Lowcountry Architect

New Site

2010-12-13T09:37:00.000-05:00

We have recently revised our web page and my blog can be found there

http://tinyurl.com/32hb3pu

Our main web site is http://www.f-farchitects.com/

Paterson House - Under Construction

2010-11-19T15:59:00.001-05:00

This is our first LEED's house under construction

Ruddick Residence - On the Boards

2010-11-18T10:02:00.000-05:00

This is a sweet little project for our client in St. Mary's, Georgia. This view is from the backyard.

The main house is a great room downstairs with the master suite upstairs. The house is sited to take advantage of the view of the marsh.

What makes me laugh

2010-11-02T13:51:00.000-04:00

Once again I am participating in the let's blog off activity. Today's topic is What makes you laugh? I have always enjoyed the comics and particularly like this Dilbert cartoon. As architects we sometimes tend to take ourselves too seriously and need to laugh at ourselves more often.

I love the radio show Wait Wait Don't Tell Me. Paula Poundstone and Mo Rocca always have me in stitches. The highlight of my year in 2009 was being on the show and winning Carl's voice on my home answering machine. It makes me laugh to hear him answer my phone.

Embarrassed by their premature arrival, Gary & Elaine's decorative Christmas trees made their way back upstairs for another month.

I regularly check out what is happening in the catalog lives of Gary & Elaine in the blog Catalog Living http://catalogliving.net/

http://www.thedailyshow.com/watch/mon-june-7-2010/thank-you--south-carolina---the-race-to-replace-disgrace
I have to laugh at South Carolina Politics because otherwise I would hide under the covers and cry!

Finally my dog, Jasper, provides lots of laughs. He is scared of acorns and chases frogs

Frederick + Frederick Architects Sweeps Competition

2010-11-01T12:45:00.000-04:00

We swept the Beaufort 3 Century Design competition. Read about it here http://tinyurl.com/2dmo2v7 and here http://tinyurl.com/246etkq Just so we don't think that we are smarty pants, Jeff Kidd included what has to be the worst picture ever of both of us.

Frederick + Frederick wins two AIA SC Awards

2010-10-25T11:38:00.000-04:00

We were awarded two Robert Mills Residential Design Awards by The American Institute of Architects South Carolina at the annual design award gala on October 23, 2010.

The Fienning Residence in Beaufort was recognized with citation award. Juror, Phil Szostak, FAIA, said "He liked the quiet restraint of the addition to the historical house."

The Cole Residence in Palmetto Bluff won a merit award. Mr. Szostak commented that "He appreciated the vernacular form of the dog-trot and the regionally appropriate material palette."

Beaufort 3 Century New Freedman's Cottage

2010-10-11T16:20:00.000-04:00

"What if every simple act of design and construction made the world a better place?"

"WHAT IF EVERY INTERVENTION RESULTED IN GREATER BIODIVERSITY; INCREASED SOIL HEALTH; ADDITIONAL OUTLETS FOR BEAUTY AND PERSONAL EXPRESSIONS; A DEEPER UNDERSTANDING OF CLIMATE, CULTURE, AND PLACE; A REALIGNMENT OF OUR FOOD AND TRANSPORTATION SYSTEMS; AND A MORE PROFOUND SENSE OF WHAT IT MEANS TO BE A CITIZEN OF A PLANET WHERE RESOURCES AND OPPORTUNITIES ARE PROVIDED FAIRLY AND EQUITABLY?"

THIS IS THE LIVING BUILDING CHALLENGE. WE ACCEPT THIS CHALLENGE FOR THE FUTURE FORM OF BEAUFORT TO HONOR THE UNIQUE CULTURAL AND ARCHITECTURAL HERITAGE OF THE NORTHWEST QUADRANT AND TO PROTECT THE NATIONAL HISTORIC LANDMARK DISTRICT. THE 560 SQUARE FOOT "FREEDMEN" COTTAGE IS BASED ON THE CIRCA 1850'S FREEDMEN COTTAGES FOUND IN THE NORTHWEST QUADRANT. THESE WERE THE HOUSES OF THE NEWLY FREED AFRICAN AMERICANS AND NOW IN THE TWENTY-FIRST CENTURY WE WILL BE FREE FROM THE GRID OF POWER, WATER, AND THE AUTOMOBILE. EACH HOUSE IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD WILL GENERATE AROUND 4000KwH PER YEAR IN ELECTRICITY THROUGH PHOTOVOLTAICS AND WIND TURBINES, WHILE CONSUMING AROUND 2000 KwH PER YEAR; SELLING THE REMAINING ENERGY BACK TO THE POWER COMPANY. EACH HOUSE WILL COLLECT RAINWATER FROM THE ROOF TO TREAT AND USE AS POTABLE WATER IN THE HOUSE. GRAYWATER AND CONDENSATION FROM THE HEAT PUMP WILL BE COLLECTED AND STORED IN A SEPARATE CISTERN AND USED FOR IRRIGATION IN THE COMMUNITY GARDENS. THE PROCESSES, MATERIALS, AND PRODUCTS PRESENTED IN THIS PROJECT ARE AVAILABLE TODAY. AS ENERGY AND WATER FEES INCREASE AND TECHNOLOGY ADVANCES THEY WILL BECOME AFFORDABLE.

We haven't built a physical model since we started with Revit three years ago. It is much faster to build a model in Revit than by hand! For more infomation on the Beaufort 3 Century Project http://www.beaufortthreecentury.org/ Please visit the exhibition at the Verdier House Mondays - Saturdays 10 am until 4 pm (it's free) and vote on the people's choice!

Beaufort 3 Century Architectural Competition

2010-10-11T15:57:00.000-04:00

We have been super busy the last few weeks preparing our competition entry. The description of the competition as found on the Beaufort County Web page http://bcgov.net/about-beaufort-county/public-service/planning/expo_2011/index.php or condensed below.

"The Beaufort Three-Century Project & Historic Beaufort Foundation are hosting a public exhibition of architecture and community design to complement the City of Beaufort tri-centennial celebration. The exhibit will demonstrate how the valued built forms of Beaufort can be successfully fused with the future requirements for sustainability of energy, water, materials, human ecology and indigenous vegetation. The design categories will include the Single Structure Infill and the Neighborhood Plan – each on one of three pre-selected opportunity sites in historic Beaufort. In addition to cash awards for these two categories, there will be a People's Choice award, as voted by exhibition visitors during the three-week long event.

This professional competition is open to architecture and land design professionals & students of those disciplines. Submissions should be physical models, virtual or perspective renderings of single structure infill or community plan models for one of three selected sites in historic Beaufort. Each submission should be accompanied by a specification board headlining the fundamental design principles and sustainable strategies used."

We chose to enter both the neighborhood master plan and individual building categories. The site we selected was the four blocks at the intersection of Wilmington and Washington Street.

The gray buildings on the site plan are recognized as contributing structures to the National Historic Landmark District. The are modest one and two story houses generally built right after the Civil War. This neighborhood was started by freed slaves and the majority of the current residents are African Americans. The white buildings are non-contributing structures.

This is the new master plan. We added a gathering place at the intersection of Wilmington and Washington and community gardens at the rear of each property.

AIA Georgia 2010 Convention - Savannah

2010-10-03T14:24:00.001-04:00

As we drove across the bridge into Savannah Thursday afternoon we were hoping that the rainy weather would move up the coast.

The theme of the conference was "Waves of Change" and it was all about water - the first activity was a sunset dinner cruise on the Savannah River. We boarded at River Street across from the convention center and headed up river to the Talmadge Bridge.

The ships were huge close up

The bridge is beautiful from the water.

After a full day of great seminars on Friday we headed to the Telfair Museum Jepson Center for a reception and keynote speech by Jean Michel Cousteau about his work with the Ocean Futures Society. I will write a post later on the critical need to conserve water. The food was excellent, especially the Thai chicken rolls...I ate way too many of them. The photo above is me in front of Daniel Shiffman's interactive video "Swarm" Take a look of it in action...

The color swarms across the screen and mimics the view in front of the camera. The keynote was followed by Pecha-Kucha Night hosted by AIA Savannah at Alligator Soul. A highlight was Ed Atkins presentation on finding unused space in Atlanta to house the homeless and grow food. The billboard apartments were great.

On Saturday we woke to a beautiful day and after the keynote, Michael and I decided to spend the morning exploring Savannah. We left the hotel and wandered down to the river.

We happened upon the 11th annual weiner dog races....there were over 150 dogs racing..it was a hoot!

After trying to watch one heat we realized that we were too late to get a good seat so we continued our stroll. We passed through square after square and came to one of SCAD's classroom buildings..they are all over town. It is an attractive building and maybe was an elementary school in it's former life.

We continued toward Forsyth Park through the Whitaker Street Design District; I love the color of this door.

When we arrived in the park we were detoured around a wedding and discovered two knights jousting!

We headed back to the hotel and an afternoon full of continuing education seminars and the awards gala Saturday night.

I am now back home preparing Jana's 25th birthday dinner!

Building in a Hurricane Prone Area

2010-09-30T11:42:00.000-04:00

Many people relocate to lowcountry from inland communities where there are not hurricanes. So often the first question a new resident asks is "What are the best practices for building in a hurricane prone area?". Buildings need to simultaneously resist wind, rain, and flood.

The International Residential Building Code (IRC) made significant revisions after Hurricane Andrew that have been proven to prevent structural damage from wind. In fact, during the 2004 Florida hurricanes, no one died in any structure that was built under the revised code. The code requires that the building is tied together from the roof rafters to the foundation; the building is designed to withstand wind shear; the windows, doors, and skylights are protected from windborne debris; and the exterior finishes are securely fastened to the structure.

The success of the structural code changes highlighted the problem of rain entry into the building. Before when a homeowner was missing a roof, he was not concerned with a leaky window. Preventing rain infiltration is now a new focus in home construction. Many property insurance companies will give homeowners a discount for some of these best practices. The key items include: The roof needs an overhang to keep the rain off the building; provide sill pans under all windows and doors; flash all windows, doors and other penetrations; provide a drainage plane behind the exterior finish material to allow the water to escape and the wall to dry; provide a secondary roofing membrane; design closed crawl spaces that are dry and watertight; and drain the rain away from the house through the use of gutters and sloping the ground away from the building.

The U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has understood for several decades how to prevent flood damage. The basics are general common sense; elevate the livable space, floor structure and heating and air-conditioning ducts above the 100 year flood plane and the potential storm surge; install hydro-static vents to prevent flood waters from collapsing foundation walls; build with materials that tolerate getting wet; and design the walls to easily dry after they get wet.

The ASHRAE Guide for Buildings in Hot & Humid Climates recommends to design and construct buildings in hurricane prone areas using the following steps in order of priority: keep the building from blowing away; keep the rain out; elevate the structure above the flood plane; building with materials that tolerate soaking; and design the wall assemblies to easily dry with they become wet.

SC Higher Ed Building Moratorium

2010-09-27T11:41:00.000-04:00

As president of the American Institute of Architects South Carolina, I hear regularly from our members about the grim economic environment throughout the state. The Governor's idea to solve the state budget woes and the rising cost of college tuition with a moratorium on construction is short sighted, especially since the universities have said that the lack of state funding, not building projects is the cause of rising tuitions.

Typically, the construction industry accounts for nine percent of the national gross domestic product and the state of South Carolina needs to do everything possible to put our large construction industry back to work. My husband and I are both architects and have had our firm for 21 years. In good years we pay five figures in South Carolina income tax, in 2009 we paid $44 and it looks about the same for 2010. If all the architects, engineers, surveyors, contractors and suppliers in South Carolina were fully employed, it would generated hundreds of millions in tax revenue and the state could appropriate more money for higher education to reduce tuition costs.

The fact is there is no better time for building projects: Interest rates are at an all-time low; construction companies are eager to work at very competitive prices; our state economy badly needs a stimulus; and fully employing our construction industry workers will boost state income tax receipts. Every $1 billion spent on building projects increases the state's gross domestic product by almost $2.3 billion; creates 24,000 jobs with $720 million in personal income. We need jobs - not moratoriums!

Let's Blog Off about Facebook

2010-09-21T10:15:00.000-04:00

This is my second post for a Let's Blog Off topic. http://letsblogoff.com/ This week the question is "Do social sites like Facebook connect the world or isolate people?" My quick answer is they connect the world.

I was introduced to Facebook in March of 2009 I got an excited phone call from my college pal Wayne, pictured above in that stunning lime green paisley sports coat. "I HAVE FOUND GWEN ON FACEBOOK! YOU HAVE TO JOIN!" So I joined. After we graduated from Auburn in architecture in 1982, we lost track of Gwen. The last time I had seen her was at my wedding. We had head rumors that she had married a Spaniard and was living overseas.

The rumors proved to be true. Gwen had lived in Germany, Spain, Switzerland, China and Japan; she was currently living in Spain. She was planning a trip to the states in a few months and we arranged a mini-reunion with Wayne at my house. This would never have happened without Facebook. Since then I have connected with friends and family and enjoy hearing what they are doing.

Around the same time, my marketing consultants suggested that we start a business facebook page to complement my blog...but due to my advanced years we should wait a few months before starting to tweet! I have been tweeting for almost a year and find it to be the most valuable of the social media that I use. On Twitter I follow lots of architects and designers. Since I live in a small town, it helps me stay connected with the outside world.

Most of my clients live somewhere else and are building a retirement or pre-retirement house here, so they find us on the internet. Therefore, the larger presence we have in cyber space the easier we are to find. A great blog that sends quite a bit of traffic to my web page is Houzz http://www.houzz.com/ I don't use LinkedIn much but through a connection on LinkedIn I was quoted in a story in Residential Architect magazine http://www.residentialarchitect.com/architects/off-the-beaten-path.aspx

It didn't result in a new client contact but it might one day!

AIA North Carolina Convention

2010-09-20T11:12:00.002-04:00

I just returned from the AIA North Carolina Convention that was held in Asheville. Here are a few of the highlights

There was an interesting seminar on the restoration of the Thomas Wolfe House followed by a tour of the house. Thomas Wolfe last lived in the house in 1916 so the interior is typical of that period. The Wolfe family lived in the house until it was sold to the city of Asheville and turned into a museum.

I can not imagine cooking for a boarding house full of people in that kitchen!

Regional Director Jim Rains and his posse of flower children worked the crowd soliciting donations for the AIA North Carolina Political Action Committee. I don't know if AIA National President, George Miller contributed.

On Saturday afternoon I went on a tour of the Asheville River Arts District and saw these funky stools made from old gears.

I had never seen a rain barrel quite like this one.

The highlight of the convention was the design award's gala that was held at the Biltmore House. What a treat...and the award winning projects were great, too.

My Slice of Heaven

2010-09-07T08:49:00.000-04:00

This is my first blog-off challenge and the topic of writing about my "Slice of Heaven" was easy because I am one of the lucky ones who lives in paradise. This is the view from my back terrace overlooking the inter-coastal waterway. I live on Lady's Island which is just across the river from Beaufort, South Carolina. I never tire of the view..there is something about a long view that is very relaxing. One of the best things about being on the marsh is the abundant bird population. We see Herons, Egrets, and Wood Storks in the marsh. There is a Osprey that preens it feathers every morning in a snag that I can see from our bedroom. Hooded Mergansers arrive in December and were renamed Christmas Ducks by our girls when they were young.

We hear owls every morning and have seen a Great Horned Owl in a tall pine tree and a Screech Owl on our terrace after he collided with our sliding doors. Fortunately he was just stunned and soon flew away.

The kitchen looks out to the river on the West and into a courtyard on the East. I see a different group of birds in the courtyard. The two most exciting to spot are Painted Buntings and Pileated Woodpeckers. We keeps several birdbaths and they are usually full of Cardinals.

One day when we were out kayaking a manatee swam by us...really cool! Michael, my husband fishes behind our house. A few years ago he found a sweet spot and would leave the house asking how many fish I wanted him to bring home for dinner!

The marsh and river views are always changing and can be very dramatic. We watch rain storms approach down the river. You are probably thinking that it is difficult for me to leave my house and go to work... once again, I am lucky. Our office is on the same piece of property as our house but in a different building. The view below is from the office.

Even though I live in paradise, it is on a flat barrier island and is in a small town. So when I leave my slice of heaven I either go to the mountains or to a city. I grew up in Tennessee, so I have to get my mountain fix and enjoy those long views especially when backpacking!

We have a lush, semi-tropical landscape with huge Live Oak trees draping Spanish Moss but there is very little fall color. The marsh changes from bright green to gold and there is an occasional tree here in there sporting some color. So a trip to the mountains in the fall is a real treat.

My priorities when traveling are great architecture, great art and great food!

Components of Closed Crawl Spaces

2010-09-06T13:49:00.001-04:00

Until around 75 years ago, houses in the Coastal South were built out of solid lumber components of stud walls, diagonal sheathing, wood siding, and the interior was finished with plaster. When the walls got wet they were able to dry because there was no insulation and plentiful leaks to let air circulate in and out of the walls. There was not a problem with mold because solid lumber is not eaten by mold. Without air-conditioning, high ceilings, porches and cross ventilation contributed to making the house bearable in a hot, humid climate. This sounds like a good system except thermal comfort is almost impossible to achieve in a leaky, un-insulated structure .

With the advent of air-conditioning, the homebuilding industry pursued the goal of thermal comfort to the detriment of the indoor air quality and structural integrity. By 1970, houses still had wood stud walls but almost everything else had changed. The interior was finished with paper faced drywall. The exterior sheathing was oriented-strand board (OSB). Thermal comfort was achieved with insulation and air-conditioning. Insulation was placed between the floor and the vented crawl space that was full of humid air. Likewise, insulation was placed between the ceiling and vented attic. The heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC) equipment and ducts were located in the vented crawl space and/or vented attic. The openings where ducts and plumbing pipes penetrated through the ceiling and floor were typically not sealed and the introduction of the hot, humid air into the cooled interior spaces caused condensation and the growth of mold. Similarly, when the cold air in the ducts passed through the extremely hot attic it created condensation in the ducts; this in turn caused mold and mildew to grow because the house could not dry. By tightly sealing houses and using products full of adhesives, houses were turned into mold and rot factories. Through research, building methods for hot, humid climates have been transformed. It wasn't until 1996 that the International Residential Code allowed modification for hot, humid climates and many people are unaware of these advances.

The components of a closed crawl space include the following:

• A ground vapor barrier installed on the entire floor . It wraps up the walls and is mechanically fastened and sealed to the top of the wall. A 3" termite inspection gap is located between the top of the wall vapor barrier and the top of the masonry wall. The vapor barrier should be at a minimum 6- mil. with seams sealed with fiberglass mesh tape and mastic.

• All penetrations through the foundation walls and first floor to be sealed with non-porous materials, caulks or sealants. The access door should be weather-stripped.

• Insulation is applied either on the exterior walls or between the floor joists.

• A mechanical method of removing moisture must be installed, options include; a dehumidifier, air ducted from the house air-conditioner with a back-flow damper to prevent crawl space air from entering the house, or an exhaust fan.

• If the house is located in a Special Flood Hazard Area and required hydrostatic vents for the management of flood waters they must be engineered flood vents that seal closed when not in use.

• The rain washing off of the roof needs to be controlled, either by gutters or a foundation drain system. The ground needs to slope away from the house at a minimum of six inches in ten feet.

For more information on closed crawl spaces go to http://www.crawlspaces.org/

Amen Street Light Fixtures

2010-08-23T13:17:00.000-04:00

A few weeks ago we went out to lunch at Amen Street Resturant http://www.amenstreet.com in Charleston. I highly recommend eating there for the great fresh fish and local produce. We were quite taken with the light fixtures that were made out of oyster shells. They are made locally by Lowcountry Lighting Originals http://www.lowcountryoriginals.net/. They will make custom sizes and finishes.

Closed Crawl Spaces

2010-08-12T16:53:00.000-04:00

If you have had second thoughts about having a closed crawl space in the hot, humid South..think again. The North Carolina research company Advanced Energy "has confirmed over the long term...that outside air contains more water vapor than the air in the crawl space during the warm seasons, and has no potential to dry the crawl space. Instead, the outside air ends up contributing water vapor to the crawl space." Thereby, vented crawl spaces support mold growth in a hot, humid climate. Advanced Energy's research on closed crawl spaces compared to vented crawl spaces showed that "closed crawl spaces consistently outperformed the wall-vented crawl spaces in terms of both moisture control and energy use." Learn more about closed crawl spaces here http://www.crawlspaces.org/

"I" House or Plantation Plain Style

2010-07-26T16:54:00.000-04:00

A typical southern house was the "I" house, named because of the tall narrow profile. This house was two stories with a simple gable roof and a shed roofed one story porch in front and a shed roofed addition on the rear. Typically, there were masonry chimneys on each end of the house. This simple house was one room deep which maximized the amount of light and cross ventilation. It had high ceilings which allowed the heat to rise and provided a more comfortable environment. The one story porch allowed the second floor sleeping rooms to have ventilation on three sides. Occasionally there would be a double porch on the front. Kitchens were usually in a separate building behind the house; this kept the heat from the fireplace out of the main house and also protected the main house in the event of a kitchen fire.

There are a number of "I" houses to be found in Beaufort and the surrounding counties. The challenge with the "I" house is incorporating the necessities of modern day living, such as kitchens, bathrooms, closets and laundry rooms. We recently worked on an "I" house in Beaufort that has an important provenance.

In 1839, Robert Smalls was born a slave on this property. In the civil was he became a U.S. Army captain. He went on to serve in the SC House of Representative, SC Senate and was a United States Congressman for 5 terms. After the civil war, Robert Smalls purchased this and adjacent properties. It is believed that this circa 1855 house was moved to the property as part of the Smalls estate.

The original house was two rooms over two; it appears that a one story wing was added when the house was moved. The double front porches were removed many years ago and replaced with a small stoop. Typical of historic houses, there was only one inadequate bathroom and virtually no closets.

Robert Smalls is an important historical figure in South Carolina, so it was critical to respect the integrity of the house while providing the basic necessities in bathrooms and storage. We added a small L‐shaped second floor addition to house two new bathrooms, master bedroom closet and a small third bedroom. The addition backs up to the existing chimney and we left it exposed in the bathroom. We enclosed an existing small porch to create a breakfast room with a new porch beyond.

In restoring the double front porches, the house now looks like the typical Beaufort house that it is instead of some foreign transplant. The clients desire for a screened porch was met with a free standing enclosure that respects the scale of the historic home and encloses a courtyard on the south of the house.

More Dogtrots

2010-06-30T12:37:00.001-04:00

My great grandmother Essie Curl Shackleford and her sister Ezzie Pearl (glad I wasn't named after them!) in front of their home with my great great grandparents circa 1895 in North Alabama.

As more and more people move to the coastal South there is a growing need to understand how to design your house for our hot humid climate. The intense solar radiation and high moisture create unique challenges to building a comfortable house that is easy to maintain and minimizes the impact to the environment.

Prior to the advent of air conditioning, an understanding of local environments enabled southerners to build in ways that buffered the harsh climatic realities. As Europeans moved to the southern colonies it typically took them a generation to adapt their native architecture to the climatic conditions of the region. They quickly learned that houses one room thick maximized cross ventilation. The thin plans also provided ample light that prohibited mold growth in dark areas. The best orientation of this thin plan was east to west to reduce solar gain. The windows were located to catch the prevailing summer breezes. Large porches or verandas were always located on the southern side and often on the east and west, too. The verandas protected the house from both the sun and the rain, provided circulation, and created a cool place to sit and sleep in the summertime. High ceilings allowed the heat to rise and provided a more comfortable environment. By raising the houses off the ground several things were accomplished; it allowed the first floor to be out of the flood plain in coastal areas; breezes are better on the raised first floor; and air circulation under the house helped reduce the heat gain.

An early prototype embracing these principles is the dog trot, also known as "two pens and a passage". One room was typically used for sleeping and the other for cooking. The covered open center passage was the main sitting room in warm weather that was cooled naturally by the Bernoulli effect. The center passage was often used as the dog kennel and thus the name dog trot. Dog trots are found in Tennessee, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, Florida, the Carolinas, and Texas.

The vernacular forms still are relevant in our climate and we have designed several dog trots, recently, which I have posted to this blog. There are other architects doing dog trots...here are a few of my favorites with links to their sites.

http://robertmcain.com/gillsville1.html

http://www.wbarchitects.com/projects/dog_trot_house/

http://robertmcain.com/gillsville1.html

Some Sites I like

2010-06-28T17:00:00.000-04:00

Just read a great blog post on why architects matter.
http://architects2zebras.com/2010/06/25/107-reasons-why-you-architect-matter/

A great web site for clients to prepare an idea book of their likes and disikes is http://www.houzz.com/

Two web sites I visit when I need a chuckle are http://unhappyhipsters.com/ and
http://catalogliving.tumblr.com/

Happy Monday!

Bluff Plantation 2

2010-06-24T10:50:00.000-04:00

The Bluff was originally owned by Nathaniel Heyward, brother of Thomas Heyward, signer of the Declaration of Independence. Nathaniel's house was burned in one of the wars but the two live oak avenues remain. We built this new house overlooking the river. It is based on the traditional "Beaufort T" house form.

Bluff Plantation

2010-06-23T14:07:00.001-04:00

This house is based on the traditional "Beaufort T" Style house. The ancient oak alley just needed a nice big house at the end.

Update from Miami

2010-06-14T14:55:00.000-04:00

We saw lots of stick things when we were in the Miami Design District. This lamp was at Jalan. http://www.jalanmiami.com/

Raymond Jungles, Landscape Architect 2

2010-06-02T12:09:00.000-04:00

I just received some photos of Jungles' project David's Garden. He won a FL ASLA merit award for the project. All photos c. Raymond Jungles, Inc.

Raymond Jungles Landscape Architect

2010-05-28T10:05:00.000-04:00

Next month, I am headed to Miami for the national convention for The American Institute of Architects. I always leave the convention inspired on many levels. Whether it is new sustainable products, great speakers, or tours of amazing buildings I always find useful information to bring back to my practice.

This year I hope to experience some gardens designed by one of my favorite landscape architects, Raymond Jungles, http://www.raymondjungles.com/ There are many lessons to be learned from Jungles' gardens that are applicable here in the lowcountry. Jungles says that your garden must make a statement; be dramatic yet inviting. He accomplishes this through the layering of spaces, walls, light plants, color, sound, and fragrance.

Jungles explains that the entrance to the property is critical to the entire design. Typically the entry path is very controlled with view snapshots that create anticipation for the rest of the garden. In some of my favorite designs the garden path is floating slabs of concrete in reflecting pools.

The selection of plants is critical. While we are not in a tropical zone, our semi-tropical zone plants include many of the sculptural plants that do not need pruning that Jungles likes. Place the plants with dramatic foliage where their shadows can create interesting patterns. He also advises to design for the "insufficient maintenance" that most homeowners deliver. Select hardy indigenous ground covers and grasses to reduce the amount of watering and maintenance.

Most of Jungles' gardens include a water element. Whether it is a swimming pool with a fountain or a fountain with a reflecting pool, a cool oasis with the sound of moving water is a welcome relief in our hot humid climate. Jungles recommends in a flat landscape like ours to take advantage of the drama of the sky. In small gardens, a reflecting pool can capture the clouds. If you are fortunate to have a long view, allow glimpses of the view as you progress through the garden before opening up to the entire view.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xBSv5SMQzbU

Crosby Residence Dog Trot

2010-05-22T13:19:00.004-04:00

The Crosby's dog trot is true to the traditional form of two pens and a passage. The foyer is the dog trot with the master bedroom to the left and the great room in the "pen" on the right. The foyer has a custom gate in the front with a similarly detailed folding wall on the back. The entire house opens to a large terrace and swimming pool that overlooks tidal marshes and creeks. The large outdoor living space has a full outdoor kitchen and retractable screens. All photographs by John McManus

Contemporary dog Trot

2010-05-21T09:58:00.003-04:00

This project is a dog trot with a convertable center hall. There are folding doors on each end of the center hall so the house can be opened to appreciate the breezes. In hot or cold weather the center hall can be closed and conditioned.

Custom Doors

2010-04-26T16:50:00.000-04:00

These doors have an old map of Hawaii on them. They were designed as a screen for a stage set. We re-worked them as folding doors. They are normally kept shut and only opened to reveal the dining room when the owner has a dinner party. Very dramatic!

Outdoor Fireplaces

2010-04-20T11:04:00.000-04:00

This is a post on some of our favorite outdoor fireplaces. This fireplace shares a chiminey with two interior fireboxes and one other exterior firebox. This cozy screen porch is perfect for cool fall and winter evenings.

A rice mill chimney was the inspiration for the form of this outdoor fireplace. It is connected to a small building with a screen porch on the lower floor with a fireplace and an office on the second floor.

This was the first house we designed when we moved to Beaufort 21 years ago. This fireplace has a grill on the upper level right outside the kitchen.

This small side porch is perfect for an evening meal.

Another rice mill inspired chimney. This is one of three outdoor fireplaces in this house.

This is the second of three fireplaces. This sleeping porch is complete with a murphy bed. The owners say they sleep out here most of the time.

The third outdoor fireplace in the house is actually a pizza oven.

The family room addition to the historic house created a wonderful opportunity for an outdoor fireplace.

Bog

2010-04-05T16:12:00.000-04:00

This is our new bog and Koi pond; it was finished just in time for Jess & Tripps's wedding. We have 3 gold fish and will get some koi soon. The bog filters the water in the top two levels and the fish pond is in the lowest level.

Chimney Backsplash?

2010-03-19T12:38:00.000-04:00

This is a new bathroom in the house in the previous posting. This was originally an outside wall. When we designed the addition we incorporated the backside of the chimney into the lavatory design.

Renovation Project

2010-03-18T16:23:00.000-04:00

This is a sweet renovation and addition project in "The Point" neighborhood in Beaufort. The original front porch had been removed so we added it back with a new comfy porch swing.

Bathroom Design

2010-03-05T15:29:00.001-05:00

I am using this New Ravenna Mosaic Tile Ikebana in a bathroom I am currently designing. http://www.newravenna.com/. The bathrub is by Wet Style http://www.wetstyle.ca/

Binova Cooktop

2010-03-02T13:25:00.000-05:00

I just saw this cooktop in the latest Residential Architecture magazine. I can not wait to use it in a project. No more reaching over a hot pot to stir. http://www.binova.com/

2010 Trends in Tile

2010-02-24T11:52:00.012-05:00

Gone are the days when your only tile choices were 4"x4" solid colors or the hexagon black and white floor tile. I am like a kid in a candy store when I visit a tile showroom because there are so many great looks available today. Tile design is becoming more uncluttered and elegant.
There are four basic material choices in tile; ceramic, porcelain, stone, and glass. Ceramic is a mixture of clays and other natural materials mined from the earth, shaped, colored and kiln fired. Ceramic tile can be left natural such as a quarry tile or glazed. Ceramic tile is typically softer than other tiles and usually has larger grout joints. Porcelain tile has through body color and is made of fine porcelain clays that are fired at a high temperature for a hard finish. Porcelain tile is easier to maintain and often has rectified edges with minimal grout joints. Stone tile is a natural material that can be cut to a variety of shapes and sizes and finished either smooth or tumbled. Glass tile has become popular recently due to its natural beauty. It is easy to clean, resists stains and discourages mold growth. Not all tile is appropriate for all applications so make certain that a tile is designed for your use.
One trend that is gaining a lot of traction is contemporary water-jet cut mosaics. Traditionally, mosaics were laid out by hand with hand cut stone, beautiful yet very labor intensive and therefore expensive. The new mosaics are cut with high pressure water jets directed by a computer. These mosaics can have very intricate detail of any stone and are more cost effective than hand cut tile. The water-jet method is ideal for custom designed projects from floor medallions to kitchen backsplashes. New Ravenna Mosaics' Flight is one of my favorites

http://www.newravenna.com/

Almost every tile manufacturer now has a line of textured and three dimensional tile. There are leather finishes, crocodile finishes, and abstract designs. Artistic Tile has a sinuous wave pattern in Ambra.
http://www.artistictile.com/

There is an explosion of shapes and sizes with everything from micro mosaics of 5/8" x 5/8" to oversized 24"x48". There are endless possibilities in combining the larger format tiles with smaller tiles. Mixing different finishes is also very popular. AKNO has a great line where glass tiles are mixed with stone. The combination of glossy and matte glass tiles is also very alluring.
Tile by its very nature is a green building material. It is made from clay or sand and is a low-emitting material that contributes to a good in-door air quality. Glass tile usually has both pre-consumer and post consumer recycled content. The availability of ceramic tile with recycled content is growing due to consumer demands.

Bella Ceramics Tiramola Mosaics photo by Dickson Dunlap

Cool Tile

2010-02-17T15:44:00.000-05:00

I have recently discovered New Ravenna Mosaic Tile and am using the birds in flight in a current project. There are 84 standard colors to choose from and wonderful designs including both borders and large field designs. check them out at http://www.newravenna.com/

Why South Carolina needs a Capital Bond Bill

2010-02-09T09:55:00.002-05:00

Many of South Carolina's workers are hurting due to our average unemployment rate of 12.6% with some counties reporting up to 23.6%. MSNBC.com recently covered the hardest hit professions; it was no surprise to my colleagues that architecture was number one with 17.8% in job losses. Construction workers are right on our heels; the US Bureau of Labor and Statistics (BLS)reported that South Carolina construction jobs are down 16.3% in the last year. These numbers do not account for the self employed who have been under-employed for the past two years or the companies who have kept their employees but cut their wages.

In order for South Carolina to move out of this recession we need to put our large construction industry back to work. In reviewing Governor Sanford's 2010-2011 proposed budget, I could only find one capital improvement project for $15 million while there were over $ 900 million of requested funds for building projects. Our universities and public agencies have put new construction on hold and deferred maintenance for far too long. There has not been a Capital Bond Bill passed since 2001. Our legislators need to invest in our future by passing a Capital Bond Bill in 2010; we cannot afford not to have a Bond Bill passed.

Architects, landscape architects, planners, surveyors, civil engineers, geo-technical engineers, mechanical engineers, structural engineers, acoustical engineers, interior designers, general contractors, carpenters, mechanical contractors, roofers, masons, painters, cabinet makers, electricians, plumbers, insulators, laborers, building material manufacturers and suppliers, city planners, city building code reviewers and inspectors are some of the 24,000 jobs with $720 million in personal income that are created or sustained with each $1 billion in nonresidential construction spending. The state's Gross Domestic Product would increase by almost $2.3 billion.

At first glance, we can understand why our legislators are reluctant take on an ambitious spending program when our state economy is so weak and the current state budget is in deficit. Below there are four reasons we cannot wait to go to bond in 2011, 2012 or beyond.

1. Interest rates are at an all-time low
2. Construction companies are eager to work at very competitive prices

3. Our state economy badly needs a stimulus and

4. Fully employing our construction industry workers will boost state income tax receipts.

In good times, we can pay for capital projects in cash. In fact, we should. However, when the cash is not on hand, it makes sense to approve a bond. We can use our excellent "AAA" credit rating which gives us access to cash at low cost. Plus we can use the lull in the construction market to find qualified contractors at competitive prices. Construction projects will pump money into our economy. Finally, many of my colleagues' income has been so reduced in the past two years that they have paid almost nothing in state income tax. We all look forward to being busy and generating taxable income.

This is not an invitation to waste money. The bonds will be paid off with real dollars, when the recovery is realized. So each procurement dollar saved now is a tax dollar saved later.

But these projects, especially the deferred maintenance projects , need to be under construction sooner rather than later. An investment in infrastructure will be good for our economy now and good for the South Carolinians for many years to come.

Home Offices

2009-12-29T13:35:00.004-05:00

In the past several years we have seen an increase in the demand for home offices. Mobile technology has changed the way business is conducted allowing more flexibility for working at home. Steelcase Research reports that 45% of employed people do some work from home. This particularly effects homes in our lowcountry paradise because people are able to spend more time at their vacation home by working untethered from the corporate office. Steelcase Research predicts that this trend will continue because “Millennials are three times more likely to work off-site or while traveling, compared to other office workers.” There are generally four types of home offices and they need to be carefully designed to provide the necessary work and storage spaces.

The most basic home office is the space where you manage the home. A small desk built into the kitchen area often provides adequate space for paying and filing bills, keeping family members’ schedules, and posting invitations and
notices. This office needs space for a computer and printer, file drawers, a pencil drawer, a bulletin board and some bookshelves. Some advantages of the kitchen office are the easy access to view recipes and the ability to monitor homework while preparing dinner.

Many homeowners have an office that is a private retreat where leisure activities or hobbies are pursued. Traditionally these were heart pine paneled rooms with custom made bookshelves and a finely designed fireplace. Currently we are seeing his and her spaces with specialized cabinetry for the individual’s activities such as sewing, painting, and other crafts. In studio spaces you should pay close attention to natural lighting, the durability of the materials, the need for special equipment or sinks, and the elimination of odor produced by the activity.

The third type of office space is used by the remote worker from the corporate office. These offices usually do not need much storage because all the files are stored in virtual space. They do need to be in a quiet spot in the house far from the daily hustle and bustle. They often have separate phone and fax lines from the main house line.

The last type of home office is a home based business. Ideally you want your home business in a separate building or at least with a separate exterior entrance if you have any clients or employees coming to the office. Cabinetry and storage need to be designed for the particular nature of your business. Separate phone, fax and electric meters are common in home businesses. Home businesses are covered in Zoning Codes, so check with your local planning office if you are considering opening a home business.

Roofs

2009-12-03T09:07:00.002-05:00

Cost and aesthetics may be your first thoughts when selecting your roof but there are many other factors to consider especially in our hot, humid, hurricane prone region. A larger initial investment may save you money over the long term through lower utility bills, lower insurance rates, better protection of your home and the life of the roof (more years until a replacement is needed).

The roof system is composed of structural elements, insulation and moisture barriers. A moderately sloped hip roof with simple lines is recommended by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) as the best design to resist uplift for our hurricane prone area.

The roof rafters or trusses should be attached to the wall framing by hurricane clips as per code. The roof sheathing is typically tongue and groove plywood or oriented strand board (OSB) nailed to the rafters or trusses.

The best underlayment is a self adhering polymer modified bitumen sheet covering the entire roof deck instead of the standard building paper. The modified bitumen sheet underlayment provides an exceptional moisture barrier throughout construction and later in the event that the final roof covering is compromised. Insurance companies often will reduce your premium with a high performance underlayment.

When choosing your roof, consider the solar reflectance of the material for maximum energy savings. The higher the number (a decimal between 0 and 1) the better. Generally lighter roofs have a higher solar reflectance but there are new advances in paints that create “cool-roofs” in many colors for metals roofs. Look for an “Energy Star” qualified roof product.

The most typical roofing materials in the Lowcountry are asphalt shingle (both fiberglass and organic) and standing seam metal panels. We also see the occasional clay or concrete tile roof.

Asphalt shingles have the lowest initial cost of any roof and the shortest life. Organic reinforced shingles tend to degrade faster in warm climates so it is best to use fiberglass reinforced shingles here.

Tile roofs are very vulnerable to breakage from windborne debris and then become missiles themselves. It is imperative to have a high performance underlayment with a tile roof. Tile roofs also have a greater thermal mass and will radiate captured heat into the structure even when the sun has gone behind a cloud.

Metals roofs include steel, copper, terne and zinc. Zinc and copper have the longest life span. Terne is the traditional metal for on historic home and is fairly high maintenance requiring paint every seven years. Steel with a “cool roof” paint is the most common. High quality metal roofs installed correctly have resisted extremely high winds according to FEMA. Metal roofing is the most ecologically sound choice due to the energy efficiency with cool roof paints, its long life, durable finish, low thermal mass and its one hundred percent recyclability. Metal roofs also have the advantage of easily shedding leaves and pine straw debris.

Your new roof is only as good as the installation. Make sure you use a licensed roofing contractor. You can look up a contractor’s state license at https://verify.llronline.com/LicLookup The National Roofing Contractor’s Association has helpful publications http://www.nrca.net

Outdoor spaces

2009-11-22T11:54:00.012-05:00

These are some of my favorite outdoor spaces that we have designed over the past twenty years. The fireplace to the left was designed for our first clients in Beaufort in 1989. We couldn't imagine the popularity that outdoor fireplaces would become. The cable porch railings are great because they don't block your view to the water. Large screened porches can allow you to open your house almost year round in our temperate climate.

Door Hardware

2009-11-04T15:23:00.008-05:00

The selection of your door hardware is extremely important. It is the first item you and your guest touch when you enter your house. It should feel solid and project the level of quality that will be found throughout your house. I like contemporary door hardware and these are some of my favorites. The two top levers are by my favorite hardware company FSB http://www.fsbna.com/. The left lever was designed by Max Burchartz in the 30's and the right lever was designed by Jasper Morrison. The bottom level is by Valli and Valli www.vallievalli.com.

Frank Lloyd Wright in South Carolina

2009-10-27T09:32:00.003-04:00

Many of you probably have the biennial opening of Frank Lloyd Wright’s Auldbrass on your calendar for November 7 and 8th from 10 am until 4 pm. This rare opportunity is sponsored by The Beaufort County Open Land Trust www.openlandtrust.com . If you haven’t visited the only plantation that Wright designed, call for your tickets today, 843.521.2175. You don’t want to miss seeing Auldbrass.

While attending the South Atlantic Regional Convention of the American Institute of Architects last month in Greenville, I had the delightful pleasure of visiting the only other project designed by Frank Lloyd Wright in South Carolina. We were entertained by the original contractor and viewed the complete set of working drawings for the house and furniture, all six pages of them!

The 1727 square foot, three bedroom, two and one half bath, Broad Margin was designed by Wright in 1951 for sisters, the Misses Gabrielle and Charlcey Austin. Wright named the house Broad Margins after the passage, “I love a broad margin to my life.” from Henry David Thoreau’s Walden. In 1978, the house was listed on the National Registered of Historic Places.

Broad Margin is an Usonian House, a term coined by Wright to describe his small affordable houses that were typically single story, built on a concrete slab of native materials with large overhangs. He was particularly sensitive to building the house to fit into the landscape.

The siting of the Broad Margin is quintessential Wright. The downtown Greenville site is heavily wooded and bordered by two creeks; you feel like you are miles from civilization. The approach to the house is from above and your first view is of the large low sloped roof. The modest entrance is through the carport into a narrow hall that functions as a spine to the building. All the rooms open out to the view and a series of decks that step down the hillside.

The house is constructed of stone, poured in place concrete, Lowcountry cypress and glass. The great room has a magnificent sunken stone fireplace as the focal point. The kitchen is the only room without a view but it has an eighteen foot ceiling culminating in a skylight. The floor is Wright’s signature red poured in place concrete with radiant heating.

The current owner has lovingly restored the house and had the dining room table rebuilt to Wright’s specifications, a previous owner sold the dining room furniture. Most of the other original furniture designed by Wright is still in place.

Frank Lloyd Wright's Broad Margin House Greenville, SC

2009-10-05T21:57:00.004-04:00

This house was designed in 1951 and completed in 1954. It was built for two sisters who happen to be my friend Michael Watson's second cousins. Michael told me when he visited as a child the 1700 s.f. house seemed huge; it was a different story when he visited again as an adult.

The man in the photograph below was the original contractor for the house. We also were able to view the original drawings for the project....there were only 8 sheets and that included all the furniture drawings. The original dining table and chairs were sold by a pervious owner. These were made from the original drawings by Michael McDunn of Greenville. The contractor said that these were nicer than the original ones.

Some Favorite Light Fixtures

2009-09-27T11:23:00.008-04:00

Eureka Lighting's Mini Silena Double is a good light for a bathroom vanity. http://tinyurl.com/yelagp9

The "Artichoke" fixture by Louis Poulsen Lighting is celebrating 50th years. http://tinyurl.com/ycgla3y

The candle fixture by Kevin Reilly for Holly Hunt has been copied by many other companies but none of them are as good as the original.

http://tinyurl.com/y8ckt3n

This decorative pendant "Frisbi" is by Flos http://tinyurl.com/yd4wbap

Residential Lighting

2009-09-26T14:54:00.006-04:00

Residential lighting is best when a variety of light sources provide the necessary illumination for daily activities, the occupant’s ages and physical limitations. There are five types of lighting that when layered provide usable light for day to day activities; all spaces may not need all types of lights.

Task Lighting is the lighting that illuminates the area where you are working or reading. These fixtures include under cabinet lights and reading lights. Ambient Lighting is the gentle overall lighting for the room. This light fills the room with a warm glow from an indirect light source that is bounced off the ceiling. Cove lighting, pendant hung indirect fixtures, and opaque wall sconces are some of the ambient light fixtures. Accent Lighting is the dramatic light. These lights highlight works of art, give depth to a room, and wash over interesting textures in your home. Recessed adjustable ceiling fixtures, track lighting and uplights are used for accent lighting. Decorative Lighting is eye candy. Its main purpose is to look pretty. Chandeliers and some wall sconces are for decoration. These fixtures should not be too bright or they will overpower other design elements of the space. Natural Daylight provided through carefully designed windows and skylights gives great light during the day and can reduce the need for electrical lighting.

I incorporate the following three lighting scenarios in almost all of my projects. In bathrooms never locate a wall mounted fixture over the mirror; it will cast harsh shadows and prematurely age you. Instead use two wall sconces mounted on either side of the mirror. The fixtures should be at eye level, which is generally 5’-6” above the finished floor. Tall narrow fixtures accommodate most family members.

The traditional design for bedside reading lights is a wall mounted swing arm fixture which has to be mounted carefully to be at the right height for actual reading. A better solution is two recessed adjustable low voltage halogen ceiling fixtures located over the bed. The lamps should have a tight beam spread, such as a MR-16 ESW. The fixture on the right should be aimed to the left side of the bed and vice versa to prevent your head from casting a shadow on your book. The switches should be located accordingly. The fixtures should be located 18” to 24” from the wall and 2’ from the center of the bed.

Chandeliers over dining tables are decorative and do not provide the accent lighting necessary to show off the sparkle of your crystal and silver. The same recessed ceiling fixtures that were used as reading lights in the bedroom can be located over your dining table as accent lights; the bulb should have a wider beam spread. They should be located on the long axis of the table 3’-6” from the middle of the table. Almost all fixtures throughout your house should be on a dimmer to control the amount of light and extend the life of the lamp.

Schematic Design Phase

2009-09-23T09:57:00.003-04:00

The next few post are covering the design phases in a project. The first phase is conceptual design which is also referred to as preliminary design or schematic design.

During the conceptual design phase, we start by developing a concept for the design. Successful concepts for previous clients include: 1. The design of the house will complement the owners collection of arts and crafts furniture; 2. The house is to be a jewel box for weekend retreats; 3. All major living spaces should have a view of the significant live oak; and 4. The house will be based on a vernacular dog-trot.
We then begin to translate your program into a design that can be constructed. Possible design solutions are developed as freehand thumbnail sketches (often with a bit of watercolor added to improve readability) allowing us to quickly test design and siting ideas. We will also explore sections and elevations of the project. Massing, fenestration (window and door openings), and style are all quickly studied.
A well conducted conceptual design phase is critical to the success of the project as decisions that effect budget, function and your ultimate satisfaction are being made. We must be open minded, creative, and keep asking "what if we…?" to arrive at the best solution.

Residential Design Teams

2009-09-11T13:38:00.004-04:00

The three main team members on any project are the owner, architect, and general contractor. Other professionals involved are a structural engineer, a geo-technical engineer, an interior designer, landscape architect, an arborist, a mechanical engineer, and often a sound system designer. The structural engineer is hired by the architect and their fee is included in the architectural fee. The other professionals will either have contracts directly with the owner or billed as a reimbursable expense.

Owners: The most important team member. There are three intertwined factors involved in the design and construction of a house; 1) project size, 2) cost, 3) quality of construction and detailing. To stay within budget; the owners determine which of the two factors are most important to them. The architect then has control the third factor. The owners involvement throughout the project varies from owner to owner; you can be involved in every selection or rely on the professionals and approve the design decisions at each junction.

Architect: The architect is responsible for translating the owners program into a design that is appropriate for the site and client. The architect is responsible for coordinating with the other professionals. The architect produces drawings and specifications to communicate the design to others. The architect will also present the designs to any review boards.

Structural Engineer: The structural engineer is responsible for ensuring that the structure is designed to meet the local building and hurricane codes.

Geo-technical Engineer: The soils are tested by the geo-technical engineer to determine their bearing capacity. This information is used by the structural engineer in the design of the foundation.

Interior Designer: The interior designer works with the architect and owner in selecting the interior finishes, furniture, fixtures, and window treatments.

Landscape Architect: The landscape architect works with the architect and owner in the design of all exterior spaces, finishes and plant material.

Arborist: We often recommend the use of a certified arborist when there are significant trees on the property that we want to protect. The arborist will trim the dead wood and deep fertilize the trees prior to construction.

General Contractor: This is the team member who actually builds the project based on the drawings and specifications provided by the design professionals.

2009-2010 Home Tax Credits

2009-08-26T21:28:00.015-04:00

Currently there are tax credits available for home improvements that make your house more energy efficient. The upgrades must be placed in service between January 1, 2009 and December 31, 2010. The credits are available only for the taxpayer's principal residence, EXCEPT for geothermal heat pumps, solar water heaters, solar panels, and small wind energy systems (where second homes do qualify). The maximum that can be claimed for all improvements placed in service in 2009 and 2010 is $1,500, EXCEPT for geothermal heat pumps, solar water heaters, solar panels, fuel cells, and small wind energy systems which are not subject to this cap, and are in effect through 2016. The improvements that are subject to the $1,500 limit are Insulation, Windows and Doors, Roofing, Heating, Ventilation and Air-Conditioning (HVAC), and Water Heaters. Let us look at the tax credits and requirements for each of the aforementioned $1,500 limited improvements.

August is the time of year when many people ask, “What can be done to lower my energy costs? And how can I get the most bang for my buck with the available tax credits?” The easiest way is to reduce the need for air conditioning by insulating and closing gaps in your house. Start by having a Home Energy Audit which consists of two tests. The first is a blower door test that measures the tightness of your house and helps identify the leaks’ location. The HVAC ducts undergo the same testing in the duct blaster test. The home energy audit will determine if caulking and new insulation is needed. The tax credit for new insulation is limited to 30% of the cost (including installation) and the insulation must meet the 2009 International Energy and Conservation Code (IECC). For Beaufort County the 2009 IECC requires R-30 insulation in the ceiling, R-13 in the exterior walls and R-19 in the floor. The Department of Energy’s (D.O.E.) recommendation for Beaufort County is R30 to R60 in the ceiling, R 15 in the exterior walls and R-25 in the floor.

The window and door replacement tax credit is also 30% of the cost. There are two requirements for windows and doors. The U-Factor measures the heat loss a window allows, the lower the number the better (between 0.2 and 1.2). The Solar Heat Gain Coefficient (SHGC) is a number between 0 and 1 that measures the amount of heat transferred through a window, the lower the number the better. The tax credit requires a U-Factor of less than 0.30 and a SHGC of less than 0.30. You will also want to consider Impact Resistance Glass which will protect your openings during a hurricane.

The roof replacement tax credit is limited to 30% of the cost of material only. The roofs must be qualified metal or reflective asphalt shingles as listed by Energy Star. If your house is shaded or has a super insulated roof the benefits of reflective roofing will not have as large of impact.

An air to air heat pump is the most common HVAC system found in the Lowcountry. The tax credit is also limited to 30% of the cost. The deciding factors are the Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) which measures the cooling mode of the heat pump. The SEER Rating is a number between 13 and 22, the higher the number the better. The Heating Seasonal Performance Factor (HSPF) measures the efficiency of the heating mode of the unit. The HSPF is between 6.8 and 9.5, the higher the number the more efficient the unit. The final measurement is the Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER) which measures the peak cooling capacity. The EER is between 11 and 14 and the high number is the desired rating. For split systems the tax credit requirements are SEER Rating of 15, EER of 12.5 and HSPF of 8.5. The package unit requirements are SEER Rating of 14, EER of 12 and HSPF of 8.

Currently only gas and propane tankless Energy Star rated Water Heaters meet the requirements for the tax credit, which is also 30% of the cost.

For additional information the following sites may be helpful.
http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=tax_credits.tx_index
http://www.ahrinet.org/Content/FederalTaxCredits_896.aspx

The Value of an Architect

2009-08-06T12:45:00.002-04:00

I was recently asked "On what kinds of projects is an architect absolutely recommended for residential projects? "

As incoming president elect of American Institute of Architects/South Carolina Chapter, I might appear to be biased but architects add value to all projects.

The architect’s trained eye will help the homeowner make the best decisions for their project and often save the client money. In one project, my client thought they needed a major kitchen renovation. We relocated one door and all the traffic flow problems were solved.
The architect can connect you house to the site and take advantage of the views and breezes. We have numerous renovation projects where the original house was a plan book house that was plopped down with a total disregard to the uniqueness of the site. By adding windows and exterior living spaces the homeowner can enjoy the view that they moved to the Lowcountry to see.
Architects are fully conversant in the local building and zoning codes. Another client hired me after they had started a project with an unlicensed jack-of-all-trades. The under-construction guest house was a dysfunctional unsafe mess. We were able to salvage the project to meet their needs and the building code.
Your architect will work with you on the scope of your project and material selections to ensure that the design meets your needs and budget requirements. Making all the design decisions prior to construction is the only way to ensure that your project stays on time and on budget.
The architect prepares a complete set of construction documents that are a graphic and written record of decisions made. The drawings are considered complete in that they include all the information that a contractor needs to build the project. This also allows bids from contractors to be comparable.
Finally, architects are invaluable during the construction phase as the owner’s advocate. They review the work and advise the client regarding design compliance. They also review and advise on the appropriateness of change orders. The architect is with you through good and bad; they help the contractor understand the design intent; and they ensure that decisions made during construction are consistent with the decisions made during design.

Trey Trahan's Louisiana State Museum

2009-08-01T16:14:00.005-04:00

Trey Trahan's design for the new Louisiana State Museum is causing quite an uproar in Natchitoches. Many citizen feel that the contemporary design is inappropriate for a historic district. The refrain is similar to what is heard from many here in the Lowcountry about new buildings in our historic districts. Here is a link to a recent article in the Natchitoches Times describing both the design and the review board's concerns. http://tinyurl.com/lv76jy

David Cronrath, Dean of the School of Art and Design at LSU, eloquently explains in the following essay why we should not "slavishly reproduce the past" in buildings built today.

I fear Louisianans are increasingly uncomfortable with the future. The recent concern over Trey Trahan's design for the new Louisiana State Museum in downtown Natchitoches reflects this fear of change and innovation that is incongruous with our proud past.

There was a time when Louisianans had confidence in the future and made an imprint of their optimism on the landscape. They creatively adapted traditional ways of building to a strange land with a harsh climate. They utilized the technology at their disposal. They improvised with materials. The buildings these Louisianans built did not look like their European predecessors. By Old World standards they were crude, ungainly, stumpy, and strange – you can be sure some said they were just plain ugly. But today we admire these buildings for their ingenuity and the identity they defined.

What we can learn from our architectural past is that great buildings are not defined by style. Style is the classification of particular forms and shapes. By its very nature style is a formal classification. It never attempts to reveal content or origins. Reproducing a past style of architecture during a period of societal transformation is to reduce cultural processes to stale imitation.

Significant buildings are reflections of their culture – ideals, mores and aspirations. Vibrant and productive cultures change, adapt and transform the way they organize the environment they inhabit. Consequently, dynamic cultures invent new forms and spaces to reflect the future they desire. Only cultures that have ceased to be vital reproduce what they did in the past. Cultural innovation and change are the hallmarks of healthy and robust societies … just like our ancestors.

Given this situation how are we to judge a successful building, especially in an historical context like downtown Natchitoches? The answer is surprisingly simple. Respect the scale of the surrounding buildings, develop a design that is integrated with its context, utilize the latest building technologies, and develop a plan that is respectful of the changing function of our institutions. Strangely, European societies understand these precepts far better than we do. Perhaps because they are centuries older and long understood that vibrant societies must change to new circumstances or become obsolete. Europeans are not disturbed by a medieval structure next to the Baroque, or a Renaissance palace cheek to jowl with a modern building. For them it is not an issue of style or imitation.

When I review the design for the New Louisiana State Museum in Natchitoches by Trey Trahan I find a thoughtful design that matches the principles outlined above. It is respectful of scale, context and technology. Does it look like a reproduction of historical Louisiana buildings? Certainly not and it shouldn’t. To slavishly reproduce the past would tell future generations that we have given up hope for a vital Louisianan culture. It would also be disrespectful of a rich cultural heritage. We demonstrate our respect and love for the historical by preserving it whenever possible and avoiding building deprecating imposters. We should have enough faith in our time to not belittle the past.

Green Building 101

2009-07-30T17:55:00.003-04:00

I recently gave a talk to the local Rotary Club on Green Building Basics. What are the different programs and what do they measure. It was very well received and here is a short version of my talk.

What does it mean to build green? There are several certification programs active in the Lowcountry. They all have third party verification requirements and different programs for different building types. Some require performance -based measurements while others have a prescriptive path to the desired performance level. The non-residential programs are led by the design team of architects and engineers and the residential programs are under the purview of the contractor. The major local programs are listed at the end of this post.

There are five general areas that all the programs measure; Sustainable Sites, Water Efficiency, Energy Use, Materials and Resources, and Indoor Environmental Quality. There are mandatory requirements and a minimum number of earned points in each category. Each program awards different levels of certification based on the number of points earned. For example the LEED programs are LEED Certified, LEED Silver, LEED Gold, and the highest rated LEED Platinum.
The areas overlap and green strategies can often result in points in several categories. The decision to have daylight in all interior spaces can gain points in Energy Use (less need for electric lights) and Indoor Environmental Quality (occupants’ well being is better with daylight and a view).

Sustainable site requirements are focused on minimizing the building impact which includes: locating the project in a developed area, preferably on a pre-developed site within walking distance of essential services; using regionally appropriate landscaping; controlling stormwater runoff both during and after construction; and reducing erosion, light pollution, and construction related pollution.

Water Efficiency rewards water conservation both inside and outside. The interior strategies include high efficient appliances, fixtures and fittings. Water-wise landscaping and water harvesting in rain barrels or cisterns for reuse are exterior conservation options.

The single most important category is Energy & Atmosphere, where the overall goal is to reduce energy consumption and encourage the generation of renewal energy. Strategies include: energy use monitoring; efficient design and construction; efficient appliances, HVAC systems and lighting; use of renewable and clean sources of energy generated on-site or off-site; and natural daylight in spaces by windows or skylights.

Materials & Resources promote the selection of sustainably grown, harvested, produced and transported products and materials. This category also is concerned with the reduction of waste both from the construction site and the manufacturer’s site as well as reuse and recycling. Attention is given to the travel distance of materials and resources to the construction site and to the manufacturer’s plant. Reuse of an existing building, recycled materials, and locally produced materials are the high point favorites.

Indoor Environmental Quality strives to improve indoor air quality; access to natural daylight and views; and improving acoustics. The category focuses on reducing indoor pollutants such as VOC’s (Volatile Organic Compounds) in paint and off gassing of irritants found in adhesives, carpets, composite wood products and furniture. Strategies include managing moisture to prevent mold, increasing ventilation rates and mechanical controls to maintain the proper levels of temperature and humidity.

According to the United States Green Building Council, buildings account for approximately 39% of total annual US energy consumption (31% for building operations, 8% for building construction). Building operations (heating, cooling, ventilation, hot water, etc.) account for 38% of total annual US greenhouse gas emissions. And 72% of all the electricity produced at power plants in the US goes to operate buildings. So it is time for us all to learn more about green building and consider getting your project certified. You might even qualify for a tax credit.

Non-Residential Green Certification Programs

LEED Programs by
U.S. Green Building Council http://www.usgbc.org

Green Globes by
Green Building Initiative http://www.thegbi.org

Sustainable Building Challenge by
International Initiative for a Sustainable Built Environment
http://www.greenbuilding.ca

Residential Green Certification Programs

LEED for Homes by
U.S. Green Building Council http://www.usgbc.org

NAHB National Green Building Program by
National Assoc. of Home Builders http://www.nahb.org

Earthcraft House http://earthcrafthouse.com

Architecture Camp Days 4 & 5

2009-07-24T15:31:00.005-04:00

The last two days of Architecture Camp we completed a site analysis, learned how to use a scale, studied the local zoning ordinance and the Historic Review Board guidelines. We also learned about sustainable design and some design strategies for green building (notice the green roof on one of the projects!) The students then designed a building for an infill site downtown. Special thanks to local architect Bill Chambers who loaned us the scale model of downtown. The students then built a scale model of their building for the site.

Architecture Camp Day 3

2009-07-15T16:06:00.006-04:00

We had a beautiful windy day for flying kites with so-so success in getting them to fly. The smaller kites that followed recommended proportions worked the best. Everyone had a great time trying to get them to fly.

We started our building design project today by learning about the zoning ordinance, Historic District requirements, and green building strategies. We visited the site and did a site analysis.

Architecture Camp Day 2

2009-07-14T16:52:00.007-04:00

The students explored the different design elements of spoons by sorting them differently from all previous students. They sorted by size, function, material, cost, texture, sheen, and finish.

We learned about the Design Process by designing, creating construction drawings and building kites. Tomorrow, if there is enough wind, we will test fly them.

Architecture Camp Day 1

2009-07-13T16:32:00.013-04:00

Sketching

We started the day with blind sketching where you can't look at the paper while you are drawing. We then learned some new vocabulary words and went on a walk to sketch examples of them.

Toothpick and Gumdrop Structures

The students were divided into teams and were challenged to build the highest structure using toothpicks and gum balls. All the teams figured out that triangular cross bracing made a big difference.

EGG DROP

Our last activity of the day was to design, develop construction documents and build a device that would protect a egg from breaking when dropped from a second story balcony. The design materials were limited to 1 piece of paper, 3 rubber bands, 4 toothpicks, and glue. We had 3 eggs that didn't break!

Aging in Place

2009-06-19T10:43:00.001-04:00

Many of our clients hire us to design their retirement home. Accommodating the possibility of being less mobile is relatively easy and doesn’t deter from the aesthetics of the house. There are three major areas of consideration for aging in place; life-safety, fall prevention, and convenience.

The number one life safety issue is providing an accessible exit from each floor. In the Lowcountry, many houses are raised off the ground to be out of the flood plain. Many architects create an accessible entry by either installing a residential elevator or stacking elevator sized closets for a future elevator. In houses less than five feet off the ground, we often include a ramp to the back or side door. A custom designed ramp will fit in with the overall architecture of the house.

Accessible doors are 36 inches wide and will preferably have flush thresholds but a maximum threshold of ½ inch exterior and ¼ inch interior. Hallways should be at least 42 inches wide. Every room should have an open space of 5 feet by 5 feet for wheelchair maneuverability.

The building code requires that bedrooms have an egress window in case of fires. A house designed for aging in place will have three foot wide exterior doors from the bedrooms opening onto an area of refuge, which might be directly on grade or a balcony large enough for a wheelchair.

Floor material, adequate lighting, and grab bars are the keys to help prevent falls. Floors should be smooth, firm, and slip resistant. Carpet should be low pile (less than ½ inch) with a firm pad. There should be plenty of natural light as well as both overall room lighting and task lighting. Particular care should be given to lighting stairwells, showers, entry doors, and exterior walkways. Stairwells should have switches at both the top and bottom and hallways at both ends.

Stairwells should have handrails on both sides of the stairs. In bathrooms, install or provide blocking for future installation of grab bars in the shower, bathtub, and around the toilet. Likewise, you might want to install blocking in the hallways for future grab bars.

For greater convenience you might consider one floor living, low maintenance materials, and a 5-foot accessible aisle in the carport or garage for wheelchair access. Lever door handles and faucets are easier for arthritic hands to open. Finally, the construction of a separate guest house or two master suites can accommodate an aging relative or a live in nurse.

Pecha Kucha

2009-06-04T08:58:00.040-04:00

This is my presentation from Pecha Kucha last night. The format is 20 slides and 20 seconds on each slide. The Pantheon, Rome, Itlay Circa 126 AD

These are images of buildings and spaces that have inspired, delighted and amazed me. The Pantheon is over 2000 years old and still holds the record for the largest unreinforced concrete dome. The oculus provides natural light and ventilation. Those Romans were pretty smart.

Chapel of St. Ignatius, Steven Holl, Seattle University, 1997

Holl describes his building as “a stone box, containing seven bottles of light.” The desired ethereal effect is awe inspiring. Halos of soft light are punctuated by other worldly intense colors. The mesmerizing light creates a calm meditative atmosphere.

Museum of Modern Art Addition, Takahashi Yoshio, New York City, 2006

The great hall creates a performance piece among the gallery visitors who wave to each other through the filtered shims between the floors. The transparencies and the layering of light provide the perfect stage. It changes the museum visit from a passive to an active experience

Prada Soho Store, Rem Koolhaas, New York City, 2001

When both of your parents are architects; family vacations always revolve around buildings that must be seen. When I told my youngest daughter, Jessica, about this presentation, she asked “Are you going to include the Prada Store”. Jess…..this one is for you.

Villa Rotunda, Andrea Palladio, Vicenza, Italy, begun 1566

Palladian perfection. It is difficult to choose a favorite villa by Palladio because they all meet Vitruvius’s condition for a great building ..firmness, commodity and delight. I am envious of a client who spent the evening dining and dancing here during a Venice film festival.

Chicago Cloud Gate, Anish Kapoor, Chicago, 2006

Stainless steel polished so smoothly you want to rub you face against the bean but you can’t because it acts as a huge magnet drawing in the populace. All inhibitions are lost as people prance and preen in the fun house mirror.

Thorncrown Chapel, Fay Jones, Eureka Springs, Arkansas, 1980

The client commissioned ‘a little chapel to provide wayfarers a place for relaxation.” With glass, wood, and stone, Jones made a sacred structure that celebrates nature and man’s connection to it. The simple plan and form create a harmoniously unified masterpiece.

BCE Place Galleria, Santiago Calatrava, Toronto, Canada, 1992

I heard Calatrava speak on his design process. Most of his projects start with sketches of the human body which inspire his structural systems. He sketches, sculpts and paints to further explore the forms. This is the only finished building I’ve seen so I expect new favorites in my future.

Brion Vega Cemetery, Carlo Scarpa, San Vito d'Altivole, Italy, 1972

Stone drum steps each with a different tone mark your progression through the garden towards the tombs. The sound is hauntingly beautiful. We created a redneck version at our house; sheet metal on a steel frame. It sounds like someone running up a slide when you approach our door. Not quite the same!

National Gallery of Canada, Moshe Safdie, Ottawa, Canada, 1988

There is an area on the second floor with a glass floor looking down on a fountain below. From the first floor if feels like you are under the sea looking up at people treading water. The Alexander Calder film on his circus puppet show was even better than the building

Casa Mila, Antonio Gaudi, Barcelona, Spain, 1905-10

Life should be fun..often we take ourselves too seriously; Gaudi makes us stop and recognize the absurd, the humorous, and the fun in our day to day lives by his architecture. Knowing that these sentinels were protecting my apartment building would make me smile all day long.

High Museum of Art, Addition, Renzo Piano, Atlanta, Georgia, 2005

Zenithal light from 1000 north facing circular skylights flood the galleries with soft natural light allowing you to focus on the exhibits. The refined detailing highlights Piano’s sensitive balance between art and function. Three new buildings form a courtyard with the existing Meier building

High Museum of Art, Richard Meier, Atlanta, Georgia, 1983

Meier said “I think white is the most wonderful color of all, because within it one can find every color of the rainbow.” A 10 year old asked me “did they mean for it to be this white?” I rode an elevator with Meier and told him the story. He didn’t think it was funny.

Delano Hotel, Philippe Stark, South Beach Miami, Florida, 1995

A small blue door in a sculpted hedge beckons you to enter the unknown. Immediately you are falling though gossamer curtains down the rabbit hole and land in a modern day decadent wonderland. Plan on arriving at night for the most magical experience.

Disney Concert Hall, Frank Gehry, Los Angeles, California, 2003

Hearing the Los Angeles Symphony in this space was the most sensuous experience that I have had. As the orchestra played the ceiling slowly changed colors. Superlatives crowd my brain remembering the visual and audile impact.

Art institute of Chicago, Shepley, Ruten and Coolidge, Chicago, 1893

The courtyard café is an oasis from the hustle and bustle of the surrounding city. It provides a quiet respite for rejuvenating the soul after soaking in the great art in the institute’s galleries. The fountain creates the desired separation in an intimate space.

Church of San Lorenzo, Filippo Brunelleschi, Florence, Italy, 1421-1440

April 1980, we arrive in Florence after 2 months in Northern Europe. We climbed to the top in the narrow space between the inner and outer domes and sat outside the cupola for hours basking in the sun.

Old Sheldon Church (Prince William Parish) Beaufort County, South Carolina, 1757

Majestic ruins of the first temple form building in America. Woodmason, wrote in 1765, “Prince William’s Church is the second best Church in the Province and by many esteem’d a more beautiful building than St. Philips. It is far more elegant than St. Michaels

Dogtrot, North Alabama, 1895

My great grandmother, Essie Curl Shackleford and her sister Ezzie Pearl standing in front of the family home in North Alabama. The open center hall creates a Bernoulli effect of increased winds through the hall. Southern vernacular architecture is based on sustainable design principles and they still apply.

Flowers by Frederick + Frederick

2009-05-19T14:02:00.004-04:00

Flower arrangements by Michael Frederick, AIA will be for sale this Saturday at the Port Royal, SC Farmer's Market. 8:30 am until 12:30 pm. Prices start at $9 with a vase provided. Feel free to bring your own vase for a special arrangement.

Greening your Bathroom

2009-05-17T13:45:00.001-04:00

The terms “Green” and ‘Sustainable” are the hot new buzz words but when you consider that buildings are responsible for almost half (48%) of all greenhouse gas emissions annually it is imperative that we make our houses more environmentally responsible. Bathroom renovations create ample opportunities for saving water and energy. Begin your planning process by inventorying the existing space and determine your requirements. The survey should be broken into four categories; space allocation; water usage, ventilation and electrical usage, and materials and finishes.

Space Allocation: Best practices suggest that you design the space for your needs and not add additional square footage for resale value. If you only shower and never take a bath, do not add the extra square footage for a large soaking tub. A dedicated toilet closet will allow multiple people to use the bathroom at the same time and may reduce the number of bathrooms needed. Provide generous storage space; rooms can be smaller when there is ample storage space. Consider allowing enough space for aging in place; are the doors wide enough for a wheel chair or walker? Provide blocking in the shower walls for future grab bars.

Water Usage: There are huge water saving opportunities for bathrooms. An inexpensive solution is to replace existing shower heads with low water use showerhead. Old showerheads use up to five gallons per minute (gpm). Current federal law requires a maximum flow rate for of 2.5 gpm. One ultra low flow brands are Oxygenics showerhead 1.75 gpm for $30.00.

Toilets manufactured prior to 1992, use between 3.5 gallons per flush (gpf) and 7 gpf. Federal Law now mandates no more that 1.6 gpf for all new toilets. Many manufacturers are making super low flush toilets and dual flush toilets. The dual flush toilet typically uses 1.1 gpf for liquid waste and 1.6 gpf for solid waste. Available products include: American Standard FloWise™ 1.28 gpf for $359; Kohler Wellworth Pressure Lite dual flush 1.1/1.6 gpf for $451; Mansfield Eco-Quantum dual flush 1.1/1.6 gpf for $493; and Toto Aquia™ dual flush 0.8/1.6 gpf for $435. Another option to consider is a composting toilet that uses no water; they cost about $2,000.

Heating water typically uses between 14 and 25% of a household’s energy. Three options in water heating are Solar, conventional storage tanks, and tankless (on-demand) heaters. Solar Water Heaters are the most efficient but also have the highest initial costs ($4,500 to $9,000). Solar Water heaters are either a passive or active system. The passive systems are less expensive, more reliable, and have a longer life. The passive systems are not as efficient as active systems.

When selecting a conventional water heater look at the EnergyGuide label and the Energy Factor which rates the overall efficiency of the unit, the higher the number the better. The standby heat loss of traditional water heaters can be lessened with heavily insulated tanks. The thermal resistance (R-Value) of the tank should be between at minimum R-12 and preferably R-25.

Tankless (on demand) water heaters are gaining popularity in the United States because they save between 15 and 40% of water heating energy costs. The cost of the unit typically is about twice the cost of a conventional tank water heater. They are available in both gas and electric models. Popular brands include Rinnai and Bosch.

Mechanical Systems – Ventilation and Electrical – In bathroom remodels, the changes to the HVAC is limited unless you are replacing the entire system. At the very least you need exhaust fans vented to the exterior. Best practices include installing the fans on a timer to shut off thirty minutes after use.

The bathroom lighting needs to include general overall lighting, task lighting at the lavatories and a ceiling light in the shower. Consider separate switches for the three types of lights to minimize energy requirements. Look for EnergyStar qualified light fixtures, they typically use 75% less energy, produce 75% less heat and last up to 10 times longer than a standard fixture.

Materials and Finishes – The materials mantra is reused first, recycled second, and purchase rapidly renewable resources third. In a renovation project, deconstruct instead of demolish the existing space. Reuse all the existing material that you can. Donate or recycle any material that is not used to keep it out of the waste stream. Look for salvaged building materials to use in the project instead of purchasing new products. Recycled products reduce the burden on our landfills and conserve our resources. Locally manufactured products are preferable because of the reduced energy requirements for transportation.

Bathroom finishes should be durable and water resistant. Ceramic tile with recycled content is the best option for walls and floors. Stone is a very durable option but because it is not local to the Lowcountry the shipping costs make it a less environmentally friendly selection. Natural Linoleum is made from linseed, oil, jute, and wood dust and is the preferred alternative to vinyl flooring. Care should be taken in selecting adhesives that contain low VOC’s (Volatile Organic Compounds).

In our hot humid climate, wall paper, especially vinyl wall paper, should not be used. The wall paper acts a vapor barrier; moisture is trapped behind the paper and provides an ideal condition for mold. Carpet is another bad material for bathrooms because it also traps moisture.

Indoor air quality is affected by off-gasses from cabinets and paints. Cabinets should be constructed from materials that contain no added urea-formaldehyde resins and paints should be low VOC. Solid wood is a healthy alternative and should preferably be certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC).

Resources – Some helpful websites are www.buildinggreen.com www.greenhomeguide.org www.goodtobegreen.com www.greenbuildingpage.com www.energystar.gov www1.eere.energy.gov/buildings/

Cyberhomes.com

2009-04-28T17:11:00.003-04:00

Michael was quoted in a cyberhomes.com article on Old vs New Homes
http://tinyurl.com/c2g4k7

Kitchen Cabinets

2009-04-17T17:41:00.003-04:00

As any cook will tell you, the design of the kitchen makes a huge difference in how well the kitchen functions. The basic layout of the kitchen is a work triangle measured from the center of the sink, refrigerator and cook top or range. The National Kitchen and Bath Association recommends that each leg of the triangle be between four and nine feet and the sum of the legs should not exceed twenty-six feet. Omit obstructions in the triangle and through traffic. Design counters to be a minimum of 42” apart for one cook and 48” for two cooks. Consider two sinks and therefore two work triangles for kitchens with multiple cooks.

There are three options in cabinet door construction with significant price differences. In Flush Overlay construction the doors and drawers completely cover the cabinet box. It has clean contemporary lines and hidden hinges. Flush overlay construction is always used for a contemporary look but can also work with a traditional door panel. It is the medium price option and creates a great look for the money spent. Reveal Overlay doors and drawers partially cover the cabinet box. The reveal dimension can be varied by the designer. Hinges can either be exposed or concealed in reveal overlay construction. This is the least expensive cabinet construction type. Flush Inset with Face Frame construction is the most expensive due to the care necessary in fitting the doors into the frames. The doors and drawers are flush with the cabinet box and are crafted as well as a piece of fine furniture. Flush inset cabinets create a very traditional look with an exposed butt hinge.

The Architectural Woodwork Institute defines three quality levels of construction for cabinetry. Premium Grade, the highest level generally reserved for special projects or features. Custom Grade is specified for most cabinetry and provides a well defined degree of control over the quality of craftsmanship, materials, and installation. Economy Grade defines a minimum expectation of work.

The next cabinet decision is whether to use stock cabinets or have them custom made by a local cabinet maker. Stock Cabinets generally have a multitude of door designs, woods and finishes, and hardware to choose between. They come in 3” increments, so you might have to use a filler panel to fit a particular wall. Custom Cabinets can be designed as a major detail component of your house. You have an endless choice of door designs, woods and finishes, as well as hardware. They can also be made to perfectly fit the dimensions of the space. We often find that custom cabinets are not more expensive than good quality stock cabinets.

The goal of any room design is for the first impression to be “Wow, what a nice room”. Only after the pleasing impact of the overall design should you then begin to notice the details. One important detail in the kitchen is the cabinet hardware. Traditional Hardware brands include Baldwin, the very popular Rocky Mountain Hardware, and Sun Valley Bronze. Contemporary Hardware is typically stainless steel and favorite brands include Häfele, Valli & Valli, and Linnea. There are many Fanciful Hardware companies. The company Modern Objects gets its inspiration from nature; they have twigs, branches, shells and stones. Susan Goldsmith creates little works of art of for each cabinet pull. Soko Studio has dogs, people and all sorts of fun pulls.

Lowcountry Sources

2009-04-16T13:47:00.005-04:00

These are some of my favorite vendors in the Lowcountry. It is best to call and make an appointment before visiting.

Appliances:
Livingood’s
63 Riverwalk Blvd
Okatie, SC
843.379.5800
www.livingoodsonline.com

Ferguson Bath & Kitchen Gallery
114 Bluffton Road
Bluffton, SC
843.815.6080

Apex Supply
1 Kitties Landing
Bluffton, SC
843.706.2921

Billy Wood Appliance
6 Marshland Road
Hilton Head Island, SC
843.681.8441
www.billywoodappliance.com

Bath Fixtures:
Ferguson Bath & Kitchen Gallery
114 Bluffton Road 1563 Sam Rittenburg
Bluffton, SC Charleston, SC
843.815.6080 843.571.5712

Apex Supply
1 Kitties Landing
Bluffton, SC
843.706.2921

Bird Decorative Hardware
6-A Plantation Business Park 1081 Morrison Drive
Bluffton, SC Charleston, SC 843.815.5625 843.577.5440
www.birddecorativehardware.com

Design on Tap
69 Sheridan Park Circle
Bluffton, SC 29910
ph 1-843-815-7644
fax 1-843-815-7645
www.designontap.net

Hardware:
Bird Decorative Hardware
6-A Plantation Business Park
Bluffton, SC
843.815.5625
www.birddecorativehardware.com

Lighting:
The Light Post
40 Pennington Drive
Sheridan Park
Bluffton, SC
843.815.8080
www.thelightpost.com

Candelabra
404 Coleman Blvd.
Mt. Pleasant, SC
843.849.7714
www.shopcandelabra.com

Smart House:
Coastal Home Technology
2121 Boundary Street, Suite 106
Beaufort, SC
843.5229333
www.coastalhometechnology.com

Genisystems
843.470.0700

Stone Slabs:

Distinctive Granite & Marble
516 A Browns Cove Road
Hilton Head Island, SC
843.689.3237

Stone Horse Imports

1181 May River Road
Bluffton, SC
843.757.7866

AGM Imports
4250 Scott Street
North Charleston, SC
843.747.0088

www.agmimporters.com

Stone Paving:

Savannah Hardscapes
64 McDowell Circle
Hardeeville, SC
843.784.6060
www.savannahhardscapes.com

Tile:

Creative Interiors
1404 Boundary Street
Beaufort, SC
843.524.2612

Garden State Tile

2500 Abercorn Street
Savannah, GA
912.234.1122
www.gstile.com

Custom Cabinet Makers:

WD Bosworth woodworking
59 Luther Warren Drive
St. Helena island, SC 29920
843.838.9490

Marshland Millworks
50 Palmetto Bay Road, #11

Hilton Head Island, SC 29928

843.341.3070

Bay Point Contractors
343 Sea Island Parkway
Beaufort, SC 29907
843.522.0083

Southern Living Award

2009-04-16T09:04:00.002-04:00

We are really excited that our project was recogonized by Southern Living. Here is a link to the article http://tinyurl.com/csu438

Details

2009-03-25T13:08:00.006-04:00

As I mentioned last month, the detailing of your house is extremely important because the details of your project can tie your rooms, site, and overall design together. The goal is to design the details to reinforce the overall concept of the project; to create a whole that is greater than the sum of the parts. To accomplish this you want to have a consistency of materials and language throughout the house. Whether your house is traditional or contemporary, use regionally appropriate building materials and respect the natural qualities of the materials. In the Lowcountry, a stacked stone fireplace and chimney look out of place because there is no local stone. Likewise, materials that try to be something that they are not scream at you. An example of a confused material that is often seen in fast food restaurants, is a brick shaped floor tile with a wood grain pattern.

A holistic approach to detailing also simplifies your design decisions. When choosing your hardware, decide on a finish that will be carried throughout the house. You might choose oil rubbed bronze or stainless steel, but you should almost always use the same finish on your door hardware, bathroom faucets, bathroom accessories, metallic finishes on light fixtures, window hardware and cabinet hardware. Similarly, you will want the door and window trim to be the same throughout your house.

Staircases, both interior and exterior, present an opportunity to create a sculptural focal point in your house. In one project the clients’ had a collection of Pacific Island art, objects and furniture, to build on the island concept we used bamboo flooring and designed a custom stair rail out of bamboo with leather lashing at the newel posts. In another project with a grand exterior entry staircase, we designed a custom iron railing with a cascading fountain along one side. The glass tile surface on the fountain sparkles with the water.

Fireplaces are another major sculptural element in many houses. Consideration should include not only the form but the materials of the chimney, the height and width of the firebox, the height of the hearth, whether there is to be a mantel and what is it’s material. The interior firebrick is a material that is often left to happenchance. All fireplaces have to have noncombustible material around the firebox; stone slabs, brick, and tile are common choices.

The exterior and interior detailing of your house should be harmonious in order to bridge the connection. For example, exposed rafters in an interior room should continue to the exterior as exposed rafter tails.

The details are what make a house a exceptional place. The best description of the importance of details was by the architect, Jeremiah Eck, “Details transmit an enduring sense of quality, warmth, and character.”

Kamel Meattle's Ted talk on Growing your on Fresh Air

2009-03-24T11:12:00.002-04:00

http://www.ted.com/talks/view/id/490

This is a facinating talk on three houseplants impact on indoor air quality

Lowcountry Weekly

2009-03-17T11:50:00.001-04:00

Check out the article about our house in Lowcountry Weekly...http://www.lcweekly.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1012&Itemid=1&ed=39

Making Your House Work for You

2009-02-24T13:21:00.006-05:00

Is this economy making you think that your starter home will be your retirement home? Or maybe you bought your house because you have a great view but not a great house. Many of our clients come to us because they are unhappy with their current house but are unsure of what to do to make it better.

Before we start considering the design of the house, you need to rethink the spaces in your house. Ask yourself, what would I change in this house to improve my quality of life? Consider all the problem areas in your house; is the work triangle in your kitchen too big; does the washer and dryer in your kitchen cause noise and moisture problems; or does the pink bathroom tile and plumbing fixtures give you a headache? Write down all the activities that currently occur or that you want to occur in your house. Categorize the activities as formal/informal and public/private. This list will be different for every household. One family might have an artist who likes to paint in the same room while the children are doing their homework as opposed to a painter who wants a very private atelier. Include the typical time of day for the activities and how often you engage in them (daily, monthly, quarterly, or annually).

There are five essential characteristics in creating a good house. 1) The relationship of the house to the site and neighbors; 2) The appropriate size, mass, proportion, and scale of the spaces for the intended activities; 3) The flow of the spaces in conjunction with the time of day and the transitions or links between the spaces; 4) Exterior and interior openings; and 5) the detailing of the house.

In existing houses, the relationship of the house to the site and neighbors can be improved in many ways. Upgrade the entry sequence with new paving, plantings, and replace the front door. Create outdoor rooms with terraces, decks or courtyards, add plantings or fencing to provide privacy from neighbors and open the interior to the outside.

The size and location of the spaces in an existing house need to reflect how you live; not how the house forces you to live. It might be as simple as adding bookcases and changing the formal living room into an office. Or you might remove interior walls to create a great room. Often small additions can dramatically change how a room functions, giving elbow room to a bathroom or creating an eat-in kitchen with a bay window.

Changing the flow of the spaces in an existing house usually occurs in more extensive renovations. But minor changes can also make a big impact. In one project, we moved the door into the dining room six feet. Previously, the circulation path from the breakfast area into the dining room cut though the kitchen work triangle. By changing the circulation, the cook was much happier. Flow is also controlled by ceiling height, lighting and the placement of interior windows that entice you to round the corner.

Many people move to coastal South Carolina because of the natural environment, yet many houses don’t take advantage of the views. Adding or enlarging windows creates the most dramatic change. Consideration should also be given to getting natural light into all interior rooms. In one project we added two light tubes and the dark interior was flooded with natural light.

Because the detailing of the house is the most critical and extensive; I am going to devote the entire next article on details.

What Makes a Good Home #3

2009-02-09T15:47:00.007-05:00

Liesl Geiger in her book Essence of Home details 6 aspects that are necessary for a good home. Most of the items have already been discussed by Hildebrand and Eck. Her six items are 1. Site and Scale; 2. Language and Style, she refers to the language of spatial forces and the language of physical detailing; they must work together. Language and Style complements Hildebrand's Prospect, Refuge and Complex Order; 3. Openings and Light Geiger describes as the relationship between the interior and exterior. She also describes houses as introverted (minimal relationship with the exterior) or extroverted (large openings connecting with the exterior); 4. Spheres of Living - Geiger reiterates Eck's request to not name the rooms by traditional names but rather what activity occurs in the space. This also corresponds with Eck's essential feature of how the floor plan minimizes efficiency and comfort for today's living; 5. Flow of Space - which generally is the same as Hildebrand's enticement but Geiger brings in a new concept of the speed of spaces. Slow spaces have furniture and fast spaces have little furniture. The links between spaces are critically important and can be accomplished by changes in doors, material, lighting and dimensions, both horizontally and vertically; and 6. Sustainability which Geiger defines as "Sustainability refers to a manner of building that takes into consideration the region and the environment - its climate, natural resources, and construction traditions."

What Makes a good home #2

2009-02-04T14:51:00.005-05:00

I just finished Jeremiah Eck's book The Distinctive Home, A Vision of Timeless Design. This is a good book for clients to read, he covers the importance of site design very well. He also has a strong argument on the importance of detailing and the necessity of prioritizing desired square footage and finishes.

Eck says that there are four essential features for a good home. 1. How it occupies the site. 2. How the floor plan works for you and contemporary lifestyles. He recommends that you rethink what rooms are called. They should be named for their activities and whether they are formal/informal and public/private. 3. How the exterior is designed. It should be balanced and blend with the site and or neighborhood. 4. How selected exterior and interior details transmit an enduring sense of quality, care, and thought.

I agree with Eck on his four essential features but we need to include the prospect/refuge and enticement from Hildebrand's list. Hildebrand's "complex order" is the same as Eck's #4 detailing.

What makes a good home?

2009-01-30T14:21:00.006-05:00

I have been reading several books on residential design and in many of them the question is asked and answered on what makes a good home. I am going to devote the next several posts to exploring what other architects say makes a good home. In the book House Thinking by Winifred Gallagher she outlines the architect Grant Hildebrand's 5 characteristics of a good home. The are 1. Prospect - the big space 2. Refuge, 3. Enticement, 4. Peril, and 5. Complex Order. The ratio of prospect to refuge is very personal and both are necessary. The alcove off the great room or the window seat in the family room. Enticement is the element that is often so wonderfully explored in custom homes and left out of tract housing. The window placed just right or the gate opening into a lush hidden garden. Peril - I question, Hildebrand uses the term to describe a house on a cliff, or large witnessing a storm through large windows and the contrasting safety one feels inside the house. I think you need to be connected to nature but not threatened by nature. Finally, complex order delights our mind and allows us to appreciate the details of the house.

How to analyze a potential building site

2009-01-26T11:14:00.005-05:00

The first step is to discover the uniqueness of the site. This is accomplished through a detailed site analysis, which will explore both the human use of the site and the ecosystem of the site. The site should be studied both analytically and emotionally. We begin by wandering the site, feeling the breezes, enjoying the views and smelling the fauna on numerous visits in different seasons and weather conditions.
The analytical analysis includes the following:
1. A base plan showing the existing conditions such as legal boundaries and easements; contours; trees over six inches; buildings; utility locations; ponds; marshes, wet lands, critical areas or other bodies of water. A licensed local surveyor can provide this information. It is essential for you to outline the scope of information that you want included on your survey. If your property is in a low lying area or a flood plain be sure to request a benchmark elevation. The survey will also include a North Arrow.

2. Next we annotate the survey showing the views, both good and bad; focal points; specimen trees; the direction of the breezes; surface drainage patterns; local microclimates; native plants; noise sources; and any other significant characteristic of the site.

3. A building cannot be knowledgably placed on the site without understanding the importance of the sun’s angles. How much difference is there between where the sun rises and sets from the winter to summer solstice? How much difference is there in its altitude at noon? This provides the criteria for sizing overhangs and porches to allow sun in the winter and shade in the summer. Sun angles are unique to each location and can be found in the ASHRAE Handbook of Fundamentals, 2001 or from the website www.susdesign.com/sunangle. To determine the sun angles, you must know the longitude and latitude of your site, which can be found at www.census.gov/cgi-bin/gazetteer Altitude is the angle up from the horizon. Zero degrees altitude means exactly on your local horizon, and 90 degrees is "straight up". Azimuth is the angle along the horizon. Using these two angles, one can describe the apparent position of the sun at a given time.
Native vegetation- what would grow naturally in a given location? Is there room on a building site for native habitat and what vegetation encourages wildlife. Is it possible to coordinate natural corridor for wild life to move about with a development human inhibited place.

Once the analysis of existing conditions is completed, the protection and best use of the site is studied. You will want to consider the following.

1. Methods for preserving existing site and it’s flora and fauna. Building placement, or multiple small buildings, pile foundations, protection fencing, and research on value of native plant material. Study the site and resist the urge to clear it first.

2. Outdoor living spaces designed like interior living spaces. Combine them to make even larger inside/outside room. Fireplaces, lamps comfortable furniture, torches, chandeliers, art.

3. Sunset-sunrise viewing space- magical almost every day.

4. Bird feeders to better witness the cycles of migratory birds and the changes in permanent residents

5. Less lawn to allow for more bio diversity

1. Size does Matter

2009-01-26T10:47:00.003-05:00

This is the final installment in ten things you should know befor you build or buy a house in coastal South Carolina. A smaller house that utilizes the outside and is designed to accommodate your specific lifestyle with thoughtful detailing will save money and be easier to maintain. You can put your once a year visitors into a four star hotel cheaper than building the extra square footage.

2. Have an Overall Concept

2009-01-22T12:46:00.005-05:00

Develop a concept early. A strong concept will make most construction decisions easier. In our house, which is a 1947 Quonset Hut, we decided to explore the use of corrugated materials throughout the house. This photo shows the incorporation of corrugated glass in our front door. Your concept can be generated from almost anything. Some successful concepts that we have worked with include the site, i.e. every room should have a view of the great tree or the river; a collection, we once designed a house to fit a client's collection of arts and crafts furniture; an energy efficiency goal; or a mood that you want to create.

3. Southern Vernacular Architecture

2009-01-21T10:03:00.005-05:00

Southern vernacular architecture is based on sustainable design ideas and the principles sitll apply. Large porches on the south facade keep out the hot summer sun; large overhangs protect the walls and windows from rain and can block the harsh summer sun; single width rooms provide cross ventilation and natural light; high ceilings keep the rooms cooler in the summer; exterior window shutters provide protection from high winds; a raised first floor protects you from flood waters; and a dog trot form provides natural ventilation in the center passage. You can follow these time tested principles and have an open modern floor plan that accomodates contemporary living.

4. MOLD!

2009-01-19T12:09:00.007-05:00

If the house smells like mold...find the mold and get rid of it! Hot humid air should be kept out of the house. It the house is on a crawl space, the crawl space should not have vents, it should be insulated at the walls and conditioned. The same goes for the attic; the attic should be insulated at the roof and conditioned. All Heating, Air-Conditioning, and Ventilation (HVAC) ducts should be within the conditioned envelope of the house. Exterior walls are going to get wet; provide a drain plain to facilitate drying between the exterior sheathing and exterior finish siding. This is a photo of a blower door test, that checks for leakage in the exterior skin of the house.

5. Build above the Building Code

2009-01-12T10:50:00.002-05:00

The wind can blow hard and the days can be hot – simplify your life by building above the building code in both structural and energy design. The International Residential Code requires that all windows must at least be fitted with pre-cut wood structural panels as per the code. Up-grading to impact glass in the doors and windows or impact rated shutters lessens the hassle when preparing your house for a potential hurricane. Increasing the amount of insulation, using spray-in insulation, and sealing all exterior air leakage can drastically reduce your energy costs and save on the HVAC equipment size and cost.

6. Consider Outbuildings

2009-01-09T10:05:00.004-05:00

Consider separate buildings for guest quarters and garages. Our temperate climate encourages outdoor spaces. The space between buildings creates opportunities for courtyards. Other rewards are energy costs savings, increased privacy, and detached garages keep noxious fumes out of living spaces.

7. Go Native

2009-01-09T09:37:00.006-05:00

Go Native – retain existing native plant material on your lot. It is beautiful, non-invasive plants, require less watering and are easy to maintain. Reduce the amount of sod to conserve water and attract birds.

This landscape was designed by Thomas Angell of Verdant Enterprises. Thomas specializes in lowcountry native plant material. He completes a detail existing plant inventory before he begins his design. Check out more of his work at http://www.verdantenterprises.com/home.html

8. Create outdoor living space

2009-01-06T14:20:00.003-05:00

Outdoor living space should be designed as throughly as interior space. Consider how you will use the exterior space. I love to entertain and my large granite table will seat 20 people. We exterior heaters we can enjoy eating outside year round. Here we are enjoying Christmas morning brunch.

The exterior space should be connected both physically and visually to the interior space.

9. Don't Block Your View!

2008-12-02T16:29:00.006-05:00

This is the second posting of 10 things you should know before you build a house in the South.

Many of our renovation projects are on plan book houses that were built with no regard to the view. The project above did have glass doors on the view but the low ceiling and uninviting exterior space killed the view. We raised the roof by adding a gable and widened the stairs to open the view... WOW what a difference!

10. All About Porches

2008-11-25T11:53:00.014-05:00

Every Southern house needs at least one porch to sit and enjoy the view or visit with friends. The pictured house has a screened porch for dining and a high porch for enjoying the long view. The rules for porches include:

Never put a porch on the North elevation.

The best location for the porch is the south facade. This protects the interior from the hot summer sun and provides a cozy spot for winter days.

Screened porches are a must in many areas of the south, especially coastal areas where no-seeums are prevalent. Screened porches should have a minimum of two open sides to maximize the breeze. A ceiling fan is a welcomed addition to the screened porch. Consider the size of the local bugs when you choose your screen. You will also want to screen under the porch floor framing to keep the bugs out.

Porches should be at least ten feet deep.

Porches that are 30" or less from the adjacent grade, deck, or terrace do not need a railing. This is ideal because the view remains open.

An exterior fireplace on your porch will allow you to enjoy your porch year round.

10 Things you should know before you build a house in the South

2008-11-25T11:21:00.003-05:00

This is the first post of the series 10 + things you should know before you build a house in the South. I am a native southerner, my maternal family is from Mississippi and Alabama, and my paternal side is from Alabama. I was reared in Tennessee, received my Bachelor of Architecture at Auburn in Alabama, and have lived and practiced architecture in South Carolina for twenty years.

I will dedicate a post to each topic .....so stay tuned!

Dogtrot 2

2008-11-21T11:42:00.001-05:00

This is another modern dog trot. The center hall of this dog trot is enclosed with folding walls, so the house can be opened to capture the breezes when
the weather is nice. There are folding walls between the center hall and the "two pens" so the center can be opened independently of the rest of
the house. The rear is one large screened porch.

Dog Trot

2008-11-12T17:08:00.003-05:00

The dog trot is a traditional southern venacular form also known as "two pens and a passage". One room was typically used for sleeping and the other for cooking. The open center passage was the main sitting room that was cooled naturally by the Bernoulli effect. The center passage was often used as the dog kennel and thus the name dog trot.

Dog trots are found in Tennessee, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, Florida, and Texas. The dog trot above is from the Historic American Building Survey located in the Library of Congress, it is Thornhill Plantation , Greene County, Alabama The drawing is by Kent McWilliams, 1935 and the photo is by Alex Bush, 1935

Recently we have been experimenting with the dog trot form for contemporary houses. Our mild winters are ideal for outdoor living. The Crobsy residence is a true dog trot with the master bedroom in one "pen" and the great room and kitchen in the other "pen". The center passage serves as a large sitting room. The house is currently under construciton and whenever we are at the job site at lunch time, every working is sitting in the center passage enjoying the breeze.