Check me out in this video clip. My projects shown include the drawings/renderings, stone barrel vault, the hood surrounding the range, the "castle-like" vault and of course the fireplace next to me. Check back for follow up pictures of these areas featured in this video.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gv43yiyREFw
October 27, 2010
February 20, 2010
working with windows
The questions we ask ourselves when designing with windows are; did we maximize the use of the window and did we functionally work with the window to be an active part of the architecture? Is it more than just something to look through?
In this renovation, we opened the existing breakfast area out to the pool and terrace area with full size, floor to ceiling mega double hung windows. When you approach the wall, the windows envelop you along with extending your view from a sitting position at the breakfast table. This is done by oversizing their proportion to the rest of the space. BTW, the shades are hidden in the crown molding.
In this townhouse renovation (below) the windows are established and fixed as predetermined design elements. We cannot change them. We relocated the kitchen to be at one end of the narrow space opening the new eating area to the living room. The windows did not restrict us from providing much needed countertop and storage areas. Now the windows are an integral and active part of the living space. More to come on this renovation in the future.
These two conservative and modest projects display that windows can have a big impact in a small area and provide more than just a view.
January 24, 2010
Alarming discussions
In poor economic times - crime and particularly home burglaries increase. This week we met with alarm contractors to bid our project in Connecticut. It's an interesting experience when you meet with new subcontractors not experienced in working directly with the architect-builder (a design-build firm). Typically alarm companies, even in the largest homes, tend to meet with the homeowner only. There are a myriad of components to be concerned about when planning an alarm system on the home whether it's existing or new construction. When planning an alarm installation, Alarm contractors are no different than any other company. They are selling a system and product. Good companies will not play on fear but rather consider the realties of safety, your specific setting, design layout of your home, your lifestyle and your risk to budget factors. You might think as the homeowner that it's all common sense but that's not the case.
One contractor kept asking to meet with the homeowner versus meeting with us - relying on our professionalism, experience and direct knowledge of the layout of the house along with home's strengths and weaknesses. Afterall we did design and build the home. We know where all the mechanical and electrical systems are distributed throughout the home, where water freezing may be a concern and the lifestyle of the homeowner. He kept trying to apply the fear technique. The irony is amazing.
Listen carefully to what's being discussed and consider your risks after the alarm company leaves and you've educated yourself. In this case of course, we will not prevent the alarm company from meeting with the homeowner, however the homeowner relies on us for the basic knowledge of each system sifting through the subtleties for a proper bid with alternates. We then consult with the homeowner and chosen alarm company to work as a team to meet the requirements, needs and budget for the project.
When deciding on an alarm system, there are effectively three areas of concern; fire and smoke, family and home theft security, and finally property protection from damage due to acts of god, faulty equipment or breakdown. These dictate items such as smoke detectors, heat sensors, motion detectors, glass break sensors, flood sensors, low temperature sensors, door and window sensors, pool alarms and more.
From a basic pure budget point of view; install smoke and carbon monoxide detectors in and outside every bedroom and lock your doors when you leave your home, even if you leave for just a few minutes. If you already have an alarm system; use it.
One contractor kept asking to meet with the homeowner versus meeting with us - relying on our professionalism, experience and direct knowledge of the layout of the house along with home's strengths and weaknesses. Afterall we did design and build the home. We know where all the mechanical and electrical systems are distributed throughout the home, where water freezing may be a concern and the lifestyle of the homeowner. He kept trying to apply the fear technique. The irony is amazing.
Listen carefully to what's being discussed and consider your risks after the alarm company leaves and you've educated yourself. In this case of course, we will not prevent the alarm company from meeting with the homeowner, however the homeowner relies on us for the basic knowledge of each system sifting through the subtleties for a proper bid with alternates. We then consult with the homeowner and chosen alarm company to work as a team to meet the requirements, needs and budget for the project.
When deciding on an alarm system, there are effectively three areas of concern; fire and smoke, family and home theft security, and finally property protection from damage due to acts of god, faulty equipment or breakdown. These dictate items such as smoke detectors, heat sensors, motion detectors, glass break sensors, flood sensors, low temperature sensors, door and window sensors, pool alarms and more.
From a basic pure budget point of view; install smoke and carbon monoxide detectors in and outside every bedroom and lock your doors when you leave your home, even if you leave for just a few minutes. If you already have an alarm system; use it.
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