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Contemporary

May 30, 2018
in Architecture, Behind the Scenes, Construction, Contemporary
by Bonnie

Construction on Takoma Park House Progress 2

Construction Update Construction is cruising along in Takoma Park, Maryland as the Brown House renovation and addition project is progressing.  As seen in the first picture below the front door has been moved to the side. The front door is the main reason the client was frustrated with the house. By moving the door over to where the window is we are able to create a mudroom/landing space right as you enter. Below is a shot of the siding going up on the house. The siding is all Hardie Board, 4x8 sheets with vertical strips to get the effect of board and batten.  All of it will be painted black, trim, board, batten, panels, etc.   Horizontal Cedar Railing for the deck Drywall progress inside! Those are boxes of the fun tile the homeowner ordered. Ah the skylight, always, always, always a great idea! We debated adding mor windows to the blank wall, but I advised...

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April 24, 2018
in Architecture, Contemporary, Materials, Urban Planing
by Tom

CorTen and Retail

The material known around the industry as Cor-Ten steel is a type of 'weathering' steel that doesn't require painting or sealing. It is a group of steel alloys which were developed to form a stable rust-like appearance.   (Studio Farris)   I remember first seeing this rusty, warm material during my time working in the mountains of Colorado. The department of highways used a version of Cor-Ten on their road wall barriers and guardrails way at the top of mountain passes - as a low fuss but great wearing material. As you can also see, architects and designers alike LOVE it. It's organic wear is so true and beautiful while you can also panelize it (since it's a metal) and create amazing compositions. It's sometimes tricky to detail in urban context as the climate, rate of oxidation and final install treatment sometimes allows it to 'stain' the adjacent horizontal surfaces (concrete, block, etc...

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November 29, 2017
in Architecture, Contemporary, Gift Guide
by Bonnie

The Official BARI 2017 Gift Guide

Gifts! Do you have a discerning relative who loves design, all things mid-century modern? Or maybe that’s you! Gifts are a reflection of ourselves after all! After going through a major organizing/decluttering phase it’s been really hard for me to buy anything. Finding gifts has been extremely hard too, but I find that some of my favorite blogs have great suggestions, so if you can't find anything from this list try the New York Times Gift Guide, or the Remodelista guides, or my friend Meg Biram has a great selection that I always love!   LINKS: The Classic Aalto Vase  - Every home needs a vase or two, and this is a great sculpture even when it's empty Schoolhouse Electric Matte Black Pour Over Kettle - I am so obsessed with this! I would start drinking pour overs just to use this kettle daily! Schoolhouse Electric Brass Coaster set - Been on a bit...

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