Archive for August, 2011

Aug
0

Camping Shed

Here is one of those small, simple and economical DIY projects that never got built. The idea was to have a ‘convertible’ building that could be locked up when gone but opened to allow for views/breezes when visiting. Steel tubes slide through u-bolts to lock the doors but then can be used to create an awning when opened. Screened panels fold down to protect you from those pesky mosquitos and ‘bunk shelves’ also fold down from the walls that can comfortably sleep four.

This would then be turned into a storage shed when the main cabin was built. In this case, the client built the cabin we designed first…!



Aug
0

Podcast #31 – LEED Projects

Podcast #31 – LEED Projects

Today we speak with EcoDEEP‘s Kevin Flynn AIA LEED AP about LEED. This is an internationally recognized green building certification program. A few questions discussed include:
-What is the basic philosophy behind LEED?
-Are there different classifications depending on the building type?
-What are the categories within LEED and how does the point system work?
-What do people need to be aware of when looking into doing a LEED project?
-Basic steps to become certified -costs/paybacks?
-What do you see for the future in terms of LEED -building codes, etc.?

Feel free to contact Kevin with further questions.
email: info@ecodeep.com
phone: 651-788-8641

Other links worth checking out: United States Green Building Council
and USGBC Minnesota Chapter

Please subscribe to these podcasts also via iTunes. Search for the titleĀ ‘Design & Other Fun Stuff’.

Aug
1

Staying Creative

Great little video on ways to stay creative. Enjoy each day, each struggle and each success. Check it out and get creative!

Aug
0

Project Update- Riverview BC: Punchlist

Time to wrap up another project. This is always a great time -seeing the final product of a lot of efforts come together. It also feels like you are sending a child off on their own. The day to day contact, the teaching/learning, and the relationships with everyone involved now changes. You have to trust that success will continue and that you have done all you could to give the client and building a bright, happy future.

This ‘final’ stage of the project involves walking through the facility with the Owner, members of the Design Team and the Contractor to develop what is called a ‘Punchlist’. These are items that still need to be completed or items to repair. Usually (hopefully) the extent of work is paint touch-ups and installing a few missing ceiling tile. Closing out his project was a bit more complicated because the Owner completed some of the work. We needed to make sure and clarify responsibility. In the end the list was small and the church will be officially ‘moving in’ by the end of the month. Thanks to everyone involved and especially the Riverview Baptist Church for allowing us to help realize your dream!

Aug
0

DIY Design – Tie Holder

DIY Design – Tie Holder

Yes, I could have gone to Bed, Bath and Beyond and purchased a slide-out tie rack that would fit into my closet system…but that would be boring! Instead, I thought about what I needed in a tie rack. A space for a dozen ties, maybe hold a belt or two, and someplace to keep my tie tacks so they wouldn’t get lost would do the trick. There was a small unused portion of wall just inside the closet -perfect for a wall-mounted something or other. The result is shown below. Using readily available aluminum angles, brass and steel rods, of course my favorite -truss plates, a bit of paint and then some small bolts pulled it all together. I smile every time I use it. Click on the images below to enlarge.