Dan Swift, president and CEO of BSB Design in West Des Moines, Iowa, started working on a new concept in residential design after the housing crisis in 2009. His focus: to bring neuroscience and architecture together and develop a deeper understanding of how people can live comfortably and conveniently with less stress. The result is the Thoughtful Home.
The main level includes a family entrance from the garage that serves as a physical and mental transitional space, with convenient access to a morning kitchen, storage, a charging station, laundry room, and a pet space. The owners can access the primary suite through the laundry room and change clothes or decompress before greeting the family.
The floor plan includes a “relax” room for reading and quiet, with pocket doors to a small office for privacy and conference calls. The open kitchen, family room and dining area are connected through fully openable glass doors to a screened porch and deck. A morning kitchen provides space for small appliances to reduce clutter in the main kitchen.
The lower level includes a multigenerational suite with a kitchenette, bedroom and living area, along with an elevator, an exercise room, a wet bar and a family room connected to a patio. This level also has a “secret room” accessed through a bookcase door that functions as a gaming room and a storm shelter. Every bedroom in the house has individual temperature controls and can be completely darkened for rejuvenating sleep.
Tour the house for more insight into the details that make the Thoughtful Home innovative.
