Filed under: Building knowledge, Construction and Permits, design, Energy Efficiency, Hot Topic, Materials, Resources, Sustainable Living, Uncategorized | Tags: Architect, architecture, design, developer, ELA Studio, Sebastian Eilert
Ideas versus money. That is about the simplest way to distinguish the two and also the easiest way to understand why these two groups need each other. While overlap is of course possible, it is not likely. Developers frequently look at a potential project and create a general concept based on location and possible use of the land. Architects then provide a design concept to realize that opportunity and eventually the detailed plans to actually build the initial vision of the developer. Most projects, residential, commercial or otherwise, were created by the synergy of these two groups.
An Architect as developer has solved the financial puzzle and can move forward not just with the idea and concept, but the execution of the project as well; a developer as architect first must obtain required licenses and typically look beyond function of the project to integration of concept into a larger scope and environment.
Filed under: Building knowledge, Construction and Permits, design, Hot Topic, Resources, Sustainable Living, Uncategorized | Tags: Architect, architect services, architecture, design, planning, Sebastian Eilert, Sebastian Eilert Architecture Miami Green Sustainable Building, urban, urban planning
When looking closer into the world of design, one will find a distinction between planners and architects. While Architects may act and function as planners, the reverse is generally not true. Urban planners are trained to focus on a larger picture and incorporate varying functions of a place. These functions may include buildings and other structures, but also consider infrastructure and landscape concepts and the use of structures. In short, it is urban planners who try to figure out what happens where. Residential living mixed with industrial production? Large trucks and trains mixed with pedestrians and bicyclists? Maybe not a good mix and match…
https://www.planetizen.com/node/68464
There are many schools of thought about proper planning and most of us are living in the result of a certain theory in time that won over another idea. Compact live/work areas typically do not blend with strip malls and suburban single family home planning. High density downtowns will not blend with agricultural production – even though urban farming is a strong and functioning concept!
Once the general ideas have been laid out, the architect typically takes over to designing the actual buildings and structures. To learn more about planning: Jane Jacobs, smart cities and CNU may are good starting points.
Filed under: Building knowledge, Construction and Permits, design, Hot Topic, Landscaping, Resources, Uncategorized | Tags: hurricane irma, irma, Miami, permits, Sebastian Eilert Architecture Miami Green Sustainable Building, south florida
A hurricane can leave much destruction in its wake, but even a small wind event may knock over some vegetation and fences.
Under the Florida Building code a permit is required to repair fences, so where to start? The good news is that after a strong wind event, such as Hurricane Irma, the governor has the ability to declare a state of emergency, as he did for Hurricane Irma. Besides federal aid, this status also allows municipalities to provide expedited permits for homeowners to get back to a normal stats of living.
Many municipalities accept a simplified permit application for simple items such as fences. Miami Dade has a standard detail that most municipalities will provide to homeowners to pull an “owner-builder” permit for minor repairs and replace missing sections of their standard wood fence.
This detail is in compliance with the Florida building code and most contractors are familiar with this type of installation. In addition to the detail, you need a footprint of the home and boundary of the site, like an old survey. Mark or highlight the area of the fence to be replaced and provide the actual linear feet either as a side note or on a separate sheet. Make sure to reference the current building (as of this writing it the FBC 5th Edition) as the applicable reference code, again a simple note to be added to the plan.
Lastly some municipalities request an estimate of the cost of work. Get this from the contractor that is going to install the fence.
More damage than a wood fence? A permit will be required. Contact Sebastian Eilert Architecture to see how we can help. www.SebastianEilert.com 305.253.5786
Filed under: Uncategorized
- kitchen with center island and breakfat area
This 2000+ square foot home was recently completed. The original house had a main entrance that was underused and some overall small areas, a very dark kitchen and some bathrooms in dire need of an upgrade. The renovation and addition focused on upgrading the feel of the house and the overall flow of all spaces while integrating as many sustainable features as possible. Green building was an important aspect for the owner and sustainable choices were implemented in almost all facets of the project.
To start we evaluated the layout and enclosed the former front entrance. The old side entrance, primarily used to enter the home, was enlarged with a new foyer and entry focal feature. A free standing entry wall now invites into the home and sets the tone for a clean and light experience.
On the inside the kitchen was removed entirely and replaced with a light and open alternative complete with Center Island. The open layout now invites and connects the dining room area and the breakfast feature that is integrated into the island. Appliances were selected to fit the need of the owner and reduce operating cost.
Next, the HVAC system was upgraded as well to further optimize energy use for the project. The entire ceiling was insulated with spray insulation ensuring a very tight seal and practically eliminate leakage; a great weatherization package.
The study, located slightly off to the side received a change in opening increasing the usable wall surface while illuminating the area naturally. We were also able to provide air conditioning to this Florida room, not previously serviced by AC.
With the renovation already under construction, it was decided to upgrade the roof to a metal roof option, yet another feature to help cool the house by design. Large existing trees remained on the site and new native and Xeriscaping landscaping was added by the owner. Water reduction is not just limited to the irrigation system and plant selection but also carried to the inside with dual flush toilets and low flow faucets.
Some of the original terrazzo flooring was salved and a new hard surface flooring was added. This easy to clean option is also a perfect choice for South Florida as it retains the cool air longer than most other flooring options.
Another highlight feature of the house is a 12’ sliding pocket door by PGT that brings the outside in. Aligned with an operable picture window combination to catch the natural breeze as it approaches the house, cross ventilation works perfectly in this project.
To start on your own sustainable renovation contact Sebastian Eilert Architecture.
786.556.3118
Filed under: Uncategorized
Irma is currently a category 5 hurricane with the potential for catastrophic consequences. It is critical to take precautions early on. Preparation is key when it comes to weathering such a storm. Have all emergency supplies ready.
Quick Preparation Tips:
· Stock up on water and non perishable food.
· Refill any prescriptions and stock any necessary medical supplies.
· Check / Test any emergency supplies you already have (batteries, flashlights, etc…), restock or purchase as necessary.
· If you have a generator, check it is operational and you have all necessary components (gas, battery, cables, oil, etc…)
· Stock up on pet supplies (food, water, kitty litter, medications, etc…)
· Gas up vehicles.
· Bring in outdoor furnishings, plants and decorations and any other items that can be picked up by the wind.
· Take photos / scan important documents.
· Prepare small evacuation kit if necessary ( change of clothes, cash, important documents, phone numbers, insurance records, etc…)
· Get cash.
· Share your emergency plan with family and friends.
Additional Resources:
FEMA has a good simple list and tools to help:
Get a Plan! www.FLGetAPlan.com
We are here if you need us, don’t hesitate to contact us with questions regarding your home our business. We can be reached at: www.SebastianEilert.com .
***Stay Safe***
Filed under: Air Quality, Building knowledge, Construction and Permits, Energy Efficiency, Hot Topic, Sustainable Living, Uncategorized | Tags: architeture, design, energy pyramid, energy savings, residential energy, residential energy consumption, residential energy savings, Sebastian Eilert Architecture Miami Green Sustainable Building
Not sure where to start with energy updated for the home? Ready to install PV panels to get off-grid? …or anywhere in-between. This is a great tool to help make sense of where to start and how to prioritize energy related updates to the house. Look also for other posts on this site for solar panels, insulation and design considerations.
Filed under: Building knowledge, design, Hot Topic, Resources, Sustainable Living, Uncategorized | Tags: architecture, breakfast counter, design, dinign room, dining, holidays, kitchen counter, Sebastian Eilert Architecture Miami Green Sustainable Building
The dining room is becoming an increasingly extinct animal, the formal dining room, that is. In recent years very few projects in our practice, new homes or renovations, included this once mandatory space. While the dining table is certainly a key feature of any home, the formal space to host it, is not.
The first question to answer when thinking about the dining room, is to identify the need and want of the user. Large families, extended families and those seeking to maintain traditional schedules may want to consider keeping this designated space. Most however, see the formal dining room as a space used 2-3 times a year, usually for Thanksgiving and during the holidays with the rest of the year serving as glorified storage.
For the latter, the dining room has evolved into an open concept space planning that is hosting the table, much more integrated into the other living areas. It is not an isolated space, but rather part of the overall daily use of space. Here the dining table serves many functions over the actual room. Homework, breakfast, dinner, family meetings… all gather around this space before moving over to the couch next to it.
As a further evolution, we have done projects that incorporated a table height seating area into a kitchen island. This is a great alternative for areas with limited space. See our post on kitchens, for more.
If you decide to keep the formal dining room space, there are a few considerations to address. First, what is the size of the table for maximum use. Typically a table is in daily use for a small number of people, but when gatherings occur, this number can easily double or triple: Plan for the maximum “extended” table to ensure that everyone can move around the chairs comfortably. A chair position should be around 18” to the back with at least another 24” when someone is sitting in it and another wants to pass behind. A 10 person dining table should be 3’- 4’ wide and about 10’ long. Plus seating at each end, makes the preferred minimum size for a dining room 18’ long. The more people are anticipated, this can easily grow to 24’. A ratio of 2 to 3, length to width provides a good balance.
Next consider the butler or other form of commode to be located at either the head end or the side, depending on layout. Will this be used for fine china storage? Serving for events? Other storage? Enough space must be allocated for furniture and access accordingly.
Finally, consider lighting. A great dining room wants a great chandelier. In addition to the center piece, I also like to include recessed lighting at the perimeter, roughly over the chairs. This should be on a separate, dimmable switch to provide additional or ambient lighting for the space.
