The Talent

I have a new nickname around the office.  It comes from being interviewed for an independent film made of the Strathcona Washrooms.  The de rigueur requirement to indemnify all participants/producers saw me signing release forms that identified me as “the talent”.  I’ve been called many things, but not that.  I quite like it.

The film was conceived of and produced by Adam Bentley for the launch of the new Spacing Edmonton website.  Check them out. http://spacing.ca/edmonton/  It’s fantastic to see further evidence of interest in Edmonton’s urban landscape!  And, of course, check out the documentary. How can you not watch a film titled “iCUP”?  I LOVE the guy wearing the “grumpy” hat.

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first look

at the City of Edmonton changeroom/washroom building for the Callingwood Spray Park. Right now there are no facilities serving the spray park and adjacent sports fields. Users have to hike across to the library or recreation centre - more than a little inconvenient. The building is seasonal only and will operate from May-September. It is unheated and is closed at night. Community representatives asked us for something that was visually private so we had to balance that with our goal of using natural ventilation and light. We also wanted it to be playful so that even when it sits alone and shuttered in the Edmonton winter it’s still a bright spot in the fields.

After investigating a few options we settled on the basic parti of screen walls and a light roof.  Since we don’t have to worry about insulation, it freed us up to expose materials.  We decided to use Trespa panels in the screen walls for their durability, cleanability and bright colours.  Perforated metal panels secure the ends of the Trespa boards and allow light and air through while keeping birds out during times of closure. Large barn doors on either end can be closed at night and left open to increase ventilation.  The universal symbols will be routed into the panels, exposing the black core.

The roof is a galvanized steel deck on wood purlins on steel beams.  Steel columns are embedded within the screen walls to carry the loads to the concrete slab.  Gravel french drains parallel the screens to allow the gradual collection and re-absorption of rain water.  The building is inherently sustainable – it’s neither mechanically heated nor cooled, light is primarily provided by natural means supplemented with LEDs and only cold water is provided.

Construction begins this summer - progress shots to follow….

belgravia renovation

Another renovation for your review.  This one is a 1954 house that needed a new mud slab in the crawl space and new windows in the living room.  As with most small projects it morphed into a kitchen/living/dining/entry renovation.  It also happens to be my house.

The end result is I now truly understand the angst that comes with a renovation.  I suppose the added pressure of imagined expectations for an architect’s house had something to do with the effect on my Type A neuroses.  The darkest moment was when the plaster was ripped off the interior walls releasing the previous owner’s decades of cigarette smoke.  The combination of toxic smells and studs laid bare caused dark visions of design details forgotten or wrong decisions made.  I thought I’d have no problem because I love the demolition stage when the old comes down and any problems are identified for correction.  As it turns out, the house is well built and there were no major issues.  The wall that used to divide the kitchen and dining room used to move seasonally and would make impressive noises as it did so.  Turns out, it was not only NOT structural but was not fixed at the ceiling, only at the floor.  No wonder it moved….

In the end, it all worked out and I’m very happy with the results.  The new windows allow the winter sun to fill the main level with light.  The backsplash tiles sparkle.  And the new chandelier appeals to the magpie in me.  Functional, pretty and thanks to the fibreglass windows and new insulation, significantly warmer than it was.  All good things.

Eastwood Community League

The exterior painting on Eastwood has been complete for a while but we haven’t had the right combination of weather/time/light for any photos.  The improvement focused on enhancing the agrarian building forms.  Some of the Hardie Plank is painted in two custom colours over the field color (Woodland Cream) to enliven those faces.  The existing concrete block re-painted in a grey blue provides a dramatic contrast.  Accessibility requirements are met with a simple ramp and a new steel canopy marks an entrance and provides drainage for the problematic roof condition above which previously drained directly onto the sidewalk. Three new fibreglass windows by Duxton were added on the south face and now provide much needed natural light to the hall.

I’ve been vewwy vewwy quiet…

Really, we have been working.  Just not on anything that’s blog-worthy.  Yet.  Or until now.  Trapezoid is 99% complete.  We did the substantial completion deficiency review today so soon we must say goodbye to our baby and turn it over to the rightful owners.  It’s a bittersweet parting – glad for them that they are finally able to move into their house, sad for us that we will no longer have access to it.  Because it has some REALLY nice spaces in it.  And I think we’ve succeeded in editing the wishlist down to a place that will be comfortable, beautiful and loved.  At least I hope so.  The laughter of the children, artwork, meals prepared in the kitchen and wine spilt on the floor will transform it into a home.  We’ll be back in the spring to have the professional photos taken after the landscaper’s machines are gone and the plants have put down roots and leafed out.  Winter is a time to settle in, be still and reflect on the process.

Aspen trees have been planted in the entry courtyard.

North fence and sidewalk are going in.

View from the entry towards fireplace.

One of my favorite places is the window nook inset next to the entry closet.  

The protective cover has been removed from the kitchen island.

Aspen trees have also been planted outside the living room windows adjacent the back concrete patio.

Second Floor.  Another favorite spot – the library space at the end of the hallway.