Eastern Mennonite Elementary School phase 2 is now under construction. It is awesome to be invited back to a project by a client to finish what was started. Eastern Mennonite Elementary Schoolphase 2 will provide the gathering space that allows all the students to come together daily in one place to build community. This space was designed as part of phase 1, but was planned to allow for the fundraising needed to complete it with minimal impacts on what was built just a few years ago. This design planning has saved the client money while allowing them to grow over time.
The space is designed to connect the interior to the exterior serving as a pavilion space in comfortable weather. It features large windows and doors and is flexible enough for eating, gathering, events, and even small groups to gather.
In the cool weather the space will be comfortable thanks to the design efforts of Rockingham Engineering. They provided the expertise to bring in a radiant slab system that will make this space comfortable and efficient. This innovative design concept came from the engineer team as a way to combat the typical cold slab issue that these types of spaces usually experience.
This commercial renovation in Farmville, Virginia started with a request to analyze the space to determine how many offices and conference rooms could be added in the existing building. The existing space and finishes did not fit the aesthetic that the law firm wanted to present to their clients, so we had to figure out how to efficiently insert their program and upgrade the aesthetics. This is a common challenge when innovative businesses look to relocate. The existing building stock is almost always dated and rarely represents the company that is growing.
Existing Interior
Interior Rendering
We worked through the program, analyzed room sizes, developed an overall aesthetic, and worked within the existing structural system of the building to develop a refined layout. There are access controls that allow clients to feel welcomed into the building without giving full access to spaces that require privacy. We learned how the company works to deliver the most efficient layout that still feels open and welcoming to visitors to the space. We determined durable building products that could be added to the exterior while keeping the project on budget to upgrade a dated façade into a creative building solution.
Rendered Conference Room Floorplan
This project in Farmville will allow this business to continue to grow, and the building itself will act as a marketing tool to set the tone for future clients. Thinking through the flow of spaces, security, privacy, structural systems, and budget is a key to keeping a renovation on track.
The Oriental Express and Catering Company is quickly taking shape as Constable Construction puts our design together. This new restaurant was designed in conjunction with our client to maximize the efficiency of the kitchen space to provide quick and delicious oriental cuisine.
I am looking forward to rolling through the drive-thru to get dinner once they open.
The design maximizes light into the dining space, has an open and modern style, and keeps a compact building footprint to make construction as affordable as possible.
Our experience designing restaurants allowed us to partner well with our client that owns and operates another oriental restaurant. We collaborated on the layout and understand the importance of layout to minimize the number of staff it takes to operate effectively.
The second floor of the building offers office operational space for the business owners to keep an eye on the business while getting their work done.
The large windows will invite diners to hang out and enjoy their lunch or dinner while watching the clouds roll by.
When designing custom residences, we have maximum flexibility in designing spaces that accommodate our particular clients. This, of course, takes into account a client’s family size and structure, routines, hobbies, and future considerations. This is also true for a particular client’s mobility issues or concerns for the future. We are able to create spaces around custom equipment, body size and capabilities, and other individual considerations. However, when designing apartments or commercial spaces, we are designing with the entire public in mind, which includes a very wide range of mobility issues and devices.
In the near future, Virginia will be adopting a new code cycle, which includes references to the revised 2017 version of ANSI A117.1, which is the accessibility standards referenced in the International Building Code. What is interesting about these revised standards is all of the research that went behind setting those standards. Most of these changes are based on the 2010 Anthropometry of Wheeled Mobility report, which studied body and device measurements in individuals with a wide range of custom mobility devices, including standard wheelchairs, motorized wheelchairs, and scooters. The original ANSI 117.1 standards were based on a study in the mid-1970s that studied 60 wheelchair-bound individuals. This new study looked at almost 500 individuals and included technology such as 3D scanning to get accurate measurements and comparisons. The findings were then compared against standards in different countries to get an idea of how to set the “building block” dimensions. The findings concluded that the latest standards from 2009 were accommodating roughly 80% of individuals, while the revised standard will accommodate closer to 95% of individuals. While it can be tricky to accommodate some special requirements in places where space is limited, it is exciting to know that the spaces we design will be accessible to a greater number of individuals. Navigating the built environment with a disability can be incredibly difficult, and we are in a unique position to make that easier on our friends and neighbors in our community.
We have been so busy over the last month we failed to post photos from our big party! Here is the press release and some photos from the event.
Gaines Group Architects moves firm headquarters to renovated historic Harrisonburg train station.
The Gaines Group, PLC, Architects is pleased to announce the relocation of its firm headquarters to the historic Chesapeake Western Railroad Depot in the heart of Harrisonburg, Virginia. This milestone marks multiple points of celebration for the firm. Over the last 37 years this business has grown from a one-person operation to a thriving two-location small architectural firm serving communities across four states including Virginia, West Virginia, North Carolina, and Pennsylvania. In the last 15 years it has experienced a substantial increase in the number and average size of projects and has doubled the size of the firm. This year Raymond Gaines and Charles Hendricks were joined by Paul Tassell, Adrienne Stronge, Deborah Smith, and James Halstead as principals, thus increasing the businesses’ resilience. The firm is celebrating sixnewhires who bring a diverse set of talents to the organization. Providing architectural services for a project base that includes custom residential, multi-family residential, industrial, educational, commercial, renovation, child care, and more has allowed the firm to continue to grow in spite of the COVID pandemic.
Charles attributes the firm’s growth to its focus on design that creates a better future for all. He says, “Our focus is to find ways to build a stronger community for everyone. We do this through our projects, designing sustainable solutions into every project. We use design strategies that are durable, energy-efficient, and healthy that not only benefit our client, but the community as a whole. We also seek out organizations in our communities that we can partner with and support through volunteer efforts to further this goal. From our work on boards and commissions, to giving our time and skills, we want our legacy to be one of caring for others, the environment, and our collective future.“
Charter Colony Dairy Queen may be the most unique DQ in the commonwealth. This family-owned business strives to offer their guests comfort while they are enjoying comfort food. It is a must-visit when you are in Midlothian not only for some excellent soft-serve but also to sit by the fireplace, hang out on the patio, or just enjoy the two-story-tall dining room overlooked by our country’s founding fathers. This particular location is inspired by pop art and bright color schemes, and features gorgeous light fixtures making this ice cream shop even more unique.
When it comes to chain design you might think I have seen one so I have seen them all but the small details instilled within the Charter Colony location set it apart from the rest. The Warhol-inspired theme of the restaurant creates a fun, lighthearted atmosphere for the whole family to enjoy. Aside from just being visually pleasing, this location is also a great place to hang out with friends and family! This location also offers the opportunity to bring Dairy Queen to your home with the takeaway fridge!
If you are in the Midlothian area take the time to treat yourself to some ice cream and chicken tenders at this one-of-a-kind Dairy Queen location!
