pop-up” ceiling above the counter for a unique, custom feel that provided wall space for additional high windows and even more daylight.
“These homes just feel very Americana, with pitch breaks, rustic details and live dormers that immediately elicit that nostalgic feeling,” said designer Lorelei Petit with BSB Design. “By committing to the full series in farmhouse style and then working to get maximum livability from each plan, BlackPine really saw this vision through.”
Authentic exterior style and innovative floor plans help Farmhouse at Willow Creek break away from the status quo. Even within the limits of their small cluster lots, the homes manage to offer amazing lifestyle opportunities. And by deliberately avoiding the dated elevation trend of the surrounding neighborhoods, these modern farmhouses make an iconic statement of differentiation. ■
Project: Farmhouse at Willow Creek
Location: Folsom, CA
Builder: BlackPine Communities
Architect: BSB Design
Interior Designer: BlackPine Design Studio
Photographer: Chris Mayer Photography
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