RISSAY_ARCHITECTURE | CONSTRUCTION

Trinity Transformation Completed

The Trinity project that we spoke about in several previous posts is finally complete and has been photographed.  The only things remaining from the original home are the masonry walls, wood joists, and stairs.    The house had a very well built structure, but all of the interiors had been neglected for decades and needed a major overhaul, in both style and functionality.  Infrastructure wise, it received all new plumbing, electrical, lighting, doors, roof, drywall, windows, and insulation. 

The windows are all Low E II Argon filled to try to minimize heat loss/gain through the windows. The spray foam insulation could realize energy savings up to 60% greater than if traditional insulation was used.  The windows, entry door, and insulation all qualified for the federal tax credit.  It is important to check what qualifies when buying these materials.  As for the windows, by paying an extra $300 total to get the more energy efficient windows, the homeowner will get over a $1,000 credit on his taxes.

The home also received all new custom milled wood flooring, marble tile, counters, and fireplace surround, plumbing and lighting fixtures, furniture, tile, appliances, custom millwork, etc.  Scott and Jim built a custom entertainment center for first floor (1^st picture below), which also incorporates a coat closet, which the 1^st floor previously lacked. Since most full beds would not be able to get up the spiral stairs or 3^rd floor window, we asked Springhouse Woodshop to create a custom wood bed and nightstand for us.  The two pieces were expertly crafted, and most importantly the bed completely disassembled to get up stairs. 

As you can imagine, the small space and stairs was an issue throughout the project, but alas it is complete and the homeowner is enjoying his new home very much.  Below you can find a picture of the 1st floor custom entertainment center, as well as some before and after photos.  Check back soon for the “Trinity Completed” photo album to see the whole project!

Artist Loft Design

Although we are a design / build firm, we also take on work that is either just design services or just construction.  We are currently pricing several jobs for just the construction of built-ins designed by others.  Our design services can range greatly from quick sketches with design direction, to space planning, schematic drawings, cost estimating, 3D modeling, renderings, and finally to full construction documents.  You can enlist us for one or more of these services or for the full range of services.

For the project below, we were approached by a repeat client who is a painter.  Since it is for her art studio and loft, she wanted to keep it to a modest budget, but with high functionality and quality design in mind.  Since it is just her studio, with no rush, and a handy husband with weekends free, she just enlisted us for a quick design direction and simple renderings to show the vision for the space.  Below you can find a few of the simple images, but please keep in mind we also do much more intensive renderings as well.  Just can't picture how 2D drawings transfer to your actual space? 3D models are a great way to help you envision your future project.

 

Millwork- How Old and New Can Coexist

Our one client, who is a lawyer in Center City, already had an existing Mahogany closet that didn't offer enough storage.  He wished to add on to the existing character of the piece with a built-in next to it for storing his collection of books and display pieces.  There was also the issue of the existing radiator, which hampered anything he tried to do with the space previously.

As you can see from the sketch, we designed it so one bottom box houses the radiator, while the other offers more concealed storage.  Both will have a decorative laser cut wood panel to enhance the elegance of the piece without hampering the flow of heat from the radiator.  The radiator box will also be lined with a bubble foil insulation that reflects 97% of the heat out the opening, and not wasted by heating the built-in itself.

The style and proportion of the new piece plays well off the old piece, while offering a different purpose.  The existing piece will also get a face lift, sanding, new clear coat, and new hardware.  The old crown moulding and baseboard are being replaced to offer a better continuity with the new Mahogany built-in.  Below are a few pictures of a sketch and the beginning of construction.