The Casita Model Gibson
The Gibson dwelling has been on my mind a lot lately, and I’m considering making it our first official build. The project began in 2023 when the Gibson family approached us with a desire to create a small, standalone casita for their elderly mother, situated near the front of their home. Despite the limitations often found with smaller lots in the Goodyear community, they were determined to provide her with an independent living space, complete with convenient driveway access.
We designed a simple yet highly functional floor plan—featuring a cozy studio, a bathroom with laundry, and a spacious kitchen ideal for one person. The compact design made it easy to fit the dwelling exactly where the family envisioned it. Even better, the HOA approved the design without any issues—something we’re always relieved to see, given the challenges HOAs sometimes pose, especially with new structures that don’t match the existing home’s style or color scheme. Although the initial design used traditional wood construction, the model remains a solid option, especially with the potential for future expansion using the GR Building System.
On our Dimension Dwellings page, you can view the base model along with an optional add-on unit for extra bedrooms. This flexible design makes the Gibson casita an excellent addition to any backyard—whether as a guest house, rental unit, or personal retreat.
MAJOR PROJECT OPPORTUNITY
As I reflected on the Gibson project, I reached out to Nga to check on her casita plans, and that’s when it hit me. Construction hadn’t started yet due to costs, which sparked an idea: this could be Dimension Dwellings’ first design/build project! After speaking with Nga, I offered to create a new construction estimate, focusing on a more cost-effective and sustainable building solution.
INTRODUCING THE GR BUILDING SYSTEM
We’re moving away from traditional wood framing and embracing the GR Building System—a revolutionary approach that merges structural panels with insulated concrete forms. This system provides a high-performance, sustainable building envelope with numerous advantages:
- Fire, mold, flood, and hurricane resistance
- Up to 75% more energy efficiency than conventional construction
- No need for wood sheathing or steel framing
- Faster, more affordable assembly
Our building system has undergone rigorous structural and environmental testing for code compliance and has been awarded an Engineering Evaluation Report.
Unlike traditional builds, plumbing and electrical channels are cut directly into the foam walls and then covered with foam inserts, simplifying installation. Exterior walls are typically 8” thick, while interior walls are 6” thick, offering incredible insulation from the start. All wall surfaces are then coated with two layers of flexible concrete coating, similar to stucco.
With the rising cost of lumber, it’s time to consider a smarter, more sustainable alternative.
THE GIBSON CASITA — COST BREAKDOWN
- Concrete slab and footers: $10,000
- Plumbing and electrical materials: $21,000
- Doors and windows: $5,000
- Foam wall materials: $8,000
- Foam construction labor: $14,000
- Concrete coating materials: $10,000
- Concrete coating labor: $14,000
Total: $82,000
We revised the original estimate to reflect the GR Building System, keeping the same foundation but replacing the walls and roof with the foam-based structure. This approach not only makes the project more affordable but also ensures long-term savings through energy efficiency and reduced maintenance. Additionally, by focusing on sealing the building envelope first, homeowners can gradually add finishing touches over time—an extra way to make the project more affordable without sacrificing quality.
BUILDING THE FUTURE WITH DIMENSION DWELLINGS
This new direction aligns perfectly with our recent rebranding to Dimension Dwellings—a name that better captures our vision of creating modern, sustainable, and adaptable living spaces. The Gibson project is just the beginning, but it’s a powerful example of how innovation and thoughtful design can make high-quality housing more accessible. Now is the perfect time to move beyond the constraints of traditional wood construction and build homes that are stronger, greener, and built to last. Let’s make the Gibson casita our flagship project and demonstrate what Dimension Dwellings is all about!