PROJECTS IN DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION

Living Systems (Sustainable Architecture and Building Group) generally has several projects going at one time…. one or two in design and one or two under construction. However, Living Systems pledges to always limit their projects so that their clients are assured excellent service.

DESIGN PHASE:

From paper to 3D……

Here are 3D images of one of LSSA's most recent home designs. Seeing 3D images helps clients visualize what they will see through their windows and to understand how the home works with the sun throughout the year.

You may click on these pictures to see them enlarged.

RECENT REMODEL:

Challenging the Harsh Western Sun…..

The photos below are of the Alden Residence remodel recently undertaken to remediate harsh sun that made the former living area of the home marginal due to overheating and excessive light. Because the views were westerly, the original home had been designed to face in that direction. But, without necessary overhangs to fend off the hot western sun during the afternoon and evening, the result was an overly heated and heavily hung with dark window films which ended up blocking the desired view.

Living Systems' design changed all that through the addition of a significant overhang that diminishes the harsh western light from penetrating the interior space. The overhang also provides shading for the outside area now making it into a desired space during the afternoon and evening. To adequately bring light into the interior space, LSSA designed a moveable light shelf that controls the amount of light entering into the space. It also diffuses the light throughout the interior great room area making it both comfortable and well lit.

Removable fabric shade panels for shade in summer are removed to allow in the winter light. Wind shades were also installed to protect against high winds without blocking the view. They operate on a remote controlled tracking system.

NEW CONSTRUCTION

Follow the Progress of the Tidwell-Teachy Residence
      over the next 10 months……

Living Systems Building Group broke ground on this project in early May. To help follow the project as it progresses, Michael is taking photos from the same spot every few weeks. Below are some of the first shots over the past weeks. We will keep posting them by date.

The Poured Earth walls are due to be poured in mid July. These walls will be the first to make use of MgO as part of the binder thereby making Poured Earth one-step closer to becoming carbon neutral! READ more about Poured Earth and Living Systems' recent technological advances using Magnesium Oxide as binder).

The left picture above: July 29 - Tubing for the in-floor heating has been installed and the slab is beginning to be poured. The right photo was taken August 2: Slab is finished. The colored etching of the concrete will take place near the end of the project.

August 22: "The first scheduled pour of three of the Poured Earth walls on the Tidwell-Teachey residence. These walls are 16" thick with 4" of insulation in the center. Those pouring the earth have to make sure to place the material evenly on both sides of the insulation panel that is fixed within the metal forms.

The pictures below are from September 4, 2012. Third and final pour of the poured earth walls on the Tidwell-Teachey residence.

October, 2012: Poured walls are finished and the framing begins:

     

The Tidwell residence is about a month away from completion. Note how the light does not actually penetrate the windows due to the overhang. It allows for a beautiful glow inside without the glare!

Please contact LIVING SYSTEMS about your project by calling
928-710-2413 or by email: michael@michaelfrerking.com.