by Charles Hendricks | Jun 20, 2024 | architecture
Beck Builders has started moving dirt at Massanutten Resort for a new custom home. This contemporary architectural creation will be flooded with natural light and have some incredible views. Working on a tight-sloped site in this resort has several challenges: driveway, garage, water management, and rock to name a few. However, our client had a clear vision for what they wanted in this incredible design and we were able to fit the pieces on the site and create just the right solution.
Our process for working on a custom home is to work hard to figure out the life our client wants to live on this particular building site. We have a series of questions to get to know each client’s goals and values, how they function in a space, and how they would enjoy this new home. We want to know functionally how spaces need to work with each other and what the dream day might be. When designing a custom solution, we help facilitate the goals our clients dream about. It is a design process that not only focuses on beauty but functionality and buildability too. We want to make it efficient and affordable to build and operate, so we work hard to find the values in our client’s dreams and incorporate those into the structure.
In this design, we used a variety of techniques to show the client what the spaces would look and feel like as they make critical design decisions. Keeping the high ceilings and glass wall facing the views was an important element in their vision. This, along with the narrow lot and slope, gave us the parameters to design within. With an understanding of building science and materials, we created an efficient structure to build that will be aesthetically striking and provide our clients with functional spaces to live comfortably.
Knowing the clients comes from listening to the clients. There are a lot of conversations that happen throughout the design process and the more we listen, the more we learn and can design the right solution.
Hearing from the builder that our complete design will make the build go smoother reassures us that our process works and provides greater value – as time is money when it comes to construction. We strive to achieve that balance between beautiful and functional design in every home we create. We want builders to be proud of what they are constructing. Most importantly, we want our clients to live their dream life in their new space.
by Charles Hendricks | Jun 17, 2024 | architecture
The Eastern Mennonite Elementary School gathering space is taking shape as foundation walls are revealed. It has been such a joy to return to this project to add the gathering space to the Elementary School we helped create years ago. In the design of this addition, we once again worked hand in hand with the teachers and staff of Eastern Mennonite School to make sure we addressed concerns, enhanced their ability to serve their students, and created a comfortable space for their students. I am really looking forward to seeing how the soft northern light will bath over this space and how the warm radiant floors designed by Rockingham Engineering will make the space enjoyable year-round.
At the site meeting this week I was thrilled to hear from Herr and Company that the foundation walls and grade worked out exactly as we had planned. This will allow for multiple access points and the ability to open this space up in comfortable weather as a pavilion space. The connection to outside / nature is a core component of this schools educational standards. Designing a commercial space that can serve as both an indoor and outdoor space has some building science challenges. Working with the design team we were able to come up with solutions that will be durable, sustainable, and comfortable.
This addition will allow for large group gatherings in the building and provide flexible small study rooms, a warming kitchen, storage space, and outdoor solid surface gathering areas.
More on the addition of the gathering space in Phase II Here.
by Charles Hendricks | May 24, 2024 | architecture, community
It is time to ROCK THE RIDGE to support MTC! MTC has programs including agriculture production, architecture, auto technology, carpentry, collision repair, dental careers, fire and rescue, heating and cooling technology, nursing, welding, and more. Supporting technical education is critical to the success of any community. Charles serves on the foundation board and the marketing committee and says, “The work we are doing to support these students will pay off for our entire community as MTC develops our community’s future heroes.”
Rock the Ridge is a new summer kick-off event produced by Massanutten Technical Center Foundation and hosted by Massanutten Resort. With so many positive comments after last year’s event hosted at the school, MTC Foundation wanted to kick it up a notch and expand on the ever-popular Thunderstruck vibe. Thus, this new collaborative event was born.
This festival will feature three main stage bands, food, beverages, fireworks, and more!
MTC foundation worked with Bluestone Communications this year to kick off the marketing plan for the foundation and fundraiser – Rock the Ridge. This nationally affiliated student run PR firm at James James Madison University was a pleasure to work with over this last semester. Working with the Bluestone Communications team from JMU allowed us to develop a brand standard for MTC Foundation and graphics specific to promote the upcoming concert.
These students work with a variety of businesses and non-profits each year. Along with branding and social media, they work to get media exposure, which they did for us through WHSV and the DNR.
The Massanutten Technical Center Foundation, under the direction of its Executive Board, supports the mission of Massanutten Technical Center:
“Massanutten Technical Center will provide high school and adult students with the skills, knowledge, and industry-based experiences necessary to attain success in career and community.”
MTC plays a vital role in the community that directly benefits area students, businesses, and citizens alike. Area businesses have access to economical, high quality training services for their employees and a steady supply of highly-skilled potential employees. With MTC in the community, adults can continue their education, and working men and women can acquire new skills that greatly enhance their career prospects. At MTC, high school students are prepared for a future of lifetime learning and career success.
by Charles Hendricks | May 21, 2024 | architecture, Charles Hendricks
Charles Hendricks Recognized as one of the 100 top Architects of 2024
Fixr.com recently revealed its annual selection of the 100 Top Architects of 2024, spotlighting key players in today’s construction industry. This exclusive list acknowledges the experts who are continuously contributing to the growth of the residential design sector.
These top architects have made this list based on criteria such as expertise, experience, and the ability to drive innovation and progress. They are acknowledged both locally and nationally, have earned their place through remarkable projects and a solid reputation.
According to Ornella Bianco, Home Improvement Specialist at Fixr.com, “The influence these experts have on the industry is undeniable. They are at the forefront, keeping up the pace with evolving homeowner preferences and advancing residential architecture in 2024.”
Being included in Fixr.com’s list affirms Hendricks’ leadership and expertise in the home design sector. This recognition underscores Charles Hendricks’ role as a catalyst for innovation, crucial for the ongoing advancement of residential architectural practices and trends in 2024.
Charles was also included on this list in 2023 and prior to that appeared on the Fixr top 200 experts in the construction industry list each year from 2020-2022
About Charles:
Charles Hendricks and is an architect, Rotarian, and father living in the Shenandoah Valley, Virginia. He serves the firm as Principal Architect also focused on business development, marketing, sustainability, and building science. He serves the community through a wide range of organizations including the Rotary Club of Rockingham County, Shenandoah Valley Partnership, Explore More Museum, Park View Mennonite Church, Massanutten Technical Center Foundation, Harrisonburg Downtown Renaissance Design Committee, and through many other volunteer opportunities. His core belief is that through design we can build a stronger and more vibrant future for all.
About Gaines Group Architects:
Gaines Group Architects is a small firm with a big idea – design can build a better community, enhance livability, reduce construction and operation costs, and protect our environment.
Design matters.
We work hard to understand the best practices in the industry so we can provide our clients with functional, affordable, and beautiful design solutions. We do this through a focus on quality, value, building science, and timeless beauty. Gaines Group Architects is located in Harrisonburg and Charlottesville, Virginia. We serve a wide range of clients from custom homes, renovations, additions, commercial, retail, industrial, ecclesiastical, and non-profits.
Mission statement
Through design we want to build a stronger more vibrant community. We want to design solutions that make positive changes for everyone in our community.
Why we do it
Because we want a better future for our clients, community, and world.
About Fixr.com
Fixr.com is a go-to resource for home improvement, dedicated to aiding homeowners in making informed decisions about remodeling. Fixr.com stands out for providing unbiased, thorough, and regularly updated cost guides, price comparisons, and cheat sheets for a wide range of remodeling, installation, and repair projects. With the necessary knowledge at hand, Fixr.com connects homeowners with the best-matched contractors in their area to begin their home improvement projects.
For the complete list of the 100 Top Architects of 2024, visit: https://www.fixr.com/articles/top-experts-architects
by Charles Hendricks | May 20, 2024 | architecture
The Harrisonburg Rockingham Child Day Care Center is heading into the final weeks of construction for phase 1. Walls have been removed and others added. Doors are relocated to the right locations and electrical outlets have been added. The restrooms have been shaped and the rough-ins are ready for fixtures. Best of all, the drywall is almost done so the paint to roll.
Harrisonburg Construction is hard at work executing the plan that we worked out with the building owners to maximize the functionality of this existing building for their day care. Phase 1 construction will provide the rooms and spaces needed to open this fall for infants up to pre-school students. Phase 2 is planned and ready to start (they could use your financial support to get everything done they need). We have learned a lot about grants, day care standards, and faith on this project from some amazing clients with a wonderful mission – to provide affordable day care in Harrisonburg.
Many of the exterior changes, including the playground, will come in phase 2 construction. Phase 1 construction is focused to allow the facility to open the functional space by this fall. We will also update the exterior of the facility and replace the windows.
The classrooms on the north and west side of the building have tall windows and lots of natural light.
We are adding a window into this east classroom to bring more natural light into the space.
The protective cover is starting to be removed from the stainless steel in the kitchen – do they look like portals into another dimension to you?
Stay tuned for more updates as this project starts to get paint, doors installed, and a ceiling in place!
If you are thinking about opening a day care, give us a call so we can help evaluate your building options.
