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3Dsigns Joined: 27 Feb 2009 Posts: 5	Posted: Fri Feb 27, 2009 11:30 am    Post subject: Building Facade Hi all, I am not an architect but sure could use some help. I am a graphics designer/sign contractor with some working knowledge of construction, and built this shop about 10 years ago. The gable end you see here. faces the highway. I was going to build it turned 90 degrees with the eave side facing the highway, and maybe increase the roof pitch and build dormers on it but, I was pressed for time and built it this way instead. The front showroom, has a 'cathedral ceiling' with only a ridge beam and rafters, and the back room has an attic which houses all the duct work and air handler for the HVAC. I would like to remodel the front, without altering the present roof, so that it doesn't just look like a doghouse or something, I would appreciate any suggestions Thanks! Wayne The banner is no longer on the building These are examples of some of the work we do.
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phansford Joined: 18 Apr 2004 Posts: 829 Location: SW Ohio	Posted: Sat Feb 28, 2009 9:51 am    Post subject: Wayne, Your building is lacking simple details. Trim around the windows and doors. The corner trim should be larger - 6" should help. Trim color should not be the same as the field color. The gable needs to be delineated from the lower body of the building. I would use a 1 x 10 trim with a drip edge for the transition. Add gable window - since you have a cathedral ceiling. The two fixed windows are not proportioned correctly to the rest of the building. Maybe replace them with double hung windows with mullions .... you don't need to open them, but they would add some much needed detail. The gable can be sided differently than the body. Just a few thoughts. FWIW - You could have easily added these items during the original construction and not increased your initial costs.
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3Dsigns Joined: 27 Feb 2009 Posts: 5	Posted: Sat Feb 28, 2009 1:36 pm    Post subject: Thanks Phansford, Those are some great suggestions. Also, what would you suggest as a good design for a "portico" or "porch" maybe with columns? What would be the alternative to an extended gable under the existing one? All I could thing of would be that or a "lean-to". Wayne
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nanrehvasconez Joined: 25 Feb 2008 Posts: 329	Posted: Sat Feb 28, 2009 3:13 pm    Post subject: If the city allows you, make this building a landmark, "make it into a doghouse" put on top a Red Baron Snoopy or something similar.
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phansford Joined: 18 Apr 2004 Posts: 829 Location: SW Ohio	Posted: Sat Feb 28, 2009 6:26 pm    Post subject: 3Dsigns wrote: Thanks Phansford, Those are some great suggestions. Also, what would you suggest as a good design for a "portico" or "porch" maybe with columns? What would be the alternative to an extended gable under the existing one? All I could thing of would be that or a "lean-to". Wayne You could replicate the gable form (actually called a pediment) with two columns and create a covered entry. It should be about at least 5 feet wide (column to column) and probably 5 feet from the building if you have the space. The real value of a covered entry is providing your clients a place to seek cover when its raining. Allows them a chance to open/close the umbrella and so on. The best thing is to look around at older buildings - pre-1930. You should be able to find some ideas.
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3Dsigns Joined: 27 Feb 2009 Posts: 5	Posted: Mon Mar 02, 2009 10:41 am    Post subject: Thanks for the ideas, guys!
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ArchitecturalMoldings Joined: 02 Mar 2009 Posts: 10	Posted: Tue Mar 03, 2009 7:57 am    Post subject: You can drastically alter the front by renovating it with EIFS. There isn't too much square footage on that wall so it won't be all that expensive, and it would make adding the decorative elements much simpler. EIFS has enormos versatility when it comes to window moldings and quoins/pilasters on the corners. _________________ Enhance your next project with exterior architectural trim from Decoramould.com. Guaranteed not to rot, warp or infest like wood. Will not crack or crumble like concrete. Simple to install. PM for more information.
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3Dsigns Joined: 27 Feb 2009 Posts: 5	Posted: Tue Mar 03, 2009 10:40 am    Post subject: ArchitecturalMouldings, I tried to PM you but the board displayed this message........ "Sorry, your account is currently suspended due to an previous spam attempt." I've never tried to "SPAM" anyone in my life. I wouldn't even know how. I wasted about 20 minutes trying to find the board administrator. But this post went through OK Thanks Wayne
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phansford Joined: 18 Apr 2004 Posts: 829 Location: SW Ohio	Posted: Tue Mar 03, 2009 12:08 pm    Post subject: Wayne, There are a multitude of opinions about EIFS (Exterior Insulation and Finish System). While there has been an effort by the EFIS industry to correct some serious issues with the material and installation, many architects such as myself are quite cautious about using EIFS. The industry has not stood up to take responsibility for the issues and typically blame installers or other building products. Windows being their favorite scapegoat. If you choose to use EIFS make sure you get an experienced contractor who has been in business for 10-15 year - minimum. This is a good introduction to EIFS
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3Dsigns Joined: 27 Feb 2009 Posts: 5	Posted: Tue Mar 03, 2009 1:51 pm    Post subject: What about this design? What if I built a 'false front' like this?(I don't know the term) I could extend it out 4' like a sort of 'hip roof" to hide the ridge of the existing gable roof? This would have about a 21 on 12 pitch. Would the pitch be too much to use architectural shingles? I mean the building is facing south in the State of Florida, so they should lay down and set OK. Then add a pediment(?) in the center, extending out another two feet, with two columns. This would keep rain off the door and my clientele. Or wouldn't I need more columns to the sides to support the 4' extension? Extending it out 4' would shade those picture windows but maybe 3' would be enough, but would make the pitch that much steeper. Then what do you think about just removing the vinyl siding and covering it with cultured stone or real stone? Then I could cover the cement with a matching non-slip tile. Should I add the dormers? If the dormers are placed low enough, I can cut holes for skylights into the backs of them. Then somewhere near the top and to the rear of the whole thing, I would install ventilation louvres of some kind. Thanks!
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ArchitecturalMoldings Joined: 02 Mar 2009 Posts: 10	Posted: Wed Mar 04, 2009 1:51 pm    Post subject: phansford wrote: Wayne, There are a multitude of opinions about EIFS (Exterior Insulation and Finish System). While there has been an effort by the EFIS industry to correct some serious issues with the material and installation, many architects such as myself are quite cautious about using EIFS. The industry has not stood up to take responsibility for the issues and typically blame installers or other building products. Windows being their favorite scapegoat. If you choose to use EIFS make sure you get an experienced contractor who has been in business for 10-15 year - minimum. This is a good introduction to EIFS Phansford, I agree 100% -- if you're going to clad a building in EIFS, hire a GOOD contractor. I understand that as an architect you're hesitant to specify EIFS with it's background, and the fact that it's your liability on the line, but the way MODERN systems are designed (and installation procedures specified), there is no need to worry. The article you posted is about *BARRIER* EIFS, when what he will be looking for is *DRAINAGE* EIFS. I'd recommend checking out www.torontoStuccoContractor.com/blog/ instead. Wayne -- What was the PM about? Shoot me an e-mail at architecturalmouldings [|at|] gmail [|dot|] com _________________ Enhance your next project with exterior architectural trim from Decoramould.com. Guaranteed not to rot, warp or infest like wood. Will not crack or crumble like concrete. Simple to install. PM for more information.
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csintexas millennium club Joined: 06 Feb 2006 Posts: 2174 Location: USA	Posted: Fri Mar 06, 2009 4:08 pm    Post subject: What if I... I would not do that last rendering. All you need is what phansford suggested- better details. Look at craftsman and bungalow styles. If you are unsure of what to do don't be afraid to pay someone to help you. You want an attractive and inviting store. _________________ -Chris Stewart http://bcshdb.blogspot.com > The B/CS Home Design Blog
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