If the location and configuration of your project allows for it, passive solar design is something that can be considered in the building architecture. In this approach, windows, walls, floors, and landscaping are strategically chosen and placed to provide heating, cooling, and daylighting to the building. Effectively designed, passive solar heating systems increase the comfort
This week I got in touch Tim Seggerman of the Tim Seggerman Design and Building Workshop in New York and asked the designer about his influences and outlook: On Ideas “I carry my inspirations with me all the time, though by now they’re mostly hidden from view. I came to architecture and building through art
Would you like to save some money on your water bill? Harvesting rainwater will help you conserve both water and money. This water is non-potable but is useful for watering your lawn, landscape, or garden, toilet flushing, or even connecting a washing machine to it for year-round water. Rainwater harvesting uses inexpensive and simple technology
If you’re developing your driveway, parkway, patio, pool perimeter, or even your entire backyard, consider looking into permeable paving for your hardscape. There are many permeable pavement solutions: pervious concrete, plastic grids, porous asphalt, aggregate, porous turf, interlocking pavers and bricks, and recycled glass porous pavement. These green options allow stormwater to move through the material and
Photo from geograph.org. We’ve written about net zero design and construction before. A net zero home is designed for hyper efficient energy consumption and uses a renewable power system, typically wind or solar, to produce the power it needs. Let’s take a look at the trade-offs between 3 to put a solar renewable energy system on
Demolition is the tearing down of buildings and other structures. It is a process that clears the old and makes way for the new. While the general idea behind the mechanical procedures is not alien to most of us, the legal procedures can be. When you’re preparing your property to add a backyard cottage or
The hard work of making design decisions, planning and permitting is now over. Phase V is when you get to watch it come to life. Depending on site conditions and the size of the home, construction will take two to four months. (click image to enlarge) The most satisfying and remarkable aspect to the construction
In Phase IV it’s time to put the full permitting process, with all the proper documentation, into motion with your city’s building department. The building permit fee and impact fees are paid to the city at this time. The processing time to receive a building permit can vary from 2 weeks to 4 months depending
The principal focus of Phase III is choosing the specific products to go into your project like floor type, siding, windows and doors, roofing, tiling, faucets and other fixtures. We work on scheduling all of the subcontractors. Though small homes are small construction projects a remarkably large number of people will be involved. (See our master
Our clients typically take a couple weeks to digest the estimate before deciding to continue so we pick up Phase II at week 10. Two fundamental project components are in place from Phase I. We understand the zoning & permitting requirements that need to be followed for your city, and we understand the functionality you