Under Construction

-TJC

The headline “Looking for Answers to Fuel Problem” could have been in this morning’s newspaper. But the date on this article is actually 1979. That long haired fellow on the right is me, explaining how a solar room heater works. Those were energizing times when gas lines were long but entrepreneurial spirits were high. I was fabricating prototypes of passive solar panels, designing fliers, and setting up displays at local energy fairs. If sales had matched my expectations, I may not have returned to my architectural trade.

When I toured the booths at the Green Expo in Monterey last year, the enthusiasm of the young entrepreneurs reminded me of earlier times. I have to admire their zeal. Opportunities for small and creative entrepreneurs need to be encouraged.

A local program that offers promise is “Step Up 2 Green” which encourages homeowners to go green by taking small steps. They have published a one-page guideline listing ways to “save money by reducing the use of energy and water, and ending up with a healthier indoor environment.” Go to their website at stepup2green.org.

-TJC

Landscaping by Floravista

Coordinating a building project is like fitting together pieces of a complicated puzzle. One piece of the puzzle that is often overlooked is landscape design. For several years, we have turned to Dinah Irino to advise us. She started her own landscape design business, Floravista, in 1994. Her clients include California Water Service, Pasadera, and several produce companies. Dinah currently teaches a class at Monterey Peninsula College on Irrigation Design and Water Economy.

• Q: What makes a good landscape design?
• A: It is a balance of choosing the right plants for the site environmentally and ascetically, with a concern for sustainability. Environmentally, one must look at the location to determine soil type, wind, amount of sun exposure, slope, and climate zone. Ascetically, you choose plants that will complement the building and provide pleasing views. This involves a balance of form, color, texture, and personal taste.
• Q: How do you decide what plants to specify?
• A: I always interview the client to determine what “look” they want to create. With our Mediterranean climate there is a huge plant palette from which to choose. So whether you want native, formal, cottage, drought tolerant, or a tropical look; it can be done. Obviously, there are also many plants that will not grow here, but substitutes can be made to get the look you want and still be sustainable.
• Q: What is a current trend in landscape design?
• A: Today’s focus is on water use. People are asking for a more native, drought tolerant, and sustainable landscapes. My class at MPC on Sustainable Landscaping is very popular. Also, huge advances have been made in irrigation equipment and practices. Controllers are now available that can adjust automatically for changes in the weather and drip irrigation has been perfected to replace many spray irrigation systems.

Contact Dinah at Floravista: (831) 663-3652

As we jump into the challenges of the new year, we want to thank those who have trusted us with their building renovations. Here are a few projects completed in 2008:

-TJC

Keller Residence: After

Bill and Clara Keller are enjoying a distinctive addition to their ranch home on the higher properties along San Benancio Canyon Road. You might describe it as living in a pyramid. TJC designed the floor plan of their new guest room as a square (with four walls of equal length at ninety degree angles to each other). Above is a pyramid-shaped ceiling (four triangles sloping toward a peak). Do you remember these shapes from high school Geometry class? The wood trusses, crossing from corner to corner, actually hold up the roof. These were structurally engineered by Rene Bravo P.E. and custom fabricated for this project by Roux Construction. It was particularly enjoyable working with the Kellers. They tell me that they often lounge in their new dynamic space while enjoying the long views toward Salinas Valley through the wall of windows. -TJC

Keller Residence: Truss Design

Keller Residence: Construction

Silver Cloud Office Building

Lease Space Available

Owner and builder, John Jessen, recently completed a new 16,000 sq. ft., 2-story office building on Silver Cloud Court in Monterey, designed by TJC. He promptly leased 70% of the building to Pro Act. Now he has 4,680 sq. ft. of prime office space still available on the lower level, with easy access and plenty of parking. For more information about this exceptional opportunity, contact Jessen Investments at 831-320-0163.

Silver Cloud Office Building: Detail

A Creative Cabinet

An interesting detail in John Jessen’s new office building can be found in the tiled restrooms. The requirements of the American Disabilities Act, which are codified in the California Building Code, state that counters must have a clearance below the sinks to allow knee room for someone in a wheelchair. The standard response is to eliminate lower cabinets and expose plumbing lines with protective wrapping. But John had a better idea. He hired carpenter Paul Jensen (831-753-7707) to build custom cabinets that slant down and away from the edge of the counters to provide the clearances and hide the plumbing, with special door latches to keep the cabinets closed.

El Gabilan Library's New Landscaping

El Gabilan Library's New Interior

“I remember checking out countless books at the El Gabilan Library as a child. I am so glad to see the city invest in our libraries. I hope the improvements cause more parents to take their children and invest in reading and learning .” –Johanna Ceornocut

TJC was hired to redesign the reception counter, upgrade the restroom to meet ADA standards, and modify the electrical and mechanical systems. We have received compliments about the new landscaping, but credit for the plants and pavers goes to the Public Works Department. We would like to thank all of the library and city staff for making this a successful project, to include Elizabeth Martinez, Library Director, Maria Roddy, Deputy Librarian, and Frank Aguayo, Senior Civil Engineer. The general contractor was Boronda Construction.

The renovated offices for Yuki Farms are now complete. The original Chap Foster House, at the corner of Foster Road and the Salinas-Monterey Highway (Rt. 68), is dated about 1908. Chris Bunn and his family have been working with Desmond Construction and TJC to restore many interior and exterior details. Contractors such as Steve Dornan of Steve’s Concrete (831-663-2876) have added their special touches. Note the impressions of floral patterns in the concrete landings on the new ramps. Details like these give new life to older buildings.