Modern architecture has moved to the computer in a big way. We can use a computer for planning, drawings, CAD design, layout and blueprints. But not that long ago all those architectural drawings were painstakingly rendered on paper. I came across this web resource that achieves hundreds of architectural drawing from the 18th century. And… Read more »
Posts Tagged: historic
How Did They Do It?
In building today’s modern structures we all take for granted the tools and equipment we have available. Machines that can move tons of earth in one stroke, cranes that can lift incredible weight sky-high and hand-held power tools that cut and shape, bind and paint. But stop and think of the spectacular architectural buildings of… Read more »
San Francisco Architectural Styles
On this Halloween I’ve been thinking about Victorian and Gothic architecture and scary houses called to mind the many historic architecture of San Francisco. A great wrap-up can be found here —> Museum of the City. I particularly identify the City of San Francisco with the Mediterranean Revival Style (1920-1950s) found in many grand homes west… Read more »
Westgate Project Team – Meet Trace Kannel
Trace Kannel was initially hired to do code research for the Westgate project because she is a resident of San Francisco, and has a thorough understanding of their layered planning process and compliancy issues for renovating homes there, especially ones that are historic. She is also multi-faceted in other ways. Trace is not only an… Read more »
South Rim Grand Canyon Architect
Caught this video the other day. Mary Colter was the architect responsible for this beautiful structure. http://www.cbsnews.com/videos/on-the-trail-grand-canyon-architecture/ Mary Colter was the visionary designer behind the Grand Canyon’s most recognizable buildings. Drawing on ancient Native American structures for inspiration, Colter (one of a handful of female architects in her day) created buildings that blended in with… Read more »
House Fires & Hazards: A Lesson on Egress
Did you know that the size of a window opening is based on getting firefighters or other emergency escape and rescuers into or out of a house, with their equipment? In California egress is now often referred to as “Emergency Escape and Rescue Openings”, in cases of a fire or other hazards. And it is most… Read more »
Challenges of Light & Ventilation
The natural grade at the front of the house, where the master bedroom is located, was 6 feet above the finished floor, which didn’t leave enough wall space for meeting the code requirements for light and ventilation. The building code requires that a habitable space shall have natural light area of not less than 8%… Read more »
Brunelleschi’s Dome: How a Renaissance Genius Reinvented Architecture
I don’t usually do book reviews but came across this and it really was a good read, especially if you like architecture. Brunelleschi’s dome construction for the Santa Maria del Fiore cathedral in Florence was literally decades in advance. The proposed dome was considered impossible to build and he built it! Brunelleschi’s Dome: How a… Read more »
Digging Up Dirt
It is a challenge to do “rooms down” when there isn’t enough headroom below the main floor. Ideally you want to get high enough ceilings in the basement to create space that is comfortable to live in. 8-foot ceilings are not enough to do this. 9-foot ceilings are much better. So we needed to stay… Read more »
The Legacy of West Portal Neighborhood
For many San Franciscans, the Twin Peaks Tunnel’s last stop at the West Portal station is just a spot on a map. If you have a chance to hop off the train at Ulloa Street, you’ll find an urban village full of hidden gems. Check out the 1944 street shot –some places don’t change much!… Read more »
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