So, recently I purchased 6 acres of land, its on the top of a hill overlooking a valley. I wanted the layout (of the home Im building) that would appear to take in the view, and a somewhat unique layout.

Here is what I came up with:



I did this with paint, but you get the idea. Now, all 3 front exterior walls are the same length (red lines)

After running the idea by the father, he thought having a much longer center section would open the room up, giving it a greater impression when walking in the front door.



So, opinions?

 

You should keep room dimensions somewhat proportional. If a room width, is not proportional to it's depth, like in your second drawing, the room tends to look like a hallway. IIRC, a good ratio is 1:1.5. Like an 12'X18' is a good dimension for some rooms, but you get the idea. In one house I built, the living room was 12X25, sunken, with a cathedral ceiling. Not overly huge, but nice. That was in my own house.
I've used that same ratio when building family room type additions as well, and the homeowners have been happy with them.
Is this going to be a "Great Room", or something similar?

 

I have to agree with John on the dimensions though I'm no skilled tradesmen or draftsmen.

Is that a kitchen and bathroom behind the garage? How many floors, BR's and baths?

 

I've also heard room proportions of 2:1 are comforting to the human eye---close to John's idea.

If you have a spectacular view that long wall could benefit from and your lot easily accommodates that footprint its a classic design---I've seen it in up scale dwellings quite a few times. The area just outside the garage and front entry can be quite dramatic if wanted--nice pavers, cobblestone looking things.

I'd got to This Old House dot com and look around---I'll bet they have a few hundred links or ideas on footprints and design elements to keep in mind when house planning.

 

If you have a panoramic view of the valley your second footprint can be quite dramatic.
I don't see any issue with the proportions of the room if you use it to emphasize the site.
Given the scale (assuming the garage is probably minimum 18' deep) there's no way it would seem like a corridor.
A room that is 8' wide and 20' long would be weird, but not something that big, and not if it had windows or sliders facing out over the valley.

Of course, this is just my opinion...
But I was a student of architecture and have been in the building trades for over 30 years.

 

If you want to read up on proportions, do a web search for "Golden Ratio". Others have danced around it, but it's approximately 1.6:1.

Jason

 

... it's the 'golden mean' (1.6180)
Think of a nautilus shell

And makes sense in elevation, but in plan???

 

I've heard both, but more of the "ratio":

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Golden_ratio
I'd agree that it's probably less important in terms of a floor plan, but since he's laying out a house asking about proportions...especially if he wants a wall of windows to a scenic view. But, you know, a 32'(+4")x20' Great room would be a nice size.

Jason