January 2009
1 post
October 2008
1 post
3 tags
August 2008
1 post
July 2008
10 posts
5 tags
3 tags
"Let's Get to Work" →
Bella sent me an e-mail with this subject line. She’s a fun person to be married to b/c she dives in and makes decisions. Quite the snoopervisor to boot. We aimed at using a shipping container, but the timing and size and permit requirements are getting in the way. So now we’re using it as an opportunity to design and build something from scratch. These plans will get me started on...
8 tags
4 tags
WatchThe Delicacy and Steadfast Nature of Trees
Part of the appeal of this lot was the amount of trees on it. Granted, the configuration completely sucked with bunch of green ash lining the arcing perimeter and bisecting the lot across the old stone wall. But after four years of ogling those anemic, tightly clustered bad boys, we found that they obscured the view and were smack dab in the way of...
6 tags
June 2008
3 posts
5 tags
Read the Reports
I learned a valuable lesson today. Read all the reports and directly ask your contractor if there were any issues that you as a client should be aware of. In this case, it came down to reading the soil engineer’s final report.
When we bought the lot (nearly four years ago now in June 2004), part of the agreement was that the previous owners would pay for soil borings to let us know if the...
Details in a Sushi Restaurant
We’re in NYC for the Webbys and decided to get some sushi at Blue Ribbon Sushi since Benchali was only doin the takeout thing. What we discovered was a confirmation of our hopes about the use of clear-grade cedar throughout the house.
The shiplap profile complemented with ripped-down 2-bys turned on end and spaced widely for screening created a comfortable, human space without pretension....
May 2008
1 post
April 2008
5 posts
1 tag
A Smoke Alarm That Won't Make You Sweat →
We spend all this time ironing out details, ensuring clean lines pick up and leave off where they should. But it’s usually the common objects that are overlooked: exterior vent caps and escutcheon plates, shut-off valves for the biffs, hooks for hanging towels, and so on. In this particular case, smoke alarms. But, Kidde is making a pretty slim (due spring 2008) version that is fairly...
Inflated Sense of Green-Importance
I think one of the most frustrating parts of designing and building a home right now is all the god-forsaken, self-congratulatory articles being written. Open the May/June issue of Architecture Minnesota, Dwell, or Metropolitan Home, and you’ll see what I mean. Humility would serve architects and designers well. Look to their provincial roots, and they’ll find some of the poorest...
Update to "The Tree Assassin" Post
All said and done, we went with Northeast Tree Service. They’re licensed in Minneapolis and seem to be really involved with the city, doing things right like blocking off the street, and are prompt in responding. Come Friday, “Timmmmbbbbeerrrrrr…”
3 tags
The Tree Assassin: Relocated
Whenever I think of tree trimming and felling, I recall my mother-in-law’s story of her next-door neighbor, who has subsequently been deemed “the tree assassin.” The details probably aren’t that interesting for most of you, but the sentiment is. People become protective of what is not theirs. They place value in nature, in trees — even if the growth is random and chaotic.
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March 2008
1 post
Cheap Stair Parts →
I’ve been thinking a lot about the cable rail that’s spec’d for the 2nd floor lookout balcony and, now, as Mike informs me, for the guard rails that just came into play. There was something unique and cool about this, but now just seems like a bygone trend that will feel like dated tubular rails painted white or black from the 1980s with some metal-framed Robert Nagel prints....
February 2008
2 posts
Vapor Proof Wall Bracket Fixtures →
Die cast aluminum construction with sturdy wall mounting bracket. Medium base socket and a variety of globes. Incandescent up to 200 watts. CFL 13 or 22 watts. Fits 4” box. CFL lamp supplied. Incandescent lamp not supplied.
Retro Cool Zinc Switch Covers →