The two pictures in this article represent the views of Stillhouse Hollow Lake from the site of one of EV Studio's most recently completed residential architecture projects.

Two of the largest lakes in Central Texas are Belton Lake and Stillhouse Hollow Lake.  Both of these lakes offer several residential developments with lake view lots.  Over the last several years EV Studio has had the opportunity to work with numerous clients on projects with views of both these lakes.

Quite often we discover that the best views of the lake aren't directly behind the home, or at the "back of the lot".  In these situations it is important that the architect and client work together to identify the orientation of the house on the site that will produce the greatest number of possible views.

In order to fully understand the potential views that any lake view lot offers, a thorough site analysis must be completed by the architect prior to any design work starting.  During this analysis it is also important to clearly identify other site considerations that will influence the design of the home and affect the manner in which outdoor views are introduced into the home.  At the top of this list are solar orientation, prevailing wind direction, and topography.  An architect designing a home on a lake view lot must be able to understand the relationships of all these conditions to successfully capture the views offered by the piece of property.  Ignoring any one of these other site considerations and only focusing on "the view" can create consequences that greatly diminish the quality of the view, or even the quality of life within the home.

EV studio recently completed the design of a home overlooking Stillhouse Hollow Lake at "The Ridge" subdivision in Harker Heights, Texas.  This project is a great example of a lot with views almost 45 degrees off the rear of the lot, dominant views that face south-east, and moderately sloping topography, or in other words...several challenges.  The development also has a strict set of covenants with architectural guidelines.  All of these realities were properly identified and taken into consideration by the architect in order to develop the final design of a 3700 square foot single family residence with "Awesome Lake Views".

This article will be the first of several in a series that will hopefully help shed some light on the importance of understanding the site you are designing on and how the site ultimately influences the design of the home.  Given the escalating cost of lake view lots, it is important to get the site development right the first time.  It is also important for clients investing in a lake view custom home to work with an architect that has a successful track record of doing just that.

Episode 2 will focus on the plan view of the home and how the existing site conditions determined the final configuration of the project.

The original guidebook for ADA is pretty sparse in this area but fortunately there was an update in 1998 that added several areas.

The major addition was in play areas specifying requirements for accessible paths and the type and quantity of play equipment that is required to be accessible giving children with special needs the ability to play with their peers.

The 1998 ADAAG update also gave options for toilets, grab bars, lavatories, mirrors, and hand rails that cater to children.  In most cases these aren't required, but they do give the designer a range of reduced heights more appropriate to the younger client.  ANSI 117.1-2003 speaks more in terms of requirements but the height of children's facilities tend to overlap with the height of their equivalent adult facility.  For example, an adult size toilet seat may be 17"-19" high, while a child's may be 11" - 17" high.  The effect is the same for both in this way.  You have the option to go lower, but you may stay at a standard height as well.

One interesting note about the ADA requirements is that for restroom stalls with wall mounted toilets you are typically allowed to go with a slightly smaller stall but this is not the case when dealing with a stall primarily used by children.  I found this to be interesting given the reduced size of the occupant using the facility, so I'll be interested to see the commentary on this issue as I'm sure there is a logical reason.

In conclusion, anyone who has potty trained a toddler will tell you, that there are enough barriers in the process without the size of the toilet getting in the way.   I look forward to making this facility as accessible as possible to all of its users, big...and small.

Come 2008 the Justice Department was still taking public comment.  And then in 2009 with a new administration and a new set of Justice Department leadership a re-review was ordered and according to a source within the Access Board it may be late 2010 before any further action is taken.

While long in the making, this change will have far reaching effects and is definitely one to keep your eye open for in the future.   This is especially true if you are planning a building renovation involving public entryways or bathrooms which have literally hundreds of requirements to consider.

My experience in this area ranges from new build work including Multi-family projects to challenging renovations of  hotels and professional sports arena projects.   We at EV Studio would be happy to help you add the value of accessibility to any project big or small.

One of our current residential projects is ready to be submitted for a building permit. The home owners, Eric and Kristen Galles began working with us on the design of their home and barn  in September, 2009. Located near Golden, Colorado they were inspired by the Prairie Architectural Style.

The building site lends itself well to prarie. Although the topography is unlike flat prairie land, it features sweeping views and is not heavily wooded. In addition to the design of the home, they commissioned us to design an equestrian barn for  a couple horses. Our in house civil engineers have created a full set of civil plans necessary for establishing a new driveway and will include all pertinent information that Jefferson County will need regarding proper access to the site and how the structures themselves will impact the property. The builder for the project is Kevin Costenaro of The Augusta Group out of Golden. Kevin has been a pleasure to work with and has experience in building residences in various styles and complexities and in locations in both the Denver metro area and other areas of Colorado.

The Galles' and the project architect, Dean Dalvit, agreed early on that the home needs to reflect an energy efficient approach to the design and features.The three story home will feature radiant floor heat and a passive solar design and orientation. Because the Galles' are avid readers they will have a reading loft and each will have a study of their own. The great room, open above to the second story reading loft, features a grand fireplace and will be the central space for the families activities connected to both the kitchen and foyer. They will also enjoy use of an exercise room, a partially covered deck, and an exterior terrace with a fire pit for summer get togethers with family and friends. The barn will shelter their horses and outside recreational toys and will feature an upper level guest suite.

Wild Ivories Dueling Piano Saloon opened last night with a VIP reception at their location at 14th and Market in Denver. EVstudio was the architect for this bar and restaurant. We were also the structural engineer for the removal of the column that happened to be right in the middle of the stage. The entire process from our first meeting on site to the opening took only 18 weeks thanks to the combined efforts of the owner, design and construction team.

Wild Ivories is an interactive show with performers taking requests for songs (and requests to stop playing songs). Its a great time and a great location.

Tonight is the opening of JUKE, the dueling DJ dance club opening in the space downstairs from Wild Ivories.

The graphics are simplified examples (courtesy of WTCA) for various truss component's terms and configurations. Understanding the terms is key to efficient coordination with pre-engineered truss engineers.

Common Truss Components

Typical Truss Configurations

Typically architects and structural engineers do not  perform the design and engineering calculations for a pre-engineered wood trussed roof as are required for acquiring a building permit. The manufacturer does these designs utilizing their proprietary systems and our design criteria and layout.

The Wild Ivories Dueling Piano Saloon that we designed is opening. Wednesday, June 2 is a fundraiser for the National Sports Center for the Disabled. It'll be a great time at 14th and Market and they're open full time starting June 4, 2010.

At EVstudio, its a different story. We're actually hiring and creating jobs. A few of our recent additions:

• The Copperas Cove, Texas office added Derrick Kately to the staff as an experienced architectural designer.
• EVstudio Texas has also added Chris Neiman as a summer intern to utilize his computer graphics skills.
• The Colorado offices are in the final stages of adding another structural engineer to the staff.
• We're currently advertising for an architect in Colorado with Bentley MicroStation experience.

Its an exciting time at EVstudio where we're both expanding the services we can offer and adding members to our team to provide value for our clients.

Sean O'Hara, AIA has been invited to participate on a panel discussion on the topic of "Lessons Learned: Wisdom Gained from Young Firms". The discussion is hosted by AIA Colorado on Thursday, May 13, from 5:30-7:30 p.m., for the first Emerging Professionals Forum of 2010. The forum will be held at H+L Architecture (1755 Blake St., Ste 400, Denver, 80202).The forum will focus on helping young architects and associates learn more about how to best market themselves, their work and their small firms.

The forum is complimentary for AIA Colorado members, $50 for non-members. Food and drinks will be provided by the AIA Colorado Emerging Professionals Coalition. There will also be door prizes (for members only) including ARE Study Materials, a free AIA Colorado Design Conference Registration (a value of $195), and more.

Sean is the Principal Architect for EVstudio's Denver office. EVstudio has gained a lot of attention and its principals have been invited to speak at a number of forums on business success. While most architecture and engineering companies have been laying off staff, EVstudio has grown and added staff, services and clients.

Meeting fire flow demands for these larger homes can be difficult as in many cases the original subdivision was constructed with only 6" water mains (as compared to 8" which most subdivisions now have) and since a lot of the homes are now pushing 10,000-12,0000 square feet they are being forced to install sprinklers to meet IFC requirements.