BUILD Blog

Doing research for our previous Google-Earth themed posts (Dwelling-Scapes and Building-Scapes) we began noticing some interesting deviations in the urban fabric of cities. Where there is density and grid, inevitably, there is also the divergence from both. We’ve tracked down a number of examples that document the anomaly of the dense, urban grid. These pattern changes become the open spaces, the parks, plazas and public realms. The images have all been taken at 3,000 feet above the Earth’s surface and have been cropped to show a square of 1,700 feet horizontally and vertically for comparison purposes. Let us know about your favs out there…

Plaza Mayor, Madrid, Spain

Dam Square, Amsterdam, The Netherlands

Soccer Field, Maputo, Mozamique

Kongens Nytorv (King’s Square), Copenhagen, Denmark

Parking Lot, Tetouan, Morocco

Cuzco Plaza, Cuzco, Peru

Broadway, New York City, USA

Townhall Center, Hamburg, Germany

Park, Seoul, South Korea

Open space, Nairobi, Kenya

Piazza Dante, Naples, Italy

Neighborhood, Mexico City, Mexico (Not really and opening but it appears to be a previous lake re-appropriated as housing and subsequently establishing it’s own exception to the gird around it.)

Allee Paul Riquet, Beziers, France

City Center, Viacha, Bolivia

Duomo di Milano, Milan, Italy

Cathedral Basilica de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain

Parque de la Pera, Lima, Peru

The U-District and Ravenna are surprising neighborhoods. They are closer to downtown than you might think in both proximity and character, and while they don’t have an abundance of hot, modern design, they’ve got the stuff that makes for great neighborhoods. The U-District in particular has done an excellent job of adapting and evolving over time. Rather than tearing down older structures, the character of the area is retained as gas stations become breakfast joints, houses become kayak rental shops and high-tech restaurants are taken over by the UW architecture department.

The public transportation in both neighborhoods is excellent; metro delivers its passengers to downtown Seattle in 12 to 16 minutes, direct connection access to the Microsoft campus has been established, and the light rail line is planned to extend up through the area. The Burke-Gilman bike trail passes through the U-District and Ravenna maintains a number of great running/biking trails - in addition to being neighbors with Greenlake. The U-District and Ravenna seem to share the city amenities but retain the peace and quiet of its many parks. Here are some places you should know about:

The Henry Art Gallery gets a constant flow of good design related shows, also check out the James Turrell Skyspace.

University Farmers Market every Saturday from 9am to 2pm. This is the real deal - farmers only, no bead stands, antiques or tarot card readings.

Tenpachi Salon and Store at 5611 University Way NE -clean, modern cuts. Go to the full Tenpachi post here

[Photo by Aaron Leitz]

Agua Verde Cafe & Paddle Club at 1303 NE Boat St -Good Mexican food and kayak rentals on lake Union

Originally built as the “Man Bites Dog Restaurant” at University Way & 40th and designed by the Barnett Schorr Miller Company in 1978. The structure was deemed 1970’s high-tech design and expected to last no more than a decade. 30 years later it’s still there and has served a wide range of functions including a video arcade. Currently it’s owned by the UW school of architecture.

American Apparel at 4345 University Way NE -glass walls, clean lines and scantily clad models

The Deca Hotel and University Lounge at 4507 Brooklyn Ave by R.C. Reamer, 1931

The simple, rickety fruit stand at University Way NE & 65th actually has a modern look and feel of pure function -old school fruit and veggies is the new modern.

Stainless steel clad building at 6211 Roosevelt -home of TCA architects.

Corrugated steel clad building at Roosevelt Way NE & 63rd Str.

U-Bookstore at 4326 University Way NE

The Urban Outfitters shop 4518 University Way is a recent conversion of the old Tower Records space with cool corner windows.

The Whole Foods Roosevelt isn’t modern in aesthetics but the concept is forward thinking and it’s the hub the neighborhood - it’s where you see your neighbors. They offer a packed calendar of cooking classes as well.

3rd Place books and Honey Bear Bakery - books, pastries and coffee with that mom-&-pop shop feel

Pizza Brava at 4222 University Way NE, real neighborhoods have good pizza joints.

The U-District has been called a film goers paradise as the 6 theaters cover the range from blockbusters to independent films and everything in between.

Dwell Roosevelt modern condos at 1026 NE 65th

Nordheim Court modern apartments at 5000 25th Ave NE

The Park Modern at 5611 University Way NE -clean, modern city living, 2 flats left.  Read more about the Park modern here and here.

[Photo by Art Grice]

Herkimer Coffee Shop at 5611 University Way NE - good beans and a modern shop.

University Village

Apple Store at U-Village -ahh the beacon of modern design…

Blue C Sushi at U-Village

Crate & Barrel at U-Village -we’re not typically fans of big box chain stores but the building has some interesting massing and pleasing materials.

15th Ave Art Deco Bridge over Ravenna Park

Running trail through the lush forest of Ravenna Park.

Cowen Park provides wide open space for volley ball and baseball.

The University of Washington campus is filled with impressive pieces of architecture like the William H. Foege Building.

Physics Building by Cesar Pelli, 1994 - Check out the sundial and Foulcault Pendulum

Hidden in the trees along Rainier Vista on the UW campus is Winkenwerder Hall, a mid-century modern gem.

Paul Allen Computer Science Building

Faculty Center by Steinbrueck and Kirk, 1960 - one of the purist mid-century modern examples in Seattle.

McMahon Hall by Kirk, Wallace & McKinley, 1965

Photo of Tenpachi Salon by by Aaron Leitz, Photo of Park Modern by Art Grice
All other photos by BUILD llc

Board and batten siding is the underdog of siding systems, but we like it for the following reasons:
It has the potential to be visually clean and crisp
It has a timeless look and weathers nicely if implemented correctly
The system takes the natural expansion and contraction of materials into consideration
It’s been around for a long time, carpenters and siders are familiar with it
It’s durable

So why isn’t board and batten siding more prominent in modern architecture? A quick Google-image search suggests that most board & batten siding systems are associated with traditional architectures – country cottages and old leaning barns. The word “rustic” comes up often when researching board and batten systems. But technically the system has everything necessary to be a serious, modern strategy for siding. So the BUILD research and development team has put together a guide to board and batten siding systems. These diagrams are just departure points - coordinate with your structural engineer for unusual situations and the use of panel products.

1. Horizontal spacers can be placed behind the board & battens for better air circulation, the spacers also provide a uniform nailer backing to the system.
2. The fasteners and pattern will depend on the size of the batten.
3. A variety of products can be used in lieu of building paper including VaproShield products.
4. 1/2″ sheathing can be used if blocking is installed behind at fastener locations. We recommend just bumping up the sheathing to 3/4″.
5. The fastener pattern for panels depends entirely on the panel product used and the overall geometry.

With wood boards the fasteners should be centered on the board so that the board can expand and contract in both directions. Using fasteners at the edges will cause the boards to crack over time.

We’ve also tracked down several modern applications. Let us know of any sharp B&B applications you know of out there.

Dogtrot House in Poplarville, MS by Waggonner & Ball Architects

[photo by Kerri McCaffety, Mac Ball, Catherine Smith]

Donald Barbour House in Kentfield, CA by John Marsh Davis
The batten geometry integrates with the structural columns… nice.

[photo by Alan Weintraub]

House for an art collector in Therwill Switzerland by Herzog & de Meuron, 1986
Precast concrete panels and pine slats

[photo by Hisao Suzuki]

Wood Residence on Vashon Island, WA by James Cutler Architects
Cedar board and battens

Irby House at Sea Ranch, CA by Obie G. Bowman, 2001
Redwood board and battens

[photo by Tom Rider]

Girvin Cabin on Decatur Island, WA by Miller Hull

[photo from Miller Hull Architects of the Pacific Northwest by Sheri Olson]

City Hall on Bainbridge Island, WA by Miller Hull, 2000

[photo from Miller Hull Architects of the Pacific Northwest by Sheri Olson]

Nickerson House in Seattle, WA
Painted Hardi-board and wood battens, anybody know the architect of this one?

[photo by BUILD llc]

Shack at hinkle farm by Jeffery S. Broadhurst

[via materialicio.us]

“Barn Doors Open” in Falmouth, Maine by Kaplan Thompson Architects
The added volume uses a reverse board & batten system.

Living, working and blogging in Seattle, it was only a matter of time before we felt obligated to post on floating houses. In doing our homework we spoke with Dan Wittenberg, president of International Floatation Systems Inc. (IMF), who was gracious enough to give us a bit of his time and expertise. In addition to designing and building floating homes all over the world, Dan previously lived in a floating home for 11 years. Here’s a bit of our conversation:

Are there any common misunderstanding that architects have about floating homes?
Many architects think that we build hulls or vessels, but that’s not true, we build floating platforms. These platforms are solid construction made with a concrete shell and a Styrofoam core. The platform has positive flotation and will not sink under any conditions, whereas a hollow vessel can fill with water and sink. The technology is comparable to a cork in that it won’t sink regardless of how many holes you poke in it.
What are the material options with a floating platform?
The floating platforms are only built with concrete and Styrofoam; this is a common construction method that insures they won’t sink. It is possible to build a shell which offers interior space (like a basement) but since it’s possible for a shell to sink, insurance companies look at the situation differently. It is still an engineered product but has a different risk factor.
Is there maintenance necessary for the platform floats?
There is no maintenance necessary below the water line.
Are the hulls made in Canada and brought down by tug boat?
For a floating house in Seattle, yes – we build them in Vancouver B.C. and bring them down by tugboat.
Are the houses always installed on the platforms after shipment?
Actually 90% of our residential projects are built on the platform prior to shipping. Some of these homes are finished all the way down to the furniture being installed. We have literally handed owners a key to a move-in ready home at the dock upon arrival.
Does IMF typically build the house as well as the platform?
We certainly can, we are also a general contractor for the homes on top of the floating platforms.
What are the maximum sizes?
For a two story structure the minimum width and length is typically 20’. For a three story structure the minimum width and length is typically 25’.
There is no maximum size limit as the platforms can be constructed piece by piece or poured on site.
The largest floating platform we have constructed is in Holland and is 90,000 square feet. We have also completed a platform on Lake Powell in Arizona which is a one piece construction of 27,000 square feet.
So the platforms can be shipped in 2 or more pieces and connected on site?
Yes, it’s common. We are currently doing a project in Richland which involves 8 separate pieces to be connected together.
What is a common depth?
Five feet is the common depth of the platform, although they only require 3’ of water to float. The platforms are designed to float with 3’ of draft in the water and 2’ of freeboard above the waterline. The 2’ above the water line is the reserve buoyancy. These platforms are designed for a live load of 100lbs per square foot plus the effect of wind on the platform and house.
How far can you ship the platform?
We typically only ship them by water as far as Seattle. Further than that, other means are more cost-effective. We recently delivered a floating platform in several pieces to New York via truck. We also build many of the floating platforms in place. We have built floating platforms as far away as Holland.
Is the means of transportation ever taken into consideration for the design of the floating platform? For instance a triangle would have less drag in shipping and would save on fuel charges.
The amount of fuel it would save wouldn’t add up to much given the overall costs of a floating platform. We have built a triangle platform but for other reasons.
Is there a rule of thumb for pricing?
The base pricing ranges between $50 - $60 per square foot. This does not include plumbing, rails or what we call the ‘jewelry’. This pricing only relates to the floating platform itself.
What is the market telling you about floating house design?
That maximum square footage is more important than privacy. Years ago floating homes were designed with porches and covered outdoor spaces, now the footprint is always maximized for interior space.
The mortgage and insurance industries have changed for the better regarding floating homes. It used to be that neither group recognized floating homes as real-estate. Mortgage companies now see the surface of water as real-estate and insurance companies will now cover floating homes because of the advances in floating platforms.
What are common mistakes made by architects in designing floating homes?
When the floating platform is complete, it is just as functional as a slab on grade. The slab can be clear sealed and used as the finished floor or the finished floor can be installed directly on top of the slab. Architects commonly design the house to use joists at the ground level which is unnecessary.
Radiant heat can also be installed in the platforms we build. It actually makes a lot of sense because there is 5’ of insulation below, making it a very efficient heat system.
Often architects do not take into consideration that all 4 sides of a houseboat have the potential for great views and light. Most of the time we see typical house designs simply plunked down on the floating platform.
All too often architects don’t take into consideration the reflected light from the water. The light on the ceiling of a floating home is much more dramatic than typical residential design.
How can architects best prepare for designing a floating home?
In most cases it is wise to bring the floating platform designer on board early.
Are there design options you would like to see further explored with floating homes?
I would like to see round platforms explored. This would allow rotation of the platform for better views and maximum sunlight throughout the day. It also has applications for solar panels and rotating the panels to best align with the suns rays during the day.
Are there other challenges involved with floating houses?
Securing moorage is difficult as there are only about 500 spots in a place like Seattle. But typically the home owners have found moorage by the time they select their architect and begin working with us.

For more information about floating platforms visit IMF’s website. A huge thanks goes out to IMF, when we land that houseboat project we know who to call.

The following photos show a range of floating houses in a variety of locations by different architects and engineers.

Scandinavian Archipelago Villa in Villa Helmi by Marina Housing

Floating house in Seattle by Vandeventer + Carlander

[Photo by John Granen]

Floating Boathouse and Sleeping Cottage on an island in Lake Huron by MOS Office
Photos from Materialicio.us, which has a phenomenal spread on the house

Floating house in Seattle, does anyone know the architect of this one?

Floating house in Denmark

Modern Marine Homes in Sweden by Strindberg Arkitekter

SeaSauna, Originally by Ari Leinonon now prefabricated by Modernliving.se in Sweden

Floating house in Australia by Drew Heath

Office by Aero11 Design

B-Type floating home by Floatinghomes in Germany

[Photo by Klaus Frahm]

BUILD llc recently completed a home on Bainbridge Island here in the northwest that uses some materials and methods that may be of interest. The home was designed and built for Dr. Marc Ferrin. We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again: good projects are the direct result of extraordinary homeowners willing to partake in the adventure of design and construction & trust our guidance.

[all images by BUILD llc]

1. Orchard of low-growing fruit trees on a pure geometrical grid.
2. Gravel hardscape.
3. Milgard aluminum windows with bronze finish – the dark, minimal corner mullion gives the appearance of a corner window.
4. Blomus stainless steel mailbox on custom steel plate stand with punched numbering. Mailbox sold by Pure Modern.
5. Milgard aluminum window system with bronze finish. The roof joist support beams are pulled back into the living space and exposed – this allows the window system to extend all the way to the roof joists.
6. MDO soffits painted white as a visual extension of the interior drywall lid. Exterior grade can lights installed at soffit.
7. Rainscreen siding system composed of Cembonit panels by CBF. For an explanation of rainscreen systems click here.
8. Cable rail system by Feeney Cable Rails with custom fabricated galvanized steel verticals and custom ipe top rail.
9. Clear sealed fir exterior door with tempered glass panel and weather-stripping. Reeded glass panels at entry door, clear at all others.
10. Clear T&G cedar mounted vertically and clear sealed. These particular boards span the entire height of the house.
11 Single membrane “flat” roof sloped ¼” per foot and concealed with parapet.
12. Outdoor shower (Kohler Stillness series) with winter shut off valve located inside house at conditioned area.
13. Clerestory windows add additional light to the upstairs hallway and maintain privacy.
14. Chimney capped with galvanized steel wide flange frame to conceal vent cap.
15. Standing seam metal roof with minimal vent penetrations.
16. Cedar fascia stained dark to match the window system.
17. A cantilevered bay allows for extra area inside but doesn’t change the line of the concrete foundation wall below. The change in form is reflected by using a different material at the cantilever.
18. Flush panel wood garage door by Clopay, painted dark to match soffits and blend with window package.
19. Strategically located vegetation to eventually hide the heat pump.
20. Rainscreen panel breaks strategically align with changes in plane.

[all images by BUILD llc]

21. Cold rolled custom steel handrail with blackened finish.
22. Vertically mounted aluminum return air grill – custom size by Shoemaker AFP series.
23. 1×4 flush base trim, pre-primed mdf, painted.
24. Prefabricated concrete stair treads by Diamond Concrete Products.
25. Miele DA series island hood.
26. Thin fin-wall made from 1-3/4” x 11-7/8” LVLs stacked end to end and wrapped with GWB, painted.
27. Slot window – as part of the sequence of entry a visitor gets a peak at the extraordinary view.
28. Absolute black granite countertops with slight eased edge.
29. Lutron Diva light switches with stainless steel cover plates – all devices mounted at a common datum line around the house.
30. Bamboo vertical grain flooring.
31. Custom galvanized vertical guardrails drilled to receive Feeney Cable Rail system.
32. 1×6 ipe decking
33. 5’ foot wide sliding door to pantry – the cabinets are notched to receive sliding door.
34. Maple cabinets by Canyon Creek Cabinet Company with Mockett satin chrome tab pulls.
35. The clerestory window at the shower allows natural daylight but maintains privacy.
36. Milgard aluminum floor to ceiling window system with bronze finish.
37. Kohler Stillness series shower fixtures.
38. Epco polished chrome shower curtain rod.

For more information on the Ferrin Residence check out the YouTube digital model and the YouTube time elapse construction process.