Last week we focused on this simple question; do we keep with the status quo of basically designing houses with a 30 year shelf life, or design them to last & be used for generations? While the question might appear “simple,” just how do you design for multi-generations where everyone is comfortable, and one is […]
Common Sense Building: Designing for Everyone (Exterior Checklist)
When you design something, you look at its intended purpose, ease of use, durability, and who will be using it (target market). When you start dealing with houses the purpose is simple; to provide a healthy, safe, and comfortable place to live so that people will be glad to get home. While the purpose might […]
Building Green Homes: Step 8 – Interior Framing, Rough-In’s
In this series on Looking Back & Looking Forward, we are reviewing a green home we built over 2 years ago, the lessons learned and more importantly, how we can utilize those lessons on future builds. In the last two articles we covered in the drying in portion of the building. This process is necessary […]
Building Green Homes: Looking back & Lessons Learned
I guess I can credit some of my desire to learn about and utilize energy efficient designs, green buildings, & solar power with the area I grew up in. I can recall some of our schools field trips where we would go see new houses being built with photovoltaic panels, and eating food cooked on […]
Utilizing Universal Design Principles to create an Accessible Deck
I don’t know about you but I like to be able to sit outside on my deck or porch and enjoy the weather while my wife likes to work outside in the garden. I do not foresee that changing anytime in the future, nor do most individuals with disabilities want to be cooped up inside. […]
Universal Design Principles – it’s better than you think
Doesn’t Universal Design really equate to a sterile looking house, with ugly grab bars everywhere? One might think so after visiting a doctor’s office, going out to eat, or even seeing the changes made to office buildings after the American with Disabilities Act (ADA) was passed. It can look that way if it is instituted incorrectly, but done with […]
Aging In Place, ADA Compliance & Universal Design
Home Sweet Home – nothing beats being able to come home, cook up a quick meal or even a gourmet one, take a nice relaxing shower, and then just relaxing. Most of us plan on staying in our houses for as long as possible (if not forever); do you really plan on just moving into […]