Wednesday, March 31, 2004
Every time I meet with the architects, I come away smiling. It's so exciting to think of what will go up on the lots! Today we looked at Mabel in particular, and how to blend the first-floor exterior and interior spaces so that you get a sense of an expanse that wouldn't normally come with such a teeny parcel.
Plus, my architect loaned me the book "Residential Towers," whose title made me laugh. The projects in it, though, inspired me to have a perch for reading, writing, watching the sun rise and set ...
I love that it's turning out to be such a local project; the architects are half a block away; the surveyor, 2 blocks; the insurance agent, 1 block.
Meanwhile, I've turned the psychological corner on whether I could ever live in the Pirate's house. I think it's the amazing renewal of the white-oak wood floor that did it. Now I just have to finish out the multiple painting projects, get the easement, and put the old place up for sale.
Plus, my architect loaned me the book "Residential Towers," whose title made me laugh. The projects in it, though, inspired me to have a perch for reading, writing, watching the sun rise and set ...
I love that it's turning out to be such a local project; the architects are half a block away; the surveyor, 2 blocks; the insurance agent, 1 block.
Meanwhile, I've turned the psychological corner on whether I could ever live in the Pirate's house. I think it's the amazing renewal of the white-oak wood floor that did it. Now I just have to finish out the multiple painting projects, get the easement, and put the old place up for sale.
Monday, March 22, 2004
So here's what I've been writing when not posting real blog accounts: my first stab at programming. It's probably not all here, but it's a start.
The Intangibles
I have lived in Portland for most of the last 9 years, 6 of them at the current Beaumont location. I like the scale of the housing in the neighborhood as well as its multifaceted character. Although a significant part of the project is an elaborate driveway, I rely on bicycling and walking for most of my transportation.
I welcome the use of new/industrial materials, so long as I can be sure that they are low maintenance. In keeping with the idea to keep the development as hassle-free as possible, each lot should have its own garage(s) and the interior park/courtyard should be landscaped for low, preferably no, ongoing maintenance.
In addition, I would like Mabel to be the kind of place that I can leave for months at a time without worrying about constant upkeep and security.
From childhood, I have grown up around remodeling/construction projects large and small, and I am familiar with the decisions, pace, and difficulties. I prefer to be more involved rather than less.
The kinds of places that please me are those that are comfortable and practical rather than grand and impressive. I entertain often, but usually it is small groups or family. I do not have a television; I spend most of my time at home in my studio, office, or living room listening to music and/or visiting with friends.
Having lived in numerous places in the United States and abroad, I like design that embraces international, cosmopolitan influences. That said, one thing I really like about my current house, a bungalow, is its small no-nonsense spaces and well-thought-out flow. I also appreciate convertible spaces. In fact, the entire downstairs of Mabel should be able to convert into a one-bedroom apartment, if needed.
As a bookbinder and tango dancer, I want Mabel to include a large interior space (hereinafter called the “bindery space”) that can serve multiple uses.
Generally, I would like to see Mabel and Galusha take advantage of light, views, and passive solar opportunities.
The Particulars
Goal: To create 2-house development, a garage at the northern street-front house, access to 3 lots and design interior space between them.
First priorities:
• Plan access driveway to incorporate utilities and lead to garages/homes on 3 separate lots
• First task is to define easement size so that it can be recorded and southern street-front property put up for sale May 1. A survey has been ordered (due April 9).
• Give consideration to type of fence that might be installed along south side of easement.
General:
• Excellent drainage thruout
• Low maintenance materials thruout
• Good-quality windows
• Security
• Plantings to require minimal or no care after established.
• Middle courtyard could channel swale/roof and driveway runoff to keep plants watered
• Take advantage of views to Mount Hood, southwest along the Alameda Ridge, and trees
• Ample storage space, some of which may serve as a wall between rooms, and built-in shelving
Mabel (2,900 square foot lot; 1,450-square-foot allowable footprint, per city)
Downstairs, exterior
• Install existing bike rack, easily visible
• Covered walkway between garage and entry
• Distinctive entrance
• Private patio area opens from interior bindery space
• Carport leading to press room
• Prefer smaller number of windows, placed strategically and high
Downstairs, interior
• Large closet at entry
• One bath with shower
• Finishes: Marblecraft surround and counter, Kohler fixtures, Nutone fan
• Utility sink near bindery space
• Utility room?
• Small press room with good ventilation
• Open bindery space with following potential uses:
-- Tango events
-- Classroom/workshop space
-- Gallery
-- Pingpong championships
-- Performances
• Bindery space links visually and physically to outdoor patio
• Corner and part of wall of bindery space devoted to cabinets and counter
Upstairs, exterior
• Bulk of the house’s windows go here, although quality of light/view takes precedence over quantity
Upstairs, interior
• One bath, with tub and 2 sinks
Finishes: Marblecraft surround and counter, Kohler fixtures, Nutone fan
• Stairs open to kitchen or just outside (btwn LR and K?)
• Kitchen with eat-in space and good morning light
• Kitchen more private than open, but with good access to DR
Finishes, etc.: Gas stove, ventilation hood, DW, Ikea cabinetry, garbage disposer, large stainless steel sink
• LR with gas fireplace
• DR, which can be exceptionally small and divide off LR via pocket doors, wall-like storage unit, etc.
• Balcony, at least one
• Explore possibility of interior balcony to overlook bindery space
• MB, small with low ceiling, with large walk-in closet and possible sink & vanity
• Second bedroom
• 1/2 bath attached to second bedroom?
Finishes: Marblecraft counter, Kohler fixtures, Nutone fan
• Office area can be small, nooklike, as in a cutout in a hallway or it can be in corner of second bedroom
• Small reading or library area
• Laundry room with space for air-drying clothes on rack and sink
• Wall/s of built-in shelves
Exterior and roof
• Rastra-like block, Zinc aluminum, tin
• Roll-up doors
Challenges:
• Use modern materials and give house home feel
• Protect privacy while stealing views
• Enhance security without a fortress feel
Potential extras:
• Dumbwaiter for groceries, etc.
• In bindery space, flat shelves on roll-outs for large sheets of paper, prints, etc.
• Wall bed for the bindery space
Galusha (5,800 square foot lot)
General: Design around save-able existing cherry and pear-apple trees.
Could use Mabel layout as template, but rotate it 45 degrees, adding second garage and upstairs bedroom over it.
Northern street-front house
Install oversize single-stall garage to provide segue between old and new development.
The Intangibles
I have lived in Portland for most of the last 9 years, 6 of them at the current Beaumont location. I like the scale of the housing in the neighborhood as well as its multifaceted character. Although a significant part of the project is an elaborate driveway, I rely on bicycling and walking for most of my transportation.
I welcome the use of new/industrial materials, so long as I can be sure that they are low maintenance. In keeping with the idea to keep the development as hassle-free as possible, each lot should have its own garage(s) and the interior park/courtyard should be landscaped for low, preferably no, ongoing maintenance.
In addition, I would like Mabel to be the kind of place that I can leave for months at a time without worrying about constant upkeep and security.
From childhood, I have grown up around remodeling/construction projects large and small, and I am familiar with the decisions, pace, and difficulties. I prefer to be more involved rather than less.
The kinds of places that please me are those that are comfortable and practical rather than grand and impressive. I entertain often, but usually it is small groups or family. I do not have a television; I spend most of my time at home in my studio, office, or living room listening to music and/or visiting with friends.
Having lived in numerous places in the United States and abroad, I like design that embraces international, cosmopolitan influences. That said, one thing I really like about my current house, a bungalow, is its small no-nonsense spaces and well-thought-out flow. I also appreciate convertible spaces. In fact, the entire downstairs of Mabel should be able to convert into a one-bedroom apartment, if needed.
As a bookbinder and tango dancer, I want Mabel to include a large interior space (hereinafter called the “bindery space”) that can serve multiple uses.
Generally, I would like to see Mabel and Galusha take advantage of light, views, and passive solar opportunities.
The Particulars
Goal: To create 2-house development, a garage at the northern street-front house, access to 3 lots and design interior space between them.
First priorities:
• Plan access driveway to incorporate utilities and lead to garages/homes on 3 separate lots
• First task is to define easement size so that it can be recorded and southern street-front property put up for sale May 1. A survey has been ordered (due April 9).
• Give consideration to type of fence that might be installed along south side of easement.
General:
• Excellent drainage thruout
• Low maintenance materials thruout
• Good-quality windows
• Security
• Plantings to require minimal or no care after established.
• Middle courtyard could channel swale/roof and driveway runoff to keep plants watered
• Take advantage of views to Mount Hood, southwest along the Alameda Ridge, and trees
• Ample storage space, some of which may serve as a wall between rooms, and built-in shelving
Mabel (2,900 square foot lot; 1,450-square-foot allowable footprint, per city)
Downstairs, exterior
• Install existing bike rack, easily visible
• Covered walkway between garage and entry
• Distinctive entrance
• Private patio area opens from interior bindery space
• Carport leading to press room
• Prefer smaller number of windows, placed strategically and high
Downstairs, interior
• Large closet at entry
• One bath with shower
• Finishes: Marblecraft surround and counter, Kohler fixtures, Nutone fan
• Utility sink near bindery space
• Utility room?
• Small press room with good ventilation
• Open bindery space with following potential uses:
-- Tango events
-- Classroom/workshop space
-- Gallery
-- Pingpong championships
-- Performances
• Bindery space links visually and physically to outdoor patio
• Corner and part of wall of bindery space devoted to cabinets and counter
Upstairs, exterior
• Bulk of the house’s windows go here, although quality of light/view takes precedence over quantity
Upstairs, interior
• One bath, with tub and 2 sinks
Finishes: Marblecraft surround and counter, Kohler fixtures, Nutone fan
• Stairs open to kitchen or just outside (btwn LR and K?)
• Kitchen with eat-in space and good morning light
• Kitchen more private than open, but with good access to DR
Finishes, etc.: Gas stove, ventilation hood, DW, Ikea cabinetry, garbage disposer, large stainless steel sink
• LR with gas fireplace
• DR, which can be exceptionally small and divide off LR via pocket doors, wall-like storage unit, etc.
• Balcony, at least one
• Explore possibility of interior balcony to overlook bindery space
• MB, small with low ceiling, with large walk-in closet and possible sink & vanity
• Second bedroom
• 1/2 bath attached to second bedroom?
Finishes: Marblecraft counter, Kohler fixtures, Nutone fan
• Office area can be small, nooklike, as in a cutout in a hallway or it can be in corner of second bedroom
• Small reading or library area
• Laundry room with space for air-drying clothes on rack and sink
• Wall/s of built-in shelves
Exterior and roof
• Rastra-like block, Zinc aluminum, tin
• Roll-up doors
Challenges:
• Use modern materials and give house home feel
• Protect privacy while stealing views
• Enhance security without a fortress feel
Potential extras:
• Dumbwaiter for groceries, etc.
• In bindery space, flat shelves on roll-outs for large sheets of paper, prints, etc.
• Wall bed for the bindery space
Galusha (5,800 square foot lot)
General: Design around save-able existing cherry and pear-apple trees.
Could use Mabel layout as template, but rotate it 45 degrees, adding second garage and upstairs bedroom over it.
Northern street-front house
Install oversize single-stall garage to provide segue between old and new development.
Tuesday, March 16, 2004
I know I should be focused on the more serious and long-term project of new construction, but right now every minute goes to fixing up the Pirate's house to make it livable. The Pirate stayed there 17 years, and you can bet not one day of it was spent cleaning house. I filled 2 vacuum cleaner bags of dirt and dust bunnies, _after_ sweeping and washing down the walls. Now it's TSP time in preparation for putting up some paint.
In all this drudge work, I've found a few nifty relics. Sometime around 1936, Galusha let roll a wheat penny and a (now retro) Rainier bottle cap into a crevice between the walls and floorboards — also a receptacle for Mabel's numerous hairpins. The Pirate left some rifle instructions, too, as reminder of the ammunition depot that was his house.
Programming continues for the new places. Today I received a much-sought copy of Stefanos Polyzoides' "Courtyard Housing in Los Angeles," and I dig it. A lot of it applies to warm weather climates but there is plenty in there re conscious use of interior-exterior space that appeals to me. My meeting with the architect happens Friday so I have a couple days to meditate on the book.
The Mabel and Galusha crew increases exponentially every week: Monday I hired the surveyors, yesterday a handywoman (for the Pirate's place), and a posse of folks is modifying my current place for sale soon. It looks like it all might actually happen. Cross fingers.
In all this drudge work, I've found a few nifty relics. Sometime around 1936, Galusha let roll a wheat penny and a (now retro) Rainier bottle cap into a crevice between the walls and floorboards — also a receptacle for Mabel's numerous hairpins. The Pirate left some rifle instructions, too, as reminder of the ammunition depot that was his house.
Programming continues for the new places. Today I received a much-sought copy of Stefanos Polyzoides' "Courtyard Housing in Los Angeles," and I dig it. A lot of it applies to warm weather climates but there is plenty in there re conscious use of interior-exterior space that appeals to me. My meeting with the architect happens Friday so I have a couple days to meditate on the book.
The Mabel and Galusha crew increases exponentially every week: Monday I hired the surveyors, yesterday a handywoman (for the Pirate's place), and a posse of folks is modifying my current place for sale soon. It looks like it all might actually happen. Cross fingers.
Monday, March 08, 2004
Mabel and Galusha -- I mean, the people -- come into sharper focus now that I've heard some stories. The Native, my neighbor two doors down who's lived in Beaumont all her life, says Mabel was the sweetest woman you could ever hope to know. I was happy to hear that, because if she'd been the neighborhood witch I could never name a house for her.
And then there's Galusha. The Pirate, and I mean that in the best way possible: the rollicking way he talked, his swashbuckling gait even on land, and the wide eye-popping smile, who sold me the house ... he says Galusha was the first TIG welder in the state of Oregon and he amused himself with all kinds of wacky household projects. I asked about the holes and the cement pad outside near the back door, and the Pirate said they were for a swing set Galusha built that was taller than the house and probably visible from Scappoose.
The house has some strange elements, too, not including locks on the attic door, to keep the teenage daughter from taking off for escapades. But she had the last laugh, lowering herself out the south window into the wild night. The rope's still there.
And then there's Galusha. The Pirate, and I mean that in the best way possible: the rollicking way he talked, his swashbuckling gait even on land, and the wide eye-popping smile, who sold me the house ... he says Galusha was the first TIG welder in the state of Oregon and he amused himself with all kinds of wacky household projects. I asked about the holes and the cement pad outside near the back door, and the Pirate said they were for a swing set Galusha built that was taller than the house and probably visible from Scappoose.
The house has some strange elements, too, not including locks on the attic door, to keep the teenage daughter from taking off for escapades. But she had the last laugh, lowering herself out the south window into the wild night. The rope's still there.
Sunday, March 07, 2004
As of Saturday, I have the keys to the empire.
Now I just need to figure out how to dunk the new (old!) house into a vat of TSP.
Now I just need to figure out how to dunk the new (old!) house into a vat of TSP.
Tuesday, March 02, 2004
Vacation's over, but Buenos Aires sticks with me: the taxis swarming up Avenida 9 de Julio, the sleepy tree-lined streets of Palermo, and the cobblestone sidewalks lining rows of artful structures, with just enough decrepitude to keep things interesting.
The city has all the best of Europe mixed with a distinctive South American wide-openness. There are ornate buildings -- some imported directly from France block by block -- and there are those that are deliciously, futuristically simple. Under some shabby exteriors of peeling paint, steps worn down under the scrape of countless feet, and wrought-iron railings dulled by decades of rain, dust and sun, everything nevertheless exudes Quality. It speaks of materials and the craftsmanship.
Now that I'm about to embark on the programming for Mabel and Galusha, I'm thinking a lot about such things. For a while I was taken with the idea of copying Ricarda's beautiful Lunallena guesthouse, where we stayed in BsAs, but now I'm just trying to figure out what elements make it so beautiful.
The good news is: On Sunday, there was a massive dumpster in my neighbor's front yard, and he was chucking things into it all night. Better him than me; I'll have my hands full just making the plumbing and wiring upgrades and scrubbing the place clean. Also, the best news yet: I've picked my architect, who actually comes along as sort of a package deal with a design collective that works a half block from my house. From their office, they willl get to see Mabel and Galusha rising.
The city has all the best of Europe mixed with a distinctive South American wide-openness. There are ornate buildings -- some imported directly from France block by block -- and there are those that are deliciously, futuristically simple. Under some shabby exteriors of peeling paint, steps worn down under the scrape of countless feet, and wrought-iron railings dulled by decades of rain, dust and sun, everything nevertheless exudes Quality. It speaks of materials and the craftsmanship.
Now that I'm about to embark on the programming for Mabel and Galusha, I'm thinking a lot about such things. For a while I was taken with the idea of copying Ricarda's beautiful Lunallena guesthouse, where we stayed in BsAs, but now I'm just trying to figure out what elements make it so beautiful.
The good news is: On Sunday, there was a massive dumpster in my neighbor's front yard, and he was chucking things into it all night. Better him than me; I'll have my hands full just making the plumbing and wiring upgrades and scrubbing the place clean. Also, the best news yet: I've picked my architect, who actually comes along as sort of a package deal with a design collective that works a half block from my house. From their office, they willl get to see Mabel and Galusha rising.
