Our fearless leader, Suzanne Zahr, has decided to demolish and build-new her own personal home - every Architect’s dream! As a design/build team, we thought it would be informative & fun to highlight certain design features, aspects of the permit submittal process, sustainable building systems and techniques, and much more, as we progress. Join us on this arduous but rewarding journey!
Here’s a list of anticipated topics - stay tuned!
Site Orientation, Sun-angles & Prevailing Winds.
Site Sections - How to negotiate sloped lots.
Efficient / Flexible Space Planning.
Benefits of having a Detached Accessory Dwelling Unit.
Architectural Finishes - Interior & Exterior.
Demolition – How to recycle, reuse & repurpose.
Stormwater Management – On-site water detention.
Grading, Retaining Walls & Landscape Design.
Mass Timber & Framing.
Zip Sheathing & Weatherization.
High-performance Glazing.
Insulation Strategies & how to avoid Thermal Bridging.
Rainscreen & Cladding.
Benefits of a Green Roof.
Material Focus: Lavastone (Interior & Exterior)
Heat Recovery Ventilator (HRV) System.
Thermal Mass & In-floor Heating & Cooling.
Fabricator Spotlight: Outdoor Fireplace.
Gas vs. Electric.
Residential Fire Suppression.
Photovoltaic System.
What is a Blower Test?
Ergonomic & Tailored Kitchen Design.
Material Focus: Quartzite.
Appliances.
Lighting Design & Strategies.
Floor Finish Highlights.
Fire Orb & Ezyflame - clean burning fireplace.
Passive House Performance-based Certification.