Finished Model

Model Construction

Mr. Alfonse & the Crumlish Residence


View down North elevation.
NW elevation w/back balcony.

East Elevation.
North Elevation.
West Elevation
South Elevation
Overall Model

Construction

Developmental Work

Math, Science, & Technology Report

Introduction
Building along the coast is greatly different than building anywhere else. Exposure to the elements and coastal conditions is a key factor to think about in building a new house. The durability of a coastal home relies on the types of materials used to construct it. Materials and construction methods should be resistant to flood and wind damage, driving rain, corrosion, moisture, and decay. Many new technologies are used in residential construction today, including those resistant to the harsh conditions of a coastal environment.
Often the most enjoyable part of building a new home is selecting the finishing materials and items you will look at and use every day: kitchen cabinets and countertops, appliances, fixtures, flooring, and paint. These are the touches that allow you to show off your own taste and sense of style.
But there are also the materials in your home that you don't see. Selecting the right structural framing products might not be nearly as exciting, but these decisions are among the most crucial for the long-term value, comfort, and structural integrity of your home. The right framing materials help ensure solid floors, straight walls, and crisp rooflines.
The science of the Crumlish Residence is how the home is framed, and what material options exist for framing. Math is used to calculate everything from building loads to girders and beams to stress and dynamics. Lastly, the Crumlish Residence incorporates many new technologies, both in building materials and finishing materials.

Science
A home’s framing (See Figure 1) functions much like the body's skeletal system in that it supports the weight and defines the shape and structure of the home. This framing "skeleton," like the body's skeletal system, needs to be strong and true. Today there are many material options available for the framing of a home.
Among the structural framing members in homes are wall studs, rafters, floor joists, and sheathing. In today’s homes, these and other members are constructed with conventional lumber, engineered wood, or both. Conventional lumber is the material many consumers are most familiar with– 2x4s and other lumber sawn directly from logs. Engineered wood products include I-joists, and specialty beams, studs, and other framing members made of wood strands laminated together to provide exceptional strength and superior performance. People looking for the highest levels of framing quality often request the use of engineered wood throughout the home. Others who seek to balance value and performance request engineered wood products in applications where necessary and conventional lumber in other areas.
The quality of materials and installation of wall framing is critical for determining how straight and even the walls will appear and how well the attached cabinets and fixtures will function. Improper framing can lead to wavy walls; cracks in plaster, paint and tile; nails that stick up; and cabinets that don’t hang evenly. To ensure a flat, stable surface for walls, many builders use engineered lumber because it is consistently strong and straight.
The right decisions for flooring systems can minimize annoying squeaks, bounces, uneven floors, and other structural problems down the road. A floor that feels solid and secure requires joists, rim board, and panels that are consistent and engineered to work together. In addition to material selection, level of floor performance– how solid you want the floor to feel– must be considered. Joist type, joist depth, floor panels, spacing, and manner of installation can all effect how much vibration or movement you feel when you walk across the floor. See Figure 2
Lastly, a big trend in residential construction is complicated rooflines, with multiple ridges and valleys– a look that adds character to new homes. In addition, many people prefer large living and dining rooms, tall and wide foyers, and vaulted ceilings– all of which have required builders to adapt with new roof framing materials and practices. For example, in the Crumlish Residence the kitchen, living room, and dining room are all open to one another with no support columns. Homebuyers should consider the types of beams, rafters, and roof sheathing that will meet their expectations and needs. As with walls and floors, both conventional lumber and engineered lumber choices are available. Builders often recommend engineered lumber for medium and long-span roof sections, and conventional lumber for other applications such as trusses and rafters.
While many people are not used to thinking about framing options, some good decisions up front can save homeowners years of hassle and thousands of dollars in the future. The important thing is to sit down with a builder or structural engineer and talk about expectations for the home and what’s important with wall, floor, and roof appearance and performance.

Math
A well-designed building should be aesthetically pleasing but it must be structurally sound. A functional working knowledge of engineering mechanics and mathematics is a necessity in architectural design and drafting. The engineering mechanics of a home can be divided into statics and dynamics. Statics deals with objects at rest, while dynamics deals with objects in motion or potential motion. The principles of statics and dynamics are combined with information on the strength of construction materials in the design of structures that will withstand the forces of nature and human use.
An effective structural design is neither under-designed nor over-designed. An under-designed structure will sag and collapse, while and over-designed structure will waste material and increase cost. Designers must determine the most appropriate materials, sizes, spacing, and construction methods. Determining building loads is the first step in this process.
The weight of all movable items make up the live load, and the weight of all the materials used in the construction make up the dead load. The live load and dead load together make up the building load. Loads are measured in pounds per square foot (lbs/ft2 or PSF). See Figure 3.

Figure 3: Typical loads for a two-level frame
construction building.

All the weight of the floor system, including live loads and dead loads, is transmitted to joists, girders, or beams (for the application of the Crumlish Residence). To determine the exact spacing, size, and type of girder to support the structure, you must first determine the total load acting on the entire floor systems in pounds per square foot. Divide the total live and dead loads by the number of square feet of floor space. Determine the number of square feet supported by the girder (girder load area). The girder load area is determined by multiplying the length of a girder, from post to post, by the girder load width. The girder load width is the distance extending on both sides of the center line of the girder, halfway to the nearest support. The remaining distance from a girder load area to the outside wall is supported by the outside wall. To find the load supported by the girder load area, multiply the girder load area by the load per square foot. To compute the minimum cross-section area of a girder or beam, divide the load (in pounds) by the material’s coefficient of elasticity: CS = I/E.
The tributary area of a structural member is the area of weight transmitted to a vertical support. The total load of the building is transmitted into the ground from footings and piers through a series of tributary areas. The tributary area over each pier extends one-half the distance to the next structural support members. Use the following equation to calculate the tributary area that is supported by a girder or beam:
W = (f x b d2) / (9 x L)
where W = weight evenly distributed, lb
f = allowable fiber stress, lb/in2
b =width of beam, in
d =depth of beam, in
L =span, ft
For example, if a 6 x 12 beam (actual size 5 1/2” x 11 1/4” spans 18’-0” and the beam has a fiber stress rated at 1,800 lb/ft2, the safe evenly distributed weight is calculated as follows:
W = (1,800 x 5.5 x 11.52) / (9 x 18) = 7,734 lb

Technology
The Crumlish Residence incorporates many new technologies, both in building materials and finishing materials. Building materials include metal roofing, PVC decking, and TJIs. Finishing materials include glass tiles, stainless steel appliances, and vessel above-counter sinks. These new technologies are becoming more and more popular in new construction homes, and each adds some type of importance to the house.
Properly installed, a metal roof should last as long as the house, completely sealing out water, surviving high winds and easily shedding snow. Metal is resistant to fire, mildew, insects and rot. Compared to tile at 750 pounds per square (an area equal to 100 square feet) or concrete tile at 900 pounds per square, metal roofing is lightweight. Most are from 50 to 150 pounds per square. Because metal roofs are noncombustible, they're given a Class A fire rating (the most resistant). Lastly, metal reflects radiant heat from the sun, minimizing midday heat gain. Though the material itself is low in insulation R-value, many systems utilize a dead-air space between the metal and roof deck to increase energy efficiency. PVC decking also has many benefits. It is weatherproof, waterproof, heat resistant, fire resistant, and low maintenance.
Trus Joist developed the wooden I-joist 35 years ago. They are engineered to provide strength and consistency. The dimensional stability of TJI joists helps them resist the warping, twisting, and shrinking that can lead to squeaky floors. TJI joists are lightweight and come in long lengths. This helps save on labor, because they're faster and easier to install than traditional framing. These same features have made them a popular choice for roof joists as well. They consist of a top and bottom chord/flange made from LVL with a webbing in-between made from OSB (oriented strand board). The webbing can be removed up to certain sizes/shapes according to the manufacturers (and engineers) specifications, but for small holes, wood I-joists come with "knockouts", which are perforated, pre-cut areas where holes can be made easily typically without engineering approval. When large holes are needed, they can typically be made in the webbing only (the top & bottom chords cannot be cut) and only in the center third of the span. Sizes & shapes of the hole, and typically the placing of a hole itself, must be approved by an engineer prior to the cutting of the hole and in many areas, a sheet showing the calculations made by the engineer must be provided to the building inspection authorities before the hole will be approved. Some I-joists are made with W-style webbing like a truss to eliminate cutting and allow ductwork to pass through.
Since the 1990’s a variety of modern glass tile technologies, including methods to take used glass and recreate it as ‘green’ tiles, has resulted in a revival of interest in glass tile as a floor and wall cladding. It is now commonly used in kitchens, spas and bathrooms. And while small tiles are still popular, small and large format glass products are now commonly formed using cast and fused glass methods. The smoothness of these last two methods has resulted in a wide variety of looks and applications, including floor tiles.
When it comes to kitchen appliances, stainless steel is probably one of the most popular finishes. With its rich luster and polish, stainless conveys a look of utmost sophistication and adds elegance to kitchen decor. Stainless is versatile enough to mix and match with black, white or bisque appliances. It also complements a variety of wood cabinetry styles, allowing design flexibility to create a distinctive look. Beneath each contemporary, ultra stylish exterior is a host of high-performance features. Highly resistant to rust, discoloration and corrosion, stainless maintains its professional appearance for years. And stainless surfaces glisten with the simple wipe of a towel.
Vessel sinks are also a relatively new technology. Also known as above counter sinks, vessel sinks create a focal point in a bathroom atop a vanity. Available in glass, metal, wood, or china, they can be traditional or contemporary in design.

Conclusion
Science, math, and technology are greatly important to the Crumlish residence. Without the three, the house would not physically be able to exist. The final consruction incorporates the science of physics, from the foundation construction to the roof framing. Math is used in every aspect of framing, from calculating the necessary sizes of girders and beams to calculating the maximum loads on floor joist spans. And last but not least, technology is everywhere from building materials to finishing materials. Even many new technologies are used in the Crumlish residence. Building along the coast is greatly different than building anywhere else. Exposure to the elements and coastal conditions is a key factor to think about in building a new house. The durability of a coastal home relies on the types of materials used to construct it. Materials and construction methods should be resistant to flood and wind damage, driving rain, corrosion, moisture, and decay. Many new technologies are used in residential construction today, including those resistant to the harsh conditions of a coastal environment.

Selection/Rejection/Intention

Mr. and Mrs. Crumlish are looking to rebuild their home in Manasquan, NJ for their retirement. Three Alternative Solutions have been produced to meet the wants and needs of Mr. and Mrs. Crumlish, and the following is an evaluation of each design. Following the evaluations is the chosen solution and a statement of intention.

Alternative Solution #1



Pros

• large kitchen
• large living room
• large porch
• large guest bedrooms
• large master bath
  

Cons

• small dining room
• no distinguished entranceway (at front or back door)
• small utility room
• little storage
• corridors occupy much of the space
• living areas consolidated in front of house while back door is most common entrance
• no formal entrance to master suite
• little privacy for master bedroom because of two story living room
• master bedroom setback from front of house/view
• valuable space wasted with two story living room
• plumbing not alignedplumbing over guest bedroom

While the first Alternative Solution does have pros, the cons strongly outweigh them. The house is designed to promote an open and relaxing environment. The most open part of the house is the two story living room. The master bedroom overlooks the two story living room, giving it an open feel, yet restricting privacy. Because of the two story living room, the master bedroom is also set back from the front of the house and the view of the Atlantic. The kitchen in this house is very large, with a lot of counter space and a large breakfast bar. This however is condescended by the small dining room. At both the front and back door there is no distinguished entranceway, so there would be no place to take off coats and shoes when walking into the house. In the case of the front door, after walking in the door one immediately finds oneself in the living room. The guest bedrooms are both fairly large with decent sized closets, yet the bathroom and utility room are both rather small.

Upstairs is the master suite. Because the entire second floor is considered the master suite, there is no formal entrance, only the staircase. The master suite consists of a master bedroom, a master bath, a walk in closet, and a library/study area. Each of these areas is fairly large. However, valuable space is wasted in that a corridor runs the entire length of the north wall of the house. The decks in the front and back of the house are fairly large.The overall design of the house faces issues such as limited storage and unaligned plumbing. For this design, the cons far outweigh the pros. The general idea of the design is satisfactory, yet it not very practical for full time living.

Alternative Solution #2

Pros

• large L shape porch
• large living room
• large kitchen
• large dining room
• mudroom
• large utility room
• distinguished entranceway
• large master bathlarge open space

Cons

• small first floor bathroom
• walk-in closet separated from master bedroom by stairs
• living areas consolidated in front of house while back door is most common entrance
• little storage
• limited counter spacesmall guest bedrooms
  

The second Alternative Solution has a fairly even balance of pros and cons. One of the biggest pros of the second solution is the large L-shaped porch. The L-shaped porch allows for the door to be set away from the gathering area of the porch and create two separate areas. After entering through the front door there is a foyer area separate from the living room. From the foyer one can go upstairs or into the living room. The size of the living room is another positive aspect of the house. Dividing the living room from the kitchen is a breakfast bar. The house has a large kitchen area as well as a large dining area, except there is little in the way of counter space and storage. Moving toward the back of the house are two guest bedrooms, both of which are small. The first floor has one small bathroom, but there is a large utility room and a mudroom. The biggest flaw of the first floor layout is that the living areas are consolidated in the front of the house and the private areas are toward the back of the house. Because the clients mostly enter the house through the back door, they would have to walk down the hall past the private areas to reach the living areas.

Moving upstairs is the Master Suite. The Master Suite has the same large L-shape porch as the first floor. There is also a decent sized master bathroom. The biggest flaw in the design of the Master Suite is the separation of the walk-in closet from the master bedroom by the stairs. Moving on from the Master Suite is a large open multi-purpose area, with a large deck on the back of the house.The overall concept of the house satisfies the clients to some degree, yet the specifics of the design aren’t right. Although there are many pros, there are almost as many cons. The pros emphasize the concept of what the client is looking for, yet the cons identify some of the more practical aspects and specifics of the house.

Alternative Solution #3



Pros

• large kitchen
• large living room
• large dining room
• large mudroom
• large utility room
• large master suite
• two full baths upstairs
• additional living room (den)

Cons

• limited counter space/small island
• few/no kitchen windows
• little storage
• plumbing not aligned
• bathroom above bedroom

The third and final Alternative Solution is the strongest design. Walking into the house through the backdoor, one will be in a large mudroom, with a same-size utility room on the left. Moving toward the front of the house is a large kitchen with an island and breakfast bar. Across from the kitchen is a large dining room. Immediately next to the dining room is a large living room. The kitchen, dining room, and living room are all open to each other. Adjacent to the living room is one of two guest bedrooms. Across from the guest bedroom is a full bathroom. Past the guest bedroom and bathroom is a den and a large porch. The front door leads from the outside into a small foyer with a coat closet. The first floor layout provides an open, relaxing atmosphere with two separate living areas. The biggest living areas are close to the rear of the house and the back door, which is the most commonly used entry by the clients.

Moving upstairs is the library/study area. Attached to the library/study area is an open multi-purpose area, as requested by the client. At the back of the house is the second guest bedroom with a small attached balcony. There is one full common bathroom upstairs. Moving toward the front of the house is the Master Suite. The Master Suite consists of a large bedroom, bathroom, walk-in closet, and private balcony.

The design consists of many pros, and the existing cons can be easily corrected. The overall design of the house is somewhat different than what the client envisioned, yet it greatly satisfies their needs.

Chosen Solution
Alternative Solution #3 was the final alternative solution for Mr. & Mrs. Crumlish’s retirement beach house. Although it deviated from what the clients had in mind, the design greatly appealed to them. The design introduced a new direction to the clients and convinced them it would actually satisfy their needs greater than the previous two alternative solutions. The client especially liked the idea of having two separate living areas downstairs, a living room and a den. Several other aspects of the house that appealed to the clients were the mudroom, the large kitchen and dining room, and the large master bedroom and master suite as a whole.

Although the design does have some cons, the pros are of a much higher value to the client, and they are willing to proceed with Alternative Solution #3. Moving forward, the client will be involved in working to reduce and eliminate the cons of the original design and adjust the design to satisfy the client 100%. Changes include adding closets to the kitchen, upstairs guest bedroom, and upstairs common area, enlarging the island in the kitchen, and switching the place of the stove with the sink to allow for a window in the kitchen.

Alternative Solution #3

.............First Floor..........................Second Floor...............