Search results for "Tolerance test" in Home Design Ideas

The Owners of a home that had been consumed by the moving dunes of Lake Michigan wanted a home that would not only stand the test of aesthetic time, but survive the vicissitudes of the environment.
With the assistance of the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality as well as the consulting civil engineer and the City of Grand Haven Zoning Department, a soil stabilization site plan was developed based on raising the new home’s main floor elevation by almost three feet, implementing erosion studies, screen walls and planting indigenous, drought tolerant xeriscaping. The screen walls, as well as the low profile of the home and the use of sand trapping marrum beachgrass all help to create a wind shadow buffer around the home and reduce blowing sand erosion and accretion.
The Owners wanted to minimize the stylistic baggage which consumes most “cottage” residences, and with the Architect created a home with simple lines focused on the view and the natural environment. Sustainable energy requirements on a budget directed the design decisions regarding the SIPs panel insulation, energy systems, roof shading, other insulation systems, lighting and detailing. Easily constructed and linear, the home harkens back to mid century modern pavilions with present day environmental sensitivities and harmony with the site.
John Allegretti

The Owners of a home that had been consumed by the moving dunes of Lake Michigan wanted a home that would not only stand the test of aesthetic time, but survive the vicissitudes of the environment.
With the assistance of the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality as well as the consulting civil engineer and the City of Grand Haven Zoning Department, a soil stabilization site plan was developed based on raising the new home’s main floor elevation by almost three feet, implementing erosion studies, screen walls and planting indigenous, drought tolerant xeriscaping. The screen walls, as well as the low profile of the home and the use of sand trapping marrum beachgrass all help to create a wind shadow buffer around the home and reduce blowing sand erosion and accretion.
The Owners wanted to minimize the stylistic baggage which consumes most “cottage” residences, and with the Architect created a home with simple lines focused on the view and the natural environment. Sustainable energy requirements on a budget directed the design decisions regarding the SIPs panel insulation, energy systems, roof shading, other insulation systems, lighting and detailing. Easily constructed and linear, the home harkens back to mid century modern pavilions with present day environmental sensitivities and harmony with the site.
James Yochum

The Owners of a home that had been consumed by the moving dunes of Lake Michigan wanted a home that would not only stand the test of aesthetic time, but survive the vicissitudes of the environment.
With the assistance of the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality as well as the consulting civil engineer and the City of Grand Haven Zoning Department, a soil stabilization site plan was developed based on raising the new home’s main floor elevation by almost three feet, implementing erosion studies, screen walls and planting indigenous, drought tolerant xeriscaping. The screen walls, as well as the low profile of the home and the use of sand trapping marrum beachgrass all help to create a wind shadow buffer around the home and reduce blowing sand erosion and accretion.
The Owners wanted to minimize the stylistic baggage which consumes most “cottage” residences, and with the Architect created a home with simple lines focused on the view and the natural environment. Sustainable energy requirements on a budget directed the design decisions regarding the SIPs panel insulation, energy systems, roof shading, other insulation systems, lighting and detailing. Easily constructed and linear, the home harkens back to mid century modern pavilions with present day environmental sensitivities and harmony with the site.
John Allegretti
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Terren Landscapes http://www.terrenlandscapes.com
2014 PLNA Awards for Landscape Excellence Winner
Category: Residential $60,000-$120,000
Award Level: Silver
Project Description:
We were contracted by the family to create a master plan for the property. They
were experiencing extreme drainage and erosion problems due to the surrounding properties’
drastic grade changes. Erosion had caused the rear lawn to sink in various areas and the existing
rear patio spaces were failing. The client wanted to rebuild their patios and walkways, repave
their driveway and give their home more visual appeal. Most importantly, they wanted an
environmentally friendly solution.
Our design solution was to create a rain garden that would slow storm water runoff, allow
for percolation, and promote infiltration, while permitting excess clean water to enter the storm
drain at the street with slower velocity. The rain garden acts as a temporary holding space that
allows the earth to slowly absorb water, rather than overwhelm the nearby storm drain. Our first
objective was to conduct a percolation test to determine the amount of clay soil that needed to be
removed before reaching the sandy loam layer. A percolation test and storm water calculations
were generated to accommodate a 1” rain event. Based on our calculations and the small size of
the property, we determined a depth of 18” was necessary for optimal holding capacity. We
removed 18” of clay soil until a layer of sandy loam was encountered. Next, the soil was amended
with compost and sand to create a highly porous planting media for the basin of the garden. We
piped the three existing rear downspouts to the rain garden area to capture for infiltration and
alleviate runoff throughout the rear lawn and patio space. We installed an 18” wide over-flow
standpipe at a 24” depth into the ground that outlets to a stone swale that carries the water to the
property edge. As an added means of holding the maximum amount of water, we designed the
standpipe to sit 14” above grade. The height of this standpipe allows this rain garden to capture
14” of water before reaching the overflow capacity. We placed geotextile fabric to help reduce
migration of the stones into the soil and aid in the prevention of weeds and erosion. We heavily
planted the rain garden to further aid in absorption and to attract local wildlife. A native plant
palette of butterfly weed, Panicum, Joe-Pye weed, and asters form a colorful backdrop while the
basin was filled with obligate wetland plants such as royal ferns, irises and cardinal flowers. The
upper edges in the foreground are planted with Echinacea, Rudbeckia and Monarda, satisfying
the local bird community and adding bright seasonal colors. This garden effectively collects and
cleanses rainwater while creating a habitat for birds, frogs, and butterflies.
Our next challenge was to redesign the existing patios and walkways without increasing
impervious surfaces. According to township regulations this property was currently at its
maximum capacity, therefore we designed the front and rear patios with a slightly smaller
footprint to decrease their existing impervious surfaces.
New planting beds were designed throughout the entire property. Plants were chosen that
were tolerant of specific site conditions. For the rear yard, we choose a backdrop of witch hazel
and hollies to provide an evergreen screen as well as early spring color. We placed hydrangea
throughout to add summer color. We planted ostrich fern under the existing spruce tree to create
a lush floor. This area became an additional backdrop for the rain garden as well as a screen for
the neighboring property. We choose a combination of ‘Blue Star’ juniper and creeping jenny to
soften the existing rear wall with creepers. Around the rear patio areas we choose a combination
of Liatris, Rudbeckia and ‘Lo and Behold’ butterfly bush. This combination of plants works in
harmony with the rain garden and attracts additional butterflies.
For the front of the property we worked with an existing Japanese maple that provided
dense shade. We choose a shade-tolerant combination of Heuchera, Astilbe, ferns and hostas for
this area. We added more hydrangeas to the front foundation of the house to provide lush
layering of plant material and visual interest with additional summer blooms.
Overall, we were able to exceed the client’s needs and expectations in transforming their
property into a colorful paradise that attracts wildlife from season to season. The plant palette
provides seasonal interest and the rain garden has successfully decreased storm water runoff.
The new hardscape surfaces were designed and built with a slightly smaller footprint to decrease
impervious surfaces. This project is a positive example of how all properties, regardless of size,
can make an ecological difference by decreasing impervious surfaces and maintaining proper
storm water management.
Photo Credit:
Terren Landscapes

The Owners of a home that had been consumed by the moving dunes of Lake Michigan wanted a home that would not only stand the test of aesthetic time, but survive the vicissitudes of the environment.
With the assistance of the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality as well as the consulting civil engineer and the City of Grand Haven Zoning Department, a soil stabilization site plan was developed based on raising the new home’s main floor elevation by almost three feet, implementing erosion studies, screen walls and planting indigenous, drought tolerant xeriscaping. The screen walls, as well as the low profile of the home and the use of sand trapping marrum beachgrass all help to create a wind shadow buffer around the home and reduce blowing sand erosion and accretion.
The Owners wanted to minimize the stylistic baggage which consumes most “cottage” residences, and with the Architect created a home with simple lines focused on the view and the natural environment. Sustainable energy requirements on a budget directed the design decisions regarding the SIPs panel insulation, energy systems, roof shading, other insulation systems, lighting and detailing. Easily constructed and linear, the home harkens back to mid century modern pavilions with present day environmental sensitivities and harmony with the site.
James Yochum

The Owners of a home that had been consumed by the moving dunes of Lake Michigan wanted a home that would not only stand the test of aesthetic time, but survive the vicissitudes of the environment.
With the assistance of the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality as well as the consulting civil engineer and the City of Grand Haven Zoning Department, a soil stabilization site plan was developed based on raising the new home’s main floor elevation by almost three feet, implementing erosion studies, screen walls and planting indigenous, drought tolerant xeriscaping. The screen walls, as well as the low profile of the home and the use of sand trapping marrum beachgrass all help to create a wind shadow buffer around the home and reduce blowing sand erosion and accretion.
The Owners wanted to minimize the stylistic baggage which consumes most “cottage” residences, and with the Architect created a home with simple lines focused on the view and the natural environment. Sustainable energy requirements on a budget directed the design decisions regarding the SIPs panel insulation, energy systems, roof shading, other insulation systems, lighting and detailing. Easily constructed and linear, the home harkens back to mid century modern pavilions with present day environmental sensitivities and harmony with the site.
John Allegretti

The ideal choice for covered porches, patios, and sunrooms, the Hunter Bayview 54" ceiling fan has a fresh look that transforms outdoor spaces into breezy spots for relaxation and entertaining. This ultra-efficient fan has a Provencal Gold finish with five Antique Dark reversible plastic blades in wicker and a palm leaf shape. Like all Hunter fans, it features a high performance, WhisperWind motor, built to exacting tolerances from the finest materials and rigorously tested to be truly whisper quiet. Safe to use in covered areas, the Bayview is built to last and provide reliable performance season after season.

This project was the design and delivery of a flexible and fault-tolerant main equipment closet (MEC) housing an enterprise-class infrastructure that services a 20,000 square foot home, a vibrant business, and a world-class home theater. In Boca Theater and Automation’s experience, the three cornerstones of any successful project in South Florida involve clean power, proper management of heat, and ANSI/TIA certified copper and fiber terminations; enterprise-class systems add in redundancy where it matters.
To achieve this level of performance, the MEC and all endpoints are powered by a RoseWater HUB20 system backed up by a large-scale generator. The MEC is cooled using a dedicated air conditioner with four backup 300CFM exhaust fans triggered by temperature sensors. Both systems send alerts monitoring key parameters such as heat, moisture, incoming power, battery health, and more. Every rack-mounted device can be individually rebooted using the custom-designed touch panel interface, or from sixty-four labeled buttons on the user side of the rack.
BTA designed patch bays provide professional landing points for 11.7 miles of low voltage copper and fiber runs servicing the entire campus, and each termination was tested using a Fluke DSX8000 system following extended ANSI/TIA guidelines for 10GB permalink installations.

The Owners of a home that had been consumed by the moving dunes of Lake Michigan wanted a home that would not only stand the test of aesthetic time, but survive the vicissitudes of the environment.
With the assistance of the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality as well as the consulting civil engineer and the City of Grand Haven Zoning Department, a soil stabilization site plan was developed based on raising the new home’s main floor elevation by almost three feet, implementing erosion studies, screen walls and planting indigenous, drought tolerant xeriscaping. The screen walls, as well as the low profile of the home and the use of sand trapping marrum beachgrass all help to create a wind shadow buffer around the home and reduce blowing sand erosion and accretion.
The Owners wanted to minimize the stylistic baggage which consumes most “cottage” residences, and with the Architect created a home with simple lines focused on the view and the natural environment. Sustainable energy requirements on a budget directed the design decisions regarding the SIPs panel insulation, energy systems, roof shading, other insulation systems, lighting and detailing. Easily constructed and linear, the home harkens back to mid century modern pavilions with present day environmental sensitivities and harmony with the site.
James Yochum

The Owners of a home that had been consumed by the moving dunes of Lake Michigan wanted a home that would not only stand the test of aesthetic time, but survive the vicissitudes of the environment.
With the assistance of the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality as well as the consulting civil engineer and the City of Grand Haven Zoning Department, a soil stabilization site plan was developed based on raising the new home’s main floor elevation by almost three feet, implementing erosion studies, screen walls and planting indigenous, drought tolerant xeriscaping. The screen walls, as well as the low profile of the home and the use of sand trapping marrum beachgrass all help to create a wind shadow buffer around the home and reduce blowing sand erosion and accretion.
The Owners wanted to minimize the stylistic baggage which consumes most “cottage” residences, and with the Architect created a home with simple lines focused on the view and the natural environment. Sustainable energy requirements on a budget directed the design decisions regarding the SIPs panel insulation, energy systems, roof shading, other insulation systems, lighting and detailing. Easily constructed and linear, the home harkens back to mid century modern pavilions with present day environmental sensitivities and harmony with the site.
James Yochum

J The Owners of a home that had been consumed by the moving dunes of Lake Michigan wanted a home that would not only stand the test of aesthetic time, but survive the vicissitudes of the environment.
With the assistance of the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality as well as the consulting civil engineer and the City of Grand Haven Zoning Department, a soil stabilization site plan was developed based on raising the new home’s main floor elevation by almost three feet, implementing erosion studies, screen walls and planting indigenous, drought tolerant xeriscaping. The screen walls, as well as the low profile of the home and the use of sand trapping marrum beachgrass all help to create a wind shadow buffer around the home and reduce blowing sand erosion and accretion.
The Owners wanted to minimize the stylistic baggage which consumes most “cottage” residences, and with the Architect created a home with simple lines focused on the view and the natural environment. Sustainable energy requirements on a budget directed the design decisions regarding the SIPs panel insulation, energy systems, roof shading, other insulation systems, lighting and detailing. Easily constructed and linear, the home harkens back to mid century modern pavilions with present day environmental sensitivities and harmony with the site.
ames Yochum

MONTE VERDE LITE - $1.76 / SF.
Monte Verde Lite is perfect for installations that need a highly durable product. The M-shaped blade gives this product all the benefits in one product. The M-blade allows light to pass through in varying directions, eliminating the shine. The M-blade is also a performance blade, tested for its durability. The unique shape of the blade distributes pressure over several points of the turf, which decreases the impact of crush caused by foot traffic. This product offers a 78-ounce weight with 1.58″ blade height, making it a great choice for high traffic areas.
The Monte Verde Lite is perfect for commercial and residential properties! This product has been installed in a variety of landscape applications, including playgrounds, sports fields, pet areas, and even rooftops and patios.
For more information, please contact Jesus (theturfguy)
Phone: 510-753-4773
Email: theturfguy@bwlandscapesupply.com

Up on a Hillside, stands a strong and handsome home with many facets and gables. Built to withstand the test of time, the exquisite stone and stylish shakes siding surrounds the exterior and protects the beauty within. The distinguished front door entry with side lights and a transom window stands tall and opens up to high coffered ceilings, a floor to ceiling stone fireplace, stunning glass doors & windows, custom built-ins and an open concept floor plan. The expansive kitchen is graced with a striking leathered granite island, butlers pantry, stainless-steel appliances, fine cabinetry and dining area. Just off the kitchen is an inviting sunroom with a stone fire place and a fantastic EZE Breeze Window System. There is a custom drop-zone built by our team of master carpenters that offers a beautiful point of interest as well as functionality. En suite bathrooms add a sense of luxury to guest bedrooms. The master bedroom has a private sunroom perfect for curling up and reading a book. The luxurious Master Bath exudes tranquility with a large garden tub, custom tile shower, barrel vault ceiling and his & hers granite vanities. The extensively landscaped back yard features tiered rock walls, two gorgeous water features and several spacious outdoor living areas perfect for entertaining friends and enjoying the four seasons of North Carolina.

PROFESSIONAL PLAY
$2.58 / SF
We offer a top of the line artificial grass product, Professional Play, for both residential and commercial use. The Professional Play is designed with a “U” blade for high wear and tear and has undergone rigorous testing to ensure maximum performance and durability. In addition, the fibers have been delustered to minimize shine.
Drainage is another key element to consider when choosing a pet surface. Our Professional Play offers maximum drainage at 121 inches per hour! Drainage will never be an issue with Professional Play whether used in a residential area with one dog or dog kennel with 40 pups.

The Owners of a home that had been consumed by the moving dunes of Lake Michigan wanted a home that would not only stand the test of aesthetic time, but survive the vicissitudes of the environment.
With the assistance of the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality as well as the consulting civil engineer and the City of Grand Haven Zoning Department, a soil stabilization site plan was developed based on raising the new home’s main floor elevation by almost three feet, implementing erosion studies, screen walls and planting indigenous, drought tolerant xeriscaping. The screen walls, as well as the low profile of the home and the use of sand trapping marrum beachgrass all help to create a wind shadow buffer around the home and reduce blowing sand erosion and accretion.
The Owners wanted to minimize the stylistic baggage which consumes most “cottage” residences, and with the Architect created a home with simple lines focused on the view and the natural environment. Sustainable energy requirements on a budget directed the design decisions regarding the SIPs panel insulation, energy systems, roof shading, other insulation systems, lighting and detailing. Easily constructed and linear, the home harkens back to mid century modern pavilions with present day environmental sensitivities and harmony with the site.
John Allegretti

Terren Landscapes http://www.terrenlandscapes.com
Project Entry: Pembrooke Estate Rain Garden
2014 PLNA Awards for Landscape Excellence Winner
Category: Sustainable Landscape &60,000-$120,000
Award Level: Silver
Project Description:
The client contracted our company to solve multiple existing drainage problems. In a heavy rain event the existing French drain system would overflow, causing water to pool in the driveway. After investigating the system we found that the capacity of the French drain was undersized for the amount of storm water from the large rain events received in recent years. As a result of our findings and at the request of the homeowner, we designed a storm water management system to capture all storm water from the structures on the property and regenerate the underground aquifers for the volume of a 5.8” rainstorm. In addition to the new drain system, the homeowners wanted a rain garden to provide a backdrop for an existing formal garden, provide a habitat for wildlife, and provide screening from an adjacent neighbor.
Throughout the design process many challenges were presented, including an existing gas line, which ran directly through the area that best suited the bioswale. The existence of the gas line caused us to alter the shape and depth of the bioswale in some areas. We also inspected the existing downspouts to make sure there were no obstructions that would impede the system’s efficiency, and then conducted a test pit dig to make sure we had sufficient percolation rates for disposal of storm water.
To effectively capture the storm water runoff, the existing downspouts were piped from the main house and the large detached garage to a large catch basin located at the low point in the driveway. The driveway catch basin contains two outlet pipes at different elevations within the basin allowing water from smaller rain events to enter the bioswale and rain garden area to percolate into the soil before excess water overflows into a sediment trap which filters out any debris and is then piped to an underground StormTech® pit to slowly percolate into the ground. The other outlet pipe in the driveway catch basin is used for larger storm water events, taking the water directly to the StormTech® pit.
Accepting and slowing the velocity of the storm water, mitigation of erosion, and filtering out pollutants contained in the “first flush” of rainfall are the primary functions of the bioswale and rain garden. Planting these areas with mostly native plant species helps carry out these functions while attracting and providing shelter for wildlife.
The ‘Niobe’ weeping willow is the centerpiece of the rain garden, connecting with the axis of the existing formal garden. To screen the neighboring property we chose Chamaecyparis nootkatensis ‘Pendula’ for its graceful evergreen habit and tolerance of wet sites. ‘Ivory Halo’ dogwood and Panicum ‘Cloud Nine’ were used for screening as well as winter interest. To provide deciduous structure to the garden Taxodium distichum and Magnolia virginiana were used in conjunction with witch hazel. Mostly native wetland perennials were used due to their tolerance of wet conditions and occasional drought.
The area above the StormTech® pit provides space for the client’s family to relax. The rain garden and bioswale provide screening, storm water management, a habitat for wildlife, and plants that enhance the adjacent formal garden.
Photo Credit: Terren Landscapes

The Owners of a home that had been consumed by the moving dunes of Lake Michigan wanted a home that would not only stand the test of aesthetic time, but survive the vicissitudes of the environment.
With the assistance of the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality as well as the consulting civil engineer and the City of Grand Haven Zoning Department, a soil stabilization site plan was developed based on raising the new home’s main floor elevation by almost three feet, implementing erosion studies, screen walls and planting indigenous, drought tolerant xeriscaping. The screen walls, as well as the low profile of the home and the use of sand trapping marrum beachgrass all help to create a wind shadow buffer around the home and reduce blowing sand erosion and accretion.
The Owners wanted to minimize the stylistic baggage which consumes most “cottage” residences, and with the Architect created a home with simple lines focused on the view and the natural environment. Sustainable energy requirements on a budget directed the design decisions regarding the SIPs panel insulation, energy systems, roof shading, other insulation systems, lighting and detailing. Easily constructed and linear, the home harkens back to mid century modern pavilions with present day environmental sensitivities and harmony with the site.
John Allegretti

PROFESSIONAL PLAY
$2.58 / SF
We offer a top of the line artificial grass product, Professional Play, for both residential and commercial use. The Professional Play is designed with a “U” blade for high wear and tear and has undergone rigorous testing to ensure maximum performance and durability. In addition, the fibers have been delustered to minimize shine.
Drainage is another key element to consider when choosing a pet surface. Our Professional Play offers maximum drainage at 121 inches per hour! Drainage will never be an issue with Professional Play whether used in a residential area with one dog or dog kennel with 40 pups.

MONTE VERDE LITE - $1.76 / SF.
Monte Verde Lite is perfect for installations that need a highly durable product. The M-shaped blade gives this product all the benefits in one product. The M-blade allows light to pass through in varying directions, eliminating the shine. The M-blade is also a performance blade, tested for its durability. The unique shape of the blade distributes pressure over several points of the turf, which decreases the impact of crush caused by foot traffic. This product offers a 78-ounce weight with 1.58″ blade height, making it a great choice for high traffic areas.
The Monte Verde Lite is perfect for commercial and residential properties! This product has been installed in a variety of landscape applications, including playgrounds, sports fields, pet areas, and even rooftops and patios.
For more information, please contact Jesus (theturfguy)
Phone: 510-753-4773
Email: theturfguy@bwlandscapesupply.com

The Owners of a home that had been consumed by the moving dunes of Lake Michigan wanted a home that would not only stand the test of aesthetic time, but survive the vicissitudes of the environment.
With the assistance of the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality as well as the consulting civil engineer and the City of Grand Haven Zoning Department, a soil stabilization site plan was developed based on raising the new home’s main floor elevation by almost three feet, implementing erosion studies, screen walls and planting indigenous, drought tolerant xeriscaping. The screen walls, as well as the low profile of the home and the use of sand trapping marrum beachgrass all help to create a wind shadow buffer around the home and reduce blowing sand erosion and accretion.
The Owners wanted to minimize the stylistic baggage which consumes most “cottage” residences, and with the Architect created a home with simple lines focused on the view and the natural environment. Sustainable energy requirements on a budget directed the design decisions regarding the SIPs panel insulation, energy systems, roof shading, other insulation systems, lighting and detailing. Easily constructed and linear, the home harkens back to mid century modern pavilions with present day environmental sensitivities and harmony with the site.
James Yochum
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