Blog entries tagged Architectural Solutions

Adding Space without Adding Space - Part II

Michael Ullrich — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 05:00:00 +0100

What is the most underutilized space in most homes? The answer is right under foot, it’s your basement. For many the basement is a damp, musty space, devoid of natural light, disconnected from the rest of the home, useful only for storage. This is unfortunate, because I see the basement as useful lower level living space, and you should too.

Water management:

Moisture is the most common problem found in basements and left unattended can lead to noxious odors, conRead More...

Adding Space without Adding Space

Michael Ullrich — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 05:00:00 +0100

In the current economy, and with growing awareness of green concepts, it seems the desire for "big" houses is on the decline. This gives architects and remodelers an exciting opportunity and challenge: to make smaller houses live "large".

To me, a house should be tailored so that every square inch has purpose and usefulness in the daily life of its inhabitants. This concept is critically important in smaller homes. In the next couple of blogs, I will discuss diRead More...

Make your dream home come true

Michael Ullrich — Wed, 13 May 2009 05:00:00 +0100

We have all seen countless advertisements on HGTV, for their "dream homes". It's an enticing sales pitch. A uniquely designed, fully decorated home, on a picturesque site. Who wouldn't want that?

Well, I see every home as a "dream home" waiting to be realized. Far too often we focus on the negative aspects of our homes, instead of looking for opportunity and potential. Intoxicated by television and print images,Read More...

When Bad Things Happen to Good Homes #3

Dean Brenneman — Tue, 14 Apr 2009 05:00:00 +0100

#3 IN AN OCCASIONAL SERIES:

It looks like that 1960's contemporary in Chevy Chase is going to get a new roof and a new lease on life! I am very happy for the homeowners, because the roofing contractor has agreed to tear-off his new roof as well as the old roof beneath, and replace everything from scratch, to my specifications. That's the right thing to do and I applaud him for stepping-up -- particularly because it is going to be very expensive for him.

Even so, Read More...

Sense of Scale

Michael Ullrich — Mon, 06 Apr 2009 05:00:00 +0100

Scale - no, I am not talking about that thing we all dread stepping onto in our bathroom or at the gym. I am talking about proportion and the spatial qualities of an object or entity in relationship to its surroundings. Scale is measurable, but more importantly it has a sensory component. When you walk into a room, how do you feel? Does something seem off? Maybe the windows are too small, the room is too narrow, and the couch blocks circulation paths. EverythiRead More...

Thinking outside of the Box

Michael Ullrich — Sun, 22 Mar 2009 05:00:00 +0100

Welcome to my blog. I am Michael Ullrich, AIA, an architect dedicated to residential design and remodeling in Washington, DC, Maryland and Virginia. I look forward to sharing my thoughts with you…

“Thinking outside of the Box”

It seems everywhere I turn; I am constantly reminded of the downturn in the current economy. Instead of talking about how bad things are, I would instead like to share a bit of optimism. Read More...

When Bad Things Happen to Good Homes #2

Dean Brenneman — Wed, 18 Mar 2009 05:00:00 +0100

#2 IN AN OCCASIONAL SERIES

Well, I was up on the roof of that 1960's contemporary in Chevy Chase, MD again yesterday, and the problem is MUCH worse than I imagined. In addition to water vapor questions, we now know that the roof is actively leaking at every skylight (there are ten) and at the chimney.

In every case, the problem is faulty "flashing" - the material (aluminum, copper or bituminous membrane) used to protect joints between the main roofing matRead More...

Remodeling in Phases - Make a Master Plan First

Dean Brenneman — Tue, 17 Mar 2009 05:00:00 +0100

I am often asked if it makes sense to remodel a home in phases; and the answer is an unequivocal... it depends.

On one hand, there are some great deals to be had today while the remodeling market is depressed; you'll get more for your money now than you will later when the market recovers. And it always costs more to build a project in parts than it does to build it all at once. Think "economy of scale".

One the other hand, there's plenty of siRead More...

When Bad Things Happen to Good Homes #1

Dean Brenneman — Sat, 28 Feb 2009 06:00:00 +0100

#1 IN AN OCCASIONAL SERIES

I was up on a client's roof in Chevy Chase the other day (this is what an architect does for relaxation) when I ran into my old nemesis - the phrase "That's how we always do it", and I was reminded yet again of the infinite ways that homes can be tragically damaged by ignorance - even by those who are well meaning.

Houses are complex; they are living, breathing organisms that stretch, shrink, vibrate, and sweat - just like people.&nbRead More...

They Don't Build Them Like That Anymore!

Dean Brenneman — Sun, 11 Jan 2009 06:00:00 +0100

THEY DON'T BUILD THEM LIKE THAT ANYMORE!

I love that phrase. It usually escapes from a new client, when we are touring another client's just-finished renovation. Sometimes we're admiring an exquisitely crafted stair railing or mantelpiece. Or it might be a lovely paneled portal or a fabulous cast iron grille. My personal favorite was a pocket-screen-door, that disappeared into the wall, next to a front door. In each case,Read More...