Current Design/Build Projects
Current Design/Build Projects
The first three projects I shared on my blog as potential Dimension Dwellings builds didn’t pan out. The Gibsons needed a lower price, the Show Low project shifted to wood (which I don’t build with), and the Dischlers ran into the ever-growing challenge of material costs.
But here’s the good news: I landed my first official design/build project under the Dimension Dwellings name! Mr. Black discovered my website and reached out about building a 2-bedroom, 2-bath casita for his daughter. His backyard had just the right amount of space—and a pool—which actually inspired the original design for this model.
Quick note: Dimension Dwellings is the new building division of my original company, Third Dimension Design.
Starting this branch felt like a natural evolution, especially since I had been planning to build a model unit on my own one-acre lot. This display unit would double as a pool room for my future pool. It’s very similar to Mr. Black’s project, though I scaled it down by 20% to make room for the pool.
Now here’s where things get fun. I always liked the floor plan, but I felt the original roof design lacked some character. Then came a spark of inspiration—thanks, Dave!—to raise the main living area slightly. It gave the whole structure more visual interest and created multi-level depth. When I shared this elevation update with Mr. Black, he said it looked very good.
Still, I felt it needed something more—a little color, some texture… maybe even a 3D rendering. That’s when things clicked. Once the 3D model was complete (you can view it at 3ddd.net/dd), I sent it to Mr. Black. His response? “I am speechless! WOW!” Honestly, that made my day—and validated this model as our flagship. Internally, we call it the Dynomite/Black Model.
One of the ideas I’m passionate about is offering these dwellings as closed shell kits. Why? Because it keeps the cost down and gives buyers flexibility. You can finish the inside at your own pace. The structure comes complete with 8” foam exterior walls, triple-pane windows, electrical and plumbing rough-ins, a water heater, HVAC system, your choice of flat or pitched roof, stained or polished concrete floors, and 10’ ceilings. These shells are built to last a lifetime—and beyond.
I even found a UES Evaluation Report on this building system. If you’re interested, shoot me an email and I’ll share the doc.
We’re now moving into the final phase of design—creating a door and window schedule. A standout feature is the 12’ wide glass bi-fold door in the center of the main room. I searched high and low to find an option that didn’t break the bank and finally found one: 12’ x 8’ for around $6,000.
Since I raised the main living area to over 12’ high, I’m planning to add high clerestory windows. But with the west-facing orientation, I’ve got to factor in that brutal afternoon sun. Thankfully, there are solutions—triple-pane or tinted glass, blinds, and shade structures.
Right now, I’m finishing the technical drawings required for permitting: foundation plans, roof details, cross sections, etc. These aren’t glamorous, but they’re critical—especially since we’re using an alternative building method. For this model, the foundation only requires support for eight walls: all exterior walls plus two interiors that support the raised living space.
I couldn’t be more excited about the Dynomite/Black model and how it’s coming together. I think a lot of people are going to love it—and I’m eager to see how cost-effective it can truly be to build.
That said, getting this building method accepted hasn’t been easy. I’ve faced a lot of resistance trying to explain the benefits of the GR system. But I’m not giving up—I just need a better way to tell the story.
I’m considering hosting Zoom meetings with potential clients, myself, and either Dan or Dayne. That way, we can answer all questions in real time.
To support this, I’m planning to write a step-by-step installation manual—not only to help others, but to solidify the process for myself as well.
And here’s the big move: I’m going to build the model in my own backyard. I just measured it—68 feet from my house to the slope—and I think there’s just enough room for both the pool and the casita. Nothing shows how something works better than actually building it.