I have recently been asked by a client about a new heating and cooling concept for their project: geothermal heating and cooling. There is actually nothing new about this idea, but it is gaining popularity in these days of climate concerns and rising energy prices. A lot of clients ask about it and few are very […]
Consider Geothermal Heating and Cooling for any Project Read More »
I recently attended a seminar on major changes in the 2015 version of the International Residential Code (IRC) sponsored by the Denver HBA. Most changes were related to architectural topics, but I’ll focus on the top structural changes for this blog. Wind speed maps now show ultimate wind speeds that match the ASCE-7 and International
IRC 2015 Structural Changes Overview Read More »
I recently posted an article on the rules behind egress windows. I realize that knowing the rules doesn’t necessarily mean that you know the most common window sizes for each different window operation. So here are the basics and some links to the Anderson Window catalog as a guide: Casement windows are minimally 2′-4″ wide
Common Egress Window Sizes and Operation Read More »
Isometric vs. Axonometric The names for these types of three-dimensional drawing are often used interchangeably, which is somewhat correct because in fact one is a subset of the other, so what’s the difference? Axonometric In this corner: an axonometric projection is a type of orthographic projection where a three-dimensional object is depicted at a skewed angle
This or That #5: Isometric vs. Axonometric Read More »
It’s often tempting to try to squeeze bathroom spaces when designing a house. A comfortably sized bathroom is worth the extra few inches though. The IRC says the minimum width from the centerline of the toilet to the nearest cabinet or wall is 15″, making 30″ of wall space an absolute requirement for your toilet.
Toilet/Water Closet Wall Clearances and Space In Front Read More »
My sister and I recently took a bike ride to the historic site of Delaney Farm, several miles north of our childhood home in southern Aurora, CO. The well-used trail along Toll Gate Creek is a ride through tall, wild prairie grasses and the occasional grove of willow or cottonwood trees — a rare glimpse
The Architecture of Colorado’s Beginnings Read More »
I recently completed a rather unique stair design for a client. The client had completed an addition to their home, but during construction the client determined the stair, which led to a loft area, was not the design they wanted and therefore it was not built during the addition. After looking at the space and
Floating Stairway to Heaven Read More »
We had the pleasure of having an entry in the recent Parade of Luxury Homes in Evergreen Colorado, and our home was by far the largest on the tour. Many people remarked at the size of the home and questioned what it took to heat and cool a mansion of this magnitude. The home is
Do This One Simple Trick to Lower Your Energy Bills for Your Home Read More »
Energize Denver: Energy Efficiency in Large Buildings Energize Denver is a program started by the City of Denver in 2017. The Benchmarking Ordinance program looks to measure and monitor building energy use because and per the City of Denver, “you can’t reduce what you don’t measure.” Buildings over 25,000 sq. ft. located in the City
Energize Denver Program Overview Read More »
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