The “net-zero” home in Durham that we have been working on is not only trying to reduce their expenditures later by utilizing energy saving construction but they are also saving money during the framing process by using advanced framing techniques.  Advanced framing techniques (also called Optimum Value Engineering) start with a well thought out framing design that considers common lumber and sheet sizes. This reduces was ... Read full post »
Radiant Floor Heat
One of the most cost effective ways to install a radiant heating system is to embed the tubing in a concrete slab. Here you can see the hydronic lines over the insulation boards. After the lines were placed it was time to pour the concrete. The concrete will be smoothed and prepared for a polished finish. Â A polished concrete floor is a gorgeous alternative to other floor coverings allowing our homeowner to make the most of their ... Read full post »
The Curved House is Complete!
It’s done! It’s been a great experience all around. The curved features of the plan for this home required some thought and coordination not necessary in most projects. But, the extra time and attention to detail has paid off. The impact of the curves on the exterior is clearly apparent as you approach the home. It’s obvious why the curve was needed now, as you look at the finished house against the landscape ... Read full post »
Finishing the Kitchen!
The custom kitchen cabinets went in this week. Installing these too were tricky, owing to the curved south wall. But they are solidly built and look terrific. Diane is an artist and has been doing this for many years. I’m giving two and a half weeks to get the interior trim and stairs in. We’re simultaneously installing the ceramic tile and most of itshould be in at the end of this week. We’re also templating f ... Read full post »
Interior Trim & Flooring on the Curved House
We’ve started interior trim this week after installing the heartpine floor over Christmas week. The heartpine layout is tricky: there are “rays†coming off the north wall and extending across the great room to the more expansive south wall. They’re layed out approximately every 5’ where we’ve installed steel columns that support the elevated walkway on the north side. Then we infilled perpendicula ... Read full post »