US20030177721A1

US20030177721A1 - Humanly habitable dwelling and construction thereof

Info

Publication number: US20030177721A1
Application number: US10/101,783
Authority: US
Inventors: Thomas Wong
Original assignee: Cresleigh Homes Corp
Current assignee: Cresleigh Homes Corp
Priority date: 2002-03-19
Filing date: 2002-03-19
Publication date: 2003-09-25

Abstract

A humanly habitable dwelling includes a plurality of exterior walls (110), a door (105) in one of the plurality of exterior walls, a first living unit (130) within the plurality of exterior walls, and a second living unit (140) within the plurality of exterior walls. The first living unit includes a kitchen and a bathroom, and the second living unit includes a utility lines for a second kitchen and also includes a second bathroom. The first and second living units are devoid of being separated from each other by an other door.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to real estate and real estate development, in general, and to humanly habitable dwellings and their construction, in particular.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

During the past several centuries, mankind has built many multi-story structures for human habitat. Some structures are for single families, and other structures are for multiple families. When the structure is for a single family, the structure has a single common area comprised of a kitchen and other rooms such as, for example, a breakfast nook, a dining room, a living room, a family room, a den, a library, and/or a study. When the structure is for multiple families, the structure has multiple common areas where each common area is separated from the other common areas by walls and at least two doors.

As the life expectancy of mankind continues to increase, more and more parents in their twilight years live with one of their children. Furthermore, more and more adults in their early twenties and thirties, often referred to as “boomerang kids,” are returning to live with their parents. Accordingly, a need exists for changing the typical living structures for single and multiple families.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will be better understood from a reading of the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying figures in the drawings in which: [0004]
FIG. 1 illustrates a simplified cross-sectional view of a humanly habitable dwelling in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; [0005]
FIG. 2 illustrates a floor plan of the humanly habitable dwelling in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; [0006]
FIG. 3 illustrates an external view of the humanly habitable dwelling in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; and [0007]
FIG. 4 illustrates a flow chart of a method of constructing a humanly habitable dwelling in accordance with the invention.[0008]
For simplicity and clarity of illustration, the drawing figures illustrate the general manner of construction, and descriptions and details of well-known features and techniques are omitted to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the invention. Additionally, elements in the drawing figures are not necessarily drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements in the figures may be exaggerated relative to other elements to help to improve understanding of embodiments of the present invention. Furthermore, the same reference numerals in different figures denote the same elements. [0009]
Furthermore, the terms first, second, third, and the like in the description and in the claims, if any, are used for distinguishing between similar elements and not necessarily for describing a sequential or chronological order. It is further understood that the terms so used are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances such that the embodiments of the invention described herein are, for example, capable of operation in other sequences than illustrated or otherwise described herein. [0010]
Moreover, the terms front, back, top, bottom, over, under, and the like in the description and in the claims, if any, are used for descriptive purposes and not necessarily for describing permanent relative positions. It is understood that the terms so used are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances such that the embodiments of the invention described herein are, for example, capable of operation in other orientations than illustrated or otherwise described herein. [0011]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A Maisonette™ home provides a secondary self-contained living unit located on a different floor from a main self-contained living unit where the secondary self-contained living unit can function as a living unit independent or separate from the main self-contained living unit and/or as an integral part of the main self-contained living unit. In other words, the secondary self-contained living unit can be a little house within a main house. A Maisonette home provides both separation and integration of two self-contained living units in a single house. This dichotomy of separation and integration enables the Maisonette home to meet the various needs of homeowners throughout their life cycle. [0012]
FIG. 1 illustrates a simplified cross-sectional view of a humanly [0013] habitable dwelling 100. Humanly habitable dwelling 100 is an example of a Maisonette™ home. Humanly habitable dwelling 100 comprises a plurality of exterior walls 110, a door 105 in one of plurality of exterior walls 110, a living unit 130 within plurality of exterior walls 110, a living unit 140 within plurality of exterior walls 110, a set of stairs 150 coupling together living units 130 and 140, and a roof 120 over plurality of exterior walls 110, door 105, living unit 130, living unit 140, and stairs 150. Plurality of exterior walls 110 includes windows, one or more doors in additional to door 105, and other standard features.
As an example, [0014] living unit 130 can represent the main self-contained living unit, and living unit 140 can represent the secondary self-contained living unit or the Maisonette living unit. Accordingly, living unit 130 can include, as an example, a kitchen and a bathroom, among other rooms, and living unit 140 can also include its own kitchen and bathroom, among other rooms. The size of the Maisonette living unit is preferably large enough to include recreation space, separate from the recreation space in the main self-contained living unit, to provide better integration and functional flexibility.
[0015] Living unit 130 is located on a first floor, and second living unit 140 is located on a second floor where the second floor is located over the first floor. Door 105 is located at the first floor and separates first and second living units 130 and 140 from an exterior of humanly habitable dwelling 100. As an example, door 105 can represent the main door or front door for humanly habitable dwelling 100. Living units 130 and 140 are not separated from each other by a door. Accordingly, stairs 150 represent an open staircase that is not enclosed within a separate set of doors.
A Maisonette home, such as the one illustrated in FIG. 1, is not a typical two-story home because the first and second floors are each a self-contained living unit. In fact, a homeowner may live entirely downstairs on the main floor without using the Maisonette living unit upstairs, or the homeowner may live entirely upstairs in the Maisonette living unit without using the main floor below. [0016]
A Maisonette home is also not a house with living space in the attic or basement because the Maisonette living unit is integrally designed as part of a house and does not have a door separating the Maisonette living unit from the main living unit. A Maisonette home is also not a house with a casita because the self-contained or independent living space of the Maisonette living unit is fully integrated into the main structure of the home. A Maisonette home is also not a duplex or a small flat overlying a large flat because a single entry or door is used to enter the entire Maisonette home. A Maisonette home is also not a typical two-story home with a master bedroom on the lower floor because the Maisonette living unit is a self-contained living unit and is not merely another floor of a house. A Maisonette home is also not a house with an apartment for the same reasons. [0017]
FIG. 2 illustrates a floor plan [0018] 200 of humanly habitable dwelling 100; and FIG. 3 illustrates an external view of humanly habitable dwelling 100. As disclosed earlier with respect to FIG. 1, humanly habitable dwelling 100 in FIG. 2 comprises plurality of exterior walls 110, door 105, living unit 130, living unit 140, and stairs 150.
As an example, [0019] living unit 130 can comprise a kitchen 210, a bathroom 220, a bedroom 240, a bedroom 250, a bedroom 260, and a garage 270. As illustrated in FIG. 2, living unit 130 can further comprise a living area 230 that can include one or more of the following types of rooms: a living room 231, a dining room 232, a breakfast nook 233, a family room 234, a den, a library, a study, or the like. The room or rooms comprising living area 230 preferably do not have doors separate the various rooms of living area 230 from each other. Furthermore, bedroom 240 can be a bedroom with its own separate bathroom, i.e., a master bedroom.
As an example, [0020] living unit 140 can comprise a kitchen 280, a bathroom 285, a bedroom 290, and a living area 295. As an example, living area 295 can comprise a loft and/or one or more of the rooms described for living area 230. Kitchen 280 can also be referred to as a kitchenette.
In a different embodiment from that illustrated in FIG. 2, [0021] living unit 140 does not comprise a kitchen 280, but instead, comprises a larger living area 295 and rough-in utility lines for a kitchen or kitchenette. In other words, living unit 140 can include plumbing and electrical wiring so that the owner of humanly habitable dwelling 100 can easily convert a portion of living area 295 into a kitchen or kitchenette in the future. Of course, when living unit 140 comprises kitchen 280, living unit 140 also comprises the utility lines for kitchen 280.
In the preferred embodiment, [0022] living areas 295 and 230 are devoid of being separated from each other by a door. Also in the preferred embodiment, only door 105, as opposed to two or more doors in series, and plurality of exterior walls 110 separates living areas 230 and 295 from an exterior of humanly habitable dwelling 100. Accordingly, stairs 150 are preferably an open staircase.
FIG. 4 illustrates a [0023] flow chart 400 of a method of constructing a humanly habitable dwelling in accordance with the invention. As an example, the humanly habitable dwelling of flow chart 400 can be similar to humanly habitable dwelling 100 of FIGS. 1, 2, and 3. At a step 410 of flow chart 400 in FIG. 4, a plurality of exterior walls are built. At a step 420 of flow chart 400, a door is provided in one of the plurality of exterior walls. At a step 430 of flow chart 400, a first floor or a first living unit is built within the plurality of exterior walls, and at a step 440 of flow chart 400, a second floor or a second living unit is built within the plurality of exterior walls. As an example, the floor or living unit referenced in step 430 can be similar to living unit 130 of FIGS. 1 and 2, and the floor or living unit referenced in step 440 can be similar to living unit 140 of FIGS. 1 and 2.
Therefore, an improved humanly habitable dwelling is provided to overcome the disadvantages of the prior art. The architectural design described herein addresses the needs of homeowners through their entire life cycle. From a single person with friends, to a married couple with one or more children under the care of an au pair or nanny, to parents with one or more boomerang children, to an adult with one or more aging parents under the care of a nurse, the Maisonette™ home provides functional flexibility in home design. The Maisonette home has particular appeal where functional flexibility is desirable, where land costs are high, and/or where lower construction costs are desirable. [0024]
Although the invention has been described with reference to specific embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. For instance, the numerous details set forth herein such as, for example, the specific number of floors and the specific number and type of rooms on each floor are provided to facilitate the understanding of the invention and are not provided to limit the scope of the invention. For example, the Maisonette living unit can have more than one bedroom and/or can have a master bedroom. Additionally, the main independent living unit and/or the Maisonette unit can have more than one floor. [0025]
Furthermore, the Maisonette living unit can be located above or below the main independent living unit, and/or the Maisonette living unit can be on the ground floor. Still further, the Maisonette living unit can be located on a different portion of one or more of the same floor or floors on which the main independent living unit is located. Moreover, the Maisonette house can have more than one door in the exterior walls that separate the living units from an exterior of the house where the extra door or doors do not separate the living units from each other. Additionally, the garage can be on a separate floor from the main floor of the main independent living unit and from the Maisonette living unit, as is commonly done in a town house. [0026]
Accordingly, the disclosure of embodiments of the invention is intended to be illustrative of the scope of the invention and is not intended to be limiting. It is intended that the scope of the invention shall be limited only to the extent required by the appended claims. [0027]
Additionally, benefits, other advantages, and solutions to problems have been described with regard to specific embodiments. The benefits, advantages, solutions to problems, and any element or elements that may cause any benefit, advantage, or solution to occur or become more pronounced, however, are not to be construed as critical, required, or essential features or elements of any or all of the claims. [0028]
Furthermore, the terms “comprise,” “include,” “have,” and any variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements does not include only those elements, but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus. [0029]
Moreover, embodiments and limitations disclosed herein are not dedicated to the public under the doctrine of dedication if the embodiments and/or limitations: (1) are not expressly claimed in the claims and (2) are or are potentially equivalents of express elements and/or limitations in the claims under the doctrine of equivalents. [0030]

Claims

1. A humanly habitable dwelling comprising:

a plurality of exterior walls;

a first door in one of the plurality of exterior walls;

a first living unit within the plurality of exterior walls, the first living unit comprising:

a first kitchen; and

a first bathroom; and

a second living unit within the plurality of exterior walls, the second living unit comprising:

utility lines for a second kitchen; and

a second bathroom,

wherein:

the first living unit and the second living unit are devoid of being separated from each other by a second door.

2. The humanly habitable dwelling of claim 1 wherein:

only the first door and the plurality of exterior walls separates the first and second living units from an exterior of the humanly habitable dwelling.

3. The humanly habitable dwelling of claim 1 wherein:

the first living unit is located on a first floor;

the second living unit is located on a second floor;

the second floor is located over the first floor; and

the first door is located at the first floor.

4. The humanly habitable dwelling of claim 1 wherein:

the first living unit further comprises a first bedroom; and

the second living unit further comprises a second bedroom.

5. The humanly habitable dwelling of claim 4 wherein:

the first living unit further comprises a third bedroom.

6. The humanly habitable dwelling of claim 4 wherein:

the first living unit further comprises a master bedroom.

7. The humanly habitable dwelling of claim 6 wherein:

the first living unit further comprises a dining room.

8. The humanly habitable dwelling of claim 7 wherein:

the first living unit further comprises a living room.

9. The humanly habitable dwelling of claim 8 wherein:

the first living unit further comprises a family room.

10. The humanly habitable dwelling of claim 1 wherein: the first living unit comprises a garage.

11. A humanly habitable dwelling comprising:

a plurality of exterior walls;

a first door in one of the plurality of exterior walls;

a first kitchen;

a master bedroom;

a first bedroom;

a first living area; and

a first bathroom; and

a second kitchen;

a second bedroom; and

a second bathroom,

wherein:

12. The humanly habitable dwelling of claim 11 wherein:

13. The humanly habitable dwelling of claim 11 wherein:

the second living unit further comprises a second living area.

14. The humanly habitable dwelling of claim 11 further comprising:

an open staircase coupling the first and second living units together with each other.

15. The humanly habitable dwelling of claim 11 wherein:

the first living unit further comprises a third bedroom.

16. The humanly habitable dwelling of claim 11 wherein:

the first living unit further comprises a garage.

17. The humanly habitable dwelling of claim 11 further comprising:

an open staircase coupling the first and second living units together with each other, wherein:

the second living unit is located over the first living unit;

the second living unit further comprises a second living area; and

the first living unit further comprises:

a garage; and

a third bedroom.

18. A method of constructing a humanly habitable dwelling comprising:

building a plurality of exterior walls;

providing a first door in one of the plurality of exterior walls;

building a first living unit within the plurality of exterior walls, the first living unit comprising:

a first kitchen; and

a first bathroom; and

building a second living unit within the plurality of exterior walls, the second living unit comprising:

utility lines for a second kitchen; and

a second bathroom,

wherein:

19. The method of claim 18 wherein:

building the first living unit further comprises:

building the first living unit to further comprise:

a master bedroom;

a first bedroom; and

a first living area; and

building the second living unit further comprises:

building the second living unit to further comprise:

a second bedroom.

20. The method of claim 18 wherein:

building the first living unit further comprises:

building the first living unit to further comprise a garage.