Beech at The Cannery

CalAtlantic Homes (Acquired by Lennar)

Davis, CA

July 2017

Cluster Plotting: Four-sided architecture takes full advantage of the cluster layout.
Light-Filled Floor Plans: Functional, light-filled smaller floor plans.
Farmhouse Elevations: Great example of the popular farmhouse architectural style.

Developed by CalAtlantic Homes, Beech is a single-family detached product located in the Cannery master-planned community in Davis, California. To learn more about the Cannery, check out the DesignLens feature from 2016 on the masterplan.

Beech at The Cannery

Plans (ranging in size from 1,144 to 2,189 square feet) are plotted in four- to six-plex clusters. These clusters were all plotted the same way, with plans 2 and 3 on the two ends of the cluster and plan 1 plotted in the middle. Plan 4, while offered, was never built. Lots are 45' x 48', and Beech obtains a density of an average of 7.9 per acre. After opening in February 2016, Beech sold at a rapid average pace of four homes per month and only has two homes left (as of July 2017). Prices are in the low $600,000s, which makes this the lowest-priced detached product at the Cannery.

Beech at The Cannery

CalAtlantic worked with JZMK Partners on the architecture for Beech, which was a key part to the success of the product. The design guidelines drove the team to spend a lot of time on elevations and colors, which was time well spent since the elevations give Beech great character. Another key feature is the focus on energy and livebility of the plans. Prompted by requirements from the city, The New Home Company (master developer for the Cannery) created checklists for the builders instead of just telling them what to include. These checklists enabled the builders to pick and choose how they wanted to integrate energy and livability into the homes. CalAtlantic was able to include the features that their buyers would want, such as included solar (a key differentiator for resale), tankless water heaters, LED lights, and pre-wiring for electric car charging stations.

Beech at The Cannery

The tour begins with the plan 1, which is plotted on the interiors of the clusters. The plan is modeled with a charming farmhouse elevation featuring four-sided architecture with bat and board siding, shutters, and a small front porch separating the entry from the drive aisle.

Beech at The Cannery

The yards, while smaller, provide space for the owners to enjoy the outdoors.

Beech at The Cannery

The elevational styling continues onto the front porch, with unique railings on the porch and glass in the front door.

Beech at The Cannery

Plan 1 is 1,780 square feet with 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, and a 2-car garage. The open ground floor makes great use of the space. This is the only plan that did not include a secondary bedroom on the ground floor. This plan does not offer any major options, only the ability to make upgrades like a laundry room sink. Notice that the bike storage is called out on the floor plan. Walkability is key at the Cannery, and CalAtlantic intelligently labeled their floor plans to highlight space for bikes.

Beech at The Cannery

The two-story, relatively grand foyer enhances this rather simple floor plan.

Beech at The Cannery

The open main living areas makes great use of the space...

Beech at The Cannery

...while also bringing in plentiful natural light.

Beech at The Cannery

The kitchen has a traditional feel and includes a small island with space for two stools. However, the island is not large enough to provide counter space on either side of the sink. The rest of the kitchen layout is good with prep space on either side of the oven and a generous pantry.

Beech at The Cannery

Stairs lead up to a second-story landing with an upgraded linen cabinet that includes the optional upper cabinet.

Beech at The Cannery

Plentiful glazing brings natural light into the spacious master suite.

Beech at The Cannery

The master bath does not short change this more affordable buyer and includes features like a soaking tub, large shower, and make-up vanity.

Beech at The Cannery

It is interesting to note the roll-in shower, although Beech is not targeted to an older buyer.

Beech at The Cannery

Secondary bedrooms are nicely sized...

Beech at The Cannery

...and include multiple windows.

Beech at The Cannery

The tour continues with plan 2, which is plotted at each end of the cluster. CalAtlantic took advantage of this corner location and took great care with the design of the garage and entry elevations.

Beech at The Cannery

Similar to plan 1, this model is elevated with the farmhouse style, highlighted by the bat and board siding, shutters, and front porch. Plan 2 is the best-selling plan in the community due to its location in the clusters, ground-floor optional bedroom, and porch.

Beech at The Cannery

Although small, the yard provides enough space to entertain...

Beech at The Cannery

...as demonstrated by SWA, the landscape architect.

Beech at The Cannery

Unique columns and railing giving the front porch character.

Beech at The Cannery

Plan 2 is 1,978 square feet with 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, and a 2-car garage. This plan also features a den that can option into a fourth bedroom, which was a highlight of the home for shoppers.

Beech at The Cannery

The front door opens on a small foyer.

Beech at The Cannery

Located just off of the entry foyer, the den/optional bedroom gives shoppers the ability to customize the ground floor to their needs in a very simple way.

Beech at The Cannery

Plan 2 provides a family room that is separate but still open and connected to the dining area and kitchen. The use of the single door to the outside versus the typical slider makes the room more furnishable.

Beech at The Cannery

The dining area is located next to the kitchen, allowing for a great flow for entertaining.

Beech at The Cannery

The kitchen includes great features like the cabinets that extend to the ceiling and a large island with seating for three, a waterfall countertop, and plentiful storage.

Beech at The Cannery

The plan includes additional pantry space with cabinetry that extends down the hallway that connects to the drop zone and garage.

Beech at The Cannery

CalAtlantic gave the stairs in the model a more contemporary feel with the wood banister and cable railing.

Beech at The Cannery

The lower linen cabinetry provides storage as well as shelf space on the second-story landing.

Beech at The Cannery

The master suite is spacious and filled with natural light.

Beech at The Cannery

The master bath has a modern contemporary feel and highlights CalAtlantic's thoughtful material choices like the backsplash, bath/shower surround, and mirrored closet door.

Beech at The Cannery

Once again, we see the plentiful natural light that is the hallmark of Beech.

Beech at The Cannery

The two upstairs secondary bedrooms are nicely sized...

Beech at The Cannery

...and includes multiple windows.

Beech at The Cannery

Plan 2 also includes a larger laundry room that is modeled with the optional cabinetry and sink.

Beech at The Cannery

The tour continues with plan 3, which is the other plan that is plotted at the two ends of the clusters.

Beech at The Cannery

The yard is large enough to accommodate two small seating areas. These homes provide an affordable detached opportunity on a small lot, so while the yards are small, these homes offer yard space that is seldom available in an attached alternative.

Beech at The Cannery

The front door is tucked into the front elevation--a simple but elegant solution in the farmhouse tradition.

Beech at The Cannery

Plan 3 is 2,141 square feet with 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, and a 2-car garage. This plan also includes the ground-floor secondary bedroom/optional den found in plan 2, which is a popular feature. Another highlight includes the small second-story loft with optional built-in desk. This space can also option into a expanded loft, which eliminates the volume in the foyer.

Beech at The Cannery

As modeled, the entry foyer benefits from two-story volume.

Beech at The Cannery

Plan 3 is modeled with the optional ground-floor secondary bedroom.

Beech at The Cannery

Plan 3 is a more typical open floor plan than plan 2, with a large great room at the rear of the home.

Beech at The Cannery

The seating area of the great room includes plentiful glazing and direct access to the yard.

Beech at The Cannery

Plan 3 offers two usable dining areas. As in Plan 2, this plan places the sink in the optimal location on an outside wall. Moving the sink off the island makes for much more pleasant dining.

Beech at The Cannery

The kitchen includes plentiful storage opportunities and a smaller island with space for dining as well as prep space.

Beech at The Cannery

The traditionally styled staircase is open and spacious.

Beech at The Cannery

The small loft is perfect for an informal office or study area, especially with the optional built-in desk.

Beech at The Cannery

The upper and lower linen cabinets are included in plan 3.

Beech at The Cannery

The master suite...

Beech at The Cannery

Similar to the other plans, the master bath includes a soaking tub and larger shower.

Beech at The Cannery

Secondary bedrooms are nicely sized.

Beech at The Cannery

Plan 4, while offered, was never actually built. CalAtlantic was required to offer a single story plan, which can be tough on a smaller lot, but decided to only build the home if a consumer bought it. The plan never sold. Plan 4 is 1,140 square feet with two bedrooms, two baths, and a one-car garage.

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Four-Sided Architecture Enhances Small Farmhouses

Cluster Plotting: Four-sided architecture takes full advantage of the cluster layout.
Light-Filled Floor Plans: Functional, light-filled smaller floor plans.
Farmhouse Elevations: Great example of the popular farmhouse architectural style.