This is a drawing of the proposed layout looking East. 

Money!

We are finding that construction and lot loans are a pain in the ass! We are still working through our options, but thought I would provide you with a list of lenders that we have found:

1. IndyMac Bank
   
2. Wells Fargo
3. Bank of America

We have our lot loan through IndyMac and may just go that route for the construction loan. It is frustrating that the options seem to be so limited, though....

Our Building Material: AAC

AAC? I am sure you are wondering what it is:

Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (AAC) is an ultra-light concrete. It is formed by thousands of homogeneous and totally independent air cells that provide AAC its superior properties such as thermal insulation and fire resistance, which can only be achieved in traditional systems through the combination of different materials.

Contec AAC
AACPA

3D Pics

These are just some fun 3D pics. There won't really be this much glass, but there will be a lot and this will help you get the idea. Some of the architectual details aren't quite right either. Again, it is just an idea.

These are views from behind the breezeway looking into the courtyard, from above and looking into the great room.

It's Been a While...

Between traveling and waiting for the build "pre-req's," things have been a little slow. But, they are about to pick up. Here is where we are:

1. We got a soils report: It looks like we have more clay at the surface than we thought. We were hoping for more rock. It looks like we will be drilling to either 17' and placing bell piers or going 25'+ for standard ones.
2. Septic design: We are targeting the eastern ravine for the septic system. The thought of an aerated system made us sick! But, it looks like it may actually be better except that we have to pay for ongoing maintenance. It may be our only choice given the clay though.
3. Amended plat: Finally! Now that we have the soils report and the septic placement determined, we can now amend the plat to eliminate an ingress/egress easement along the Southern edge of the property, convert it to an emergency access easement and give back the road rights to the city. ETA next week.
4. Finalize design: We are close. Cunningham has done a great job thus far. The Master bath has been the toughest. We are not nit-picking anything. We trust the experts and are letting them do their jobs. Will post newer plans when we get them.

So, basically we are about ready to submit the amended plat and drawings to the city. Once approved, it's off to financing and getting things kicked off.

References:

Septic
Gumbo soil
Foundation Information