Bringing new life to an old horse barn

We get to do a variety of projects which keeps life interesting. This particular project wanted to bring new life to an old horse barn. The barn was already beautiful, but not “finished.” There was some repair work that needed to be done and a lot of cleaning up.

So we got to work on a plan to repair and replace the damaged elements of the structure. The plan includes updates to bring the structure to current code standards to be used as an event space. We worked on a variety of seating options and came up with a plan for being able to serve food in the space.

Albemarle Farm
Albemarle Farm
Albemarle Farm

The interior aesthetic was maintained and we were able to reuse some of the damaged areas to enhance the space. Lighting was selected to brighten the space and allow a variety of functions.

Albemarle Farm
Albemarle Farm
Albemarle Farm

Zoom Chat with Jim Leaman – Solar PV on Residential

I have wanted to start a video blog series for some time now, so this change to our normal patterns is the opportunity. Give me some grace while I figure out systems and try some things. For this discussion, I started a ZOOM chat with Jim Leaman on Solar PV on residential projects.

It turns out that Solar PV makes sense financially for every south facing unshaded roof. Jim gives a summary of how he made the decision to add solar to his house.

https://youtu.be/3dMTB96mhTs

Let me know what you think of the video. I am not completely happy with the resolution, but I think the content is strong, thanks to Jim.

Architectural Assignment – Home School 101 Architecture – Fallingwater

Architectural Assignment – Home School 101 Architecture – Fallingwater

Now that life has changed and the girls are doing online school, I added an architectural class to their weekly work load. This past week, I asked each to write a report on a work of architecture that they each appreciate. Here is the report from Hannah Hendricks.

Architectural Assignment 1

3 April 2020

Fallingwater was originally designed in 1935 as a weekend home for Edgar and Liliane Kauffman (“Fallingwater.”). Edgar was a Pittsburg businessman and both he and Liliane were avid outdoorsmen (“Edgar J. Kauffman.”). The Kauffmans owned a plot of land near Mill Run, Pennsylvania on Bear Run River that had a waterfall. They hired Frank Lloyd Wright to design a weekend home for them overlooking the waterfall. Wright designed Fallingwater, a weekend home that sat on top of the waterfall (“Fallingwater.”). 

Frank Lloyd Wright was an American architect, interior designer, writer, and educator born on June 8, 1867, in Richland Center, Wisconsin. Throughout his architecture career, he designed over one thousand structures, five hundred and thirty-two of which were completed. He believed in practicing organic architecture, which is “designing structures that were in harmony with humanity and its environment” (“Frank Lloyd Wright.”). Wright was a founder of the practice. Wright was married three times and had seven children. He had many, many well-known projects and has won four different awards. He passed away on April 9, 1959, at ninety-one years old.

Fallingwater by Frank Lloyd Wright

Today, Fallingwater is a popular tourist destination. Four and a half million people have visited Fallingwater since it was opened to the public in 1964 (“Fallingwater facts”). Fallingwater’s design “symbolizes the harmony between people and nature” (“Designing Fallingwater”). In 1966, it was granted national historic landmark status. In 1991, Fallingwater was named “best all-time work of American architecture” (“Fallingwater.”). In 2007, it was twenty-ninth on a list of America’s favorite architecture. 

I like Fallingwater because it is very intricate and interesting. It has lots of fascinating layers, many balconies, and lots of angles. I think the color choices Wright made were perfect. I love the way the house contrasts with the forest and the river around it. It is very cool how the house has balconies and staircases that go right out into, beside, and over the river and pathways through the forest. The home is well designed and fits very well with its surroundings. 

Bibliography

“Designing Fallingwater – Fallingwater.” Fallingwater. N. p., 2020. Web. 4 Apr. 2020. https://fallingwater.org/history/about-fallingwater/designing-fallingwater/ 

“Edgar J. Kaufmann.” En.wikipedia.org. N. p., 2020. Web. 4 Apr. 2020. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edgar_J._Kaufmann 

“Fallingwater.” En.wikipedia.org. N. p., 2017. Web. 4 Apr. 2020. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fallingwater 

“Fallingwater Facts – Fallingwater.” Fallingwater. N. p., 2020. Web. 4 Apr. 2020. https://fallingwater.org/media-resources/fallingwater-facts/ 

“Frank Lloyd Wright.” En.wikipedia.org. N. p., 2020. Web. 4 Apr. 2020. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frank_Lloyd_Wright 

I created a new free architectural coloring book – CW Depot Coloring Book #architectureisfun

The past free architectural coloring books I created have been very popular in this time of encampment. So I decided to take some time today to make a new one. I created a new free architectural coloring book – CW Depot Coloring Book. #architectureisfun

depot tree

You can just click the link and download the pdf. Print out the entire book or just particular pages. If you color a page, please email it or post in comments below.

front sign

Here are links to other coloring books that I have created HERE, HERE, and HERE.

Sweet Joy’s Cakes and Desserts Cabin Fever Relief #lovelocal

I am feeling run down today. What is it about having to stay home to work that wears you out? I know…. at least I have work – at least for now. I am grateful we were able to go remote quickly to protect our team’s health and still serve our clients. Just today, today feels heavy. So I was trying to think of some way to spread cheer. I started here at home by calling Sweet Joy’s Cakes and Desserts for some Cabin Fever Relief. #lovelocal

Sweet Joy’s is a family business. Their website says they cook from the heart and believe in quality when it comes to decorating and flavoring their foods. Check out their website to see some amazing creations.

The Cabin Fever Relief kit they delivered to our house brought smiles to the faces of my girls. It was just what we needed to bounce back a little from all the heavy that is these days. I feel good about supporting a locally owned small business and the girls are feeling good about having sweet treats to enjoy. I hope you will all give Sweet Joy’s a call or connect with Sweet Joy’s on Facebook to get some relief for yourself!