Working in Two Countries

How we work in California as a company split between Italy and California:

The most important thing we have to offer is an experienced team with many years of combined experience working as architects, contractors and developers on a wide variety of architecture and construction projects in the US and Italy.  This experience allows us to be fully aware of all aspects of architecture and construction including budget considerations, building codes, project management, and most importantly the needs of our clients.

In particular our offices offer the following advantages:

Experience and knowledge of both design and construction and an acute awareness of both the functional needs of our clients and their budget.

We offer a savings of time in the development of our clients projects because we can offer a nearly 24 hour service, work may be started in California and continued in Italy while everyone in California is sleeping.

By utilizing our facilities and people in Italy we can generally do the same work at a lower cost.

Our multicultural training and experience means we also offer the best of American and Italian design.

We can give our clients access to the latest in Italian design and products shipped directly from Italy for cost savings and uniqueness.

Who do our clients work with and how is their project accomplished:

Our clients work directly with a licensed and highly experienced architect.   He or she will be the project architect the client´s direct contact throughout the project.  The project architect provides the personal client contact, design input, practical onsite work and coordination with planning and building departments and with the construction contractor.

We make full use of the latest electronic technologies to virtually eliminate the distance between our offices, and give the client the best possible service as well as make it easy to understand and visualize the project.  Some of these technological advantages include:

High speed internet services on both ends.

Internet based telephone service allowing free calling between Italy and the US.

Video conferencing

Cloud computing, that is making documents available offsite for access anywhere anytime.

Setting up project specific web sites.

Email, faxing, and scanning of documents and sketches.

3D models of most projects, including renderings and as needed video animations.

3d model placement in photos of the actual environment

We use the latest version of one of the most sophisticated CAD programs, giving us the ability to make BIM (building information models) and do various animations including solar modeling.

Digital photography of sites, existing buildings and use of such services as Google Earth for instant aerial surveys.

We have the latest and complete office software from Microsoft, including Microsoft Project which allows us to make a complete project schedule, including also when requested by the client a complete construction schedule from start up to move in.

We have accounts with local printing companies that allow us to transmit CAD drawings directly to their printers.  They can then make prints and deliver them to the client within their normal delivery time schedules – in a rush this can be within a couple of hours or less.

We make pdf files of individual drawings, 3D renderings, documents, and complete project plans which can be visualized on any computer even carried on one’s tablet.  3D animations can also be viewed with common software programs.

What is the process of design and production drawing:

During the first design meeting with the client we begin to develop a written set of notes and a program outlining the client’s needs.  In the case of home design we ask the clients questions about how they live, their family makeup, their likes and dislikes about design and also about the way they live, that is how they intend to use the spaces we design.  We ask them to give us their ideas about design perhaps giving us pictures as examples of what they like.  From this information we begin to piece together all the elements of the new project.  And then we begin with just paper and pen or pencil to sketch out the general layout of the new project.  Working back and forth between the two offices and the client a very rough design is developed. 

This is followed with a client meeting to determine if we are going in the right direction.  The work presented in this second meeting might be as loose as simple bubble diagrams, traffic flow sketches, and notes about the effect of the environment, sun wind etc.  From this meeting we can then proceed to refine our ideas based upon input from the client.  The project architect will then work with the other designers in the firm to refine and develop sketches.  This process of meeting with the client and development of the design continues until the client is fully satisfied that the project meets his needs.  During this initial process we will also transition from simple hand sketches, which are still the easiest way to begin a design, to more refined work with our CAD program.  At the same time the design will be done in three dimensions and 3D models presented.

During this initial design process the client’s contractor or other consultants may also get involved so that their input can be considered at the earliest affective stage.  Once the initial design is settled final design drawings are prepared in CAD.  The final design is then presented to the client for approval.  Any final changes are made and then the construction drawings are started.  Most of production drawing work is done in Italy by the principal architects or under their direct supervision.  Once the final construction drawings are complete they are transmitted to California electronically, printed and distributed as needed.  The local project architect submits the plans to planning and building departments for approval.  Building department corrections when available are sent by fax or email to Italy where corrections are made. 

Also note that since all drawings are digital, that is they are CAD drawings, they are easily sent to the various consultants for their use during the entire construction document process. 

Finally, consider that our experience, ability to understand our client´s needs and our ability to express those needs in a successful building project is our most important asset.  We offer the combination of California and European design uniqueness, cost savings in lower fees and fast project turn-around time.

 

 

American Design

Do you live outside the US and wish there was someone who could help you with a project involving your living spaces that understood your desires, need for functional spaces, ideas about how kitchens and bathrooms should work, and just in general the way you would like to live.  If so why not contact me, I have over 30 years of experience designing homes for the rich, the middle class and the poor.  Even though I am in Italy most of the time I continue to do projects in the US and together with my wife who is an Italian architect we have done projects in the Czech Republic, Mexico and Switzerland as well as Italy.  Most of the work we have done in these various countries is done over the internet so we can easily work with you even though we may not be able to meet face to face.

Ideas for the main Plaza in Belluno, Italy

Above are some of the 3D images we did for a competition to present ideas for updating the main plaza in Belluno, Italy. All of them were captured from one 3D model created with Vectorworks.


Our goal was to make a plan that would enhance the commercial activities in the center of Belluno and at the same time to provide a plaza free of traffic and available for a large variety of activities.  We felt that the success of the downtown businesses is vital to having a strong and healthy central area of Belluno.  Without that the old towns die.  Architects tend to think that people should park away from the center so it can be preserved, and walk to their destinations. But the reality is that most people will sooner get in their cars and drive to the shopping areas that are convenient.  And without the income generated from downtown businesses and the continuing flow of people in and out of the city the city center withers and dies.   But we also considered that the plaza is a great asset and must be enhanced.  We designated some areas for particular activities and provided a new tribute to those who died there.  The concept is the thing that is important.  If a final design is done that can actually be built much might change from what we proposed, however, I believe that our idea to provide a safe plaza separated from traffic while at the same time enhancing the traffic flow around the plaza is the best solution for everyone.

What's growing on the farm

Our new crop is electricity generated from the sun.  The first picture is our rendering of the design done with Vectorworks.  As you can see it very closely reflects the actual constructed project.  VW is quite the design tool, you can design most anything with it.

Photovoltaic Plant a Great Investment

After some months of bureaucratic processing and as soon as the land dries out a bit we will start the construction of our 100kw photovoltaic plant. This is a ground based project, a good contribution to clean and safe energy. The thing that is really interesting about this is that it is such a good investment. Briefly it will have an internal rate of return of around 21% over a 20 to 30 year life span, when done on land already owned. And the income is guaranteed by the Italian government and ENEL a large European power company. A big portion of the income comes from incentives. There is a positive cash flow from day one and the initial investment will be paid back in around four years. The incentive is for 20 years and the life of the panels is around 30 years or more. So power can be sold even after the incentive ends. This also based upon 30% equity and a loan for 15 years.

Our role in all of this has been to be the architects of the project for clients who are family members. We will manage the plant over its lifespan, assuming ours is the same. Through this process we have become pretty much experts in the overall picture. We have done the paper work, the overall plans, the hiring of the contractor/supplier, and the electrical engineer. Now we will oversee the construction.

We now know that this is a good opportunity as an investment, but at the same time it is not so easy to implement. We realize that our knowledge could be of use to others and though it is not exactly architecture it is the kind of service that we could offer as architects based upon our own experience not just in this project but in all phases of dealing with government agencies and taking something from the idea to the final construction. This after all what we do as architects. So contact us if you any interest in such a project anywhere in Italy.

Passive Solar Heating and Cooling

PASSIVE SOLAR HEATING & COOLING
and energy saving ideas.

By John Helm


These days all the talk is about saving energy and there are a lot of new as well as old systems to take advantage of the sun for heating and even cooling. Since my years in university I have been aware and have studied the various ways to take advantage of this free source of energy. The problem is that while the suns energy is there to be taken and used for free, the actual ways that we collect it and turn it into a form which is useable are generally not free and sometimes very expensive.

Over the years I have made many proposals to my architectural clients to implement various ideas into their projects. For the most part when the costs came in they resorted to the time tested and much less expensive standard forms of heating and cooling. The initial cost of the equipment can take many years to pay for itself and in the US at least where people tend to move often they don’t consider it a wise investment.

Therefore, in this short article I will restrict my comments to the things that we can do in our existing homes that require little or no costs and then I will discuss a few things we can do in our new homes to maximize the collection of the sun’s energy for heating and turn that around for cooling.

Existing Homes
We will start this little journey at the front door. Do you know that just putting a good door mat outside and a rug inside the exterior doors can save energy? Yes it can. Approximately 80% of the dirt we bring into our homes comes from our shoes. So just cleaning them before entering saves the extra time we would have to use the vacuum cleaner. Taking off the shoes and putting on house shoes or slippers will save even more.

Now I’m going to tell you some things you probably already know but I bet you don’t do them. Since I said no extra expense, I will stick to the things we can do just to maximize heating or cooling and minimize heat gain or loss without spending any money. The windows are generally the major tool here. They represent a hole in our walls when it comes to energy gain and loss. So they need to be managed. Assume you have curtains and better yet shutters that open and close. In the morning when the sun is out in the winter, open the south facing curtains or shutters while keeping the windows closed to let in the solar energy and open the doors of those rooms to the rest of the house. Keep the others closed until the outside air temperature warms up or you just can’t stand having them closed. As the sun passes reverse the process. At night shutter everything up.

If you have a fireplace, close the flue when you are not using it. Heat rises the open flue sucks the heat right out. On the subject of heat rising remember that it will rise to the upper floors on a two story house. If those floors contain the bedrooms, close the door leading to the stairs if you have them during the day or if no stair doors close the bedroom doors. There is no need to heat rooms not in use.

In the summer we reverse the above. Keep the south facing windows shuttered. Open the flue and open second floor windows that don’t face south.

Also keep in mind that hard surfaces such as tile and concrete absorb heat. This function can be used in winter and summer. If you have a tile floor for example expose it to the sun in the winter it will heat up a radiate the heat back out in the evening. In the summer protect it from the sun; you might even cover it with a rug but only in the summer. In the summer we can open all the windows in the night to cool the house and then promptly close them in the morning.


New Homes and Remodels
The most cost affective way to minimize energy use in new homes, when we remodel or make additions is to use the things we would build anyway in a way that is energy use conscious and does not add any or little to the cost. As before we start with windows for natural light north facing windows are great but that’s the worst location for heat loss or gain. They don’t see the sun. So it’s best to minimize them unless we are building an artists studio or they face a beautiful view. South facing windows are the one’s we want with hard surface floors facing them and concrete walls inside the house to absorb the heat to be radiated out in the evening. Skylights that can be opened bring in natural light and when opened in the summer allow the heat to rise out of the house.

Those big south facing windows are great in the winter as long as the sun is out; they are not so great when it’s not. So we should make some provision to cover them and of course they should be double glazed as should all the windows, even triple glazed in harsh climates. And what do you do about them in the summer? In the summer they must be shaded. This can be done several ways. We can shutter them, put up louvers or roll up awnings. Permanently shading them will eliminate their use for heating in the winter so don’t do that. One way we all know is to plant deciduous trees near them. Those trees will shade them in the summer and allow the sun to shine in during the winter as well as provide a nice appearance in the view and the yard.

Fireplaces can be a good source of heat if properly designed using outside air for combustion and some form of providing circulation of the heat generated. Glass doors allow radiant heat to pass while minimize the amount of heated inside air that rises up the flue. In the summer open the glass doors and the flue to allow the heat to flow out. Fans can be placed in the attic at little expense to draw out additional heat.

Let’s also not forget insulation, perhaps the very most important addition. Blanket insulation made of fiberglass is the least costly and in fact adds little to the overall cost. If one objects to the glass fiber there are also natural products made of wood and recycled cotton. Increasing the thickness of walls in wood frame construction allows increased insulation but at added cost though not that much in the overall picture. Another item to consider is using one of the modern house wrap products instead of the conventional tar paper. They seal the walls, but allow moisture to pass from the inside to the outside.

Finally let’s not forget the lighting. Windows, skylights and solar tubes can minimize the amount of lighting we need to turn on during the day. Proper placing of lighting for general purpose lighting as well as task lighting is important to minimize electrical usage. The use of fluorescent light wherever possible can reduce energy use by 2/3rds and as they become less expensive LED lights will bring consumption down even more.

So I have just touched a bit on the overall subject perhaps you, your architect and your contractor will be encouraged to use these ideas and think of more on your own.

Copyright 2009 by John Helm may not be reproduced in any form without the permission of the author.

Adding space to or remodeling your home.

Room additions are a very poplar way to increase the size and value one’s home in the US. Here I will discuss the reasons why they are so popular and the various possibilities and uses for the added space.

First let’s think about the value of a home. Homes are typically priced based upon their size, the quality of construction, finish materials, number of bathrooms, size of the kitchen, and often most importantly the location. But size in any location is the final determining factor. When adding on sometimes the prime consideration is the cost of the new space. An advantage in this area is that the new space can be a type of space that adds substantially to the size and therefore the value of the home while at the same time being the least expensive space to build. Let me explain, the most expensive spaces one can add are bathrooms and kitchens, any thing involving plumbing and household appliances. So it fallows that if a home already has the basics, obviously they all have kitchens and bathrooms, then the most cost effective way to add value is to add simple spaces, for example, bedrooms, offices, family rooms and play or hobby areas.

Of course there are many other factors influencing one’s desire to remodel or add space, not the least of which would be the desire to have a nicer bigger kitchen, or perhaps a beautiful master bathroom. These items when one considers value do not generally give a full payback when one sells the home, but of course they do make it much easier to sell at full market value.

What are some of the additions that people tend to make to their homes. I will talk about a few of them. As in the above example simple spaces can be added to make a home more comfortable to live in and provide space for children, guests, hobbies or just everyday family activities. These rooms might be universal, that is adaptable to various uses that might change over the years as the family composition changes. Maybe a guest room before kids are born, a child’s room later and finally a room for elderly parents. These rooms might be accompanied by the addition of a small bathroom. Or one might add a large room adjacent to the existing living room that is open to the kitchen and becomes a family room. Another idea is to add a room above an existing garage or turn attic space into useable space. A space can be added most anywhere even if not made an integral part of the existing living space. This space might serve as an office for those who work at home, an artist’s studio, an exercise studio, a home theatre room, or just a universal space adaptable to needs as they arise. One might also add an enclosed patio for semi outdoor dining and entertaining; call it an indoor outdoor space.

Finally we can talk about the idea of adding a separate or semi separate apartment. These can take many forms. Perhaps one is just anther bedroom with a space for a small kitchen unit and a bath room. It could be a space where an elderly relative can be independent but still living within the main family home. Or one can add an apartment that is totally separate, maybe above the garage or in the back yard. Of course this apartment would have a multitude of potential uses, form being a work studio, to a rental unit or an apartment for an adult child or grandparents.

In the US it is also very popular to remodel an existing home with or without adding space. The remodel itself can take many forms. I will try to cover a few of them. The main reason people do it is to make an existing home more comfortable, more livable, better looking or perhaps to decrease overall energy consumption.

To make a home more comfortable and livable one might add or increase the size of windows, change flooring materials, put new cabinets in the kitchen along with new sinks and appliances. The same might be done in bathrooms. Built in bookshelves, closets and cabinets can be added. New lighting might make it easier to cook in the kitchen.

Making a home better looking which might also increase its value can include new exterior paint, revised trim on windows and doors, new exterior railings and new landscaping. In the interior one could do the same along with new floor coverings, new cabinets, etc. In fact many of the improvements in livability might also add to a homes value and appearance.

There can also be a big overlap in the area of energy consumption. When artificial lighting is improved the light fixtures used can be those that consume less. If windows are added or increased in size they might also reduce the need for artificial light during the day and they might also contribute to passive solar gain for heating purposes. Adding shutters to the exterior of windows can reduce the energy loss through the windows if the shutters are functional and closed, particularly during the night. Replacing carpet with tile can provide an energy storage base. High density materials like tile and concrete absorb heat and radiate it back during cool periods. Windows placed in an area where sunlight can heat the tile during the day makes this work. Shading devices over windows and exterior walls that can be adjusted or operate naturally during hot months can save on cooling costs or just help in providing a cooler interior. Landscaping functions here as well. Deciduous trees provide shade in the Summer and let the sun shine in during the Winter, if placed in front of South and West facing walls. Then there is of course the option of adding insulation. It’s most easily done in attic areas but can also be added to walls.

Finally one might wonder how does one accomplish any of the above changes and who should one ask for help. The simple solution is to hire a competent architect. One might think well I don’t really need an architect to do most of the above. I could just hire a contractor who will do the work or an interior designer, or maybe just go to a cabinet company to design my new kitchen or bathroom. There are two major reasons why the architect is the best source for all of this. The first is that the architect works for the client and only has his best interest at heart, he or she is not trying to sell anything other than services to the client. Sometimes the interior designer can fill this role but here often the designer is making his money by selling stuff, furniture, flooring, etc. and therefore profits most by selling lots of stuff. The other reason for hiring an architect is that the architect is trained by schooling and experience to be the most qualified person to see the overall picture. That is what architects do. They understand, planning, traffic flow – how spaces are used and connect to each other, construction, uses and functions of materials, peoples needs and desires for their living and working spaces, and they have a general understanding of mechanics, heating cooling, electrical, appliances, lighting, solar energy, etc. In general the architect is the one who can put all the pieces together. The architect may not do all of this himself, but he or she, knows enough about to be able to know when another expert, consultant, contractor or designer is needed and can coordinate all of their efforts.

Good Design

Il Serchio,

As an architect I just can’t resist writing about this. This last Monday night we stayed at Il Serchio a camper site in Lucca Italy. At first glance the concept of the place seems great and it looks new and clean. It’s dedicated to campers, has electrical and water hookups at each site, free wifi internet, showers, laundry and dumping station. The price is very reasonable at 18 euro per night and it’s pretty close to the old town center. We rode our bikes into town the first afternoon then the next morning took a nice bike ride along the river bank just up a little hill from the camp.

But it’s one of the best examples of poor design I’ve seen in a while. It’s probably one of those cases where the owner’s didn’t think the services of a good designer was worth the cost of hiring one. The parking spaces for the campers are too short being more the size for a car so the camper sticks out into the road/drive area, it’s a big wide gravel drive with tiny short green spaces for the campers. They put the baths at the farthest corner rather than centrally located, the internet connection is intermittent, goes off and on, and can really only be accessed if one parks closet to the entry. The showers seem like they were designed by someone who never took a shower in a camp of any kind. They are directly across from the toilets, there is no dressing area or place to put ones clothes, turn on the shower and water sprays out into the hall area as the heads are fixed and there is no door just a curtain half of which were torn. The water stays on for something like 30 seconds then has to be started again. It was dark when my son and I went to take a shower and the lights also on timers went off 3 times causing me to have to go into the sink area naked, wet and cold to turn them back on, of course this area was also exposed to the outside through large uncovered windows. Finally, they have a nice dump area for grey and black water. But it’s right in front of the entry to the men’s bath area. In fact the black dump tank (that’s the stuff from the toilet) is right on the walk to the bath so one has to walk across the area where people dump their toilets on the way to take a shower.

As I said above the concept is great, a simple campsite dedicated to the needs of campers/motor homes, with just the things they need and nothing more at a good price in a good location. It’s just too bad it couldn’t have been designed properly.

Architects ready to help

I don't post here often as the main intent was to let people know we are available to help with projects big and small and to answer questions about design, architecture, construction, etc. That is what I have done in previous posts. So this is just a reminder.

Straw Bale Homes

We are doing our first straw bale home, but it's not the first for our associate Juergen, he has designed many. What is it, well, yes the walls are actually made of bales of hay. The real structure is a wood frame with prefabricated shear walls in steel and wood. The bales are a sort of infill wall. The advantage is great insulation, a natural renewable building product and a product that can be installed by unskilled labor. The walls are finished with cement plaster inside and out.

Have a look at this 3D model.