Check This Out: Comparative Resistance of Native Heartwoods

Thinking about building a deck or cladding your home in wood siding?  Choose resistant or very resistant heartwood for a low maintenance solution.

http://www.fpl.fs.fed.us/documnts/fplrn/fplrn153.pdf

Check this out: Real Remodeling Costs

http://www.houzz.com/remodeling-costs/kitchen

Check this out: Standard heights for 10 household details

http://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/18450808/list?utm_source=Houzz&utm_campaign=u373&utm_medium=email&utm_content=gallery7

Things that come out: Yankee Doodles

I've been hired to remodel the front of house for Yankee Doodles restaurant in Santa Monica!  We are only in the pre-design phase, but here's a peak at what's to come.

Things that come out: Fiske Deck and Patio

The client invited me back to design a new deck and patio so they can better enjoy their back yard.  The house is modest - probably about 1600 sf - so I proposed creating a series of outdoor rooms suited to various outdoor activities.

The first is the Lounge Deck located just off the dining room.  A fireplace, wrap around benches made of FSC certified Cumaru wood, and a shaded pergola overhead create an ideal space to share an after-dinner drink or a weekend brunch.

The second is the Rain Porch.  Located just off the bedroom, this covered deck allows the owners to enjoy their yard, even if it's raining.  Perfect for reading a book with a warm cup of tea and a blanket, sitting in a comfy chair on a rainy day.

The third is the Dining Deck.  This deck is large enough to entertain a few friends and is located adjacent to the gas grill.  Tucked under an established Sequoia tree, this deck really puts you up close to nature.  The tree also provides a structure from which to hang pendant lights over the dining table.

Finally, a flagstone patio tucked away on the far side of the yard is partially hidden among tropical plants, offering a secluded refuge - a nice place to get some sun or just sit and watch the hummingbirds.

Here is the before pic...

Existing Back Yard and Deck

And here's the new scheme:

Proposed Plan

Proposed Elevation

And here are some construction Pictures:

Check back in a month or so to see the completed project!

Things that go in: More neighborhood art Part II

Mystery solved - the word written in the chain link fence in the previous post is "HOTTEA."  Hottea is a Minneapolis-based artist who is also responsible for this:
http://www.thisiscolossal.com/2013/09/hottea-williamsburg-bridge-rainbow/

Things that go in: More neighborhood art

I do love Chipotle - and with 4 of them within walking distance of my office, I am pretty well set.  I love this one Melrose the best though b/c of the vibrant mural.  It would be fun do something like this for a kid's room.

I think it says HOTTER or HOTTEA...  Not sure what the message is, but I like the creative use of chain link fence.