We are in the last few weeks of construction for the Harrisonburg Rockingham Child Day Care Center in downtown Harrisonburg. This facility that we have done updates on in the past (here, here, and here) is due to open in August. There will be a phase 2 of the project so don’t be surprised to see things not 100% in their final places when phase 1 is done.
Over the last week, plumbing fixtures were set, ceilings were installed, FRT panels placed, and flooring started going in. The building is emerging from the “under construction” look that we have seen in past updates and taking on that warm inviting look of a daycare.
The facility will offer sliding scale childcare in the heart of downtown Harrisonburg. From babies to pre-school, this facility is filling a huge need in our community.
Eastern Mennonite Elementary Schooladdition continues to make progress. Over the last few weeks, Herr and Company has been putting in the foundation and slab, and the walls have started. The gathering space addition will feature a heated slab thanks to the efforts of Rockingham Engineering.
The radiant floor system will keep the space comfortable and allow for maximum flexibility. Eastern Mennonite Elementary Schoolvalues connections to the outside and plan to use this multipurpose space at times as an open air pavilion. The challenge with designing for a space that is sometimes conditioned is that a concrete slab is slow to change temperature. It is also hard to manage moisture / humidity in a space that is sometimes open to outside air and sometimes closed and conditioned. So Winston at Rockingham Engineering designed a radiant floor system that will moderate the slab temperature keeping the space flexible and comfortable.
Once the slab was poured, the walls started going up and the space is starting to take shape. This is an exciting part of the project as everyone can now see the form taking shape! The framers made great progress in just a few days and trusses should be installed soon. Here is more on the first phase of the project that was completed a few years ago.
This year we have seen a lot of home renovationand addition projects. These are exciting projects to design because we get to make our clients’ existing homes into their dream homes. We hear about what is not working and come up with ways to make them fit the lives our clients want to live in the places they already call home. The return on investment for these types of projects is critical. In this case, “return on investment” means that the space directly contributes to making the existing home into their dream home.
Some of the best payback on investment can be seen with kitchen renovations. An updated, beautiful, and highly functional timeless kitchen is the heart of the home for most of our projects. Getting the cabinets and cabinet hardware to look great and have a high-quality finish is key to making the most of your investment. Figuring out how to make the space as functional as possible for the way you want to cook, entertain, and gather is the most important part of this design work.
Similarly, the bathroom remodel has a high impact on an existing house. Upgrading the lighting, flooring, tiles, and shower can make all the difference when thinking about your dream home. Adding body sprayers and an adjustable shower head can make the bathroom future proof for you and spa like on the daily. Thinking through accessibility challenges that might happen is also an important part of this space.
Upgrades and Updates
Important, but not always on top of mind, are energy-efficiency, durability, and indoor-air-quality upgrades and updates. Often in existing homes you already know the products that were used that need a coat of paint every year. You know which room is always cold in the winter. When you are doing a renovation, be sure to fix those issues, then track your energy usage. You will be thrilled to save money monthly. More importantly, you will have comfortable spaces that have healthy indoor air quality, and you will not have to “honey-do” home improvements every weekend with these new durable products.
Another idea to make your home remodel the best investment possible is to make it look incredible from the street. Update the landscaping with native plants, scrape and repaint anything that is peeling (or replace old siding with something low maintenance), and make sure the water is going away from the foundation. Adding a deck, patio, or porch is also an easy way to expand your livable space and provide an aesthetic update to a home. These spaces will become favorites if they are placed in the right way around your house to take advantage of the breeze, provide shade, and offer additional gathering options. Don’t forget about adding an outdoor kitchen to bring the party to the outside of your home.
When you are thinking about a renovation or addition to your home, make the return on investment a part of the decision-making process. This does not mean just doing things that will increase the sale price of your home, it is the quality of life that can be provided through the renovation that provides the best return on investment. Do the things that make your home your dream home.
Harrisonburg has seen a surge in public art over the last decade, and it is incredible!
Public art adds visual appeal to a community. It brings energy and vibrance to once-blank walls and incorporates bright vibrant colors and cool creations. Public art can celebrate heritage, diversity, and tradition. This makes the community more welcoming to others and inspires future artists to create.
It also brings in tourism which has a ripple economic impact on small businesses in our community. People will spend more time in a place that has fun things to look at and that has beautiful works of art to enjoy. These works benefit mental health and well-being for the people using these spaces. The spark curiosity and revitalization.
In Harrisonburg we have wall murals that celebrate people, play, and LOVE. We have ducks that tell a story, sculptures that honor liberty and sacrifice, and historic graffiti. There are dinosaurs and dragons, messages about saving the future, and Children reading. Take a minute and let us know which downtown creation is your favorite!
As we design new custom homes and renovate existing homes into dream homes, we have to think about indoor air quality issues. Studies have shown that we spend 90% of our time indoors. Scientists have reported that warming temperatures have a direct impact on seasonal allergies such as tree pollen. I know my seasonal allergies are impacting me daily! We have also seen a rise in airborne viruses. Add the pollen and viruses together with building code requirements for tighter and more energy efficiency and you get indoor air quality challenges in your home.
Filters
There are ways to design better systems that not only filter out pollen but clean the air in your home to a point where you will get sick less often. The first line of defense is a high-efficiency air filter for your heating and cooling system. This filter should have a MERV 13 or higher rating with pleats that catch allergens like pollen, dust mites, and pet dander. Then you need to remember to replace the filter on a regular basis. I use a 5” pleated filter in my system at home which should be changed every 6 months. Many filters require a 1 – 3 month change if they are not as robust as a 5” pleated option.
In addition to a quality filter, you may think about installing an air purification system on your return duct, such as a UV germicidal lamp. These systems will kill viruses that land on the coils of your HVAC system.
Humidity
Humidity control inside your home is also a key feature to keeping mold from growing. This is not only done with your air conditioning system but could also include a dehumidifier. Other impacts to indoor humidity are insulation in your thermal envelope of the home, the water management system on the exterior of the walls and roof, and the source of fresh air. Keeping humidity below 50% reduces the chances of mold growth.
HVAC System
A quality HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) system will include ducts and vents that have 10% or less air leakage before they get to the room they are intended to heat and cool. This is not the normal standard air leakage I see in ductwork for many existing homes. You may also consider adding ventilation to your HVAC system if the house is tight enough to need it. This can also be done in the return duct using an ERV (Energy Recovery Ventilator).
Keeping your HVAC system running efficientlycan also contribute to better indoor air quality. This regular maintenance will verify that all systems are functioning properly. The company doing this work will also look at preventative measures to keep your system functioning properly.
Materials
Thinking through the materials inside your home is another important indoor air quality design strategy. You will want to make sure that you don’t add anything that has toxic off-gassing once installed. There are many glues, paints, and stains that no longer have VOC’s. Using hypoallergenic furnishings and carpets is also recommended. Paying attention to your ductwork install is also important. Masking off ducts during construction keeps them clean prior to startup.
If you are like me – itchy eyes, running nose, and a seasonal cough – you will want to do everything you can to improve your indoor air quality. It will pay off in less sick days, more energy, and a clearer head.
