Each month since April 2020 the Central Virginia Construction Specification Institute Chapter has hosted online seminars to promote communication within the industry. This important task of sharing information, having discussions, and learning from each other is the core reason CSI exists, to build a stronger industry. This month we are thrilled to welcome Chris Shifflett, PE, CHFM, LEED AP to discuss how post-pandemicindoor air quality will be viewed, understood, and controlled.
Summary: This session will consist of the following topics: Overview of air cleaning technologies, most common and widely used technologies (UV light and Bi-polar ionization), Filtration (MERV & HEPA), code required minimum ventilation, and ASHRAE and CDC recommendations.
Chris joined Blauch Brothers in 2017 and is currently the Mechanical Engineering manager. Before Blauch, he has a diverse background in HVAC and plumbing industries. He has held positions such as pipefitter, MEP consulting engineer, health care facility engineer, and professional engineer for other mechanical contractors. Through his past experience with health care facilities, indoor air quality focus is nothing new to him.
When we design a home it is sort of like putting together a jigsaw puzzle where you don’t have a picture of the finished product. We start the process by establishing the goals or program – the number of rooms, types of rooms, budget goal, view opportunities – the program is always custom. The most common piece that does not want to fit is the budget. The wants almost always outweigh what is possible with the amount of money available. Building affordably with high value per square foot is critical. Intentional design is the best way to build affordably.
As an architect you are trained to see design solutions before they exist on paper (or computer screen). We know the tools to use to create, define, sculpt, and shape space to solve the jigsaw puzzle. This design process is dependent on clear communication.
Using trim, color, light, windows, shelves, flooring, ceiling height are all ways to create the space, but also making sure every space designed is adaptable, resilient, and intentional makes a huge difference in budget.
We talk about it all the time, design matters. Having a plan together before construction starts is the key to success. This goes for all products. I am having some issues with my Fitbit watch and I did a little research. There are several articles that mention these devices last about 2 years. They are designed to last just long enough that the technology is obsolete and the person using it wants to replace it anyway. In the built world many of the decisions made are based on building code minimums. I was told recently by a past client that his builder told him he could add a hot tub on his rear deck because the “architect over-designed the structure.” Well, turns out that is not true based on the weight of the hot tub and sound engineering calculations. The deck will not hold up a deck. I am very happy my past client asked me about this change prior to putting the deck on it.
We design all types of structures. This barn has the appropriate structure to last a very long time with low maintenance. There are more hangers than you would find in an old barn – but that old barn is not built with modern materials. We cannot continue to do things like they used to be done as our modern materials are not the same.
This greenhouse for our clients is currently under construction. We worked through a few ideas the client had to create this space and came up with the right solution for them.
This backyard shed is a little more than what you can find on a prefab lot. It will also last a lot longer. Those sheds that you just put on blocks will start showing their age after a few years especially with water damage. This structure has a second-floor storage area that is easy to access and it blends with the rest of the property.
We have designed a few gates over the years I have been with the firm. This one blends stone used in other places on the property and marks the entrance.
We design a lot of decks around the valley. This one will last a lifetime and works with the existing house to avoid blocking light into the basement level.
This stage at Natural Chimney was designed specifically to perform well as a performance space. It brings in natural materials and provides the infrastructure needed to enjoy live music.
We have done a variety of projects for our local schools. This one designed for Massanutten Technical Center brought their cooking classroom up to current standards.
Finally, this sliding wall was designed to expose historic graffiti at the Harrisonburg Homes Teams office. They wanted to have a way to display artwork while not blocking the historic artwork already on the wall.
We design a variety of project types and all of them have one thing in common, design matters. While we don’t design to code minimum or the worst thing you can build by law, we work hard to meet client expectations and create highly functional, durable, and beautiful solutions for our clients.
You are invited NOT to attend! We need your help to support two local non-profit organizations in our community.
The Rotary Club of Rockingham County is pleased to invite you not to attend another virtual fundraising event. Rather, we hope you will purchase a $100 ticket for a chance to win $1,500. Each ticket purchased includes local delivery of 2 pounds of pork barbecue, which purchasers will have the option to donate to a local charity or enjoy themselves. The donation option can be selected at check out. The first 100 purchasers will receive their pork April 8 – 9 and the second 100 in May.
The raffle drawing will occur in May (exact drawing date TBD). This raffle will benefit First Step: A Response to Domestic Violence andGenerations Crossing. So stay home, kick back, read a book, or take a nap, just don’t plan on attending yet another virtual event.
Purchase your ticket, enjoy the bbq, and maybe you will be the lucky winner of $1,500.Visithttps://bit.ly/2ORvmwj for more information and to purchase your tickets!
A strong downtown is critical for the health of a city and Harrisonburg is proof. Our downtown is thriving and surviving even in this difficult season. We have had some painful losses and I expect there will be a few more, but our core is strong and we are on the verge of tremendous growth. Downtown Harrisonburg is the heart of our region and the place that many of us love to live, work, and play. The strength of our town comes from confident and brave entrepreneurs, passionate supporters, and strong allies like HDR that support both. There are many things to love about our downtown, but we can always improve, and having a comprehensive master plan is the first step forward.
There is no doubt that our historic buildings that tell the story of our past and create the fabric for our future are a core reason for our downtown’s strength. It takes a bold vision for a building owner to invest in the greater good of a region by saving a historic building.
The amazing food culture that has been created in Harrisonburg draws people in from around the region. In fact, Harrisonburg is the first Culinary District in Virginia featuring a range of ethnic, fine dining, casual, and locally owned options. Along with festivals centered around food, a grocery store, and a bed and breakfast this downtown knows how to celebrate the region’s agricultural heritage.
We have ducks! How cool is it that you sometimes have traffic jams because of passing baby ducks or your office has a visitor?
Our crosswalks are creative and hopefully just a start to a more pedestrian-centric downtown. The sidewalks are being upgraded and infrastructure updated as our downtown continues to improve. Wouldn’t it be cool if our crosswalks were works of art?
There are a series of small park spaces in downtown to give places to rest and relax, have a conversation, or just enjoy nature. While I wish there were more trees and vegetation, we have some and the possiblity to have more. How cool would it be to have a downtown park? Maybe…
Our paths are becoming works of art.
The pandemic has helped create more outdoor dining spaces, a trend I hope continues to grow and expand.
