Home Builder Developer - Interior Renovation and Design

Andy Sacks/Getty ImagesA well-maintained roof is critical for preserving the value of your home. Roofsprotect homeinteriors from the elements, and when they start leaking, expensive repair billsarent far behind.

A well-made roof can last 30 to 50 years, but once it startsleaking or even just showing signs of age (like wrinkled shingles), its time to replace it.

So how much does it cost to replace a roof? Heres a look at what contractors charge for roofing jobs and what to expect on the estimate sheet.

The cost to replace a roof corresponds to the dimensions of the roof, which the roofer measures in 100-square-foot subsection called roofing squares.

For example, a 1,500-square-foot roof (15 roofing squares) costs less to replace than a 2,000-square-foot roof (20 roofing squares) with the same materials.

Thats because the larger roof requires more material and more labor to complete the project.

If you need a personal loan to pay for roof replacement or repairs, check out the rates at Bankrate.com.

The roofing material is a major factor in the cost of a roof replacement. Most homeowners choose between shingles made from asphalt or wood, tiles, or metal sheets. Each type of roofing material has its own set of price points.

Asphalt shingles

Asphalt shingle roofs remain common throughout the country because they are affordable, and in some cases handy homeowners can install them without assistance from a professional roofer.

The cost to install asphalt shingles varies depending on the quality of the shingles, with the average cost ranging from $2.75 to $7.50 per square foot. That means an average-sized roof of 1,750 square feet costs $4,000 to $13,000 to replace with asphalt shingles.

A metal roof

Homeowners who choose a metal roof appreciate the durability of the material. It holds up well against weather conditions that can damage other types of roofs.

Steel roofs are the most affordable type of metal roof, costing $5,100 and $22,000 to install. On the other end of the spectrum, a copper roof ranges from $25,500 to $39,600 to install. In addition, lightweight aluminum costs $11,900 to $24,200.

Tile roofs

Popular on Mediterranean and Spanish colonial-style homes, a tile roof is a long-lasting alternative to asphalt shingles. Made from an array of materials ranging from concrete to slate, tile roofs withstand cold winters and sweltering summers, making them suitable for several climates.

Installing a tile roof starts at $7,650 and can cost more than $100,000, depending on the size of the roof and type of tile.

Wood shingles and shakes

Many homeowners avoid wood shingles and shakes because of their lack of durability and the amount of maintenance they require. But, these shingles are attractive and give the house a distinctive look.

Wood shingles cost $4 to $7 per square foot to install. Wood shakes are more expensive, ranging from $6 to $9 per square foot. A natural wood roof needs treatment to prevent insect and animal infestation.

Another important factor in determining the cost to replace a roof is the pitch of the roof. If the house has a steep slope (greater than a 7:12 ratio), the owner pays more for roof repair because it increases the roofers workload. They spend more time climbing up and down ladders if the slope is steep enough that they cannot store materials nearby or must use safety harnesses while working.

Like the pitch of the roof, the style influences the roofs replacement cost. Ranch-style roofs have low pitches and few gables, making them easier to work on than the complex roofs on Victorian and Tudor-style homes with multiple steeply sloped gables.

Dormer windows, skylights and chimneys seen in colonial, contemporary and Cape Cod-style homes also increase the cost, especially if they have cracks or other damage that need repairs.

Before installing the new roof, the contractor must remove the existing one. Some contractors charge by the size of the roof, while others bill by the hour.

Removing the roof on a simple ranch-style house can cost as little as $500, but the price can go as high as $10,000 if the roof has significant damage, like rotting timbers or damaged support beams.

The cost of replacing a roof is impacted by many factors. The type of roof and size are the biggest cost elements. The pitch of the roof and the style of the home also play a role in how much it will cost to put in a new roof.

If you need to save money for a new roof, sign up for a savings account at Bankrate.com.

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Cover charges: The cost of replacing a roof - Bankrate.com

Photo: Will Waldron, Albany Times Union

Rensselaer beehive steeple a towering challenge to repair

RENSSELAER Fixing a slate roof is always a challenge. Its even more difficult when the roof curves in different directions as does the 165-foot-tall beehive steeple of the Parish of St. John the Evangelist and St. Joseph.

It towers over the city of Rensselaer, Deacon Greg Mansfield said of the 1891 landmark cone-shaped steeple.

The last time the parish dealt with replacing the slate shingles was in the late 1950s to early 1960s. Thats when workers climbed out of a small hatch in the steeple and swung above the city on a boatswains chair to perform the repairs, Mansfield said. This summer, the steeple is encased in scaffolding that rises from Herrick and Lawrence streets up to its tip.

There only a few beehive steeples across the nation, said Mansfield. He grew up in St. Raymonds Parish in the Bronx where the church had two such steeples. He said the beehive steeples are believed to have originated in Bavaria in southern Germany, and the complexity of the design made maintenance difficult. The Rensselaer parish decided it had to deal with the aging slate shingles when leaks sprouted in the church ceiling damaging the plaster.

Theyre putting flat pieces of shingle on a curved surface, Mansfield said about the steeple roof that he called elliptical and hyperbolic in contemplating its curves.

The replacement of the shingles, painting and replacement of metalwork that dates back 126 years to the building of the Catholic church will cost about $300,000. The scaffolding accounts for about one-third of the repair work, Mansfield said. A couple of parishioners, who want to keep their donations anonymous, paid for about two-thirds of the work, said Mansfield.

Wainschaf Associates and Bruce Adams Roofing are performing the repairs, Mansfield said.

Its wonderful to be a part of it, said Jerry Wainman, president and CEO of Wainschaf Associates who is also a parishioner.

Wainman was at the top of the scaffolding last week. The view of Albany from there, he said, is breathtaking, and the steeple is solid.

Its amazing what good shape its in, said Wainman, noting that the slate work should be completed this week with the painting and metalwork done in the next couple of weeks.

The repairs should last for about 50 years, Mansfield said.

The parish will partner with the Roman Catholic Diocese of Albany to undertake an additional capital campaign to fund additional improvements, Mansfield said.

Read the original here:
Rensselaer beehive steeple a towering challenge to repair - Albany Times Union

Downtown Phoenix's Burton Barr Central Library will remain closed until June 2018, due to flooding that occurred the evening of June 15.

Thats the latest update from Phoenix City Manager Ed Zuercher, who estimates that related repairs and renovation will run in the $6 to $8 million range.

Designed by Phoenix architect Will Bruder, Burton Barr Central Library is the flagship of the Phoenix Public Librarys 17-branch system. It opened in 1995.

Zuercher announced the news on Friday, August 18, during a press briefing at the library, along with library representatives including Lee Franklin, community relations manager for Phoenix Public Library.

Franklin has been providing regular updates for the public on the Phoenix Public Library website since the June 15 incident. Previously, patrons were told the library would be closed indefinitely.

Early reports indicated that flooding occurred due to a monsoon storm with 50 mph winds that lifted part of the librarys roofing, affecting a fire sprinkler system embedded inside it.When that system released water, it flooded the fifth floor. Then, that water traveled downward to every floor of the nearly 300,000-square-foot facility.

Stacks emptied of damaged books at Burton Barr Central Library.

Lynn Trimble

But the exact nature of the damage, and the precise cause, is still under investigation.

Initial inspections have revealed some disturbing details, including significantproblems with the librarys sprinkler system like corroded piping and broken air compressors.

Those issues are detailed in a report by Wiss, Janney, Eistner Associates Inc., an Illinois-based firm that specializes in investigating, analyzing, and designing repairs for historic and contemporary buildings. They've been working with the library to determine likely causes and needed fixes.

Here's what the report makes clear. Those corroded pipes allowed water from the sprinkler system to leak in the west portion of the building. That water then entered the northwest part of the building, where most of the librarys losses occurred.

Which brings us to two major questions: Who knew about those problems, and why werent they properly addressed?

More than 7,200 of Burton Barrs Central Librarys 500,000-piece collection were damaged and discarded. Many remaining books have been moved to other branches, and most artworks are being stored offsite.

The building itself suffered considerable damage, which is still being assessed. Visible signs of the storms aftermath inside the library include concrete floors without carpet, open drywall, and remaining items wrapped in plastic.

Brycon Construction is currently assessing interior damage and creating a plan for needed repair and replacement work. That plan will include a timeline and cost details.

Entering the library on Friday, August 18.

Lynn Trimble

At this point,Wiss, Janney, Eistnerhas identified two major items that need to be replaced besides books, furniture, and other items before the library can reopen.

The library needs a new roof and a new fifth-floor sprinkler system, according to the report.

Replacing the roof will likely cost $1.1 to $1.7 million, and take four to five months. Replacing the fifth-floor sprinkler system will take five to six months, and cost between $600,000 and $700,000.

Of course, repairs and renovations are only part of what needs to happen now.

The City is also dealing with insurance issues and the question of liability.

Previous inspection reports by Tempe-based RCI Systems note several problems with Burton Barr Central Librarys fire protection system.

In both August 2016 and May 2017, RCI Systems found pipes full of holes, which would leak if the system was tripped. And they identified several other factors that could result in flooding on the fifth floor and damage to the library.

Those factors are already being addressed, according to a written update that city manager Zuercher presented to Mayor Greg Stanton and the Phoenix City Council on August 10.

The Rare Book Room, where the vault protected books from water damage.

Lynn Trimble

Heres whats being done so far:

The citys law, public works, and audit departments have been assigned to review the roof and fire suppression system, to help understand what happened and why.

The citys finance and law departments are working with the insurance company to address which elements of the loss insurance will cover.

The citys budget and research department is working with the library department on the costs of restoring the building and continuing library services.

Any funds needed beyond those provided by insurance will require approval by the City Council.

The city is also reviewing maintenance records for all city buildings,Zuercher says.

In the interim, Phoenix Public Library is encouraging patrons to visit its 16 additional branches. Many Burton Barr Central Library staff, books, and programs have been moved to those locations, says Lee.

The four branches located closest to Burton Barr Central Library will have Sunday hours starting September 10 to help accommodate branch patrons needing library services in the interim. Those branches are Harmon, Yucca, Ocotillo, and Century.

Details, and regular updates, will be posted on the Phoenix Public Library website.

Correction: An earlier version of this post misidentified Lee Franklin as Lee Davis.

Original post:
Here's Why Burton Barr Central Library Is Closed Until Next Summer - Phoenix New Times

How do I plan a proper patio design?Planning out your patio design before your remodel is crucial. When perusing patio ideas, keep in mind that people use patios for different things, but they primarily use it as a space for entertaining and relaxing. Because of this, figure out what you want this areas overall functionality to be. Will you have large groups over or a few intimate gatherings? Will you be serving food or are you more of a cocktail hour type? Secondly, take time to figure out what materials will work best for your remodel different patio designs call for different materials, some of which might not work for your budget and space limitations. Then, decide whether you want a covered or uncovered area; think about any weather (rain or sun) that you want to protect yourself from. Next, determine what amenities are important to you; is an outdoor fireplace essential, or would a smaller scale fire pit work just as well? Do you need a big grill or will a smaller barbecue work for you? Lastly, much like any other room in your home, decorate the space to ensure that it's welcoming, interesting and aligned with your homes style. What materials can patios be made from?As with any outdoor space, materials dictate the overall style and feel, so make sure your choices accurately reflect the vibe of your home. Stone and terra-cotta tile are common with mediterranean houses, while brick is most often seen in traditional homes. Concrete works well with almost any space and style, so it's always a great option when you're choosing patio materials. After you figure out your foundation, decide whether you want a covered or uncovered area. You can always add a pergola, arbor, awning or trellis for some shade, or you can let the sun shine down on your patio. As you look through pictures and compile your favorite patio design ideas, note which materials youre drawn to and try to incorporate those into your own design.What should I incorporate in my patio design?Even though patios can be nothing more than paved slabs outside your house, they can also be so much more if you add the right touches. Fire pits and fireplaces are great for cooler nights, while an outdoor kitchen and bar make it an ideal party mecca. Regardless of what you do, a spot to grill and eat is a must for al fresco dining, and you need good furniture to truly enjoy even the most basic outdoor space. Depending on your budget and maintenance threshold, you can even splurge on a few additional patio ideas, like a hot tub or pool to warm up or cool down all year round. How should I incorporate patio decor?You wont have to look far for patio decorating ideas, since every little thing can double as decor outside, including plants and flowers. You should make sure that everything you do place outdoors, like furniture, is weatherproof. That doesn't mean your patio can't look as good as any indoor living room! Rugs, throw pillows and chair cushions all come in waterproof fabrics, while coffee tables, side tables, sofas, sectionals and armchairs often come together in sets. Rope or string lighting are popular patio decorating ideas (as well as mood setters), as are candles, which can also keep bugs away if you get the right kind. Put together some flower or succulent arrangements in pretty containers and place those around your space to liven it up. Fun little accessories, like a garden gnome, tiki torch, bird feeder or umbrella can add more personality where it's lacking keep your eyes peeled when looking at patio pictures to see what decor you can draw inspiration from.

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Patio Design Ideas, Remodels & Photos | Houzz

By Tim Carter By Tim Carter August 22

Ive decided its time for a patio in my rear yard. After visiting a local business that sells a vast variety of patio pavers, Im ready to start. Do you think this is a real DIY job, or am I being too ambitious? After watching a number of videos on YouTube, Im more confused than ever about the best base material. Have you installed these patio stones, and what method do you recommend? Are there any hidden surprises with precast concrete patio pavers? Sue T.,Racine, Wis.

You must have been in contact with my wife. She loves patios and has been wanting one for ourNew Hampshirehome for a few years. I had constructed a huge brick patio for her many years ago at our last home and she misses it.

We did the same thing you did just a week ago. We went to a large local business that stocks just about any type of natural stone or precast concrete paver thats available. It was exciting for me to see how the patio paver industry has matured. I can clearly remember how limited the selection was many years ago when the first generation of this building material hit the marketplace.

Kathy decided to go with a stunning paver that has a textured top surface that resembles slate. This design creates a random texture with deep shadow lines that might fool some into thinking that its real slate. Be sure you visit several stone and paver suppliers to see all the different patterns, colors and textures that are available. Not every business stocks every precast concrete paver.

I happened to watch some of the videos online and shook my head. Installation methods meant for city streets were being touted as the way to do a small residential backyard patio that may have a lawn mower ride over it instead of a 40-ton loaded concrete truck.

Ask five different paver contractors the way to install the paving stones and you might get five methods. What really matters is the strength of the underlying soil under your patio, the size of the pavers you intend to use and how much concentrated weight will be placed upon any given paver.

[More Builder: Why you should avoid home contractors who ask to be paid upfront]

Precast pavers that have to support the weight of cars, trucks and the like need a deep compacted base of crushed gravel. Compacted concrete sand is then placed on top of this. A thin final layer of setting sand is the actual surface on which you place the pavers.

Larger paving stones act like building footings. They spread the weight put upon them across a greater area. This is why Kathy and I decided to use a three-piece set of pavers where the largest one measures 16-by-24 inches. Because our patio measures 10-by-24 feet, the large format also looks more to scale.

Heres something that many installers seem to forget. You can drive your car or truck on many sand beaches here in theUnited States. Ive done it with my full-sized pickup truck. The vast majority of sand you see is just small pieces of rock. On some beaches it can be tiny pieces of sea shells or broken coral. In other words, compacted sand can provide a sufficient base for a paver patio thats just going to have you walking across it.

I fully believe if youre in decent physical condition you can do this entire job yourself. Your only limitation is going to be if you can lift and hold the paving stones with your two hands. You need to be able to place the pavers carefully so they drop onto the final layer of sand as flat as possible. When you visit the businesses that sell the stone, try to lift the largest paver youre thinking of using.

Ive installed many paver patios. As you might suspect, I decided to test different methods for patios, trying to discover the best method requiring the least amount of work. Using my geology degree and some common sense, I finally settled on using concrete sand under my patio pavers. The method Id use for a paver driveway differs from what Im about to share.

Just a few days ago I excavated the soil and then used a hand tamper to compact any disturbed soil. I then set wood forms on the soil that extended a minimum of three inches beyond the edge of the finished pavers. Just as roads have shoulders to support the pavement, I wanted my compacted sand to extend beyond the patio edge.

[More Builder: To achieve satisfaction for any home remodeling job, make sure you and the contractor are on the same page]

I like concrete sand because it has a wide variety of rock particles in the sand that range from fine sand all the way up to stones that are about the size of green peas. This sand is easy to shovel and place. I put down 3.5 inches and used my hand tamper to compact it. The tamper compacted this at least three-fourths of an inch.

I then used my garden hose with the garden nozzle set to shower to thoroughly wet down the compacted sand. The water flowing through the sand further consolidates the sand just as the ocean does at the beach. The next step is to place the final thin layer of concrete sand on top of the compacted sand. You set your pavers on this layer gently, making sure that the edges of the pavers touch one another and that they are set flat on the sand.

The final step is to use new polymeric colored sand to fill the joint between the pavers. This special sand helps prevent weeds from growing in the cracks. My only complaint about the precast colored concrete pavers is they eventually change color as the colored cement paste wears off the top surface. Do not pressure wash your paver patio, as this accelerates the loss of the colored cement paste.

Need an answer? All of Tims past columns are archived free atwww.AsktheBuilder.com. You can also watch hundreds of videos, download Quick Start Guides and more.

Read more from the original source:
Installing patio pavers is not as tough as you think - Washington Post

barcelona-based architectcarles enrich has completed gallery-house, a residential renovation of an early 20th century apartment. the home is located in the dense urban district of gracia, barcelona. the architect has reformulated the historical property into a modern dwelling well-adapted to the mediterranean climate.

the new design ensures views to the exterior courtyard from all parts of the house

the home acts as a gallery that connects the street with the inner courtyards. a former storage room was repurposed into a music studio while the patio becomes a central circulation device in theplan.

a floating staircase acts as a central feature of the patio

the original dwelling was fragmented into small rooms connected through dark corridors with the outside. the buildings original envelope was altered through a selective demolition wherein 90% of the old tiles and bricks were repurposed. the colorful tiles of the pre-existing house were introduced into the circulation areas, kitchen and bathroom to preserve the material heritage of the home.

in the courtyard a structure made of steel profiles and ropes is introduced in order to make a seasonal porch

the second intervention proposes a main space based on the succession of different rooms connected by porticos defined by structural interventions in the load walls. with this intervention the visual depth of the house is enhanced and different circulations are granted. the inhabitants can enjoy views of the street and the inner courtyard from different rooms, blurring the boundaries between domestic and exterior spaces.

the seasonal porch improves climate conditions and allows the use of the patio during the hotter months

the architects utilized passive design techniques to ensure temperature control throughout the year. the patios offer great conditions of thermal regulation and natural lighting. the extension of the small courtyard in the center of the house and the sequence of porches offers a cross ventilation that helps to cool the apartment in the hottest months. furthermore, the reused brick is employed as a double faade, improving thermal inertia and acoustic insulation. a rainwater collection system has also been integrated which will be used to irrigate the planter that will grow into a pergola mixing wisteria with vine and jasmine.

the light internal structure creates a more flexible space for different functions

in a few years the planter will grow into a pergola mixing wisteria with vine and jasmine

the lighting within the home is further supported by passive design techniques

the satin finish of the mosaic offers a bright spot in the most interior areas of the house

the mosaic tiles from the former home preserve the material heritage of the house

the open circulation allows ventilation and a cool temperature within the home

the architects reused bricks and tiles from the pre-existing residence

floating stair detail

floor plan level 1 mosaic detail

floor plan level 1

collage section

section

axonometric diagram

axonometric diagram

collage section with pergola

collage section

project info:

author: carles enrichcollaborators: adriana campmany, mary kaldiry, laure nicodstructure: masaad estructuraswood work: ifustaconstructor: pilar hocesgarden: teodoraphotography: adri goulaproject: 2015surface: 185 sqmwork: 2016-2017

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isabel narea I designboom

aug 21, 2017

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carles enrich intertwines interior and exterior for the 'gallery house' in barcelona - Designboom

Huge windows and patios in this concrete house in Tel Avivshed natural light across the interior while also allowing the family full views of the surrounding garden.

The Suspended Patio House is located in a quiet neighbourhood of the Israeli city, and was designed by Ramat Gan-based3322 Studioas a space for the founders' own family.

They wanted the space to accommodate the changing needs of their young sons, and decided to make living spaces as open-plan as possible.

"For us, a house is a complex template that defines the living space but which, at the same time, allows flexibility according to changing needs," said studio founders Hila and Ran Broides.

The house is arranged around the voids in its boxy concrete frame. Living spaces are largely open plan, and are dispersed over the three floors with bedrooms contained to the highest level.

Voids were also created in the concrete floors to let light and air circulate through the property. On the ground floor, the facade facing the street has been lined with acid-etched glass creating a light box effect.

This floor incorporates the entrance space, guest bathrooms a wide staircase that "folds through the floors like origami". The double-height kitchen is visible from the first floor level, throughone of the voids.

Full-height glass doors open out onto the lower-level garden and outdoor roofed area, which has been planted with trees native to Israel.

"The house is interwoven with outdoor spaces on all levels with the intention of creating a feeling of space, to allow the entry of natural light and fresh air as well as visual interactions between the spaces," said the architects.

"Natural ventilation is achieved by opposing openings on each floor placed on the exterior facades and on the interior facades facing the patio on the first floor."

On the first floor, a terrace divides the building's street-facingfacade in half, and overlooks the driveway used to park a BMWIsetta.

"We wanted, through the terrace, to emphasise the human scale that is important to us in the spaces. The terrace reflects the terraces of the older buildings in the neighbourhood that were built in the 1950s," said the architects.

This floor is less open-plan than the rest of the house, as it contains the children's and parents' bedrooms, as well as two bathrooms and a small family room.

However, the openness and visibility to the lower levels is retained through a recess in the ground floor ceiling which allows for views over the kitchen.

The basement contains a children's play area and study. Also on this lower level, cacti preserved from the previous building that occupied the plot have been planted on a patio area.

Throughout the property, exposed concrete, steel surfaces and white walls are warmed by wooden parquet flooring.

When furnishing their home, Hila and Ran opted to use vintage furniture, such as the iconic Eames Lounge Chairand a butterfly stool by Sori Yanagi.

They were also keen to have bookshelves on each floor. In the basement, they line the concrete wall and in the living area a black aluminium bookcase displays art and architecture books collected by the couple over the years.

Other architects who have designed homes for themselves includeJohn Pawson, who created acharacteristically minimal space in London, andarchitect coupleGwendolyn Huisman and Marijn Boterman, whose skinny Rotterdam residenceoccupies a narrow gap measuring just 3.4 metres wide and 20 metres deep.

Photography is by Amit Geron.

Read more:
3322 Studio builds concrete home in Tel Aviv around enclosed patios - Dezeen

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From left, Kelly Wentzlof, of Perrysburg, Ohio, Joe Wentzlof, of South Bend, Ind., Chloe Wentzlof, of South Bend, Ind., and dog Barkley wait to order on the patio at a Perrysburg restaurant Wednesday.

THE BLADE/KURT STEISS Enlarge | Buy This Image

Ohio restaurants may soon be able to welcome four-legged guests to their outdoor patio sections thanks to a bill in the General Assembly.

The legislation would ban state and local officials from enacting ordinances that prohibit dogs at outdoor patios. In an age when people make pets their constant companions, it only makes sense to let restaurants choose whether to cater to patrons who take their dogs along when they go out to eat.

The bill was prompted by a few recent cases in which restaurants promoted dog-friendly events at their establishments only to be warned by public-health officials that restaurant health regulations forbid dogs and other animals.

Ohio senator wants dogs allowed in outdoor restaurant areas Click here to view more Blade editorials

But some health officials have expressed support for the bill as long as restaurants that want to welcome dogs follow a few common-sense rules. Dogs would have to stay outside on the patio only. Dogs would have to be well-behaved and would not be allowed on chairs. Restaurants would need to keep dog-waste cleanup kits on hand.

Restaurants that want to cater to patrons with dogs would have to take on more responsibility. They would have to make sure dog owners cleaned up after their pets and ask the owners of ill-mannered dogs to leave.

Allowing dogs in a patio dining area also would require restaurant staff to be vigilant about cleanliness. But, in general, dogs would not seem to create more of a cleaning challenge than small children dining with their parents.

Restaurants already have to manage the challenges of birds and other wildlife, along with passing traffic and weather, to keep their patio dining areas clean, so a few dog patrons are not likely to make this much worse.

The Michigan Legislature took up a similar measure earlier this year to loosen restaurant health-code regulations and allow dogs on patios. Lawmakers and the governors in both states should approve the bills and let restaurant patrons take mans best friend out with them for dinner.

Link:
Dining out goes to the dogs - Toledo Blade

Restored modernist icon houses Harvard fellows

Wimbledon House is knownfor its bold, modular design and sunny, inside-out aesthetic, but when then-budding architect Richard Rogers designed the London home for his parents in the 1960s, he wanted to create a flexible living space that could shape-shift to suit their needs.

The steel-framed, prefabricated house with moveable partitions influenced Rogers later work on landmarks such as the Centre Pompidou but more than an architectural experiment, the home was designed for living, a space where his mother, who loved to cook, could host big gatherings around the dinner table.

So its fitting that one of the first events to be held in the home since it became a fellowship residence for Harvards Graduate School of Design (GSD) will be a talk examining the way food and cooking shape cities one focus of study by the fellows this year.

Rogers gave the home to GSD in 2015 to ensure the Heritage-listed propertys continued use as a residence and last month it was unveiled after restorations by architect Philip Gumuchdjian and landscape architect Todd Longstaffe-Gowan, M.L.A. 84.

The restoration wasnt Gumuchdjians first brush with the house. In 1980 while he was an apprentice, he was tasked with replacing the homes iconic yellow blinds and even then he was awed by the houses flexible design, which he describes as radical.

I recall it as a place full of serenity and aesthetic harmony, he said, a place of sunlight and of views into landscape.

Fast-forward to 2015 and Gumuchdjian presides over a firm whose challenge was to restore the modernist icon to its original state while modifying it for its new role as a research home for Harvard. Replaced were the roof, the asbestos-filled external walls, and the servicing; removed were recently added buildings and internal partitions.

[Wimbledon] is not just an iconic, flexible machine for living nor simply a historic experimental building that foretold the architects future work, he said, it was also a home with a unique memory, patina, and aura.

The garden was completely re-created. Longstaffe-Gowan, a 1984 grad of GSD, strove to restore the original balance of the 1960s composition to better reflect the architects original intentions. Wimbledon is a total work of art, he said. The house, gardens, and interiors were conceived in concert to form a unified whole.

In addition to serving as the residence for the Richard Rogers Fellowship, the Wimbledon House will provide the GSD a new venue for lectures, symposia, and other events bringing together scholars and practitioners from London, Europe, and around the world.

One of the first events to be hosted at the house this fall explores the way food and cooking shape cities, which seems apt considering the central role of food and cooking in Rogers life his wife, Ruth, runs a Michelin-starred restaurant, and presented a lecture about food at Harvard last fall. One of the six inaugural fellows, GSD alum Jose Castillo, is studying cooking and eating through cultural, ecological, and political lenses, probing connections between urban food economies and forces like climate change and migration.

This application of design thinking to broad global questions exemplifies the work GSD hopes to stimulate, especially through the Richard Rogers Fellowship. Other projects by fellows this year will focus on public and affordable housing as well as citizen-driven revitalization efforts in cities.

The fellowship, launched in October, is inspired by Rogers commitment to cross-disciplinary investigation and social engagement as an architect, urbanist, author, and activist and is dedicated to advancing research on a range of issues key to shaping cities social, economic, technological, political, and environmental.

Each year, six fellows will be awarded a three-month residency, travel expenses to London, and a $10,000 cash prize.

To learn more, please visit the Richard Rogers Fellowship website.

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Restored modernist icon houses Harvard fellows - Harvard Gazette

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