Living in a small home, Part 2

It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single house in possession of occupants, must be in want of plenty of closed storage space.* Although the house has a relatively small footprint, we’ve found the cabinets and closets provide just enough storage space for the two of us (just enough = everything we moved to the house fits, with a bit of room to spare). The house was designed with attention to storage space; there are three closets (bedroom, broom, and 24” wide freestanding wardrobe), and cabinets in the bedroom, kitchen, bathroom, swing space, and loft.

Bedroom and swing space

The cabinets were designed and built by students. They’re painted white, which provides uniformity throughout the house, and without any hardware, the cabinet doors have a clean, sleek look. In a way, the beveled edges on the bottom of the cabinet doors in the kitchen and swing space are the hardware; the edges are easy to grasp and pull open. The soft-closing mechanisms mean they are quiet. The cabinet doors (and drawers) under the kitchen counter and in the bedroom have beveled edges too, but they’re opened and closed by spring action. Pressing on the corner of a door releases a spring, and pressing the door on the same corner back into the cabinet housing compresses it.

Beveled edges and spring

While unpacking, it became clear we’d have to come up with some storage locations and strategies that were different from how we stored things before. The bathroom has one cabinet under the sink with some small shelves next to it; before, we had several cabinets and drawers. New strategy: daily use items stay in the medicine cabinet and under the sink, and the occasional items stay in the drawers of the freestanding wardrobe. The bedroom closet has one hanging rod; before, our closet had two different rod heights, so both shirts and pants were on hangers. New strategy: shirts and dresses hang in the bedroom closet, while pants are stacked horizontally in bedroom cabinets instead of hanging vertically. Other solutions were made for the kitchen and swing space too.

Bookshelves in the loft

Adapting to the storage space here as it was designed to be used, and organizing our items to fit within, has meant thinking about space in a different way. And, it means being conscious of what we bring into the house, not filling cabinets just because there’s room.

*With apologies to Jane Austen.

it was all a dream.

Honestly, I’m not concerned about what people think of the chair bed in the Norris House. For me it was about the process. Claire and I worked hard on the design and completion of the furniture and managed to make a chair that works, but we struggled. Only through collaboration with Professor Stuth, Levi Hooten, Matt Hall, Sam Bouck, Chris Melander and Professor Rose was this possible. We all thought to make a chair that worked and looked good. We did it. We had a hard time doing it, but we did it.

Something I've discovered this semester is the art of working collaboratively. More importantly, working collaboratively on a design build project. A lot of my peers building the actual house could speak much more knowledgeably on the subject, but I was able to take a small part in the process. Designing this chair and subsequently building it has taught me that the most important thing to do is just that: do something. Oftentimes Claire and I would be talking about possibilities for the chair and throwing out ideas and were advised to try them. And we did. Mock ups of the give of plywood, hardware details and stain options. It all seems obvious now, and eventually, halfway through the semester we got it. Just do something.

So here’s to you, Norris, for dooming me to never want to work solely behind a computer screen again, for enjoying collaborative work, and for allowing me to learn more than I have to date in my college career.Thanks to Professor French, Professor Stuth, Sam, Levi, Matt, and everyone else who contributed to making the project possible, because sincerely, I’m grateful to have been a part, albeit small, of the project.

photo courtesy of ken mccown

bed:chair::chair:bed

Reclaimed Oak Floors Going In!

Thanks to Scott and Paul at Salvage Antique! Floors are looking great.

Learn more at http://www.salvageantique.net/

Progress...

The interior team is swiftly moving along in the process of their design, focusing on perfecting the details that make the house that much closer to completion. With the tiling currently in process, the bathroom is well on its way. One of the many important things coming from the design of interiors is the process of trial and error. Such is true with lighting. We have been assigned the task of designing/building a medicine cabinet also doubling as a light source for the bathroom. After several weeks of design, we were unsure of the amount of light needed to correctly illuminate the space. After several suggestions, the only real option was to test it out. After a speedy mock-up was erected, we realized there was not going to be proper lighting for the space. It was back to the drawing boards. After fully correcting what was observed from the trial run, we corrected our mistakes and are now ready to hit production. Going through this process has made us realize the value in trial runs and how they really fine tune the details. From full scale mock-ups to tiny models, it is this attention to detail that makes the New Norris House so unique.

A special shout out to all team members who made the Foundry presentation look so fantastic.

Wood Floor Arrives!

Tuesday afternoon we received a load of reclaimed white oak floors from Salvage Antique, LLC. Scott Brady of Salvage Antique has been generous enough to donate the materials as well as aid in the installation of the floor in the coming week. The wood itself (originally cut down nearly 150 years ago) is quite beautiful is comes from a former barn in Kentucky. Check out the Salvage Antique website here to learn more about their product: http://www.salvageantique.net/

To finish the floors, we will be using an environmentally friendly product made by OSMO North America. Often floor finishes can be extremely high in VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds) and this can adversly effect the interior air quality over time. We have been fortunate enough to partner with OSMO and a specifying a floor finish that is exteremly low in VOCs. Not only will this make our building healthier to live in, but it also earns us LEED points. You can learn more about the OSMO on their website: http://www.osmona.com/

Nightlight

Eco-friendly paints

Paint for the walls and cabinetry has been ordered! The New Norris House team would like to thank the Sherwin-Williams Company and Rodney Bishop on Baum drive, Knoxville, for the donation of their new eco-friendly paint ProMar® 200 Zero VOC. The company is also donating the paint finishes for the cabinetry: ProClassic Waterborne and Premium Wall&Wood Primer. All products have low VOC content which satisfy LEED criteria.

Thank you again to Dwight LeClair and Rodney Bishop for making this partnership possible.

Cabinet Excursion Part Deux

The cabinet production is in full effect now!!!!!! And we couldn't be happier!

With the help of our new found friends at A&M Supply, Blum Hardware, and Columbia Forest Products, we have been able to dive pretty deep in the construction of the base cabinets. They have been great help in the process of picking material and coordination.

It is still a learning process as our lead critic Steve likes to walk by and laugh at us as we struggling to figure the details out. I 'think' we have figured out the process of construction now and the wall cabinets should come together pretty quick. Although we are slightly behind schedule, we are trying to work day and night to get them done. We barely have time to breath, little alone blog, with how hard these 'research specialist' are working us.

As I digress, we are about 90% done with the base cabinets and should start the wall cabinets within the next couple of days. Hoping to install as soon as the flooring is installed, we are trying to get them finished by the middle of next week.

So until the next time I get a Union Break.... I bid you adieu!

March interiors

March begins. With the promise of spring comes the urgency of decision making as the finish line draws nearer. An on-site presentation of the interior design concept to the entire team provided invaluable feedback, which allowed adjustments to be made and in-depth developments to be pursued. After his first visit of the house, the interior team had its final meeting with professor David Matthews (UT CoAD, chair of Interior Design); in light of the constructive criticism obtained from both presentations, we now feel that we have a strong scheme and a clear direction in which to go.

[ To read about David Matthews’ impressions of the New Norris House, see Reflections on Norris ]

color
The application of color within the realm of the Home had been addressed as static within the private realm. While the team still believes in the use of paint as a highly impermanent and personable element, the decision was made to limit the application of color to the inside of the marriage wall rather than the entirety of the rooms. The warm orange (swing space) and yellow (bedroom) of the wall now lend a hand to light as it paints on the white canvas of the house, defining those spaces as more intimate. The bathroom ‘nook’ remains yellow, as it becomes perceived as carved out of the marriage wall; in addition, the use of a warm color allows for a positive perception of the self-image, as bathrooms are meant “to make the occupant look good, not the room.” (David Matthews)
The next step is the choice of paint colors, most importantly the whites; the interior team has been coordinating with the casework team in order to obtain a harmonious relationship between the white cabinets and the walls. We have been very fortunate to establish a partnership with the Sherwin Williams Company through Mr. Dwight LeClair, who is in the process of helping us obtain 0 VOC paint as the house will be seeking LEED homes platinum certification.

furniture
In accordance to the design concept of the house, the interior focuses on emphasizing the common space and its relationship to the outdoors. As the “public” living space visually links together street, landscape and people, the furniture remains light in presence and the sight unhindered, while allowing for a flexibility of use. We are very excited to work with David Koch, who has enthusiastically agreed to donate one of his 3style table, which will be staged as an actor sharing its time between the swing space and the living room.

The design of a modular piece (alternatively used as a couch, lounge chair or bed) will start this week, with the immediate goal of a first mock-up achieved over spring break.

flooring
Salvage Antique’s white oak flooring was the general consensus, and will be installed next week. A clear finish will preserve the relatively light color of the wood, as a high contrast in value (dark floor v.s. white walls) would provide discomfort to the occupants.

casework
While the casework team has been working hard on the making of the kitchen cabinetry, the design of the swing space casework is approaching schematic completion through numerous discussions and collaborative efforts. The design includes the loft ladder and wall storage which accommodates a curtain that will allow for a more private use of the swing space. (The curtain height, texture and color are in the process of being designed.)

[ Further updates will be given about lighting and window treatments. A mock-up lighting session will happen soon in order to determine the best way to illuminate the space. ]

For architecture students to approach the task of designing an interior --more particularly this interior-- has proven to be an extraordinary mind-broadening experience. As a new member of the New Norris team, the design process has been at turns daunting, challenging, and intimidating, but most of all highly exciting. The New Norris House has been a constant reminder of how much we can give; of how far the urge to create spaces for high quality of living --that will to do good design-- may take us.

The Many Shades of White

The last couple of weeks Arya and I have been working on priming (surprise!) with special appearances made by the extra tall Matt C. and Laws. Using extenders, ladders, and scaffolding to stretch our 5' - 1 3/4" average height, we have slowly worked our way around the house rolling a coat of low VOC primer over every inch it. During this process we have watched the walls transform into canvases for light, with blues, oranges, and yellows dancing across them throughout the day. In the mid afternoon (around 3:30-4:00 to be exact) the swing space lights up like a lantern, glowing a yellowy orange. Late morning brings triangles of light that slowly move across the skylight wall; it's like a piece of art. But my favorite moment is in the morning: the dormer is bright and welcoming, just begging you come and read a book. It is perfect because the sun is on the opposite side of the window- so light enters, but does not shine in your eyes- and the view out frames the wooded common area behind the house.

Pictures to come soon!

Siding and Interiors Progress

Interior work continues and siding resumes as the weather in Tennessee shifts into spring. Hopefully it will stay this way!

Photo credit: Ken McCown

...a little help from our friends...

Last semester i was in the New Norris House studio, however this semester i was unable to stay with the studio team. Wanting to see the project through until my graduation, i jumped on board with the New Norris House seminar that meets less frequently and is primarily focused on the interior design and interior installation.

This semester my first task is to work with Michele (another former studio team member) on the layout and details of the tile work in the Norris House bathroom. With such a compact space, every detail around every corner must be drawn in detail to fully understand how these tiles must come together.

Today we met with Bob Brown, a tile professional, to seek advise about how to properly seal the area around the window within the shower as to avoid moisture damage. Moisture might be public enemy number one when it comes to construction, as it can wreak havoc on unseen parts of the house. Having a professional who does this everyday was very helpful to understanding how we can avoid major issues in the bathroom. He was able to give us names of products and suppliers and generally just lead us in the right direction. A special thank you goes out to him for taking time to help us out.

The meeting with Mr. Brown took place at the Norris House, which i had not seen since early January due to the limited hours of the seminar class. I was very impressed with the work the new studio team has accomplished. It was very nice to see the continuation of the work that we completed last semester look so beautiful. The drywall is impeccable, the French doors look amazing, and the house looks very nice all around. I guess the Fall 2010 team left the house in good hands. I am excited to go back in a couple weeks to see what else they have completed.

A Retro Norris House

On behalf of the interiors team I am happy to announce a new project partner: Circa 50!

Visit them at http://www.circa50.com/

Thanks, Circa 50, we are looking forward to it!

Casework Materials

We have conducted numerous tests on different species of woods and different materials with multiple types of stains, paints and finishes. Working closely with the interior design team we have gone through many iterations of color and finish to come to a point of satisfaction with the casework. As shown below, you can see that we have decided to use a medium density fiber board (MDF) with a brush of stain and poly. After multiple sample pieces, we have come to the conclusion use a golden oak stain shown at the front of the first image, with a brush on poly.

The image below shows earlier tests on various types of plywood using wipe on poly and diluted water based paints

The image below is a few different sample woods with various stains, to be used as flooring, to the front face of the cabinetry in the kitchen

In order to reduce material waste we have constructed all of our casework mock ups and samples from scrap materials from other projects.

House to Home

After our presentation last Thursday on our two interior concepts, we are moving forward with one theme which combines both the “minimal” and “color pop” ideas. Professors Stuth and Matthews were constructive in their criticism and invaluable in our decision to move forward with one theme.

Professor David Matthews, an interior design professor in our college, will be a regular at our Thursday presentations offering insight and advice from another angle of design. Also new to our team is an interior design student Erin Bailey. These two will be strong resources as we get closer to making the interior of the New Norris House a true and welcoming home.

Claire, Ivy, Erin and I are going to begin to compose a narrative of living. We are thinking about the daily rituals of life and how we can begin to engage even the smallest act of placing your keys when you arrive in your home as a moment to be recognized. In addition to addressing ritual we are also moving back into original concepts of having the kitchen, living and outdoor space being a cohesive “tube” along the house and being more of a communal or public realm while the swing space, bedroom and loft are within the private realm of the home.

With another presentation coming up we look forward to working together and understanding the New Norris House as a place to call home.

New Norris House Interior Construction

With just a few weeks into the Spring semester, a lot of planning and fabricating is taking place inside the New Norris House and at UT's art & architecture wood shop. With many new faces joining the Norris House team this semester, students are eager to get involved and learn new skills to help with the completion of the house.

This week Smart Home Products finished the installation of the Icynene spray foam insulation in the roof, floor joists and stud walls of the home. The insulation material was a donation from Compton Sales company and will help increase the homes efficiency. This will also aid in the achievement of a LEED Platinum rating.

Also this week, the French doors which will eventually open up onto the New Norris house's back deck were installed. This door was installed by UT students with the help of Albert, a carpenter for the General Contractor Johnson & Galyon. The French doors bring a lot of needed light into the home's kitchen and living space. In addition to the doors new gypsum board is being hung on the interior walls. Once some remaining fire alarm placement and rigid insulation issues are taken care of, the rest of the gypsum board will be installed.

Interior Concepts

While the new Norris house embodies many innovative ideas in terms of building and living, the project ultimately establishes the frame for a Home. As construction progresses forward, questions of interior design are raised as the choice of finishes, colors and furniture will greatly influence the experience of the space. A first conceptual pin-up is scheduled for Thursday, when the interior team will present two schemes: a “minimal” and a “color pop” scheme, expanding upon the original ideas for the design. Communication is vital to the development of an interior palette; discussions and endless chains of emails have been going back and forth between the cabinet, bathroom and interiors team, as well as most members of the new Norris house studio. Since no interior design students were able to take part in the seminar class, collaboration with faculty and classmates will help the team throughout the design process.

As architecture students, we rarely have the occasion to address projects on the level of detail required by the design of interiors: we experience for the first time a new facet of our discipline. Time is allocated to consider every step taken throughout the house, to study the materiality and color of each surface and how they affect feeling within the space. The abstract concepts we have been taught how to develop are suddenly challenged by the number of practicalities required in the making of a house. Design starts to entice a meaning which goes beyond aesthetics, and takes us back to the normality of life --a normality of which we are now aware, having been away from it for so long. Although our conversations revolve around tangible and quantifiable elements, such as color schemes, wood flooring, tiles, lighting, furniture and window treatments, they address the rituals of everyday life, shaping the pieces of the puzzle which, one day, will mean Home.

color pop

Demo, Insulation, and Uneven Walls

The beginning of this semester started with some minor drywall demo. When Clayton Homes built the house they added a 1/8" thick layer of energy board on the inside wall that the two sections shared. The problem was that they energy board was only installed from the top of the wall to about four feet from the floor, instead of the full distance. This made the drywall slope inward toward the studs an eighth of an inch in the four feet that the energy board was not installed. We had to tear out the existing drywall to remove all of the energy board on the wall that faces the kitchen and some of the wall that faces into the bedroom. The next problem was the light fixture in the bathroom, which was about an inch and a half off center. This also required ripping down the ceiling and adjusting the fixture. The final bit of demo so far was the 2’ wide section of wall that separates the swing space from the other half of the house. This wall was out of plumb by I think three quarters of an inch. We had to take the drywall down to fix the problem.

After all of the demolition the insulation was sprayed on Thursday and Friday and they will be back sometime soon to finish the rest of the ceiling. It was an interesting process to watch. A layer would be sprayed on about as thick as a layer of paint from a roller but within a few seconds it would fill over half of the 12 inch cavity space between the common rafters. Although the install job was incomplete Sam managed to convince the company to send their crew back out there to fill in some of the voids.

Once the insulation was finished and we were able to get back inside without masks we were going to install OSB on the dormer wall. Once the sheet was cut to size and nailed up we realized that the top plate of the wall, that it was resting on, was not square. The wall went from a 1/4" gap between the stud to the inside face of the drywall on one side to a 1/8" gap on the other. Since this problem would not allow for the drywall to sit flush will the piece below we had to remove the OSB and add furring strips. The strips were cut to 1/8", 3/16", and 1/4" thicknesses from several 2x4's. Once cut they were attached to the studs to correct the uneven dimensions between the studs and drywall.

With all of this preparation almost complete we hope to be installing the new drywall sometime at the beginning of this week.

Cabinets & Casework

As the house continues to advance, we have come to a point where we need to buckle down and make some pretty important decisions about the interior construction and aesthetic. One major component is the built-in kitchen casework. We know that we are trying to achieve a clean, simple, and elegant look, but we are unsure as to how to advance with the construction. One method would be to order premanufactured cabinet boxes in standard sizes and then complete them by producing our own cabinet doors and custom components. While this limits us to standard cabinet sizes, it gives us the advantage of saving some time - keeping us from fabricating all of the components ourselves.

But in the interest of saving some cold, hard cash, we are pursuing the option of fabricating all of the casework ourselves. More than just saving money, this will allow us to produce more custom cabinetry to suite the needs of the house and it will prove to be an invaluable educational tool for all the students involved in the design and construction of the cabinets. In addition to the traditional woodworking tools found in the woodshop, we also have a CNC router available to aid in our attempt to create beautiful casework. Using CNC (computer numerical control) router, we can build a 3-dimensional model of the cabinets in the computer and have each piece precisely cut out on the router. This ensures precision and helps save material as it fits the most amount of pieces possible on each sheet of plywood. After the pieces are cut out, we just need to assemble them with a minimal amount of finishing of the materials.

We plan to use this week to ensure that we are competent to complete the casework in a timely fashion. By the end of the week, we will finish designing the cabinets and hopefully build one cabinet box using the CNC router, recognizing any weaknesses we have in our process.