LDa Architecture and Interiors - Employee Blog Post https://www.lda-architects.com/explore-lda/list/employee-blog-post en Resilient Design for Flooding https://www.lda-architects.com/explore-lda/resilient-design-flooding <div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><p class="rtecenter">Written By:<a href="https://www.lda-architects.com/our-firm/directory"> </a><a href="/node/407">Andy Hinterman</a></p> <p>Building codes require us to pay a lot of attention to situations that we hope are unlikely, but like airbags in cars, we want to be sure that safety features are in place during construction, even if we think or hope that the need for them will be rare. This tumultuous winter that New England has been experiencing has both underscored the importance of these regulations and demonstrated how successful they can be at protecting property.  </p> <p class="rtecenter"><img alt="" src="/sites/default/files/img_1487_0.jpg" style="width: 1200px; height: 679px;" /></p> <p>Our Salten Point project is located on the edge of the inlet along Sandy Neck on Cape Cod and its most prominent feature is its proximity to the water and surrounding wetlands. FEMA guidelines dictated the elevation of the home's first floor, the intention being that this height is above the majority of expected high water events in a 100-year period. We don't regard this as punitive in any way; rather it's simply yet another factor to be considered in the design process. The catch to this is that the foundation of the house, being below that elevation, has to be designed and built with the expectation of being flooded several times during the life of the building, while still providing a stable platform for the building to stand on.</p> <p class="rtecenter"><img alt="" src="/sites/default/files/img_9868.jpg" style="width: 1200px; height: 900px;" /></p> <p>We accomplished this by creating openings around the perimeter of the foundation for flood vents which allows water to flow freely in both directions. In the event of bad weather coinciding with a high tide and full moon (a not uncommon occurrence that happened in early January) water might be pushed high enough up the site that it would come in contact with the house. In this case, the flood vents would allow the water into the foundation and the water would then be able to flow out again during the next low tide and the storm passes. It's a scenario that most homeowners don't relish, but it's much preferred than having flood waters build up and flow into your living room!</p> <p class="rtecenter"><img alt="" src="/sites/default/files/salten_point_flooding.jpg" style="width: 1200px; height: 918px;" /></p> <p class="rtecenter"> <iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="360" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/5UUc_1UHo7w" width="640"></iframe></p> <p>Two of the recent storms occurred during high tide and with a northeasterly wind that pushed seawater up onto this project site. In one of the storms, water did come into contact with building foundation, but wasn't deep enough to trigger the flood vents (much to our relief!) This can be seen as an endorsement of the FEMA elevation guidelines as the house that previously existed on this property would've been well below the water line during each of those events. Above is a video that was taken from the first "bomb cyclone" storm this year right before high tide hit. Our builder was on site and he took some footage from the second floor of the house.</p> <p class="rtecenter"><img alt="" src="/sites/default/files/img_1596.jpg" style="width: 1200px; height: 900px;" /></p> <p>Water isn't the only concern of course; our project on the south side of Cape Cod endured heavy winds during one recent storm and when things died down we found that the beach had eroded to the point that the footing of the 1935-built sea wall had been exposed. The next round of storms moved more sand onto that beach, but there's still a need to bring in conservation commission-approved sand to fill in the beach and safely cover the wall structure. </p> <p>Waterfont homes are beautiful for many reasons but their proximity to the water brings in a lot of concerns that need to be addressed, particularly as weather events become more intense. A good design will give a project resiliency and the ability to withstand the weather for decades to come. </p> </div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-tags field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/explore-lda/list/coastal-flooding">Coastal Flooding</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/explore-lda/list/employee-blog-post">Employee Blog Post</a></div></div></div> Fri, 16 Mar 2018 18:17:31 +0000 LDa 2308 at https://www.lda-architects.com Before & After: A Berkshire Barn https://www.lda-architects.com/explore-lda/after-berkshire-barn <div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><p class="rtecenter"><img alt="" src="/sites/default/files/berkshire_barn_before_and_after9_0.jpg" style="width: 1200px; height: 927px;" /></p> <p class="rtecenter">By: <a href="/node/409">Carter Williams</a></p> <p>As the new owners of just over 100 acres of Berkshire farm and woodlands, most of which is held in a conservation restriction, our Brooklyn-based clients engaged LDa to undertake a master plan for the property.  </p> <p>The first step was to create a ‘home base’ from which the family will explore the fields, woods and brook, and oversee the next phase of renovation to the main house.  The existing 1940s Barn, occupying a scenic meadow knoll but in need of some loving attention, was therefore updated as the family’s temporary country home and future guesthouse.</p> <p>Inspired by family travel, our clients shared their vision for a Swedish-cabin inspired space.  Low ceilings were removed, contemporary fixtures were added to create a dialogue with vintage details and hardware, and a calming palette of bright white, cool black, and warm natural wood finishes was embraced.  On the technical side, all-new insulation, heating and electrical systems, plumbing fixtures and windows ensure the space stays cozy, bright and energy efficient on even the snowiest days.</p> <p class="rtecenter"><img alt="" src="/sites/default/files/berkshire_barn_before_and_after10.jpg" style="width: 1200px; height: 927px;" /></p> <p class="rtecenter"><span style="font-size:12px;"><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">The exterior was restored to its former barn-y glory – with a few new extras!</span></span></p> <p class="rtecenter"><img alt="" src="/sites/default/files/berkshire_barn_before_and_after_0.jpg" style="width: 960px; height: 742px;" /><img alt="" src="/sites/default/files/berkshire_barn_before_and_after2_0.jpg" style="width: 960px; height: 1243px;" /></p> <p class="rtecenter"><span style="font-size:12px;"><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">Our clients loved the texture of the living room’s mixed-width paneling, but wanted to significantly brighten the space while increasing the overall level of sophistication.  To radically change the volume of the room without losing its cozy scale, we cathedraled the ceiling  but kept the rough-hewn attic collar ties (doubling them up so every other one could be removed).  A modern gas fireplace materially references the rustic, blackened-steel door hardware that was salvaged and reused.</span></span></p> <p class="rtecenter"><img alt="" src="/sites/default/files/berkshire_barn_before_and_after3.jpg" style="width: 960px; height: 742px;" /></p> <p class="rtecenter"><img alt="" src="/sites/default/files/berkshire_barn_before_and_after4.jpg" style="width: 960px; height: 1243px;" /></p> <p class="rtecenter"><span style="font-size:12px;"><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;">The kitchen, formerly an enclosed room with a tiny built-in eating area, is now open to the living room.  A peninsula provides both workspace and seating around the counter, transitioning into a bookcase that’s also the stair railing.</span></span></p> <p class="rtecenter"> </p> <p class="rtecenter"><img alt="" src="/sites/default/files/berkshire_barn_before_and_after11.jpg" style="width: 1200px; height: 927px;" /></p> <p class="rtecenter"><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size:12px;">Mosaic concrete tiles give the mini-mudroom entrance a pop of graphic interest.</span></span></p> <p class="rtecenter"><img alt="" src="/sites/default/files/berkshire_barn_before_and_after5.jpg" style="width: 960px; height: 742px;" /></p> <p class="rtecenter"><img alt="" src="/sites/default/files/berkshire_barn_before_and_after6.jpg" style="width: 960px; height: 742px;" /></p> <p class="rtecenter"><span style="font-family:arial,helvetica,sans-serif;"><span style="font-size:12px;">Views to the south and west were dramatically expanded, and outdoor space was created at both levels:  a screened porch opens from the office/guest bedroom downstairs and offers roof deck access at the living room level, with spectacular views to the brook and ridge beyond.</span></span></p> <p>At every step, our General Contractor, Lou Boxer, and his talented team at Lou Boxer Builder were instrumental in thoughtfully realizing the design vision to a meticulous, highly-crafted execution.  We are excited about our ongoing collaboration on this inspiring site!</p> </div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-tags field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><a href="/explore-lda/list/transformation">Transformation</a></div><div class="field-item odd"><a href="/explore-lda/list/after">Before &amp; After</a></div><div class="field-item even"><a href="/explore-lda/list/employee-blog-post">Employee Blog Post</a></div></div></div> Fri, 03 Feb 2017 15:02:31 +0000 LDa 1977 at https://www.lda-architects.com