Sunday, October 26, 2014

Architectural Talking points for Ithaca Falls Residences

Programmatic taking points derived from Danter Marketing Study.

Architectural Concept Talking points are based on Marketing study, Client requests, site conditions, deed restrictions and budget.

Primary Objectives of the design

Design an upscale condominium community that will attract the target demographic of Professionals,  Cornell Alumni and empty-nesters.  Primary focus is to  take advantage of the unique site and the view of Cayuga Lake to the North West.

Target Audience

Marketing Report

• Over 70% will be age 30 to 50 
• Fewer than 10% of the residences will have more than two people living in a unit. 
• An estimated 20% to 25% will be seniors.
• 85% or more will be married or widowed. 
• 90% will have previously owned a single-family residence. 
• 50% to 60% of the buyers will be couples. 
• There will be few, if any, school-age children. The exception might be a single 
mother with one older child. This category will constitute less than 5% of the total
buyers. 
• Buyers will be professional/academically employed including a large number of
self-employed persons, especially women
• Job transfers/relocation/new hires will account for approximately 30% of buyers.

Parking Secure, enclosed parking is desired if possible.

PARKING NOTE:  All enclosed parking in an underground garage was tested and was not feasible due to cost.  All units having garages was also tested but the garages took up more site space, reducing the unit count below an acceptable count.  Currently, 15 units have garages while all other units have one dedicated parking space with the option of leasing more.

Client Requests

• All or the majority of units should have a view towards Cayuga Lake.
• No units can have a primary view East, towards the hillside.
• It was specifically stated that an efficient double loaded corridor building would not be accepted.
• Minimal or no exterior stairs.

Deed Restrictions

• There will be no balconies facing East.
• The units cannot be student rentals.
• There is a height limitation of 585’ which keeps the roof line below the 
view of Cayuga Lake for the uphill neighbor.  The elevation at Lake 
Street slopes between 528’ and 540’.  The island bridge is at 528’.  This generally limits the buildings to 4 stories.

City Requirements

• Public walkway to future island park.  The public are not to walk through the residential site, the walkway must be on public property.
• 2 HC parking spaces for public park with accessible access.
loading space
• ambulance / maintenance vehicular access to bridge to island site.
• Firetruck access

Site Design

Note, From the Danter Report Nov. 2011:  “At the subject price point,
buyers have demonstrated a preference for smaller, more intimate 
condominium/townhome developments.”

• The development is designed to be urban living in a natural environment.  The unique site with views of Cayuga lake to the north, and out over the tree lined views Ithaca and West hill to the south west give the site a park like setting.  Combined with the easy access to view Ithaca Falls the site is very attractive.  Achieving a park like- serene setting that combines the best of city living - sidewalks for walking, convenient public transportation for easy access to city amenities, Cornell, farmers market, golf course, marina, public parks, etc.  

• All units have been laid out to have a view of Cayuga lake from each unit.  The east units have a view over the west units from the Deck off of the master suite and the west unit have large windows and balconies facing the lake view.

• The units are laid out in a town home style with focus on the individual units.  -The contemporary architecture has many scale elements that provides intimacy and reduces the perception of high density.   All materials are long lasting with minimal maintenance required.  Primarily, durable fiber cement siding in different colors and textures, with masonry at base.

• In addition to the public walkway, the site has sidewalks that will encourage walking, and provide easy access to the island park and the city sidewalk system, including the bus stop.

• A fitness room / business center ( or home office meeting space) is located off of the public walkway, visible from Lake street.

• A picnic pavilion is provided on site overlooking the falls.

Unit Design ( Requirements from Marketing study) 
Note The units can be adapted for accessible living with the inclusion of stair chair lifts.

• The mix should be primarily 2 and 3 bedroom units.  No, or minimal
1 bedroom or studios. 
• The units should have drama upon entry.  Focus on view.
• Ceiling height : 9’ is expected by buyers.
• Separate mechanical systems for each unit.  AC required.

•Master bedroom area: 160 – 170 sf 
•Walk in closets in master bedroom
•Masters with en-suite bathroom with shower and dual sinks

•Second bedroom area: 150 -160 sf 
•Third bedroom area: 130 sf

•Closet space – total required per unit
-1 bedroom unit 22 lf 
-2 bedroom unit 35 lf
-3 bedroom unit 40 lf

•Kitchen island with sink with a view over the living room towards the view.
•high efficiency washer and dryer in each unit ( side by side where possible) 

East Units - 3 bedroom with Garage

• The east units have individual indoor garages.  First floor laundry and storage.

• Main level
-Drama of large window
-open concept living.  Kitchen with sink overlooking livingroom to view
-access to small back deck for Grilling
-cross ventilation / operable windows
-Home office with view for Live/Work potential

•Bedroom Level
-Second and Third bedrooms with ample closets
-toilet with bath/shower

•Master suite
-Large bedroom fitting King bed
-Full ensuite with double sinke / privite toilet
-Outdoor private deck with Lake view
-His ahd hers walk in closets.

West Units 2 bedroom units ( lower units) 

Main Level
•Units have accessible entrances from  parking
•Drama upon entry with window to view straight ahead.
•open concept living for living/ dining/ kitchen.
• kitchen island
•main level bedroom
•main level laundry

Lower level
•master suite
•unfinished bonus room ( could be media room / storage / home office etc.) 
•entrance to public walkway for strolls to the island park, fitness center, bus stop.

West Units 3 bedroom units ( Upper Units) 

Main level
•Drama upon entry with window to view straight ahead.
•open concept living for living/ dining/ kitchen.
• kitchen island
•main level bedroom with full bath and double sinks
•Balcony off of main living space with Lake view.

Upper Bedroom Level

•3rd bedroom with walk in closet
•separate full bath
•laundry
•Master ensuite with full bath and walk in closet.
• Deck off of master bedroom with lake view.

What to Think About When Designing a Condominum


It's not like an apartment building:

  • One bedroom units have limited value.  40% of the units should be 2 beds and 60% of the units should be 3 beds.
  • The master bed should be 160-180sf.  Second and third beds should be 140-150 sf.
  • 1 bed units should have 22 lf closet, 2 bed units 35 lf, and 3 bed units 40 lf.
  • Walk-in closets are a waste of space, but people expect them and should be used in the master only.
  • The master should have a real master bath (separate shower and tub), the second bath can be just a shower.
  • Drama at the entry door is important.  View through a great room at a view is ideal.
  • People judge units not by total SF, but by the size of the third bedroom and the closet space.

Camera & Light Lowering Systems


BirdHouses

BirdHouses

Wall STC and Fire Resistance Ratings

The online version of the Gypsum Association’s Fire Resistance Design Manual 20th Edition 2012 is here:

The Gypsum Association’s Fire Resistance Design Manual has both proprietary and generic wall systems with fire and STC ratings. Here are some generic STC ratings of walls we always use that should help you during the design phase, the GA-WP number is the Gypsum Association number:
·         1 layer 5/8” Gypsum Board each side 3-5/8” metal studs without insulation, GA-WP-1350, 1Hr, STC 35-39
·         1 layer 5/8” Gypsum Board each side 3-5/8” metal studs with insulation, GA-WP-1072, 1Hr, STC 45-49
·         1 layer 5/8” Gypsum Board one side, 2 layers gypsum board opposite side 3-5/8” metal studs without insulation, GA-WP-1052, 1Hr, STC 44
·         1 layer 5/8” Gypsum Board one side, 2 layers gypsum board opposite side 3-5/8” metal studs with insulation, GA-WP-1052, 1Hr, STC 50-54
·         2 layers 5/8” Gypsum Board each side 3-5/8” metal studs without insulation, GA-WP-1616, 2Hr, STC 45-49
·         2 layers 5/8” Gypsum Board each side 3-5/8” metal studs with insulation, GA-WP-1522, 2Hr,  STC  55-59

* The Gypsum Association’s Fire Resistance Design Manual does not have any generic wall systems with resilient furring channels, so if you need a higher STC rating you will need to go to a manufacturer’s tested system.



Purposeful consolidation: Stair Case Study Houses (I) - DETAIL-online.com

Purposeful consolidation: Stair Case Study Houses (I) - DETAIL-online.com:

Stair Case Study House 01 by Gerd Streng, seating furniture

Installing fixed windows - Fine Homebuilding Tip

Fixed windows for passive solar heat gain:
Combine heavily insulated concrete and stud walls with fixed glass windows on the south side for direct gain.
Read more: http://www.finehomebuilding.com/how-to/tips/installing-fixed-windows.aspx#ixzz3HHCj2SRv 




Natural Swimming Pools: More Beauty, No Chemicals

Natural Swimming Pools: More Beauty, No Chemicals:

"Natural swimming pools use plants or a combination of plants and sand filters to keep the water clean and clear without chemicals. They were developed in Austria and Germany in the 1980s and have since grown in popularity worldwide. They can be designed in a multitude of ways: Some look like natural ponds; others may be disguised as standard tiled pools." 
-- Houzz.com

Gypsum radiant wall, ceiling and floor panels - $10-12/sf + heat/cooling source

MESSANA AIR-RAY CONDITIONING LLC:
http://www.messana.it/en/


·        Energy efficiency and fuel savings of 50%-70%
·        60%-90%  less ductwork
·        Ultimate comfort
·        Aesthetically unobtrusive
·        Incredibly clean operation
·        Virtually silent operation
·        Fully integrated system; design, controls, delivery, sensors and circulation.


Some of the common questions have been:
·        What is the budget impact on our clients project if they are considering radiant?
·        What is the construction impact on our clients project if they are considering radiant?
·        How do these systems differ from “conventional” systems?
·        How many different methodologies of radiant delivery are used? What are the differences?
·        What methods of heating and cooling water can be used with radiant systems?
·        What are the pitfalls of using radiant on this project? For the client? For the contractor? For the design professional?
·        Why consider radiant heating and cooling?
·        What about response time of radiant systems?
·        How do you deal with condensation? Ventilation?


Jonathan Epps
Principal
SSCllc
“Building with reason”
Sustainable Sales Consulting, llc.
ph   607-277-2872
TF   888-250-8986

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Rocas House / Studio MK27 + 57STUDIO | ArchDaily:

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OVal House / Elías Rizo Arquitectos | ArchDaily

DC2 Residence / Vincent Van Duysen Architects | ArchDaily

DC2 Residence / Vincent Van Duysen Architects | ArchDaily