Category Archives: Design

The Hearth of the Home

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One of the other jobs that we have been diligently working on is the hearth for the fireplace, along with the firebox. Instead of using a more traditional firebrick or refractory brick made of ceramic material, we have chosen soapstone which can also be used as firebrick because of its unique composition.  Soapstone is a natural material – metamorphic rock – formed millions of years ago under intense heat and pressure. Because it started out in a molten state deep within the earth, and because it has an unusually stable composition, soapstone can comfortably withstand fire and dramatic changes in temperature.

For centuries, soapstone has been known for its ability to retain heat. Other natural stones, such as granite and marble, also hold and radiate heat, but only soapstone has the added benefit of being able to withstand direct flames indefinitely without splitting or cracking.  While burning wood is not helping our carbon footprint, the slow release of heat from the soapstone is a more energy conscious decision in terms of warming our apartment as compared to a more traditional refractory firebrick. While there was a marginal up cost to using soapstone, we are also much happier with the aesthetics of it.

Below you can see where the old hearth was located above the brick buried in the floor. ACE placed concrete over the brick and then placed a 1/4″ thick piece of plate steel on the wet concrete. This was then leveled to make the base for the hearth and to prevent heat from the fire from migrating downwards into the floor joists where it could possibly start a fire…

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It is important to remember that the design of fireplaces is strictly regulated by the building code, even when refurbishing an existing fireplace or chimney with a new wood burning fireplace.  Be sure to consult with a professional before attempting this job on your own.

IMG_4115Above you can see the completed hearth and the flue for the smoke chamber which will sit directly above the damper and the firebox. Prak from ACE did a cosmic job laying the stone for the hearth. Super level and all the joints are aligned. Total pro! Again, can’t say enough about Sonny and ACE. Great job, great price.

Stoned

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Doing a renovation project can create a lot of stress in a relationship. It is important to recognize the milestones along the way and celebrate the aspects of the project that will make it unique when you finally move all your belongings into the home. Yesterday in the midst of an impending snowstorm and all the preparations that we New Yorkers make to combat such an event, my wife and I woke up early, got a nice cup of coffee, piled into our little Subaru, turned the seat heaters to high and headed out to New Jersey to visit the slab yards in what I would describe as a winters dream. It was lot a fun and very impressive.

IMG_4018They are open to the public, but it helps to know which ones are indoors…

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Walking in between the slabs can be impressive in and of itself. Staring into giant hunks of the earth hewn from different parts of the world is mesmerizing. The variety and colors of stone to choose from can be overwhelming. Granite, marble and slate all have distinctive properties and attributes that make each one unique. While there is no right or wrong answer in choosing stone it ultimately is a personal choice that will dramatically impact the color and design of the room it which it is placed.

IMG_4019It also helps when you realize that both you and your partner have similar aesthetics in choosing stone. There is an implicit amount of trust and understanding in these moments of where you learn a lot about each other and it is thus that a renovation need not become a source of stress, but a bonding experience which makes the final product all that more enjoyable. Otherwise one needs to have a delicate hand in approaching these conversations.

Sourcing the stone yourself is also a great way to save a few $$$. It takes a bit of work, but it can be done and the payout can be considerable. It helps to be an architect or know one that owes you a favor, but it is not necessary.

 

 

Architects & Developers

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Couldn’t help myself with this one. It just makes too much sense. A good friend passed this article along to me and it epitomizes the new direction that I have taken in my career.

http://www.crainsnewyork.com/article/20131201/REAL_ESTATE/312019985#

Having worked at a large corporate architecture firm for developers I often saw first hand how projects would get wrecked because developers would so often fail to understand the design process. While architects can often be found guilty of inflated egos and design for design sake which can also wreck the profit margin in a developers proforma. The truth is that striking the right balance between design and profit can be an incredibly powerful combination in building a design development firm.

Thanks Greg!

Penn Station

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It is still amazing to me that this actually happened and was considered a feasible approach to urban design by not only politicians and city planners, but also by powerful real estate interests and is a reminder that one must not only consider the present value of the urban fabric but also its future value. In one of the images you can see commuters washed in natural daylight walking across the glass floors above the train platforms as the demolition crane is illuminated by the glass ceiling. What crazy building the old Penn Station was…