Saturday
Team Members:
Betty Chor
Natalie Kuzminer
Leanne Renkema
Wendy Zhu
Natalie Kuzminer
Leanne Renkema
Wendy Zhu
Week 1
The project was introduced to us, and we discussed the several topics to research and how we would break apart into smaller teams. Team Rumford: Betty Chor, Natalie Kuzminer, Wendy Zhu, and Leanne Renkema. Each of us went home, looked over the floor plans given, project requirements, and began our research on the Rumford.
Week 2
We began the day with a meeting about the types of lumber and insulation to use for the SIPS as well as the post and beam system. We then discovered purlims were going to be necessary on the SIP walls.
Our fireplace group brought the research we had done about the standard sizes and make of the Rumford fireplace, and why they work so well. Craig wants to go with a stone masonry fireplace, with a dry laid stone exterior. We were asked to research dry laid stone, as well as alternate veneering options. It was discovered that the cost would be roughly the same either way. Another option is to find recycled stone from an old house or building being torn down, rather than purchasing stone. Craig also suggested looking into an automated damper.
The entire team then went over to the site to investigate the conditions and the foundation that had already been constructed. Existing cabinetry, windows, odds and ends etc were taken from the old barn and moved into our factory so we could inventory them later.
Week 3
The day began with primarily design and research. As our fireplace would come in later stages of the design, we helped the planning group solve some issues and brainstorm solutions, including the washroom design, closet, the den and a creative solution around a Murphy bed. Maybe a bed coming from the ceiling would be another option?
Team Rumford then became team Rumford/kitchen, as we were asked to assist in the kitchen planning as well. We took inventory of the several pieces of the kitchen cabinetry and granite we were hoping to re-use; measuring and sketching each one.
We then moved on to assist in the layout of the first layer of rebar. Our task was to complete the layout and then tie off the grid with wire for stability. After we completed that, we headed over to the site to see the solar reader (the LEED guys brought over) in action.
After completing some more research we discovered that the fireplace would be best veneered, as dry laid stone would require much more space. Veneer would be a cleaner look as well. We also began playing with the fireplace layout and how we could configure it to be double sided, to have maximum storage, and to incorporate a bread oven as well. Each team member continued research on specific materials and components required for the fireplace; brainstorming was continued as well.
Week 4
We began the day with our typical group meeting. We discussed all building issues, as well as a large amount of Leed criteria. The sustainable guys took over as we discussed the best approach for solar gain, as well as all other sustainable issues including: material choices, heating, cooling, geothermal, and how to achieve LEED Gold.
Team Rumford then broke away to design the kitchen. By using the three main cabinet pieces (not the corner piece), and then building our own adjustable shelving unit and garbage cupboard on the side we could have a long galley kitchen, the same width as the fireplace. We are using two granite pieces and trimming them off a bit around the sink. The seam will be at the sink; however, if we are using an apron sink, this will not be a problem. The side with the garbage can and adjustable shelving will have butcher block instead of granite, as we would have to create another seem and more cuts in order to keep the entire counter top granite. We toyed with the idea of having a piece of butcher block that either slid or hinged, so you can push your garbage and compost easily down to the can below (in the garbage cupboard). We decided the easiest method would be to have a garbage that slides out, rather than fiddling with the butcher block. We also took note that one of the cabinets used is an upper cabinet, so we will need to add a base to it.
Craig suggested that for dining, he’d rather have a small Japanese type table to use for dining, and then one larger table which can be moved/shifted/stored somewhere else when not in use. We came up with the idea that maybe a table which fold off the back of the kitchen Island would be best, since the back pieces of the cabinets are unfinished anyways.
Our group then met with the sustainable team to discuss our Rumford. We decided it is indeed best to keep our fireplace a masonry unit, rather than purchasing any inserts, as this will be the main source of heat. It was suggested, however that we keep the fireplaces on one side of the unit, rather than having the fridge back onto one, as it will be surrounded by large amounts of heat. We then brainstormed ways to move this around to allow for the maximum amount of heat to be produced for the house. The sustainable team also suggested looking into a thermal barrier for the fridge, for some extra insulation. Since there is hardly any equipment in the house, a very minimal amount of electricity will be needed. If we want to keep this a net zero house, that is key. The biggest sucker of energy will be the enormous 4’-0 fridge, so the more insulation, the better.
After our brainstorm session, the electrical engineer showed up at the factory to go over our rebar grid, and how to run the wiring without taking away from the structural integrity of the dynamic slab. Our Rumford group realised after that meeting that we needed to address how to run the wiring for any lighting around the kitchen (since the ceiling is open in this area). We decided we would simply have to strap one side of the fireplace and run the wiring through that cavity. /the viewer will not notice any difference, as all faces of the fireplace will be veneered in the same material.
Week 5
We began the day with a group meeting to discuss the work we need to complete before the end of the semester. Team Rumford was assigned the schedules, as well as our own plans, sections, elevations details etc. of our Rumford. We also need to complete our time sheets by the end of the semester, as well as make outline specs of all our materials being used.
Team Rumford then met to discuss our design direction, and the division of the homework. We finalized the overall plan of the Rumford to include: 4’-4” opening for the fridge, a recessed shelf above the fridge for liquor and wine storage, an 18” bread oven, 4’-0 cooking Rumford, 5’-0 heating Rumford, large 6’-0 recessed shelving, recessed shelf for directional lights at the top. The side facing the den will incorporate hooks to hang pots and pans, the side facing the entrance will have the light switch as well as the sliding doors. We decided to incorporate a space above the living room fireplace for the TV, mounting it flush with the veneer by strapping out that entire side of the fireplace. We will also need to strap the shelving recess, the hook side, and the recessed liquor opening. We are going to research a Julius blum system in which we can slide out the liquor shelf for easier access, since it is so high up. As a group we are working out the small details of the elevations.
Since we aren’t re-using the chimney for the fireplace (as we are using concrete block instead), it would be cool to find another use for the old pipe that’s just lying on the site. We suggested that maybe we could cut it, make high stools out of them (and maybe some plywood) and use them as legs for the folding table when it’s in use, or simply just stools when the tables not in use.
After our design work was completed we headed over to the site again for some more manual labour. We first cleaned up the scrap wood lying around. Our next task was to take the tarps off of the foundation, pump out the water, move the straw bails, and separate the wood holding up the tarp into scraps and hemlock which will be used for the siding.
Week 6:
Or final trips to Pefferlaw! It’s sad that it’s almost over, yet exciting because summer’s almost here! (Minus the warmth and sun)
Tuesday Afternoon we went up to make up for the weekend, since materials were MIA. We began with a team meeting about the drawings and assignments we are to hand in. A few of us re-assembled the ICF’s in a Tetris-design for future display for any site visitors. We then collaborated with everyone to begin setting up stations for the building of the SIPS. As a group, we tested out one, to make sure we would be able to get enough pressure onto the entire SIP, allowing the adhesive to set properly. Team Rumford (and company) was in charge of figuring out how much adhesive to use and what trowels were going to work best in this process. It was key for us to make sure no access adhesive would be spilling out over the sides, as this would look extremely messy.
Saturday was a very productive day. We began with a team meeting over-viewing our work. We then met with the planning team to discuss finishes on the Douglas fir (ceilings and walls). It was then time for some manual labour. We began by building some sips in the stations we had set up previously. After that it was time to haul some 8x8x10’-0 PSL’s in side. We then drilled into the concrete, set in anchors, and began assembling the frame of the house.
The fireplace is designed, drawn, specced, and ready to be built.
Our work here is done..for now. See you soon Pefferlaw!
Week 6:
Or final trips to Pefferlaw! It’s sad that it’s almost over, yet exciting because summer’s almost here! (Minus the warmth and sun)
Tuesday Afternoon we went up to make up for the weekend, since materials were MIA. We began with a team meeting about the drawings and assignments we are to hand in. A few of us re-assembled the ICF’s in a Tetris-design for future display for any site visitors. We then collaborated with everyone to begin setting up stations for the building of the SIPS. As a group, we tested out one, to make sure we would be able to get enough pressure onto the entire SIP, allowing the adhesive to set properly. Team Rumford (and company) was in charge of figuring out how much adhesive to use and what trowels were going to work best in this process. It was key for us to make sure no access adhesive would be spilling out over the sides, as this would look extremely messy.
Saturday was a very productive day. We began with a team meeting over-viewing our work. We then met with the planning team to discuss finishes on the Douglas fir (ceilings and walls). It was then time for some manual labour. We began by building some sips in the stations we had set up previously. After that it was time to haul some 8x8x10’-0 PSL’s in side. We then drilled into the concrete, set in anchors, and began assembling the frame of the house.
The fireplace is designed, drawn, specced, and ready to be built.
Our work here is done..for now. See you soon Pefferlaw!
Sunday
TEAM MEMBERS:
Sumbul Fatima
Kristen Della Mattia
Scope of Work: As a group we were designing the fireplace unit and the kitchen. We wanted to create a dynamic design that followed the shape of the building structure. By recessing areas of both the fireplace unit and the kitchen unit we were able to create forms that mimicked the jutouts of the structure. We also created a kitchen design that made the kitchen module appear to be floating. The fireplace unit was designed to incorporate a TV, it has shelving, it encases the Rumford cooking fireplace as well as the fridge and it acts as a vent box which will create better air circulation through the space. In the end we were able to incorporate all elements of the kitchen and fireplace unit we had wanted while creating a wheelchair accessible design.
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| Preliminary Design Ideas - Kristen |
Challenges: We started by designing our fireplace unit including design details and what would be incorporated into the unit. We then proceeded by deciding what else was needed in the kitchen. Design details were determined and adjustments were made to the kitchen unit.We ensured all views to the exterior remained and we had a high functioning kitchen. A shelving unit was then added to the back side of the fireplace module.
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| Sink Designs - Jacquie G. |
Timeline: At this point (April 11), we have completed the 3D module of our Fireplace design. We are continuously collaborating with the other groups to create a cohesive design.
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| Parts of the Rumford - Kristen |
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| Fireplace Detail |
