Designed by Dustin Ehrlich of King & King, Architects (Project completed on a freelance basis)

The House on Wildcat Creek is a single family residence built for a couple with grown children, on ten heavily wooded acres. The program includes three bedrooms, two and a half bathrooms, a double height living space, a large kitchen with wine cellar, and a studio space to be shared by the owners. The master bathroom features an expansive elliptical walk-in shower, with multiple shower heads and body sprays, covered in a gradient mix of glass mosaic tiles. Many rooms open onto exterior spaces, such as the studio on the second floor, which opens onto the large roof deck over the garage through a wall of glass. In all, the home covers 3,149 square feet of indoor and 1,513 square feet of outdoor space.

Important to the owners is the separation of public and private spaces in the house. The first floor includes the public spaces of the kitchen and dining room, half bath, and living room. Rising up the sky-lit stairs, windows that at first seem randomly placed in the wall, begin to frame views of the site as you proceed up. At the top of the stairs you can continue right, to the studio and master suite, or left, into the guest wing. This separation allows the owners more control over the energy used to heat and cool this seldom used part of the house. This guest wing spans from the main house at one end, and is supported on the other by the workshop below. The span between the house and workshop acts as a canopy for the front door and a covered parking area for guests. The garage block is separated from the main house by a breezeway between itself and the dining room, with its glass overhead door, but is connected on the second level by the studio and aforementioned roof deck.

The separation of spaces comes not only from the public/private division, but from the homes fundamental architectural parti. Envisioned to originally been wrought of one solid block of space, certain elements have been pulled apart, repelled from each other by their disparate functions. This push/pull action is intended to parallel the fracturing and eventual separation of the owners from their children as they’ve grown up and moved away. These separated elements however, are still connected through delicate moments in plan, but appear more solidly connected to, and derivatively styled by, the main house. The fairly reserved exterior of the main house and the active plan within react to the push/pull through shifted spaces. As the guest wing pivoted out from the front of the house, it pulled the second floor with it, away from the back wall, where the floor joists are left exposed to tenuously stretch to connect the two. When the garage pulled away, the floor slid with it, creating the double height living room, and the solid of the projecting studio left the equally sized void witnessed by the roof deck, sunscreen, and flanked by a storage space and stair tower. And finally, the space for the metaphoric center of the home, the owner’s master bedroom, pushes through the back wall, with its glass wall cantilevered toward the woods.

Much of the house remains connected visually to itself and its site though use of materials taken from the local vernacular. Much of the area, including this very lot, is spotted with small centuries old barns, once used to hang and dry tobacco, the local cash crop. These barns are built with site-dug fieldstone foundations, clad in wood, and capped with a metal roof. Over time, the wood has aged and the metal rusted. The house’s corrugated metal siding, a naturally rusting Cor-4 alloy, is meant, along with the stone and wood, to emulate these ubiquitous buildings.

Another concern of the owners was that the home be a “green” building, but also had to be built on an accelerated delivery schedule. To this end, a hybrid system of site built and modular construction was used. The lower level of the garage block, the home’s foundation, and the partial steel support for the guest wing were erected on site, while the eight modules that make up the house were built in the factory. In all, the modules were built and set into place in a week and a half. Including site prep and finish work on the many custom finishes, the house was completed in just four months. Modular construction lends itself well to green construction, because of its precise process it produces almost zero waste. Material reuse was strictly enforced on the job site as well. Many of the interior walls which needed to be in place for structural stability during transportation, were cut out and replaced with steel columns to allow the open floor plan. That wood did not go to waste however; it was reused to complete the garage. Even the aluminum railings used on the roof deck, breezeway, and studio balcony were reused from a local school that was being demolished, preventing that material from going to a landfill. Other green strategies include an extremely efficient building envelope, taking advantage of high R-value insulation, low U-value low-E glass, and a white roof with high solar reflectance. The home’s spaces are also divided up into smaller HVAC zones to increase efficiency, and hot water is taken care of by a pair of tankless units.

Innovative structure/Modular pre-built. The project uses artful windows, and an innovative structure and a wise choice of materials in its surrounding landscape. We award this project a citation.

The President's Message

Last month I had the opportunity to travel with Peter Sorber, Joe Piraino and Stephanie Wright to Washington D.C. for the AIA Grassroots 2009 Leadership and Legislative conference: VIA AIA! “Vision Influence Action.”

Air travel can be quite frustrating at times, needless to say some of us made it to Washington timely while some, namely Peter and I were delayed in Syracuse for several hours while the air carrier (United Express) tried to repair the mechanical difficulties. You might guess from my tone, the mechanics were unsuccessful, and after much delay the airline decided to cancel our flight. It took the one attendant on duty, several hours to re-book the entire flight while processing two other planes departing and one arriving. United Express is desperately in need of additional staff although they don’t seem to be hiring in this economic climate. There was one other United Express employee who was tasked with unloading all the baggage from our cancelled flight by herself. So, due to our unfortunate flight delays, Peter and I missed out on all our scheduled meetings on Capitol Hill with legislative staff that morning. Good thing Joe had booked his flight on another airline and Stephanie drove to Washington . Fortunately, both Joe and Stephanie did have the opportunity to meet with some of our state’s staff representatives to discuss several issues central to the vitality of our profession and particularly to Central New York Architects. Joe and Stephanie will hopefully share their conversations on Capitol Hill with our membership. A thank you must go to Jamie Williams who arranged all our Capitol Hill appointments.

Although our morning was wasted, the afternoon seminars were valuable and informative. We each attended a different session (eight concurrent sessions were offered). Session topics revolved around the shared visions for a “more livable future when architects, mayors, civic leaders and fellow citizens work together to tackle community design issues.” These interactive sessions allowed participants to share the activities of our component chapters. I personally attended the session “New Housing New York Legacy Project, AIA New York” which encourages new forms of affordable housing design for a site in the Bronxchester Urban renewal area in the South Bronx . The premise of the project seeks to set a new standard for affordable housing design and development in NYC and beyond. There were many parallels in this session to the symposium hosted by the Architecture School at Syracuse University , which I recently attended, regarding the Syracuse West Side initiative for affordable housing.

The evening events at Grassroots allowed us an opportunity to visit AIA National’s headquarters and Octagon Exhibition while mingling with many component members. All of the next day was devoted to Leadership and Knowledge Workshops that each of us can share with you in the future.

Locally, our chapter hosted our “Winter Event at Labrador Mountain .” As most of you might know, I spend most every weekend skiing ( Labrador being my home hill.) It was great to have the opportunity to meet many new, old and allied AIACNY members. We had broad participation from over six different area offices and architectural programs (Brian Kelly representing Morrisville College ) that skied, boarded and perhaps just enjoyed good conversation at Labrador Mountain . Thanks to Louis Boisnier, the winter event will become an annual affair, which I hope will encourage more of you, skiers, boarders and non-skiers to participate in the future. Labrador Mountain provided what skiers call “Hero Snow” which are perfect snow conditions (hard packed snow where your skis just glide down the hill), with sunny weather and mild temperatures. It was a fantastic day for all. Please join us next time!

SWINGING ON A STAR

“Would you like to swing on a star, carry moon beams home in a jar and be better off than you are, or would you rather be an Architect?”

Would you like to be an Architect?

Looking at the cartoon “How the architect designed it”, brought to mind, a sketch a classmate of mine did at S.U. It was a masonry fireplace with a window under it. The sketch did not show supports as the cartoon does.

Here are three quotes that show how some architects think today.

“Public buildings will leave a broader legacy.”

“Precast concrete allows us to obtain better quality on a tight budget.”

“The future is still plastics.”

“Public buildings will leave a broader legacy.” Some architecture is worth saving and others are not. It was sad when the “Old Onondaga County Courthouse was replaced with a newspaper building. A legacy lost. The preservation Los Angelus Court Building cost more then its original cost as did the restoration of the Statue of Liberty. At least the statue is green. It is difficult to determine what buildings and structures have a life hereafter or represent an important facet of history to be preserved. Time takes its toll. A new function and use may not be suitable for a structure. The First Baptist Church at Columbus Circle is a local example. Does the need for a window in the Federal Court House change the historic value of a secure Federal Building of the end of the 20^th century? This is an example of another local activity. Is this a life cycle value or environmental issue? Who will be the true judge?

“Precast concrete allows us to obtain better quality on a tight budget.” This sounds like delivery methods of fast-track and design/build. As said before, in today’s economy, time is money or is it money is time. So here comes the savior. The person who can advise the owner on construction technology, contractibility, special materials, products, construction market conditions, scheduling, cost, early purchase for long lead items, contract packaging, coordination of bidding and negotiations. Could this be an architect? We must remember a major criticism of Le Havre France was its sterility when it was reconstructed after World War II. Corbusier’s Unite d’Hahitation super block received the same comment. Can concrete have a warm and fussy feel to it?

“The future is still plastics.” Are petrochemical products the wave of the future or are we viewing the fluid designs of Frank Gehry? We are not sure how green Gehry designs are but we know plastic materials are not considered green. It is more fun for an architect to think in models and computer design with sweeping natural materials encapsulating a satisfied client and all the green fees it shall bring.

Well, my classmate does not worry about legacy, tight budgets or building materials, as he is not an architect. He became an artist living some where in France . He may even have a window under his fireplace.

Opening of the Meeting: This meeting of the Board of Directors of the American Institute of Architects Central New York Chapter was held Thursday, January 08, 2009 at AIACNY Resource Center . Julia Hafftka-Marshall, AIA called the meeting to order.

By Dean A. Biancavilla, AIA, LEED AP, Holmes King Kallquist & Associates, Architects, Syracuse, NY dab@hkkarchitects.com

Our Chapter was founded in 1887. In 1978 our Newsletter was the CNYAIA Straight Edge.

Attached are pictures from Volume 32 Number 3 Spring 1978. John Goodman shared this Newsletter issue with us.

If you have any past newsletters from our Chapter please consider scanning and sending them to; ncg@dalpos.com and we will share them with everyone.

Many of you may have noticed the new “IDP Corner” in last month’s AIA Newsletter. This recent addition to the newsletter will be a forum for those completing their internships and seeking licensure in architecture. Aiding interns and unlicensed architects in this process is of the utmost importance to the continued strength of the architecture profession. To this end, you may contact Nicolette Feldser at feldser@ashleymcgraw.com with any ideas for improving the support network the AIA provides for burgeoning new architects in Central New York .

Pre-registration is now on our website www.asid-nyu-ce.org for paypal and by mail in check. We have offered AIA members the same discount rate as ASID members. Both CEUs have AIA credits. Attendees from the Syracuse area can take advantage of the bus being arranged by ROI Office Interiors.

The SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry partners with the U.S. Green Building Council New York Upstate Chapter to host the Annual Green Building conference on Thursday, March 19 and Friday, March 20, 2009 at the Oncenter Complex.

Top 7 Reasons to Attend the 7^th Annual Green Building Conference

Green Building IS the solution...
The 7^th Annual Green Building Conference is your local conference for accurate and green information. Sort out the facts on new green products and services.
Green building has unprecedented levels of government initiatives and a heightened residential demand for green construction with sustainable materials. (Source: FMI (2008). U.S. Construction Overview.)
Building green is fiscally responsible. “The value of green building construction is projected to increase to $60 billion by 2010.” (Source: McGraw-Hill Construction (2008). Key Trends in the European and U.S. Construction Marketplace: SmartMarket Report.)
Building green is the future. Construction encompasses a workforce of 120 million people and billions of transactions each day. (Source: McGraw-Hill Construction (2008). Key Trends in the European and U.S. Construction Marketplace: SmartMarket Report.)
Get educated in green building design, construction, and processes.
Earn Professional Development Hours (PDHs) or Continuing Education Units (CEUs).

Information and Registration: http://www.esf.edu/greenbuilding

Location: Oncenter Complex, Syracuse , NY – Directions

Dates: Thursday, March 19^th and Friday, March 20^th

Register before February 26^th and receive an early bird discount registration!

Thursday pre-conference workshops:

Stormwater Management: Fundamentals of Erosion and Sediment Control - $225
LEED 2009: Credit Categories and Intents - $345 National Member; $445 Non-Member

*Join us for a reception on THURSDAY evening in the Atrium from 5 – 6:30 p.m. with presenters, exhibitors, and other conference participants for networking opportunities!

Friday full day conference: $125

Register Online Now!

Maureen A. Wakefield: mwakefield@esf.edu)

Thomas DiTullio as Sr. Architect to the firm. Thomas received his registration in 2002 and brings over 24 years of experience in architectural planning and design to the firm.

Michael Lentini as Jr. Fire Protection Designer in our Auburn , NY Office. Michael received his Associates in Applied Science degree in Mechanical Technology from Cayuga Community College .

Geoffrey Stephenson as Electrical Designer. Geoffrey earned his Associates in Applied Science in Electrical Engineering Technology (ABET) from Onondaga Community College and brings 10 years of electrical design experience to the firm.

Bernard Brown as Architectural Designer in our Malone, NY Office. Bernard received his Bachelor’s degree from the University of Buffalo and brings 8 years of architectural design experience including housing and commercial design to the firm.

Beardsley Design Associates is pleased to announce that Madonna Millerschin and Rafal Kulczynski have been nominated as Associates within the firm and that Patricia Pohl, C.P.A., Carmen Lapine, P.E. and Thomas Wight have been promoted to Sr. Associate.

Editors Note: For 110 years, Beardsley Design Associates has provided comprehensive architectural and engineering design services, from concept to occupancy, for educational, government, medical, industrial, and commercial facilities. The staff consists of 94 professionals, with offices in Auburn , Syracuse , and Malone , New York . For additional information on the firm’s services please visit the company’s website at www.beardsley.com.

Topic: Introduce Natural Alternatives of insulation using recycled material or a renewable resource, for energy efficient, healthy buildings.

Provides One CEU Hour

HSW: YES

LUNCH PROVIDED: YES

LOCATION:

Resource Center
State Tower Building
109 South Warren suite #11
Syracuse, NY 13202

Date: March 4, 2009
Time: 12pm- 1pm

LIMITED SEATING
Please RSVP by March 2, 2009
Phone: 315-475-8563
Email: aiacny@verizon.net

AIA New York Chapter’s public calendar is also a great place to promote both this Chapter’s events and other outside events: http://www.aiany.org/calendar/index.php

The President's Message

Would you like to be an Architect?

Provides One CEU Hour HSW: YES LUNCH PROVIDED: YES

LOCATION:

Date: March 4, 2009 Time: 12pm- 1pm

LIMITED SEATING Please RSVP by March 2, 2009 Phone: 315-475-8563 Email: aiacny@verizon.net

Provides One CEU Hour

HSW: YES

LUNCH PROVIDED: YES

Date: March 4, 2009
Time: 12pm- 1pm

LIMITED SEATING
Please RSVP by March 2, 2009
Phone: 315-475-8563
Email: aiacny@verizon.net