1.) The thickness of the SIP wall is a critical factor in determining your layout geometry. Most SIP manufacturers provide panels in both 2x4 and 2x6 varieties, however, bear in mind that those sizes predicate that the 2x4 or 2x6 is sandwiched between the panels. Therefore, your wall thickness to rough structural frame will be 4-1/2" and 6-1/2" respectively. Including the OSB skin is very important to the structure.

2.) The entire sip wall must be supported by the structure below. In frame construction, you typically run the studs to the outside face of the floor deck or foundation, then sheath beyond that. In SIP design, the OSB skin bust be supported and therefore will cause the layout to be shifted by about 1/2".

3.) SIPs panels must never be in direct contact with concrete. No untreated wood should ever come into direct contact with concrete because the caustic nature of the materials in concrete will cause rapid and premature decay in the wood fibers. SIPs panels are no different. In special circumstances, you can have a SIPs panel manufactured with treated skin.

4.) Do not add additional plates above the panel that are less than the full panel width of the SIP wall itself. This is tied to the structural implications in item 1 above, but the entire SIP wall (skin-to-skin) is the structural member, and therefore should be loaded continuously across the full thickness of the panel.

5.) Don't design unsupported horizontal joints in the wall. This is also true with stud framing. You should not introduce hinge points within walls of any height. Instead, in stud framing, you would balloon frame the wall, or in SIPs detailing, you would run the SIP wall full height. Special care must be taken because there are practical limits to the sizes of SIPs panels. The manufacturer should make special recommendations for cases where the walls in the design exceed these limits.

6.) Plan for only continuous 2x's or i-beams for SIP spline connections. Using spliced lumber for these splines will significantly reduce the structural integrity of the wall system.

7.) Provide access holes in the sill plate to allow for electrical wire chase access. Often forgotten, these access points are critical for your electrician. The SIP wall design specific you your building will have more information about the sizes and locations of wiring chases and a little preplanning goes a long way down the road. As a result, it is always a good idea to develop the electrical plans before the SIP wall manufacturing.

8.) Avoid plumbing runs in the SIP wall. This means supply lines, vent stacks etc.. There are special details for these conditions that allow this to happen without impacting the thermal or structural performance, and they must be addressed on a case-by-case basis. Again, planning in the design phase helps to circumvent potential conflicts during construction.

9.) Never overcut the skins for field cut openings and don't cut the skins for electrical chases. These cuts impact the structural ability of the wall to carry the design loads. Wherever possible, have all openings and chases provided in the SIP core by the factory.

10.) Handle SIPs with care!! Protect them on the jobsite from the weather. Provide adequate supprt when storing them flat to avoid deflection. Never lift them by the top skin only. Don't drop them on their corners as they will easily damage.

SIPs offer a great option for many building types and the more you know about how to design with them as well as what to look out for during construction will help to make the design and construction process much more seamless (not to mention painless).

I've also written a post comparing and contrasting Insulated Concrete Forms vs SIPs.

Originally posted 2008-12-15 10:35:09.

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1. ICF vs. SIP…The Debate Continues

1. Rehabilitation: This treatment is when an owner wants to maintain the historic character of the building yet use it for a use that is compatible with the existing type of building. Under this set of guidelines a historic building can altered, repaired and added on to while still preserving the areas of the building that have historical value.
2. Preservation: In preservation the historic building is maintained in its current form. The historic form, integrity and materials are preserved.
3. Restoration: Sometimes it is important or desired to accurately depict the character of a certain time. Under this treatment a historic structure may have additions and alterations removed and missing features reconstructed so that the structure is as accurate and true to its time as possible.
4. Reconstruction: Sometimes there are surviving photographs of a historic structure that depict important features that are no longer present. Reconstruction attempts to depict that non-existent feature through new construction. The intent is to replicate the buildings appearance during a specific time as accurately as possible.

Further information can be found at: http://www.nps.gov/history/hps/tps/standguide/overview/using_standguide.htm

Originally posted 2011-04-17 00:01:08.

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The idea of self-repairing architecture can be staggering. I have contemplated exterior sidings that might live and repair themselves similar to the bark of a tree. In fact, I wouldn't mind at all if it even looked like the bark on a tree. With advancements in fields originally thought to be wholly unrelated to architecture, like microbiology and electrochemistry, we may be able to collaborate on our collective ideas to develop a new architecture that relates and interacts with our natural environment in a natural way. In my own contemplations, perhaps there may be some way to graft living bark onto a substrate that could be joined in a system to create such a living wall. Maybe this is something that can be done on site to existing buildings. It would give rise to a tree house with a whole new meaning.

Consider the myriad of other possibilities that might implement living organisms to create a living structure - much in the same way that thousands of species use coral as their home. Instead of growing foliage outside of the exterior skin of a structure, let it be the skin of the structure, or perhaps even the structure itself. Can rigid structures like coral be easily grown on the terrestrial surface?  This kind of thinking may give rise to a new and truly organic kind of design. How it would be viewed under our current building code is an entirely different question!

I will be posting more on this topic as I continue my own research, but I encourage a discussion on it to share ideas.

Originally posted 2009-11-10 02:00:30.

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This is a must see for architects, real estate agents, housing property managers, and owners of rental housing. In addition to the free lecture DORA provides stacks of detailed brochures and other materials you can take and hand out at your office to build awareness.

The material covered in this presentation includes an overview of the many levels of fair housing regulations, how they overlap and how to be sure you comply. Fair Housing regulations cover a broad range of classes and vary at the Federal, State and Local level.

Federal Law requires that one can not discriminate based on:

• Race
• Color
• Religion
• Sex
• Handicap (disabilities)
• Familial Status
• National Origin

Colorado State Law adds:

• Marital Status
• Creed
• Ancestry
• Sexual Orientation

Local Ordinances (City and County of Denver) add yet again:

• Age
• Military Status
• Gender Variance

Keeping in mind that fair housing covers many different protected classes the most common issue for architects is disability. Many of the discussions I have had with clients that must provide accessibility in their buildings revolve around the loss of square footage in a living room or bedroom due to more space required in bathrooms and kitchens. Of course, if these requirements are carried out within the building it could result in very costly alterations in the future in order to comply. During this lecture you are given clear ideas of how to communicate why these requirements are necessary.

Educating architects, real estate agents, developers and owners on this topic is one way to ensure we are preventing future noncompliance. This key for the DORA Civil Rights Division because currently the division is a reactionary or complaint-driven agency. Meaning, the division needs to improve its education and outreach to transform into a more preventative department.

The more we can educate our clients the more we can provide fair housing! The next FREE lecture is June 1st 9:30 am-11:30 am offered at 1560 Broadway, Conference Room 110 B (first floor), Denver. The following two lectures are offered September 7, 2010, 9:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. and November 2, 2010, 9:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. at the same location.

Another helpful organization to check out is Fair Housing Accessibility First. This site gives you a detailed look at design and construction requirements with regard to accessibility.

Originally posted 2010-04-13 00:01:57.

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Looking forward to your input. Thanks

Originally posted 2008-06-01 21:41:36.

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1. New Website Coming

First, an important distinction, generally speaking our evstudio.us domain does not provide links unless we have an interest in the company. Most of our linking comes through evstudio.info which actually has higher page rank anyway.

What we have devised as the most fair way to distribute links is that we provide links within posts where describe projects. That way if we're only working on one project with a certain company we are providing less links that if we are working on five projects with another company. Just let us know that you'd like to be mentioned in conjunction with projects and we'll make sure that we do. The blog currently has a page rank of 5, so we can really help out.

The other way is we provide links to organizations and blogs that our readers may find interesting, just email me and I'll look over your site.

We always appreciate any reciprocal links as it helps more people find us and the information that we have generated to let them know more about architecture and the architectural process.

Originally posted 2009-04-16 00:46:42.

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3. EVstudio.info Passes 10,000 Hits

Your first option is always referrals from other friends and family members that have worked with an architect. If you have already selected a builder or contractor for your project they may have some recommendations based on their experience.

Oftentimes, the next source should be the local chapter of the American Institute of Architects (AIA). Both the national website and the local websites have tools to link you to architects that do the type of project you have in mind. Not every architect is a member of the AIA, but I'd recommend working with an AIA architect.

The next source is going to be the internet. My main caution is that you'll really want to dig through the results. In my test searches, many of the top page results are about architecture but not necessarily about architecture firms. In addition, the top search results are often about larger firms who may not be the right choice if you have a smaller project.

The phone book is an option, but without any images of the work, it could make for a daunting task.

Finally, one last plug for my company, EVstudio. We do a wide variety of project types and a variety of styles throughout the country. Please feel free to email me or give me a call. I'm happy to give you advice on your project and if I can't help you, I'll give you good advice on your architect selection.

Originally posted 2009-04-19 23:34:37.

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One of the most difficult things about installing AutoCAD on multiple computers is setting up the profile over and over again. You can export your profile and then import it on the other machines. Then you have to go into your options and set the new profile current or change the profile information on the icon that you use to start the program.

However, there is an easier solution. AutoCAD Architecture is set up to look for the "AutoCAD Architecture (US Imperial)" profile when it starts. So rename that profile to something else (so the name is free) and then rename your favorite profile "AutoCAD Architecture (US Imperial)" and restart the program. Problem solved.

Originally posted 2008-11-03 22:52:56.

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1.) Aren't Architects eccentric and unapproachable?

While Hollywood movies often like to depict Architects as elitist, eccentric and generally too good to talk to you (watch or read "The Fountainhead" some time), this is simply not the case. We are ordinary people who just happen to have creative and scientific minds. We have families and hobbies outside of our work. Some communicate better than others, but rest assured that working with an architect should not be an intimidating experience.

2.) All Architects are the same and will do the same job.

Well, that's just crazy talk. Consider the countless variables that go into any design task. Every architect will bring a unique combination of experience, creativity, science and discovery to every project. Sure, we're trained in the basics and we all know what the golden ratio is all about, but what sets us all apart is our individual ideas and how we implement them. It's also worth noting that every firm has a different workflow process and crafts a set of plans differently, including more of some kinds of details while eliminating others. Be sure to look at a sample set of drawings from whomever you are speaking with.

3.) I can't afford an Architect.

This one is probably the largest and most misunderstood myth. Design is the one task on every project that stands to carry the most value for the entire project. The design can make or break the realization of the project. Also, when you consider that the origination of just about every structure in the world is the direct result of an architect, planner or designer in some form or another, you realize that good planning and design is as important, and as integrated in the overall cost of a project as any other line item. Tract housing is designed by architects. Affordable housing is designed by Architects. Even mobile homes require talented designers! If the total project budget is appropriately crafted, then there should be a line item for architecture. Also consider that often, an architect's fees may be similar to a realtor's fees to market and sell a property, and then things really fall into perspective. To put it simply: you get what you pay for!

4.) Aren't Architects the ones who draw the pretty pictures? But can it really be built?

This may personally be the most frustrating myth for me, but that is because I also have an engineering background. This myth is likely perpetuated by a number of folks who perhaps once studied architecture, practiced architecture, but have transitioned into more of an "idea architect" where they come up with an inspired image, then let the others figure out how to build it. However, a qualified full service architect will understand structure and geometry alike. Architects are trained and tested on structure and while not all firms practice engineering in house, they are adequately experienced to design buildable designs. Both sides are important, you do need the inspired idea, but also the logistics to support it.

5.) I don't want a big expensive home, so I don't need an Architect.

A huge misconception about architecture is that it is only for the rich. As I mentioned in #3 above, every building needs a designer. While it is true that some firms will specifically market certain types and sizes of projects, the bottom line is that more often than not, the smaller homes have been architect-designed as well. It certainly is worth noting that the smaller the project, the more challenging it can be to design, and therefore, we often find that there is an inverse proportion to size of project and the need for a qualified architect.

6.) I'm worried that if I hire an architect, I'll be forced into having to go with their style.

There are plenty of designers out there that have branded themselves as being experts on a particular style of design, be it the prairie style of Frank Lloyd Wright, the Arts and Crafts style of Greene and Greene, or the International style of Le Corbusier. However, this tends to be more a personal preference from architect to architect but we are all trained in good design regardless of style. A good client-centered design firm should listen to the client's needs and craft a design that speaks to the client's desires, in a style that suits the client. But be watchful for the firms that do not put the client's needs first - for a lot of reasons!

7.) I don't have time to work with an Architect - I need to get building right away.

People like to romanticize about Architects pondering the quality of space for years before construction can begin, but this is not how we work. We are driven by the very same economics that drives developers: time is money. The fastest way to get through accurate bidding, permitting and into the ground is by going through an architect hands down. Architects are trained to expedite projects whether it's a home or a hospital. Often times, projects are even  run design-build so a lot of design actually happens concurrent with construction and is the fastest delivery model available. And if you think cutting the design out of the schedule is a good way to save time, you'll have a sobering experience waiting for a building permit, not to mention the delays and change orders that come with an ad-hock plan (or worse yet, a plan that was designed for a different site and a different program).

8.) Architects must only specialize in residential or commercial design.

This one always comes up at parties. I tell people what I do for a living and 9 times out of 10, the very next question is "residential or commercial"? Now, it is true that design firms will try to go after specific project types as a part of their core business model, but to an individual architect, designing any building type is a comprehensive process that we are all trained to do. I simply tell people that I design buildings (and often times other things like furniture as well). It's not really about size of project either because some single family homes are larger than other commercial offices. And there are plenty of "residential" projects that are very commercial in nature - mixed use projects, live-work lofts, high rise condos and apartments. Even condotels and dormatory style housing. One thing is for certain, the ability to leverage what we know from one project type to another is priceless, to the more varied the projects an architect has the opportunity to work on, the more creative and innovative they wind up being.

9.) Doesn't the architect need to be located near me or the project site?

I'm a big advocate of seeing the project site before starting design, but the truth is, that with today's technology allowing us to model that site topography in 3-D complete with a solar study based on the location coordinates, and see the property virtually via digital photos and movies that can be e-mailed, and satellite images readily available in Google, it's not really a necessity as it once was. We have designed projects in remote places for clients that are even farther away. The tools and technology we use have allowed design collaboration in ways never before imagined. I regularly design buildings for out of state clients on sites that are in yet another state, and coordinating with a materials supplier that is out of the country. That is how easy it has become.

10.) The design process sounds daunting and painful.

Well, of all the steps that one will take to build a home, office or highrise, I think most who have done it would agree that the design phase is the most fun step of them all. It is the time to dream, explore and discover. There is a lot of learning that goes on, but at the same time, it is open ended and fluid. We look at the design process as having part entertainment value to the client. It should be fun and we go out of our way to make it so.

Originally posted 2009-05-21 15:25:46.

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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.

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