Schuler Residence in Lake George, CO

Also on the boards is the Evans Residence in Clear Creek County. This home was also designed to be a log home and is designed with a cistern, a greywater system and a composting toilet. This home will have no electricity whatsoever and will have a propane refrigerator and gas lighting. A much more rustic cabin than the Schuler's state-of-the-art home in Lake George, but certainly another approach to going off grid.

Evans Cabin in Clear Creek County

We've done two other off grid cabins in addition to these, both with various systems to qualify them under the current building codes. There are a lot of common systems and synergies that we apply to off grid homes as well as sustainable on grid homes. Most clients who elect for a home off grid are driven to do so because of the economics of bringing in electricity, however many people are now considering these systems for rural, suburban and even urban dwellings. If you are thinking about building a home off grid or are electing to integrate these kinds of systems into any building, give us a call and we can help!

Originally posted 2009-01-26 15:56:39.

No related posts.

Below are some tips from our friends at Insulated Component Structures:

1. Standard panel thicknesses are 4-1/2" (r-28) & 6-1/2" (r-42).  You must use these thicknesses while designing the building or risk problems with the plans.
2. Panel skins must sit on a solid, structural surface.  They cannot hang, unsupported, outside the foundation wall.  Sips are designed with a 1-1/2” void in the bottom to fit over a 2x sill-plate.  Sips must not touch concrete that touches earth.  Use a pressure-treated sill-plate (ripped to the panel width) on concrete, and a regular sill-plate centered on it.
3. Sips are made with a 1-1/2” void at the top for acceptance of a field-installed continuous top-plate.  Top-plate joints must not be within 12” of a panel joint.
4. Raked (or gabled-end) panels and panels with beveled tops are more expensive and more difficult to produce.  Designs where the panels are rectangular are least-cost.
5. If panel heights are designed around standard osb lengths, there is less waste and labor costs for cutting.  Standard osb sizes are 8’0”, 9’0”, 10’0”, 12’0”, 16’0” and 24’1”.
6. Panel widths can be any size up to 48”.  Panels that are exactly 48” are easiest to produce and most efficient to ship and install.  This will also reduce waste.
7. One-piece corners solve several problems with thermal envelopes.  Ideally, one-piece corners should be 24” on each leg’s minor dimension.  Consequently, the major dimension would be 24” plus the panel thickness (4.5” or 6.5”).  This is true for both “inside” and “outside” corners.
8. Ideally, door and window openings should be not less than 3'-0" from the out side of a corner.
9. A door or window with a rough-opening width of 36" or less can be placed within one panel.  This is preferable to doors and windows that span two or more panels.  Ideally, windows should be minumum 12” apart.
10. Ideally, structures should be designed so that no panels are taller than 16'-0".  It is possible to make taller panels (up to 24’0”), but it is not as practical.
11. Whenever possible, headers should be placed in the rim or truss space with joist or trusses hanging from them.
12. Roof panels should have support beneath the panels, not within the panels.  Lumber or tjis in panels cause thermal-bridges.  Roof panels should have no wood embedded in them and all panel joints should be foam-to-foam.  Typically, 8’ spans for 6.5”-thick roof panels are appropriate for the front-range of Colorado.  At 8’ spans, they can handle a total load of 75 psf.
13. For least-cost, eaves should be square at the ends and let the trimming take care of making them plumb.
14. Consider sips ceilings attached to the bottom chord of roof trusses rather than a fully sips roof.  This will eliminate the extra expense of foam over the pitch and eaves.
15. Electrical boxes and conduits should be placed within the sip panels at the factory.  Remember to indicate all devices that will need conduit or boxes, i.e. Electrical outlets, switches, speakers, doorbells, smoke-detectors, telephones, internet or lan devices, alarm systems, etc.
16. Conduits can run from up, down, or side-to-side, or any combination.  Generally, the ideal situation is for the electrical wiring and connections to be within the floor system and/or in the attic.  Consequently, a sip wall panel should sit on a floor system so the conduit can run vertically down from the box in the panel to the bottom of the panel.  Wiring can then be routed through the sill plate and through the floor joists across to the next conduit. Conduits can run up to an upper-level floor system or attic.
17. Sips skins can be many materials, including osb, fiber-cement, dry-wall, aluminum, galvanized or stainless-steel, fiber-reinforced plastic laminate (frpl), t-111 siding, t&g pine, etc.  However, for structural applications, the skins must be structural.  Osb, t-111, and t&g pine tend to be structural, while the other options are not nearly as structural, if at all.

Please note that the above parameters are ideal guidelines for this manufacturer and can adjusted to meet your needs.  By following these ideal design parameters, you can reduce the cost of panels, and save manufacturing and installation time.

Originally posted 2009-10-27 02:00:28.

Related posts:

1. Top 10 Important Things to Know for SIPs
2. Reducing Holdowns Using OSB Exterior Sheathing
3. Calculating Fire Resistance Ratings of Wood Assemblies Using the IBC

Here's what Mountain and Urban properties have in common:

The largest scope in the set of residential permit drawings is the Architectural and Structural design – the core of the set of plans for the home. This includes everything about the home itself, from the initial programming, the design concepts, floor plans, elevations, sections, electrical lighting and switching layouts, to the structural engineering of the foundation plan, floor and roof framing plans and all of the necessary details for the builder to build the home. While local climate and regional location drives a multitude of design parameters, these core documents are largely the same for mountain and urban projects.

Also required these days by any jurisdiction adopting the new International  Energy Codes will be a Manual J, Manual D and a Rescheck energy model for the home's energy performance and heating system design. These documents are not typically a part of the architectural drawings as they are most often provided by the HVAC system installers or separate MEP engineers. Be that as it may, expect to see these requirements for permitting any home, rural or otherwise, and find out the cost of these services up front.

A geologic soils report in the general location of the proposed structures will also be necessary for any project in order to determine appropriate soil characteristics for the design of a foundation. Mountain properties are often in geologic zones that have few issues with soils, however pockets of unusual strata can be encountered anywhere, so at a minimum, the soils should be examined by a professional during excavation. These services need to be coordinated, and can be costly, depending on your location, so find out what the impact will be early on to eliminate unhappy surprises.

Urban Living

Most jurisdictions are now requiring stamped and sealed truss drawings prior to releasing a permit. While this practice is questionable because field changes can drive changes to shop drawings, and cause confusion during framing, the International Residential Code is clear on it's requirement for permitting. Some jurisdictions will grant a conditional permit, requiring these drawings to be submitted prior to framing inspection, which is much more reasonable. Truss drawings should be coordinated by the structural engineer and provided by the truss company as a part of the truss package, so it would be unusual to incur a separate design fee for this scope.

It is always important to have a property survey, showing the property boundaries, easements, setbacks, any improvements, and spot elevations around the site in order to determine building heights, location and orientation, and ensure positive drainage around the building. Understanding what entitlements and encumbrances on a property are crucial to understand. They are itemized on a title commitment, and should be a part of any survey. Do not take anything for granted or assume anything about the lot without documentation. Survey costs vary significantly with lot size and survey complexity, so be sure you know what your site will entail.

In addition to the above requirements,  a mountain project will also require the following additional documents prior to release of a building permit in most jurisdictions:

A more detailed topographic survey of the portions of the property will be necessary for the design. This is critical for larger lots where steep grades can be encountered. Driveways need to be designed to exacting standards, and existing topography will drive what can and cannot be done. Steeply sloping sites will also drive design of the home and any other structures as well. Other site elements include large trees, rock outcrops, wetlands areas, riparian boundaries, and any other natural features found on the site. Documenting these features not only helps to preserve them for the enjoyment of the owner, but also to enhance them and integrate them into the design. These elements do add complexity to the survey, and the lots are generally much larger, so expect a sharp increase in costs for these kinds of surveys.

Civil Engineering necessary for a driveway and/or grading permit will also likely be required. Because of larger lot sizes, driveways really become private roads and the amount of site disturbance required to get to the building site can be significant. Civil engineering documents for the driveway design, erosion control plan, and grading plans all are necessary for the proper design of the driveway, emergency access, and also help to identify potential issues. This is a scope largely unseen in urban environments, unless you're developing commercial property or tracts of land.

Mountain Property

For lots without utilities, a full Septic design will be required for the site. This will outline the septic tank and leach field based on the number of bedrooms in the home. Careful design of the septic field will ensure longevity of the system, but also protect underground water from contamination. While you will enjoy the value of not having to pay for tap fees, the design and installation of the sewer system will be no small number, so be aware of these requirements. Also note that most jurisdictions are not very keen on "alternative methods" of waste disposal. Any effort to propose things outside of the norm will require more engineering proof to the department for its acceptance.

You will also need to demonstrate proof of water for the site. Again, most rural mountain lots will not have a metro district nearby, and therefore, you will need to show that a well can legally be drilled, and also that the well can produce a minimum amount of production prior to a building permit being issued. While the amount of water necessary to support a home is a highly debatable issue, the fact remains that you will have to prove you have water before they will let you build. The well design often comes with the septic design as the two are related. However, the cost of the well and the cost of the septic installation are two different line items, and akin to their respective tap fees on urban properties.

Often taken for granted, you will also need to demonstrate that you can legally access the site. On urban lots that have been developed, this issue rarely comes up, but on mountain property, there are often parcels that result from illegal subdivisions that can orphan interior lots. Our advice: Do not buy one of these properties unless you know with certainty that the issues can be resolved and necessary easements granted. The survey for the property may need to be broad enough to demonstrate this proof of access, or the title work will need to identify the appropriate easements necessary to legally access the site.

This is not an exhaustive list, and there are many more considerations to be aware of when dealing with mountain property. If you are considering building a home in the mountains, it is best to get help selecting the right site before you even make an offer. While it is unusual to hire an architect before owning a lot, our real estate department offers these services at no additional cost. Give us a call and we can help you select the right property for the perfect home.

Originally posted 2010-05-28 00:48:48.

Related posts:

1. Navigating The Highlands at Breckenridge Design Guidelines with an Architect
2. Involving an Architect in Your Home Buying Process
3. Mountain Modern Project Moving Forward With a Site Specific Design

We have done a number of designs that were later built by owner/builders with the assistance of HomeWrights. I had lunch with Bob Hinz a few weeks ago and I'm always amazed at how much advice he has for people building homes. I suggested that he should start blogging it and he's off and running with the HomeWrights Blog.

Originally posted 2008-12-05 16:34:31.

Related posts:

1. HomeWrights
2. CNU Colorado has Started a Blog
3. How Much Does it Cost to Build a Home?

Modern Mountain Colorado Home

The home nestles naturally into the site and steps with the site. The excavator remarked how simple the excavation was and how perfectly the cut and fill balanced so no costs were incurred in hauling material. Expressing the structural frame was also a strong element in this design. We needed moment frames to handle the lateral loads, but didn't want the huge thermal bridge in the wall that they ultimately create. So instead, we expressed them on the surface of the wall with steel C channel and used the structural element as an architectural trim detail. In fact, all of the headers were handled in this way and the thermal envelope of the walls is significantly better. Note the square head bolts used as an additional touch...

Exposed Steel C Channel Moment Frame

Not only are the forms on this home distinctive offering a fresh interpretation of modern in an organic mountain setting, but the materials are also very rich in both texture and their very nature. Reclaimed weathered barnwood siding, rusting steel and natural stone are prominent elements, respecting the relationship between a home and its climate.

Mountain materials of stone, reclaimed barnwood and steel

The proportions of the steel siding were based on Fibonacci's golden section. We studied not only the proportions of the home, but also of the aspect ratios of the elements themselves to arrive at the sizes, then the contractor had them manufactured to our exacting specifications.

Metal Siding With Proportions of Golden Section

Attention to detail was a hallmark of this home both inside and out. We'll post the interior shots after the owners get settled in, but the exteriors received as much attention as the inside. For our canted steel I-Beam posts, we inserted a reclaimed wood timber with square head bolts.

Seamless Structural and Architectural Detailing

With everything having come together in such a harmonious way, The owners are thrilled with the outcome, as is the neighborhood, not to mention the EVstudio team. We were fortunate to have clients who were so great to work with and open minded to new ideas for their home!

Related posts:

1. Mountain Modern 3-D Model in Freewheel
2. Mountain Modern Project Moving Forward With a Site Specific Design
3. Latest Hand Rendering for Mountain Modern Project

Below is an early rendering we completed as part of the design process for a modern home we are designing for a west coast client who is relocating to the foothills just west of Denver. This rendering clearly shows the design concept, locations of different materials and, of course, massing. As an additional service we can map the exact materials to the model in order to get a true feel. However, for most clients the basic rendering with accurate material types is sufficient to understand the material vocabulary of a project.

South West View of Home

This home is designed for optimal solar orientation with the long axis east to west. The main level's roof overhang is designed to provide maximum shade in the summer while allowing direct sunlight in the winter. There is also an east/west mass wall as a center spine with an integral fireplace. As you have already surmised, this will allow the heat of the fire to build into the mass wall and really radiant out a steady, warmth to the great room and recreation room. This will go a long way in modulating the temperature of the interior spaces. There are no windows on the north side. The master bedroom on the upper level is situated so that the windows can be opened and create natural convection from the lower level through to the upper to help purge the home of excess heat.

Related posts:

1. Mountain Modern Project Core Sustainable Concepts
2. Latest Hand Rendering for Mountain Modern Project
3. Energy and Space Planning Upgrades to Conifer Residence

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.

Related posts:

1. Entry Courtyard for a Santa Fe Style Home
2. Designing Your House – Part 4
3. Renovation and Update of Home in Washington Park Denver

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.

Related posts:

1. Prairie Style Home in Central Texas Starts to Take Shape
2. Mediterranean Style Homes
3. The Santa Fe Style – Blending Pueblo and Territorial Architecture

The main level of each unit has a very flexible and open plan. The kitchen has a large island with space for plenty of seating and entertaining. The 40” gas fireplace adds ambience and is viewable from both the kitchen and great room.

The upper level consists of a master suite with fireplace and 10 foot ceilings. The master bath has a large glass shower and soaking tub along with plenty of vanity space and high windows to let in light while maintaining privacy. The master closet has a niche that is perfect for storing suitcases or formal wear. There is also another spacious bedroom with bath. Finally the laundry is centrally located on this level.

Go up the stairs one more level to access the home office which commands 270 degree views of Denver. There is also a rooftop deck that is perfect for working lunches, entertaining or relaxing anytime.

Check back to follow the construction progress!

New EVstudio duplex in Denver, Colorado

Related posts:

1. Fantastic Finishes on a Contemporary Denver Duplex
2. Renovation and Update of Home in Washington Park Denver
3. EVstudio’s Denver Duplex Designs are Being Purchased, Even in a Challenging Real Estate Market

Contemporary Home in Castle Pines

The unique challenge of this home was that it was one of the last undeveloped lots in the Buffalo Ridge subdivision in prestigious Castle Pines, constraining everything from minimum setbacks defined by neighboring homes as well as drainage for the site. We were able to effectively spin these constraints to opportunities as we were able to locate the home and design the spaces specifically to look past the existing neighboring homes and out into expansive views of the golf course and Pikes Peak to the South.

Buffalo Ridge Home in Castle Pines

A contemporary home with a Colorado feel, this home is a custom design for a client who general contracted it himself. There is still plenty to do, from the stone entry courtyard walls and planters, to numerous finishes for the interior - none of which are required for a certificate of occupancy. We will be back to get more images of the interior once he finishes his final punchlist and gets moved in.

Capturing Views in Castle Pines

Related posts:

1. Hand Colored Rendering of Soda Creek Home Completed
2. Excavation for Hughes Home with Pool and Sport Court in Castle Rock
3. Custom Home in Pinon Soleil – Castle Rock