Romantic vs Practical: Lessons from Building at ATC

Created by, Lucas. Written by, Chat GPT.

Why This Matters

After developing lots and building my own home at Adventure Trail Colony, I’ve learned that practicality often beats an idealized vision. It’s easy to get caught up in what I’d call "design infatuation" —being so drawn to an idea because of its uniqueness or charm that you overlook how it will work in real life.

My Shipping Container Vision

For years, I was fascinated by the idea of living in a shipping container home. I loved the concept—tiny living, unique layouts, and the creative challenge of making a small space work.

But once it was built, reality set in: shipping containers are only 8 feet wide, and that narrow width made the space feel tighter than I expected. Over time, the limitations of the form factor became clear for everyday living.

The Practical Alternative I Overlooked

Looking back, for the same money I could have purchased a prebuilt cabin from one of the many dealers around the lake. I could have:

• Had it delivered and set up on day one.

• Finished it quickly with far less stress.

• Enjoyed a space with better proportions for daily life.

It would have been faster, more functional, and far easier to maintain.

The Cost of Design Infatuation

When you let form win over function, the compromises creep into your daily routine. You also run into long-term maintenance issues you might not have anticipated.

Example: a home with a cloth cover may look unique, but in our climate it would quickly become dusty, require annual cleaning, and need constant weatherproofing. What seems charming at first can become a chore year after year.

Why Practicality Pays Off

Low-maintenance materials like metal siding or luxury vinyl siding may not be as exciting as an unusual design choice

They’ll save you countless hours of upkeep. Peace of mind comes from having a home that is functional and durable, allowing you to focus on new projects instead of constantly maintaining old ones.

Advice for Future Builders

Before committing to a design, ask:

1. How will I feel about maintaining this five years from now?

2. Does this choice make sense for my climate and lifestyle?

3. Am I choosing novelty over livability?

   
   

Functionality, durability, and ease of maintenance should take priority over aesthetic novelty—especially for your main living space.

The Balance Between Vision and Reality

Having an inspiring vision is important—it’s what makes building exciting. But vision needs to be filtered through practical reality. ATC gives you the freedom to build your dream—just make sure it’s a dream that lasts.