Blog - San Diego Architect AIA

Using Native Plants in Landsscaping

Hauck Architecture — Mon, 28 May 2012 15:00:17 +0000

Native plants are plants that have adapted to the geography, rainfall levels, and climate of a particular region. Native plants occur in communities, that is, they have evolved together with other plants. As a result, a community of native plants provides habitat for a variety of native wildlife species such as songbirds and butterflies.

The reason you might want to consider incorporating native plants into your landscape is that they provide a beautiful, hardy, drought resistant, low maintenance area to your landscape, while benefiting the environment. Native plants, once established, save time and money by eliminating or significantly reducing the need for fertilizers, pesticides, water, and lawnmowers.

For more information on native plants, follow these links:

Wild Ones Natural Landscapers is a 23-year-old non-profit organization devoted to restoring native ecologies and promoting environmentally sensitive horticultural practices.
The Ladybird Johnson Wildflower Center has a comprehensive list of resources for every state.
National Wildlife Federation Backyard Wildlife Habitat Program tells the basics for starting a backyard wildlife habitat.
The Environmental Protection Agency's Green Landscaping site has information about reducing energy consumption through the use of native plant landscapes.
Ken Robertson's write-up on the tallgrass prairie of Illinois features excellent photos of many dry prairie species.
The University of Wisconsin Herbarium features photos and descriptions of all plants native to that state.
The Soil Conservation Service's Midwestern Wetland Flora describes more than 300 species with photos.
There's lots of info about milkweeds at the Monarch Watch site.

Source: Joel Hawk

Explaining the “heat island” effect

Hauck Architecture — Mon, 14 May 2012 15:00:52 +0000

A heat island is a built environment that is warmer than its neighboring rural area caused by dry, exposed surfaces such as roofs and pavement that retain and radiate heat. Heat islands can be as much as 20°F warmer than rural area, increasing cooling costs and energy consumption, elevating pollution causing emissions and greenhouse gasses, compromising human health and impairing water quality. The heat island effect can be reduced by increasing vegitation and reducing paving, adding a rooftop garden, selecting cool reflective roof coverings and cool pavements. Solar photo voltaic panels can also help in reducing the heat island effect by reducing the amount of heat energy absorbed. Solar panels also have the added benefit of generating electricity. For the greatest impact, these strategies should to be implemented on a community wide scale. While a single cool roof will mainly benefit the habitants of the building, widespread implementation throughout a community could multiply the effectiveness and reduce summertime temperatures. On your next remodel, addition or new construction project, consider increasing vegetation, adding a rooftop garden or installing a cool roof and cool pavement. All of which will save money by lowering cooling equipment needs and reducing energy consumption, creating a more comfortable and balanced environment.

How will a remodel or addition impact my property taxes?

Hauck Architecture — Fri, 20 Apr 2012 15:01:36 +0000

This is a question we get all the time. When a building permit is issued for a remodel, addition or other new construction, the county assessor receives notice from the building department. If the work adds value to the property, a reassessment is required. Normal maintenance or repairs are not reassessed. The assessor will determine the value of the new work based on the current market value, not the cost of the work. Only the new work will be assessed. The value of the existing property will not be affected. A supplemental assessmet will be issued 1-6 months after completion of the project, as determined by the date of final inspection approval. Once assessed, the local tax roll will be updated to include the supplemental assessment. Talk to your Architect to find out more or contact the California State Board of Equalization.

Q: 13 of 20 Questions To Ask Your Architect

Hauck Architecture — Fri, 16 Mar 2012 16:00:00 +0000

How does the architect organize the process?

The organization of the architectural process follows simple step-by-step phasing in order to stay on track. This industry proven process defines an architectural project. While some projects may be more complex, and others more simple, these steps apply to every project.

Pre-Design

In the pre-design phase, we work closely with the client to develop a project program that defines the scope of the project. In this phase we will also research building and zoning codes for the site and field measure any existing conditions. This sets the stage for the next phase of Schematic Design.

Schematic Design

During the Schematic Design phase, we explore a multitude of design options. Many times, one single option does not contain all of the desired components. We will take the best of all the options and come up with a cohesive plan that incorporates all the best parts of each design.

Design Development

In Design Development, the designs from the Schematic Design phase are brought together and further developed into a detailed representation of the project. All aspects are explored and resolved into an overall design that takes into consideration all parts of the project.

Construction Documents

Once the Design Development phase is complete, preparation of the Construction Documents can begin. The Construction Documents make up the drawings that will be used for permit, bidding and construction. They will be a part of the contract between the owner and contractor that guide the entire construction process.

Construction Administration

Construction Administration is the overseeing of the project to make sure it is being constructed in accordance with the Construction Documents and the design intent. The architect works closely with the contractor and the owner to address on-site issues and answer any questions that arise.

Green Building and Outdoor Lighting

Hauck Architecture — Thu, 08 Sep 2011 17:35:40 +0000

Outdoor lighting can be an integral part of any building design project. The visual impact can be great, not to mention the safety proper lighting can provide. As required by the building code, all outdoor lighting is required to be high efficacy. What does that mean? High efficacy lighting produces 40 lumens per watt, or less. Lumenes are a measurment of the amount of visible light emitted by a source. So, a high efficacy light fixture would be one that produces a high amount of visible light related to the amount of energy it consumes. Most LED and flurescent light fixtures will meet this requirement. As an alternative, the building code allows for outdoor lighting to be controlled by a manual switch or a motion sensor without an overide. The fixture must also be controlled by a photocell, time clock, or an energy management system, all of which must be provided without an overide. The goal of this regulation is to reduce the power consumption of outdoor fixtures and help assume these fixtures are not on, consuming energy, when not necessary. For now, landscape lighting is exempt from this requirement. Your local jurisdiction may have more stringent regulations. Ask your architect, energy consultant or lighting professional to be sure your project meets the code requirements wherever you are.

How do I know my air conditioner is sized properly?

Hauck Architecture — Thu, 07 Jul 2011 20:00:08 +0000

The square footage, eyeball, and "beer can cold" methods are not acceptable means by which to size a Heating, Ventilation, & Air Conditioning (HVAC) system. However, many contractors still use these archaic techniques. When replacing an existing unit, selecting the same size unit may not acceptable either, unless the unit size is proven with calculations. An oversized unit will cost more and use more energy than necessary. An undersized unit will be over stressed and will probably fail sooner, not to mention unable to provide the required heating and cooling.

Technical improvements in mechanical units, such as variable speed air handling and higher efficiencies, have made many past sizing strategies obsolete. Fortunately, there are now established national standards by which to size HVAC systems for a home. Many factors can impact these calculations including insulation, doors and windows, floor area, ceiling heights, orientation, etc.

Make sure your mechanical contractor prepares the proper load calculations and includes these as a part of their work. Alterntively, you can hire an independant consultant to perform the HVAC system design and load calculations. Once installed, verify the installtion with certified testing. If in doubt, consult with your architect to assure you are getting a properly sized air conditioner and heater.

Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) and Paint

Hauck Architecture — Fri, 24 Jun 2011 17:47:00 +0000

Volatile organic compounds, otherwise known as VOCs are carbon-containing compounds that are released into the air as paint dries. Mixed with other elements, VOCs create ozone which can cause respiratory problems, headaches and nausea. VOC levels can be as much as 1,000 times higher for several years after new paint is applied. Paint is only 2nd after automobiles as the worst environmental offender. The problem is, VOCs are an essential component in paint’s performance. Paint is made up of pigment, binders and solvents. Solvents contribute to the majority of VOCs in paint, however, they are also key in keeping paint liquid until it dries. Some low VOC paints are hard to apply, take longer to dry, and have limited color options. Look for paint that carries the Green Seal. These paints are guaranteed to meet precise governmental standards. Green Seal paints are also required to be free of a host of other toxins in addition to low level of VOCs. As always, before making a decision, consult with your contractor or architect to assure you are making the best selection for your project.

Q: 12 of 20 Questions To Ask Your Architect

Hauck Architecture — Fri, 01 Apr 2011 15:20:00 +0000

What are the steps in the design process?

The from conception to realization, the design process involves multiple phases. Depending on your project, different phases could be necessary to achieve the best results. Small projects may require fewer phases while larger projects may require more phases. Each of which is integral in the success of a project. A typical architectural design process may include the following.

Pre-Design
Schematic Design
Design Development
Construction Documents
Government Review
Bidding Assistance
Contract Administration

For a project that also includes interior design, there are sub-phases of this process that may coincide with the architectural design process.

Each phase can have it's own set of goals, challenges, and achievements. In the following weeks, Hauck Architecture will outline the different project phases in more detail. We will discuss what type of projects can benefict from the different phases with examples of real projects . If you just can't wait, the Process section of our site gives an outline of what to expect.

Q: 11 of 20 Questions To Ask Your Architect

Hauck Architecture — Mon, 31 Jan 2011 16:23:00 +0000

What would the architect expect the fee to be for this project?

No two projects are the same. Therefore, no two projects have the same fee structure. If the scope of a project is clearly defined from the beginning, we are able to estimate the time and resources necessary to perform each project phase. Our proposal for Architectural services is usually a lump sum, divided proportionally between these phases. If the scope is not clearly defined, we can perform the services on an hourly basis until such a point when the scope has been defined. At that time, you will have the option to transition to a lump sum contract or continue on an hourly basis. We will walk you through the design process and explain what to expect at the conclusion of each phase. Estimates can be provided for expenses such as printing and delivery. In addition, estimates can be provided for permit fees, site surveys, soils reports, or anything else that may be applicable for your project.

Q: 10 of 20 Questions To Ask Your Architect

Hauck Architecture — Mon, 17 Jan 2011 17:33:00 +0000

How does the architect establish fees?

There are many ways architects establish fees for their services. Architects may set fees as an hourly rate for time and materials, as a percentage of the construction cost, or as a stipulated sum. If the project scope is yet to be clearly defined, an hourly rate my be acceptable until all parties understand the amout of work required. If the project scope is clearly defined, this method is not to the advantage of the client. Fees should not be based on the speed of the architect but rather on the production, regardless of time spent. A precentage of construction cost can be used when the budget is clearly defined. However, Hauck Architecture believes this it not to the advantage of the client either. Our fees should not vary because a client chooses more expensive finishes. Our fees are typically a flat rate, stipulated sum based on the amount of work we feel is necessary to complete the project. Each proposal is broken down into specifc design phases and billed as a percentage complete for each phase. It is therfore our responsibility to perform in a timely manner and not dependant on the cost of construction set forth by he construction documents. To find out more about the design process and the what phases may apply to your project, clisk here.