Architecture, dba is a full scope design service. The client can depend on in depth Architectural services from the earliest of planning stages through post construction services and inspections. The firm’s generalist nature insures that all aspects of your project receives the attention it deserves.
An approach to the profession starts with acknowledgement that the client’s needs come first.
As a State Architect for the The State of Washington, Andrew was involved in a largelease/changeofuseproject.Andrew and the leasing agents met with the lessor's architect at the state’s office. During the meeting, and after the meeting,at lunch, the lessor’s architect dominated the discussion. His topic wasn't our needs . . . but all the quite wonderful work his firm was doing. We were not unimpressed, but our concern regarding the schedule was never addressed
Experience working on the client’s side of the fence promotes Andrew Mitchell’s understanding of the client’s point of view. The client may bring to the table burning issues above and beyond ‘program needs’ that demand immediate consideration and attention. Those issues will be addressed.
Technical issues are tackled head on. The greatest designs are simply worthless if they cannot be built. The technical aspect of project development are given full attention and not treated as a process separate from design. Often this part of the process is called “production”, i.e. drafting. A preferred phrase may be: “project technical development”. Building systems must be designed well and integrated with each other and the overall building design. Andrew Mitchell brings years of experience working with mechanical, structural, civil and landscaping making the desired building integration and performance a reality. Detailing is approached with great care creating buildings that are carefully knit together. Experience with nearly every construction type and technology . . . light wood frame, heavy timber, masonry, steel allows for unlimited options and choices.
A high premium is placed upon a quality design process. The design phase is where the client’s program needs are articulated into a tangible vision of what will become a reality. Defining what constitutes a quality design process can be problematic . . . as there as many definitions of design as there are Architects. This firm’s definition of good, organic design may be summed up as:
“Good Architectural design is an unique synthesis of many disparate, often conflicting elements into a single, organicwhole.”
Design philosophy follows no set ‘ism’, be it ‘Modernism’, ‘Post Modernism’, ‘Classicism’, ‘Historicism . Our firm seeks to arrive at a final design that fulfils the planned function, clients needs and wishes.
Building codes, zoning restrictions, community covenants, design review boards, state and federal regulations are capable of placing significant demands on a project. Experience gained in complex, major, markets such as Kansas City, Topeka, Olympia, Tacoma, Seattle, Denver, and Phoenix has developed the confidence to work with regulatory authorities in securing expeditious project approval while defending vital aspects of a project’s design.
Fresh, creative design solutions are a specialty. Your custom designed home will be a unique product, tailored to meet your needs, a close fit; like a fine suit.
• New residences: Spend a few dollars on a set of ’stock’ plans? Meets your needs? Maybe. But ‘you get what you paid for’, like a ‘one size fits most’ bathrobe. Check out the ‘Uhrich Residence” for a home tailored expressly for the client and the site.
• Additions: There is the test of working within the constraints of an existing home with an established image, character, form and ‘footprint’ on the site. Many additions look like entirely different buildings ‘jammed’ together’! Studio 285 takes the contrary approach. Cues are taken from the existing residence with a response that creates an unified and organic whole, preserving the original character, yet better than before. Take a look at the Chenecka and Gamble Residences on the website for examples.
• Remodels: A puzzle. The client often seeks to fit more in the same space while at the same time achieving greater efficiency and a more elegant spatial layout and flow. The Chenacka Residence is an excellent example of how Studio 285 addresses this challenge.
Effective designs require effective communication.
Listening to a client, and coming to a proper understanding of the client’s needs and wishes is a high priority.
Studio 285 architecture has incorporated BIM (Building Information Technology) into its design flow. With the use of Revit™ software information regarding finishes, construction materials, cost, thermal performance and more is integrated into a three dimensional model as the design is developed.
In a one on one meeting, computers may find their limits. We are very adept the old fashioned way, sketching up ideas and alternates quickly by hand!
Efficient energy use achieved through the implementation of passive solar energy design techniques, careful selection of heating and air conditioning systems and a thorough attention to detail.
For more see the page in this portfolio, “a better way to build”
This firm does NOT do LEED. LEED is a set of very arbitrary and preconceived set of rules and ratings that do not necessarily result in a more energy efficient or ‘sustainable’ design. Decisions may be made that will compromise the clients best interest just to obtain a coveted Silver, Gold or Platinum rating. For more go to the Studio 285 Blog.
Studio 285 designs organically with the site as opposed imposed on the site.
With experience dealing with commercial projects and greater technical demands, Studio 285 can make a project work on sites one may otherwise pass up.
We can build upon a site without destroying it in the process. Too many mountain sites where a ledge is blasted from the mountainside to create a ledge for a design better suited to to a flat as a table site.
From the terrain comes inspiration!
Many residential designers and architects have experience with just single family residential construction.
As a consequence they only have a knowledge of stick framed wood construction to draw from. Severely Limited!
Andrew Mitchell has in-depth experience with major institutional and commercial projects that demand highly technical and engineered solutions in steel, concrete and masonry adroitly coordinated with advanced design concepts.
Supremely Unlimited !
Just bought a nice chunk o'land?
Well what are you going to do with it?
Are you going to take a 'bad boy developer' approach and . . .
Blast, Burn, Butcher, and Denude, Destroy, Devastate the unique, compelling and sublime personality of the site.
And impose an iron and insensitive (oh my) will With a big pile of sticks that call's itself a 'house' that . . .
Uglifies
Tacky-fies
Grossifies and (is)
Ill-Fitting
Ill-Mannered
Ill-Logical
OR, you can work with, and respect this site's unique personality And build a true home that works with the site, with your needs, and becomes a residence with a unique, distinctive and classy personality.
In a word, as the great Architect Frank Lloyd Wright coined the term . . . .
Organic Architecture!!!
The guy was green before his time, you know?
Give Studio 285 architecture a call and let us discuss Organic Design!
“Andrew’s work as an Architect and manager of the projects that we worked on at Denver International Airport was professional and managed well, in order to complete the projects within budget and in a timely manner. The various projects that we worked on were at times complicated as well as creatively demanding and Andrew was able to apply his talents well in all cases. I would recommend Andrew as a competent and reliable Architect in future projects.”
Larry Flores, Consulting Engineer
“Andrew Mitchell is a competent, hard working architect with whom I have had the pleasure of working with on multiple projects at Denver International Airport. Andrew is detail-oriented individual who watches the overall development of a project without losing sight of the strategic objective. I would recommend Andrew for any type of project under consideration.”
Steven Inlowe, Consulting Engineer
“Andy looks for creative ways to solve everyday problems. He uses state resources wisely. Andy accomplishes work quickly, with quality, and to the satisifaction of customers.”
John Franklin, Director, WA Dept of General Admin.- From certificate of appreciation.
“He (Andrew) has the ethical grasp of purist as well as the practical grasp of the doer . . . He is patient knwoledgable and a doer.”
James Hoghaug, Leasing Agent WA Dept. of General Admin.
Andrew was a pleasure to work with. He's an asset for which ever firm he works with. He is a gentleman, and we spent many long hours putting proposals together. In addition to being a great designer, almost too good, he has amazing writing skills
Fran Gallagher, Architect
Andrew E Mitchell's first interest in the built environment began with a train set under the Christmas tree in the early 70's. Studies in industrial, residential and commercial design posited in a urban, rural and transportation matrix were fascinating to a young lad with a bright and inquiring mind. It was only natural that he should take this interest to an institution of higher learning. That institute being the highly regarded University of Kansas School of Architecture. After five years of sleep deprivation, many gallons of coffee and deeply humbling, yet constructive critiques, Andrew graduated with a Bachelor of Architecture in May of 1984.
Andrew for a number of architecture firms in the Kansas City area. Collegiate and K-thru 12 educational work formed the core of this budding Architect's portfolio. This project type's diverse programs, capitol facility style construction of bricks, block, concrete and steel coupled with more extensive code and site planning requirements gave him an excellent grounding in the real flesh and bones of building design and construction. This grounding contributed to passing the licensing exam at first sitting in Spring of 1988.
On New Year's day of 1990 Andrew began an odyssey walkabout that spanned three decades and found him living and working in a number markets including The Great Pacific Northwest, the Slopes of the Rocky Mountains and The Plains of Kansas and the Dakotas.
In South Puget Sound his work included several temp assignments with the State of Washington, architecture firms and work in the client's office on a major regional mall. Such work pulled out and developed abilities and aptitudes for project management, construction administration and project execution from the clients point of view. A mastery of custom single family residential design and heavy timber construction was developed. Work included being part of the team that produced such award winning efforts as Boston Harbor Elementary School.
In Colorado he worked for a number of design firms in and around Denver doing a wide variety of work including banks, multi-family residential schools, medical, commercial and aviation facilities. Signature projects included three award winning police stations for the City of Denver. As principal of Studio 285 Architecture he has produced an impressive portfolio of custom residential work. His philosophy of design is that the clients 'design their projects through him', an organic process that results in an unique design tailored to the client's needs.
In traipsing back and forth to Kansas a couple times he found work as the lead Architect for a 50 year old A & E firm in Topeka, Kansas. The position gave Andrew an opportunity to see the vision of the founding partners and form a vision of his own. When the sub prime mortgage crises necessitated a move back to Kansas practiced on his own, with an emphasis on residential and light commercial with activities including free-lance architectural consulting, pro bono consulting work with local historical societies, work on several novels and development and marketing of a line of architect designed/executed hardwood clocks. Additionally on call to substitute teach for three school districts, all grades, all subjects inclusive of special education.
Now living on the Great Plains of the Dakotas Andrew is carrying on many of the activities from Kansas, continuing to practices under the auspices of Studio 285 Architecture and developing and marketing his clocks as Studio 285 Clockworx . Of the more notable endeavors is pursing work for private and charter schools with a fusion of his experience teaching K-12 and work as an architect in the design and execution of schools.
INTERESTS AND HOBBIES:
• Writing
• Sketching/Drawing
• Woodworking
• Skin/Scuba Diving/Boating
• Backpacking /Hiking/Camping
• Cross-Country Skiing
• Theator/Drama - acting and set/prop desgin.
CLUBS AND ASSOCIATIONS:
• Monticello Historical Society
• Kansas Author Club
• Kansas City Wood Workers Guild
• Kansas City Woodturners Club
• Siouxland Woodturners
• Lawrence Art Guild
• Gideons
Andrew E. Mitchell is a licensed Architect with over three decades of diverse experience gained working in multiple markets. Experience includes work on the client’s side of the fence, both public and private. Work exposure includes all phases, pre-design to project close-out. Conversant in all major building construction types.
EDUCATION:
Bachelor of Architecture, May 1984, University of Kansas
Bachelor of Environmental Design, May 1983, University of Kansas
REGISTRATION:
Colorado Arch. License 2001 (ARC 306225)
Kansas Arch. License 1989 (#3387)
South Dakota Arch. License 2018 #(13787)
Residential:
Uhrich Residence
Olympia, Washington
Saltwater frontage residence on Mud Inlet (Mitchell and Associates)
Twiet Residence
Olympia, WA
Saltwater frontage residence on Mud Inlet (Mitchell and Associates)
Kahler Residence
Conifer, Colorado
Custom mountain residence (Studio 285 Architecture)
Estrada Residence
Evergreen, Colorado
Addition/remodel of existing residence on tight mountain site. (Studio 285 Architecture)
Chanecka Residence
Morrison, Colorado
Addition/remodel of existing residence on mountain site. (Studio 285 Architecture)
Vandeweerd Residence
Arlington, SD
New cabin on Lake Poinsett, SD (Studio 285 Architecture)
Norgaard Cabin
Arlington Beach, SD
Five bedroom ‘cabin’ on Lake Poinsett (Studio 285 Architecture)
Breckenridge, CO
Residential Remodel (Studio 285 Architecture)
Monroe Residence
Bailey, CO
New Mountaintop Residence (Studio 285 Architecture)
Shop Study
Pine, CO
Design Study into woodshop with office above (Studio 285 Architecture)
Herrick Residence
Golden, CO
2nd Floor Remodel of (Studio 285 Architecture)
Bell Residence
Conifer, CO
Addition to mountainside residence (Studio 285 Architecture)
Eibling Shop and Garage
Conifer, CO
New 8000 sf shop/garage with 2nd study loft area (Studio 285 Architecture)
Collins Residence
Evergreen, CO
Remodel of existing residence (Studio 285 Architecture)
Nissle Residence
Bailey, SD
Addition and remodel to mountain residence (Mitchell and Associates)
Grosso Residence
Pine, CO
Addition and remodel to mountain residence (Studio 285 Architecture)
Heinie Residence
Morrision, CO
New covered deck (Studio 285 Architecture)
Collins Residence
Evergreen, SD
Interior Remodels (Studio 285 Architecture)
Maschau Residence
Parma, Idaho
New 6,000 SF residence in Parma, ID (Mitchell and Associates)
Persinger Residence
Pine, CO
Addition and remodel to mountain residence (Studio285 Architecture)
Rubio Residence
Pine, CO
Remodels to mountain residence (Studio 285 Architecture)
Smith Residence
Evergreen, CO
‘Grandmother Suite Addition (Studio 285 Architecture/MN2 Architecture)
Taylor Residence
Pine, SD
Design studies for a new covered porch addtiion (Studio 285 Architecture)
2427 Residence
Denver, CO
2nd Floor addition and remodel to 1920’s home (Studio 285 Architecture)
Nissle Residence
Bailey, SD
Addition and remodel to mountain residence (Mitchell and Associates)
Miles Residence
Olympia, WA
Budd Inlet
New seaside residence to replace former on that burned to the ground. (The BJSS Group)
Franzen Residence
Olympia, Wa
Budd Inlet
New 2 million dollar seaside residence (The BJSS Group)
Luchinni Residence
Olympia, WA
Mud Bay
Addition and remodel to a seaside home (Mitchell and Associates)
New Lodge
Any Nordic Setting
Design studies into a residence loosely modeled upon indigenous Norwegian architecture. (Studio 285 Architecture)
Perry Lake Residence
Ozwakie, KS
Design for a lakeside residence
Studio 285 Architecture)
Tweit Residence
Tumwater, WA.
Master Bedroom/Study in Loft Space over Garage (Mitchell and Associates)
Saddleback Mountain Design Study
Idaho Springs, ID
Design Studies for a Mountain Residence
Studio 285 Architecture)
Igenthorne Residence
Meriden, KS
Interior Remodels (Studio 285 Architecture)
VandeWeerd Cabin
Arlington Beach
New lakeside cabin at Lake Poinsette (Studio 285 Architecture)
Micro House Design Study
Anywhere
Design study for a micro house on a 8’x20’ trailer (Studio 285 Architecture)
Gamble Residence
Lacey, WA
Addition/remodel (Mitchell and Associate)
Bartush Addition
Mead, Colorado
Entry/Deck addition
Studio 285 Architecture/Dave Glaze Architecture)
Lenzotti Residence
Denver, CO
Extensive interior remodels (Studio 285 Architecture/Upconstellation)
Farler Residence
Tumwater, WA
Addition/Remodel (Mitchell and Associates)
Dogtrot Residence
Anywhere rural USA
Design Studies for a contemporary version of a dogtrot cabin (Studio 285 Architecture)
Educational:
Blue Valley High School (addition/remodel)
Stanley, KS
(Hollis +Miller Group)
East High School (additon/remodel)
Kansas city, MO
(Lund Balderson)
Boston Harbor Elementary School (new construction)
Olympia, WA
(The BJSS Group)
Student Services Building (new construction)
Metropolitan Community College
Kansas City, MO
(Linscott Haylett Wimmer & Wheat)
Blue Valley Elem. #12(new construction)
Stanley, KS
(Hollis + Miller Group)
Blue Valley Elem. #11 (new construction)
Stanley, KS
(Hollis + Miller Group)
Central High School (new construction)
Kansas City, MO
(By Design)
Jefferson Middle School (new construction)
Olympia, WA
(The BJSS Group)
Enumclaw Elementary School (new construction)
Enumclaw, WA
(Burr Lwarecne Rising + Bates)
Northshore Elementary School (new construction)
Everett WA
(Burr Lawrence rising + Bates)
Surprise Lake High School (addition/remodel)
Tacoma, WA
(Burr Lawrence Rising + Bates)
Prairie View Elem. School (addition/remodel)
Lee’s Summit, MO
(Linscott Haylett Wimmer & Wheat)
Pleasant Hill Elem. School (new construction)
Pleasant Hill, MO
(JRMA architects)
1st Banks
Greater Denver metro area
(IDavis Partnetship)
USBanks
Western United States
(Intergroup Architects)
Super mall of The Great Northwest
Auburn, Washington
(Wah Yee Architects - The Hapsmith Corp)
UMB at 4900 Main
Kansas City, Missouri
(Linscott Haylett Wimmer and Wheat)
Brakes Plus
Greater Denver Metro Area and Arizona
(Reseutek design Group)
Saturn Dealership
Olympia, WA
(Glenn Wells, AIA)
Southland Corporation
7/11s throughout metro Kansas City.
(Architects Consortium)
Retail/Foodservice
Heidi's Deli
Regional Jet Facility at Denver International Airport, Denver, CO
Reddy and Reddy Architects)
New Belgium Hub
Regional Jet Facility at Denver International Airport, Denver, CO
(Reddya and Reddy Architects)
Caribou Coffee
Denver International Airport – multiple locations, Denver, CO
(Reddyand Reddy Architects)
Rock Bottom Brewery
Denver International Airport
Denver, CO
(Reddy and Reddy Architects)
Tenant Finish/Space Planning:
WA St. Troopers – Main Frame Computer Expansion
Tumwater, WA
(WA. Dept of General Administration)
W-Span Broadcast facilities
Olympia, WA
(WA. Dept of General Adninistration)
United Airlines Corporate REO
Denver International Airport, Denver, CO.
(Reddy and Reddy Architects)
Governmental:
Denver Police Stations #1 & #3
Denver, CO
(Reseutek Design Group)
Shawnee County Hazardous Waste Facility
Topeka, KS
(Van Doren Hazard Stallings)
Third Lake Washington Floating Bridge Maint. Facility
Seattle, WA
(WA Dept. of Transportation)
Aunburn City Hall
Auburn, KS
(Van Doren Hazard Stallings)
Medical:
Emergency Room Suite Addition
North Colorado Medical Center
Greely, CO
(Davis Partnership)
Additions and Remodels
Parkview Episcopal Medical Center
Pueblo, CO
(Davis Partnership)
Remodel
Panorama Centura
Littleton, CO
(Dac Glaze Architecture/Studio 285 Architecture)
Additions and Remodels
Parkview Episcopal Medical Center
Pueblo, CO
(Davis Partnership)
Aviation:
On-Call Architectural and Engineering Services to MTAA (Metropolitan Topeka Airport Authority)
Topeka, KS
(Van Doren Hazard Stallings)
On-Call Architectural and Engineering Services to DIA
(Denver International Airport)
Denver, CO
(Reddy and Reddy Architects)
Interim Gates Facility at Conccourse ’A’ DIA
Denver, CO
(Reddy and Reddy Architects)
New Concourse Addition, Will Rodgers World Airport
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
(Gensler)
Regional Jet Facility, Concourse DIA
Denver, Colorado
(Reddy and Reddy Architects)
ADA Study, Passenger Terminal, Forbes Field
Topeka, Kansas
(Van Doren Hazard Stallings)
Exterior Canopy Extension at Curbside Baggage, DIA
Denver, Colorado
(Reddy and Reddy)
United Airlines Mechanic’s Room Remodel, DIA.
Denver, Colorado
(Reddy and Reddy)
Multi-Family Residential:
University Park Commons
Denver, CO
(Davis Partnership)
Cherry Creek Apartments
Denver, CO
(Davis Partnership)
Cabrillo Court Apartments
Lacey, WA
(Architect’s Consortium)
Repairs to Base Housing at Fort Leavenworth
Leavenworth, KS
(Van Doren Hazard Stallings)
Other Work
Set/prop design and execution for drama productions
Waterstone Community Church
Lakewood, Colorado
Lawrence Free Methodist Church
Lawrence, Kansas
Consulting for Monticello Historical Society
Lenexa, Kansas
Studio 285 Clockworx, dba
Uniquely designed hand crafted clocks
Lawrence, Kansas
Firmitas, Utilitas, Venustas or Firmness, Commodity and Delight is set of principles set forth by an ancient roman architect, Vitruvius in his treatise that survives to the day, “The Ten Book of Architecture”.
From the Book as translated by Morris Hicky Morgan, Phd, “All these must be built with due reference to durability (Firmness), convenience (commodity) and beauty (delight). Durability will be assured when foundations are carried down to solid ground and materials wisely and liberally selected; convenience, when the arrangement of apartments is faultless and present no hindrance to use, and when each calls of building is assigned to its suitable and appropriate exposure; and beauty, when the appearance of the work is pleasing and in good taste, and when the members are in due proportion according to correct principles of symmetry.
In an effort to better visualize and understand these principles a set of woodturnings was done based upon these three components of good design. When asked most people find it easy to correctly label each vase with respect to the attributes they embody.
More than a few designers tend to emphasize one aspect these parameters over another. Studio 285 Architecture takes a balanced and flexible view understanding the organic nature of design and also the emphasis may change based upon the specific situation. An art museum would be high on Delight while a military fortification places a premium on Firmness . . .
Sips are an insulated building panel constructed with a rigid insulating foam core and plywood or OSB (oriented strand board) facing.
Benefits:
• Thermal Performance — foam higher R-Value per inch than batt insulation.
• Faster erection times..
• Better quality construction.
• Stronger construction.
• More airtight building shell.
www.sips.org
Benefits of radiant heating over traditional forced air heating. (low velocity—big duct):
• Comfort/Health:
• Warm Floor=Warm feet
• Radiant Heat=Better Heat Transfer
• Higher Relative Humidity
• Incidence of Allergy/Dust Minimized
• Control:
• Room to Room Temperature Control
• Flexibility:
• Expandability—heat domestic water
• Combination fan coil (air) combined with radiant floor heating.
• Efficiency:
• Lower room/air temperature.
• Claimed savings up to 30%
www.rehau.com
Benefits:
• Cost Efficient
• Sound Control
• Energy Efficient
• No form stripping
• Insulated forms mean concrete may be poured in cooler weather conditions.
www.forms.org
Simply put, a better way to build. A way to create a more comfortable, energy efficient home that creates, and retains a higher value.
The technologies present in this page plus passive solar principles incorporated into residential construction represents a better way to build.
Three primary objectives are met here: better insulating properties (higher R-value), tighter envelope and better occupant comfort.
With respect to occupant comfort there are three types of heat transfer. Convective, Conductive and Radiant. Convective is via as gas or fluid in motion. Conductive is via direct contact between
As use of Sips and Icf’s creates a much tighter envelope than traditional stick construction there is a need for additional ventilation to maintain a healthy breathing environment in the residence.
Any ventilation needs to provide for an adequate air change as required by code and health demands but must also optimize heat loss. Fortunately there is on the market heat recovery ventilators (HRVs) designed for residential application that provide for the necessary ventilation but recapture heat from the outgoing stale air.
https://www.lifebreath.com/what-is-an-hrv-erv/
Benefits:
• Small Cross Section — great for retrofit and ‘SIPs’ construction. Easily concealable.
• Better air quality due to specialized system design.
• Manufactured proprietary system installed by certified installer.
• As a complete proprietary system, may be quieter. www.unicosystem.com
two bodies. Radiant is energy that travels in absence of a medium or contact, like that from the sun or the warmth form a hot wood stove.
Convective is the most common medium for heat transfer in residences and generally the least efficient. Air has a very low mass and consequently cannot store/transfer much energy. Moreover humans (and their pets) are essentially bags filled with water. Is not nearly so effective with a vessel of water, human or otherwise. A room may feel chilly even though the air temperature measures out to the thermostat setting.
Conductive and radiant, however are much more efficient and effective. Radiant hydroponic heating uses water as the transfer medium. Water, having a much high mass/specific gravity than air can store more energy and also radiate it back out. The benefit being that humans are heated better and more comfortably at a lower room temperature. There is also the elimination of the cold floor. The benfit being alos that objects in the room are beer heated, especially those in contact with the floor.
Humidity is better controlled as forced air systems are notorious for creating very dry air, not good for humans (dry kin, horse throats, bloody noses, etc) and certainly not good for furniture and furnishing.
A tighter and higher performing thermal envelope coupled with radiant heat also means that exterior walls are warmer, radiating heating to occupants as opposed to drawing heat from. A tighter envelope means less heat loss from warm air out and also cold ar coming in. Per the box heat exchanger use of a HRV
Studio 285 Architecture was retained to design an addition plus interior remodels on an existing residence built in the early 80’s. There was to commend the residence in terms of its innate character - wood finish throughout, a unique exposed wood framing system. A hybrid modern-rustic character. A very nice, wooded site in a good neighborhood with an excellent location.
But the home had certain image issues as perceived by the clients:
• It looked rather like a mushroom or spaceship ready to blast off.
• No real sense of entry.
• An un-differentiated look: it looks as much like a small office building as a residence.
To address the image issues, and make the residence more of a ‘mountain home several design elements were added:
• A porch wrapping around two sides of the house firmly grounds the residence, obviating the ‘mushroom’ look and providing a gracious and sheltered outdoor space.
• The existing dormers were changed from recessed dormers to the more traditional ‘pushed out type’. One existing dormer is covered up by new roof, two transformed into peaked dormers flanking the entry and two at the master bedroom are combined into a single shed dormer with a horizontal mass - thus creating a composition in balance with the entry and its flanking dormers.
The project started out as a remodel and ended up to be a completely new residence. All that is left of the original is the foundation and the first floor framing. In an effort to save money, the initial project scope was to tear off the roof and add onto the existing story and a half structure. The basic plan configuration was retained and modified as required to meet the client's program requirements. A new master bedroom suite as added in the former loft area along with two new second floor bedrooms and a rec room over the existing garage.
The design intent was to create anew this residence with the comfortable look and feel of a classic mountain lodge. A vaulted space that is open to both floors with dormers that add the desired character plus light forms the core of this home and defines its character as a mountain lodge. A two-sided fireplace divides living from dining and acts as the central focal element of this space. From the exterior the comfortable mountain lodge look is reinforced with a careful balance of high slope gable ends, dormers, log accents and long porches.
“High on a mountaintop . . . Wind blowing free“
No location could be more “high on a mountaintop” than Saddleback.
Incomparable views of the Continental Divide, beautiful high altitude Pine and Aspen forests, mountain meadows and distinctive terrain features all add up to a premium ‘living location’.
As a designer, Andrew Mitchell sees the latent potential and is eager to capitalize. Unable to resist he has embarked on a series of design studies, charrettes, as you will. This is but the ‘first fruits’.
The basic concept is a 'cruciform style’ plan or maybe ‘body and wings’ plan . . . like a great bird roosting on the mountainside with its wings outspread. The layout of functions follows a common practice with many contemporary residences: a main living area flanked to one side by the kitchen/dining area and to the other side by a master bedroom suite.
The thought was to make the “wing” spaces narrow and parallel to slope. This approach minimizes the cross slope depth of the lower ‘walk-out” floor and makes these space feel more like individual cabin units with windows on three walls. The wings are also 'cruciform' shaped, increasing the area of the wings without length.
The main living space boldly juts out at right angles to the slope. This creates a sense of drama, celebrates the space and maximizes view opportunities. With the rather significant slope, the lower floor rec. room finds itself higher than the existing grade. This is dealt with by using excavated fill to create a ‘podium’ for the great room/rec. room wing to sit on. This podium also creates a grade level to measure required max height per zoning. The podium would also
present an unique landscaping opportunity.
The great room is intended to be just that, a great soaring space. It is envisioned to be framed out in heavy timber construction, as is often typical with such mountain residential construction. The thought is the wood post/columns in the space would stand alone, defining the space and soaring up to the roof above. The space would be enclosed by windows secured to the outside of the columns in a manner akin to that of curtain wall construction.
A common feature on many ‘lodge’ type homes is the ‘prow’ in the main living area. This feature has a certain level` of over-exposure . . . especially in light of what may be considered a less than creative approach . . . it seems that all anyone does is push a wall filled with glazing out into a point . . . and that’s as far as it goes. This design study aims to do better. The great room certainly does have the ‘prow’ feature . . . but it finds its expression in something a bit different. A round fireplace resides in a spot pulled in a bit from where the point would be with two points on the prow.
It was envisioned that the exterior wall of the lower floor would be stone, most likely a veneer, possibly cultured stone, forming a base for the upper floor to sit on. The upper floor hangs out from the base just a bit. This is done so as to further accentuate the concept of a residence sitting on a stone pedestal. The upper wall may be of any number of materials, but wood is preferred. Anything from lap siding, a combination of shingles and lap siding, vertical board siding or logs would be appropriate. A neat approach might be to use rectangular log construction with plenty of heavy timber accents.
Andrew Mitchell is enamored of indigenous Norwegian construction, having had the opportunity to visit the country a few years ago. They were real artists with log and heavy timber construction. Their work provides real inspiration for a contemporary architect doing work in the mountains. There is some of this influence on the schematic designs you see here .
The Estrada residence is one that started with a remodel of a modest little cabin and grew in stages until the original cabin represented very little of the final construction. The owner, a graphic designer, had a few concept sketches that formed a basis for design studies. The initial project scope was to save as much as possible of the initial cabin, remodeling it and wrapping new living, dining and bedroom space around the north and east elevations with a walkout basement below. The site itself was extremely tight with a steep slope. This was taken to advantage with the design concept, compact, and yet multifaceted, revealing new faces as one walked around the residence.
The desired image was a 'mountain modern'. Which is to say a decidedly modernistic expression with carefully blended log and stone accents that tie the residence back to its heritage as a cabin in the mountains. The client was advised that it would best to simply demolish the cabin and start anew, saving some signature elements such as the stone fireplace along with salvaged logs to be reincorporated as accents. The client was adamant, so great lengths were made to save the cabin intact with as few modifications as possible, even though from the exterior there is no cue of what is buried within and not much more to be found from within.
Due to financial considerations and other matters, the time was not right for construction. The project was subsequently shelved. Several years later the project was brought back to life and built. New scope again was added; a two car garage with a master bedroom suite above linked to the main house with an enclosed bridge.
As the cabin sat on the edge of a steep hill, careful design of the foundation was called for to stabilize the slope and provide for a full walkout basement. Per the pictures one can see the excavation for the basement, placing the cabin on the edge of a man-made cliff for a time. The structural engineer and the soils engineer indicated that the slope would be stable enough to hold firm during the time the slope was excavated and the foundation installed. Even so, there still was a sense of relief when the forms were pulled away from the cured concrete forms on the foundation/retaining wall. The slope remained stable and the existing cabin did not move.
Olympia, Washington
This residence represented a special challenge due to its location and the configuration of the site.
A premium price is paid by those wishing to live on a lot with saltwater frontage. It is no surprise, then, that they would wish to maximize the value of their investment. Invariably the foremost wish on the part of the client is to enjoy their investment by maximizing views of the waterfront. Often the first response is to put as much glazing as possible on the elevation with waterfront exposure.
Compliance with the Washington State Energy Codes, meeting earthquake criteria and high wind loading makes copious quantities of glazing problematic.
Energy code requirements were met by the 'prescriptive method'. Given a certain set of construction standards, floor area and a glazing performance level, a maximum allowable area of glazing results. That 'glazing budget' was used judiciously to maximize the best views.
Seismic and wind loading concerns were dealt with through the careful design of
Site Plan: Note narrow site and steep slope down and across site.
vertical and horizontal shear diaphragms.
The site was narrow and steeply sloping in two directions. The design solution entailed a compact design, which minimized the overall amount of vertical drop. Further, the residence's massing was broken up in such a way to follow the slope and present no more than two stories at any one view.
The interior was 'sculpted out' in such a way as to provide a dynamic living space that changed and presented new facets of itself as one moved around.
A look recalling that of little cottages found in childrens books was sought. To that end elements such as a curved roof peak, variated shingle patterns, applied decoration and bright color is incorporated.
Though not rendered, carved animal heads were envisaged in lieu of the round newel atop the posts supporting the suspension bridge. Further such carvings were thought to be appropriate in a running freize on the lower trim.
A design study into a combination shop and office study.
The basic program was a three bay shop for the handyman, a studio office for an architect plus a darkroom to meet an interest in photography.
Design takes advantage of a 12/12 roof pitch to provide for office space over middle bay. Office access is at ground level with interior stair to shop below. Cupola afford nearly 360 view out. A good place to watch birds or just hide out with a good book.
Roofplan: Existing translucent skylighting material over the full extent of the kitchen area failed to perform. It was replaced with a series of higher performance double -glazed skylights with less overall glazed area.
Trellis off backdoor of entry and master bedroom. Contract documents detailed only a schematic design for the trellis. The contractor took this part of the design and developed the detailing to a fine level. Protection from rain and allowing light to come through was accommodated by the re-use of sheet plastic skylighting salvaged from the roof over the kitchen
Floorplan: Note incorporation of curved glass block walls. The block was carefully laid out so as to work on a tight radius.
This project turned out to be an enjoyable collaboration between myself, the client and the contractor.
There were three issues that the clients wished to address: linking the detached garage to the house with a new entry space, diminishing the heat gain/loss problem of skylighting over the kitchen and remodeling the existing bathroom into a more functional and appealing layout.
The challenge of linking the living and garage portion of the residence was addressed by utilizing the vocabulary of nested roof peaks in the living unit.
Drama is introduced into the interior of the entry with the peaked roof form and the use of light. Light is carefully used with the medium of glass block and circular windows placed high in the peaks, reminiscent of the rose window of ancient cathedrals.
Form was dealt with on a sculptural basis. Pushing the elevation of the entry facing the street into a prow form highlights its function. Further, angled intersection at the entry door contributes to the feeling of an outdoor "anteroom". The use of glass block is uniquely expressed in a curvilinear form.
The clients wished to retain the sunwashed feel created by the existing skylighting, yet desired a much higher level of thermal performance. This issue was dealt with by replacing the skylighting material with double glazed skylighting with a higher thermal performance and lower overall glazed area. further, skylighting installed incorporated a venting option, allowing heat trapped in the peaks to vent.
The existing bathroom was remodeled to be more efficient and to serve only the master bedroom. A new bathroom was added to serve the main living areas in the entry.
North Elevation, dormers at bedroom and stairs were carefully proportion to harmonize with existing
The existing home was an older residence that had a number of additions made through the years. These modifications were generally well planned and executed.
The latest addition was a three-car garage to one side of and contiguous to the existing house. The garage had a high peaked roof and framed with a 2x12 ceiling to provide for further expansion into an attic area above.
This design commission was for a remodel of the existing attic space into a master bedroom with a bath and study.
A number of challenges presented themselves: access to the space, maximizing the use of a volume with low ceiling edges, bringing in light and views.
A number of approachs for providing accessibility to the space was tried. An interior link through an attic space from the existing second floor was studied and rejected. there was not enough clear height nor was the ceiling framing adequate to carry floor loads.
Access via a set of spiral stairs was arrived upon as the best solution. Going up the stairs one arrives at a comfortable study lined with bookshelves.
A hallway to one side leads to the master bedroom. A greater feeling of spaciousness is achieved through the introduction of a large dormer facing the street and a smaller one facing the backyard. All of the new dormers were carefully designed to compliment and enhance the massing and character of the existing house.
Project: Cabin at Lake Poinsett
127 SW Lake Dr. South Dakota
In any premium lot with a view, all primary living spaces ‘need’ to be facing that view. Such primary spaces could be considered:
• Great room
• Master bedroom
• Kitchen/living.
With this design study at 123 Lake Drive on Poinsette the clients had to make a tough decision as to which of these spaces would front the lake. I sketched as close as possible all permutations for the client to review and decide.
Another variable driving the layout of spaces location/configuration of stairs.
Studio 285 Architecture does not decide for the client and present only one option, but always a range from which a client may choose, or mix and match.
A write up that accompanied the sketches specific to each scheme follows.
Scheme ‘A’:
Owner’s original scheme (30’ x 34’ Footprint) Functional layout. Great Room and Kitchen placed at lakefront side. Bedroom in the back. Bedroom in back does not have lakefront view/ access. Stairs work as a feature of the great room May be open or otherwise dressed up
Entry door to M. Bedroom has direct line of sight from from door. Not the best. Added a closet to the room, which helped in this light. Closet effectively cut the room down from 14 feet to 12 feet. In retrospect, if the star is not an open tread stair the closet will fit under the stair giving one a full 14’ deep bedroom, doing this would also provide a more direct light of sight into bedroom.
Noted that with the kitchen there is a big ‘hole’ of space on the east side. Not sure if there is a reason or just ‘is’?
Entry door is flush with exterior wall
Drawn as close to client's sketch. Would want a wall between the return on the kitchen counter and the entry hall? Entry hall is kind of long
Scheme ‘B’:
Stair moved to NW corner of cabin. (30’ x 34’ Footprint) Did this to get the stair out of the middle of the cabin space. This frees up the core for greater flexibility of layout and puts area back where it is most needed. Also puts the stair right by the entry door. More convenient? Direct access in and out from upstairs with less disruption to rest of cabin?
Kitchen moved to SE corner of cabin. Noting the ‘unused’ space at the east end of kitchen plus the advantage of having the great room right of the entry. Makes for a better and more comfortable space flow, and logical as the is the space that it all revolves around (well the kitchen is a hang out space, too). To the south is the big
blank wall of the motel. The north side is not so bad with the house. Kitchen walls have cabinets, not conducive to windows . . . so the motel side is better? I indicated a window on the north side of the great room.
Workable location for washer and dryer OK for a cabin? I see how I might be able to flip them over to be facing South and also create a more private entry for the master bedroom.
Upper floor. 30’ wide footprint is tight. Manage to get it work by putting ¾ bath over ½ bath below Bonus of stacking plumbing? There is a mini loft created by lidding over the entry area.
Basically the same as scheme ‘B’, only 34’ x 34’ footprint
The extra four feet made it possible to put the half bath right of the entry. Which is convent as this is a three season lakeside cabin it is easy access from those recreating outside Also means that sand/grit don’t get tracked far Swapping locations means that the M. Bedroom can be a full 14 feet deep.
In this scheme I made the washer/dryer an entry closet, making the spot at the entry door a little wider and less confined. Its not noted, but I moved the washer/dryer to the ½ bath and made it a stacked unit
At upper area I moved the ¾ bath adjacent to the stairs and above the ½ bath below. That made the area in front of Bed #2 a usable loft area. In spite of adding 4 feet in width the bedrooms actually got smaller.
Scheme ‘C-x’: 34’x34’ footprint. Moved Master Bedroom to East, lakefront . . . just to see how/wether it would work. As I noted when we first met the ideal lakefront cabin would be long and narrow so that all of the primary living spaces would
front the waterside. Its all a series of trade -offs and one’s preferences.
It is nice to have the kitchen front convenient to the lakeside deck where most of the lving will happen. You lose that. But you do have views out to the lake from the kitchen through the great room
The master bedroom suite works best in this scheme The Bedroom-closetbathroom sequence is very common.
Upper area works very well, I think. With the M. Bedroom up front it can be lidded over to make a very generous loft area
Scheme ‘D-x’
34’ x 34’ footprint. Moved stair to central core. Personally I like this scheme. At least with respect to stair placement. I like U stairs with an intermediate landing One long flight is kind of tedious. This type of stair is more compact, though the landing does use up some space. The stair could be open, closed or half and half. The way it is drawn the first run up could be open and the second run would be closed with an entry closet below, as indicated. An open stair is an opportunity to put in some distinctive millwork that set the cabin part Kid spots, kids love to hang out on stairs I can see kids hanging out on the landing, playing with their toys when a rain squall hits the lake . . . It also helps create a nice entry with the stair landing right I front of the door.
The M. Bedroom suit works well. (Well, at least I think so) The layout of it is the same sequence of of spaces as in scheme ‘C-x’.
I made provision for stacked washer/dryer unit in the ½ bath. Alternate locations for a side by side could be one of the closets in the M. Bedroom or BR #2
Upper floor. This layout works reasonably ell and is efficient, not requiring a long allway. There is no ‘loft space’. A lid over e entry to create a bit of loft, though B R 2 was getting kind of big for a secondary edroom. I cut the space down with two mple closets One can never have enough orage space, Especially for a lakeside etreat with all sorts of toys . . .
he cad drawn floorplans represent the
Arlington Beach, South Dakota
The project challenges included a narrow lot on a lake front. There was already a small cabin on the lot that was slated to be demolished
The owner had five adult children and a growing brood of grandchildren. He wished to be able to have them all up at this vacation spot at the same time. This meant that six bedrooms and maximizing the building envelope as allowed by the building code.
It also created a tall narrow residence The design mass fenestration, walls, siding and finished were carefully articulated to break up the slab sided nature of the residencies and bring the scale down.
The design was developed in AutoDesk REVIT. As one develops a ‘real’ model of the project on the computer, the client has a full immersive experience in 3D, including a virtual walkthrough.
To experience this project in 3D click this link: Lake Poinsett Cabin 3D
