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The Prairie Style Home

Beth Concha — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 20:59:47 +0000

The Prairie Style is often associated with Frank Lloyd Wright and the Arts and Crafts Movement of the early 1900s. One of his finest examples was the Robie House with its dramatic overhangs, stretches of art glass windows, open floor plan, and sweeping horizontal lines that echoed the prairies of the great Mid-West. The Prairie style is seen as Wright’s reaction to the overly-ornate Victorian style of the late 19^th century. Although it was designed nearly a century ago, the Robie House remains a prime example of modern residential architecture.

Today’s Prairie Style homes include many of the same attributes: shallow-pitched hip roofs, oversized eaves, cantilevered projections, open interior spaces, central chimney massing, minimal exterior ornamentation, and low proportions. Different geometric shapes are often highlighted through window arrangement, columns, low walls and planters, all which create an aesthetically appealing home. Transitions between indoor and outdoor spaces are seamless with broad covered porches and large masonry columns. Large casements as well as rows of clerestory windows are commonly seen in Prairie style homes to provide plenty of daylight for a comfortable interior and also to accentuate its linearity. Massing generally consists of boxed shapes at varying heights and depths. Layouts tend to include open common areas with no hallways on the main level, and a modular grid floor plan using only right angles.

Brick is the most common exterior material used in Prairie Style design, but today many of these homes combine it with other materials such as stucco, stone, or concrete block. The materials were generally light-colored to blend in with the home’s natural surroundings.

Originally posted 2009-08-20 13:08:20.

Insulfoam R-Tech Under-Slab Insulation

Beth Concha — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 20:59:27 +0000

The builder for the Haley Residence we designed in Evergreen is using Insulfoam R-Tech for the under-slab insulation. Insulfoam R-Tech is a high-performance, block-molded expanded polystyrene (EPS) rigid insulation product for under-slab applications. It is an ideal solution for projects that incorporate radiant-heat flooring systems, as the picture above shows. The material is extremely lightweight, has a high moisture resistance and is 100% recyclable. It contains no ozone-depleting HCFCs or formaldehyde and can be used toward LEED credit requirements.

Insulfoam’s compressive strengths range from 1,140 to 8,460 pounds per square foot, and is currently the industry’s leading product in geofoam applications to construct highways, interstate on-ramps, and airport runways. It also offers an extremely stable R-value and is very versatile. Insulfoam products are available in a wide variety of sizes, shapes and densities which helps minimize unwanted labor and material costs. It typically comes in 4’x8’ sheets with thicknesses from 3/8” to 5” in 1/8” increments. It also has an optional InsulSnap feature which allows the user to cleanly break the sheet into any desired width.

Insulfoam R-Tech has also been used successfully for numerous commercial and industrial applications as well and is not only used for under-slab insulation, but also basement walls, crawl spaces, interior walls, wall sheathing, and siding & stucco underlayment.

Originally posted 2010-11-17 00:54:23.

Drinking Fountain vs. Water Cooling Units

Beth Concha — Sat, 31 Dec 2011 21:21:12 +0000

When installing a drinking fountain in a renovation project, there may not always be a water source nearby. A water cooler would be the more practical choice. In a recent educational renovation, we specified an Elkay EZH20 Water Cooler which has a faster fill rate than a traditional drinking fountain, and is smaller in size than a traditional water cooler. With the unit being in the center core of the building, a traditional drinking fountain would have only been able to provide water at room-temperature, since there is quite a distance to the nearest water source.

Although the Elkay EZH20 is a wall-mounted unit, we framed a small alcove for the water cooler to fit into in order to keep the required floor space clearance in the corridor. We made sure to leave room on each side for the side pushbar use. The client also chose to include the optional bottle filling station that attaches to the unit, in order to help minimize disposable plastic bottle waste. The unit also has an innovative ticker that counts the number of 12 oz. bottles saved from landfills for refrigerated units.

Originally posted 2010-05-25 02:00:26.

Handrail Extensions for Commercial Stairs

Beth Concha — Sat, 03 Dec 2011 07:47:46 +0000

Handrail extensions are required for all commercial stairs. Handrails should return to a wall, guardrail or walking surface, or should be continuous to the handrail of an adjacent stair flight or ramp run. If handrails are not continuous, they should extend a minimum of 12 inches beyond the top riser, and a minimum of 12 inches plus the depth of one tread beyond the bottom riser. At the top, the handrail extension should be parallel to the ground. At the bottom, the extension should continue to slope for a distance of the depth of one tread from the bottom riser; the remainder of the extension should be horizontal.

Exceptions include handrails within dwelling units that are not required to be accessible, and aisle handrails in Group A occupancies.

Clear space between handrails and wall surfaces are required to be a minimum of 1.5 inches. Circular handrails should have an outside diameter of at least 1.25 inches, and no greater than 2 inches. Non-circular handrails should have a perimeter dimension of at least 4 inches, and no greater than 6.25 inches, with a maximum cross-section dimension of 2.25 inches.

Also keep in mind that guardrails are required along stairways more than 30 inches above grade, and should be a minimum of 42 inches high.

Originally posted 2009-12-21 00:53:56.

Ipe Wood vs. Composite Decking

Beth Concha — Mon, 07 Nov 2011 18:39:35 +0000

We recently designed a house in which the homeowner is considering both Ipe wood and composite decking for the exterior decks. Ipe is one of the strongest and most durable wood decking materials available due to its extremely dense grain. When left untreated, Ipe wood decking can last up to 40 years. With a deck oil finish application, it can last up to 100 years. Composite decking, a mixture of recycled plastic and wood, is smoother than real wood and typically won’t splinter or warp. It can also bend to make curves and patterns not possible with real wood.

Although composite decking is a much more environmentally friendly choice, it can delaminate in as little as 2 to 3 years and is not as slip-resistant as real wood. However, composite decking does not need to be treated or stained. The downsides of Ipe are the high initial costs, and the overall lack of sustainable qualities, although they do offer an eco-friendly option that has been responsibly cultivated and harvested.

When comparing costs, Ipe averages around the same cost per linear foot as composite decking, if not a little higher. With Ipe, you are paying for its durability and overall look. With composite decking you are paying for its sustainable qualities and low-maintenance.

Originally posted 2010-08-02 01:55:30.

Accessible Drinking Fountain Guidelines ADA

Beth Concha — Tue, 25 Oct 2011 06:01:44 +0000

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires wall-mounted drinking fountain units to have a clear knee space of at least 27” high, 30” wide, and 17” to 19” deep. They should also have a minimum clear floor space of 30” by 48”, for wheelchair accommodation.

Free-standing or built-in units shall also have a clear floor space of 30” by 48”. The depth of built-in units shall not exceed that of the fountain depth.

Spout heights should be a maximum of 36”, measured from the floor to the spout outlet, and should be located at the front of the unit. Drinking fountains primarily used by children ages 12 and younger are an exception, with the maximum spout height being 30”. The spout needs to provide a water flow of at least 4” high to allow the insertion of a cup or glass.

More specifically, ANSI requires the spout to be located 15” minimum from the vertical support and 5” maximum from the front edge of the fountain. Where only a parallel approach is provided, the spout should be located a maximum of 3 ½” from the front edge.

Originally posted 2010-04-08 00:01:21.

Soda Creek Antique Barn Style Home in Colorado

Beth Concha — Sat, 22 Oct 2011 06:16:18 +0000

We just completed plans for a 4,000 square foot home in Soda Creek. The design intent was a house that resembles an old barn that has been restored and added onto over the years. The main house and garage represent the ‘original’ structures, with the eastern bump-out and back hall connector being the later ‘additions’. The entire home will have a variety of reclaimed wood siding, weathered stone, asphalt shingle and rusted corrugated metal roof for an antique aesthetic.

The home has 4 bedrooms and 5 baths with a large bonus room over the garage. We also provided the option for storage in the attic trusses above the main house. With sustainability playing an important role, we oriented the house on the east-west axis across the site, and incorporated radiant heat flooring system, low-e windows, PV roof panels, high-efficiency heating system, reclaimed exterior materials, and even reclaimed structural elements wherever possible. Construction should be underway over the next few months.

Typical Rafter Insulation Detail

Beth Concha — Fri, 21 Oct 2011 06:08:24 +0000

Here is a typical insulation detail for a rafter framed roof. We’re showing a 1” polystyrene baffle to provide airspace between the roof sheathing and rigid insulation for required roof ventilation. Under that is a 2” spray foam insulation with an R-6.9 per inch thermal value. The remaining rafter bay is filled with Spider fiberglass batt insulation which has a built-in adhesive, and has an R-value of 4.3 per inch. In a typical 11-7/8” rafter bay, this entire assembly provides an R-value of 52, well above the min. R-45 we show on our plans and the min. R-38 required by code.

Originally posted 2010-10-16 02:45:46.

Santa Fe Style House in Roxborough State Park Complete

Beth Concha — Mon, 26 Sep 2011 04:56:25 +0000

We recently visited the custom Santa Fe style house we designed in Roxborough Park that was completed this past summer. The house is 3,360 finished square feet on two levels, with a viewing deck on top of a 3-car garage. The house has an open floor plan with a main level master suite and private courtyard, and two finished bedrooms, wet bar, rec room and sewing room in the lower level.

The oversized wood viga trellis in the front courtyard is one of the focal points of the house, leading into the study.

A view of the cozy window seat in the study, especially popular with the furry members of the family.

A unique decision to have windows rather than upper cabinets made for a nice and bright kitchen. We made sure to provide them with enough under counter storage.

A view of the family room with the exposed vigas above. The homes builder, Steve Dow with Peak Construction, provided a unique antique mantle for the project.

Inside the spacious master bath sits this free standing copper soaking tub. The master bath connects to a large walk-in-closet which also accesses the laundry room.

The front courtyard and entry gate with steps up to the rooftop deck above the garage.

A personal favorite feature of the house, a private rooftop deck overlooking the red rock formations of Roxborough State Park.

Flat Roofing Systems: EPDM vs. Modified Bitumen

Beth Concha — Wed, 24 Aug 2011 02:42:56 +0000

There are a number of flat roofing systems available, some of which include EPDM (Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer), and Modbit (Modified Bitumen). While each has its advantages and disadvantages, these are two of the more common systems used in residential and commercial applications today.

Modified Bitumen is a common flat roofing system that consists of asphalt with added modifiers to give it a rubber-like quality. Modbit membrane rolls come in 36”-39” widths, and cover an area of approximately 100 square feet. Surfacings can include mineral granules, copper, aluminum, or aggregate. Modbit systems are usually one, two, or three-ply systems and are typically torch-applied. Installation costs are less than most single-ply systems on the market today. Modbit is available in a variety of colors, whereas EPDM is typically limited to black or white.

Since most modbit systems are torch-applied, the roofs may experience leaks when the proper moisture barrier is not installed underneath the coping cap on parapet walls. Other typical problems with this system include inadequate head laps and backwater laps which allow moisture infiltration. Effects of backwater laps are leaks and blisters which can lead to roof failure. Even cold-applied modbit systems can result in moisture infiltration as well as under application of adhesive which can result in poor lamination and roof leaks.

EPDM is a single-ply, flexible rubber roofing membrane that can easily be cut to size to fit any job. This system can either be full-cured prior to installation, or can be left to cure during natural weathering after installation. The most common application procedures include fully-adhered, mechanically-fastened, or loose-laid. The first method uses water-based adhesives to adhere the rubber to the substrate. The second method is attached by using manufacturer-approved mechanical means to the substrate. The third method involves securing the membranes only at the perimeters and any penetrations. EPDM roofing systems are usually sealed using adhesive or splice tape.

EPDM can be installed in a single piece, eliminating problems with parting joints and roof leakage. It also does not crack, peel, or split, and is resistant to atmospheric pollution. Its high percentage of elasticity allows it to stretch to over 300% to accommodate temperature change and building movement. The approximate life expectancy for an EPDM roofing system is around 20 years, with little to no maintenance required.

Both EPDM & Modified Bitumen offer benefits to the flat roofing industry. Modbit tends to be less expensive and offer more aesthetically appealing options, while EPDM is more environmentally friendly, easier to install, and tends to have a longer life cycle when installed correctly.

Originally posted 2009-11-18 01:39:02.