Behind the Blueprint: Designing the "Two Cows" Dream Home in Clermont, GA
- 2 days ago
- 2 min read
Set on 45 scenic acres in Clermont, GA, David and Tracy Ann's new project—nicknamed 'Two Cows'—is currently in the conceptual design phase.
Designing for a rural setting allows freedom but requires strategic thinking to ground the home into its landscape. Lead Designer James Knight recently shared the first concepts, proposing a 5,282 heated square-foot floor plan.
Here’s a look at how this client's dream home is taking shape and our design process.
Step 1: Ambitious Dream Home Conceptualization
Our architectural philosophy is rooted in collaboration and dialogue. When initiating a custom home design project on a large plot of land, James intentionally starts with an ambitious, expansive floor plan. By casting a wide net initially, we enable our clients to visualize the site's full potential. From there, we begin the process of designing the layout, scaling back, and refining the footprint until it perfectly aligns with the client's daily life and budget.
Step 2: Adapting to the Land
Great architecture works with the land, not against it. For "Two Cows," James angled and lowered the garage 45 degrees, stepping the foundation to match Clermont’s grade. This minimizes excavation and gives the home an organic profile.
Step 3: Mastering Spatial Flow
The blueprint features about 3,000 square feet on the main level, designed for privacy and connection.
The Integrated Core: The heart of the home, completely re-imagining the traditional floor plan. The kitchen, living, and dining areas, along with a spacious butler’s pantry, are highly integrated. The goal is to create a kitchen space so inviting and seamless that you want to spend just as much time there as you do lounging in the living room or the nearby "keeping room" for visitors.
The Private Quarters: The main level hosts three bedrooms—including a luxurious master suite—and a dedicated home office.
The Transition Zone: Connecting the angled garage to the main house is a highly functional mudroom and laundry space. Designed to function almost as a single, cohesive utility room, the spaces can be cleverly separated by massive 6-foot sliding doors.
Step 4: The "Push and Pull" of Refinement
A 2,300-square-foot basement mirrors the main level, giving structural flexibility. It’s mapped for a guest suite, kitchenette, and family den, and remains a blank canvas.
Here, our collaborative process shines. With ample space, we adjust room boundaries and test layouts based on client feedback for the ideal flow.
With these key design elements established, here’s what you can expect next:
As we lock in the floor plan, our next phase will focus heavily on elevating the exterior aesthetics. We've kept the initial massing simple in our conceptual models, but there is an incredible opportunity to create a highly unique final look and feel for the facade.
Watch the video below to see a 3D walk through of how this sprawling estate is beginning to take shape.
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