Face to Face and Then ...

So version 4 seemed to be there - the right look a feel.  But there were still a lot of questions and making decisions without actually being there was uncomfortable.

So, we decided to head down - a good excuse for summer vacation and actually bring this to a good conclusion.

July can be beautiful in Costa Rica.  While it is the rainy season, July is usually calmer, with rain in the late afternoon and early evening, or overnight.

Also a good opportunity to live the life and learn from others - we rented a house built by Ventana, overlooking our property.

We met with Robert and his Master of Computer Design - Christianne.  Talked about why the different roof levels were important (architectural interest as all the rooms are open to the hardwood line roof), that the outdoor living space was still too small, that the indoor space still wouldn't easily accommodate the furniture, that laying in bed you would be looking at the toilet, that the little den that got introduced in version 4 was a good idea, but useless given its size.

While we sat there, the house got deeper, the mix of indoor and outdoor space shifted, the bathroom door moved and the 3rd bedroom appeared.  Version 5 was born - all was right with the world.

Was this it, were we really done - OF COURSE NOT!!  That evening over dinner, Lisle and I looked at each other and said - "It's way too big!"

With no time to fix it now - we were leaving the next day - we told Robert of our thoughts and that we would send him some ideas in the next few days.  I also said, "can you email me the design file?"

As soon as we arrived home, I purchased the same design software they were using - a bargain at $400 - and with the electronic version of the plan dove in.  What if we make it 1 storey - NO - what if we get rid of the 3rd bedroom - YES - what if we make the living area more square - YES - the pieces fell into place - now to tell Robert!!

Some of the variations on version 5