Santa Barbara Design Gallery

A local source and digital showroom for Architects, Designers, Builders, Furniture, Art and the Trades

Photographer: Contractor:

A Medley Photography Froscher-Lewis Architecture & Construction

Bella Vita

Photographer: Contractor:

A Medley Photography Clause Construction

Residential Addition

“TO CREATE ENDURING ARCHITECTURE WITH INTEGRITY AND DELIGHT”

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CEARNAL ANDRULAITIS LLP

BRIAN CEARNAL AIA, LEED AP BC@CEARNAL.COM JOE ANDURLIAITIS AIA, LEED AP BD+C JA@CEARNAL.COM

805.963.8077 www.cearnal.com

Photographer: Jim Bartsch Contractor: Young Construction

Santa Barbara Foundation

Photographer: Contractor:

Patrick Price Cunningham Parris Construction

Just Folk

“TO CREATE ENDURING ARCHITECTURE WITH INTEGRITY AND DELIGHT”

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CEARNAL ANDRULAITIS LLP

BRIAN CEARNAL AIA, LEED AP BC@CEARNAL.COM JOE ANDURLIAITIS AIA, LEED AP BD+C JA@CEARNAL.COM

805.963.8077 www.cearnal.com

BUILDING Q & A

Taking the Plunge Interview by Raymond Bloom Photos by Mehosh Dziadzio

Modern pools are making a comeback

tri valley pool & spa. inc.

“A BETTER WAY TO BUILD”

805.432.4731 www.trivalleypools.com Lic.# 867796

O

n a hot summer day, just about anyone would want to jump in a cool, clear pool. Some would swim lap after lap to stay in shape. Others prefer to float atop an inner tube, drifting, soaking up the sun, reading a good book. Indeed, the backyard pool has regained some of its landscape luster of 50 years ago and the good news is it just might be more affordable than you think. Craig Kircher, owner of TriValley Pool and Spa answers some basic questions just in case you’re thinking about taking the plunge.

How does modern day construction compare with pool construction of 25 years ago? 50 years?

We’re finding major defects with many of the pools we remodel today that were built in the seventies and eighties. It seems that our industry took a turn for the worse during this era. I believe that this can be attributed to many factors, the most important of which would be the lack of oversight. Standards and practices throughout the building industry have always continued to change but only within the last 10 years are swimming pools being held to the same scrutiny that other trades have been held to for many years. Today, pool builders are required to provide more detailed plans to the building departments in order to obtain building permits, providing an environment for more questions to be asked and more data to be verified. During the building process, in addition to the requisite inspections by city inspectors, builders are required to obtain inspections from third party inspectors such as soils engineers to evaluate the integrity of pool excavations and private deputy inspectors to verify placement reinforcement steel, gunite and shotcrete. Like anything else, these inspections along with the entire pool building process relies on individuals whom have become experts in each of their own trades working together without compromise to produce a lasting valuable product for the client.

Conversely, I have had the privilege to renovate watershape projects that were built between fifty and one hundred years ago. It’s been my experience, that not withstanding technical advancements, the projects I have worked on from this era have employed solid structural, hydraulic and design principles.

How have the pumps and filters improved?

Without a doubt the biggest advancement in pumps has been the advent of the variable speed and variable flow pumps. Variable speed pumps are pumps that can be programmed to run at a prescribed speed to accomplish different functions that a pool might require…using only the amount of energy required to accomplish each task.

Take for instance the average backyard swimming pool.

Until recently, the water in most pools is circulated by a single speed pool pump, usually between ¾ hp and 1 ½ hp, running between six and ten hours each day. With a variable speed pump, it’s possible to have the pump run at a higher speed to skim and vacuum the pool for an hour or two each day and then automatically decrease in (continued)

tri valley pool & spa. inc.

“A BETTER WAY TO BUILD”

805.432.4731 www.trivalleypools.com Lic.# 867796

BUILDING Q & A

speed to a much lower setting to just circulate and filter the water…what we call “turn over”.

To illustrate the benefits, take just a ¾ hp pump running an average of eight hours a day during peak season. At 220 volts a ¾ hp pump will consume about 12,000 watts of power over eight hours. On the other hand a variable speed pump set to a medium or “vacuum” setting for an hour in the morning and again for an hour in the afternoon with eight hours in between running at a lower or “filter” setting will use only about 3,200 watts of power.

While this is just one example, and not all pools will fit into this scenario, it does illustrate how powerful and flexible these pumps are. In addition to the power savings, variable speed pumps running at lower speeds produce significantly less noise and wear and tear.

What is the most economical way(s) of heating today’s pool?

The sun. Almost without exception potential clients are requesting that cost information and documentation for solar heating and pool covers be included in their bids. In many cases these two items go hand in hand… solar, to heat the pool and a cover to retain the heat. Of course there is much more to both of these systems than just energy savings. By combining a variable speed pump with a solar heating system the pump can be set at a specific setting to optimize flow, and thus the heat sink, from the water running through the solar panels throughout the day. These settings can range from just a few hours a day beginning in early spring and fall, to most of the day during the summer time, again…maximizing energy savings. A solar heating system will not only provide months of affordable heating for your pool and increase spontaneity of use, but will also extend your swim season well beyond a conventionally heated pool.

What does a pool add to property value in today’s market?

This is a difficult question to answer even in favorable market conditions.

I’ve always advised my clients that a well thought and well executed design will always add more to the value of a property than an ill conceived project.

An experienced Realtor once told me that the perceived value of a potential buyer will always dictate price. If a

tri valley pool & spa. inc.

“A BETTER WAY TO BUILD”

buyer finds flaws with the swimming pool, whether it be with the design or quality of the pool, they will perceive it as a liability that the seller is passing on to them. On the other hand, if a buyer falls in love with a swimming pool that is well conceived it could, not only be the thing that pushes them to buy, but may actually bring a higher offer to the table.

How deep should the pool be? ie, can you save money by making a shallow pool?

This is really a personal decision.

Shallow pools will of course cost a little less to construct and will save money over the long haul in water, energy and chemical costs.

Additionally, shallower pools heat more quickly, and because of this, reduce the amount of time one will have to wait to enjoy their pool if they are relying on a heater.

What is the average construction time?

Depending on the different design elements employed, every pool follows a different time line. On average though, most pools can usually be excavated and gunited within the first 10 to 14 days. Once gunite is in place about 80% of the pool is complete and the project falls to the hardscape company to install coping and decking. After that, providing tile and plaster selections have been made, we are usually able to install the tile, plaster and pool equipment over another 10 day period.

Remember, even though a project may sometimes move along very quickly it is important to observe curing times for gunite, mortar beds and grout to avoid problems down the road Can you custom build for any theme or shape?

Yes, all of the pools we build are custom…each one designed for a particular client. In many cases the client has already retained the services of an architect or landscape architect to design a pool as part of a larger project. Other times we are asked to implement a design already conceived by the client, giving them guidance and advice on the different features available to them.

For more information or answers to other questions on building a modern pool or spa contact Tri-Valley Pool and Spa at 805-432-4731, or visit their website at www.trivalleypools.com

805.432.4731 www.trivalleypools.com Lic.# 867796

tri valley pool & spa. inc.

“A BETTER WAY TO BUILD”

“I choose Craig over several other bidders because he impressed me with the design creativity, vision for the space, technical competence, and business integrity I was looking for. The finished result is beautiful and impresses everyone who visits. Five years later I remain convinced I made the right choice.” Paul Regulinski

tri valley pool & spa. inc.

“A BETTER WAY TO BUILD”

805.432.4731 www.trivalleypools.com Lic.# 867796

spaces

a beautiful facelift...

A

part of the original Arcady Estate of Montecito, this graceful historic Tuscan Villa dates back to the 1890s. With its large windows and vaulted ceilings, each room is filled with natural light reminiscing of an era when formal entertaining was truly an event. Today, much of the grand structure remains except for the kitchen which had been remodeled several times over the years.

When new owners Dr. Jay and Amy Dooreck purchased the estate the kitchen had a ‘70s look...dark, narrow and uninspired. The Doorecks were determined to reinvent the kitchen and replace it with one that was consistent with the beauty of the rest of the home. To meet the challenge, two basic design solutions were in order. First, the area was completely reconfigured with an island and custom stone countertops for more prep space. Second an addition was added to create an informal dining space while allowing more natural light into the area.

As for the details, William Oh’s Custom Cabinetry (Denver, Colorado) was selected because of the Tuscan door style which blended well with the house theme. Warm, light colors, natural stone throughout and a beam detail to the ceiling all combine to create the elegance and finish that this home deserves.

DESIGNER:

THE DETAILS: Countertops: Kashmir gold granite Island: Giallo Real Marble Cabinetry: William Oh’s Refrigerator: Sub Zero Kitchen Sink: Stone Forest copper farm Bar Sink: Herbau Faucets: Harrington Brass Flooring: Beauvillon Rubane Limestone Range: Wolf Backsplash: Giallo Real Tumbled Hardware: Top Knobs, Tuscany antique copper pulls Dishwasher: Bosch

Design Art Studios

Photos by Peter Malinowski

Design Art Studios 532 Santa Barbara Street, Santa Barbara 866.974.6444

532 Santa Barbara Street, Santa Barbara 866.974.6444 Montecito • Santa Ynez www.designartstudios.net

Design Art Studios

532 Santa Barbara Street, Santa Barbara 866.974.6444 Montecito • Santa Ynez www.designartstudios.net

HOME

FIT TO YOU

805 . 618 . 2461

I N F O @H O F A R C . C O M

Hofmann Architecture

W W W .H O F A R C . C O M

S A N TA B A R B A R A

SAN DIEGO

805.618.2461 www.HofArc.com Santa Barbara San Diego

UPGRADES

Paradise in a pot

T

he iconic Airstream gets grins from Golden Era old-timers who recall crisscrossing the country from Mt. Rushmore to Plymouth Rock in their Bonneville station wagons and “drag-a-longs.”

Today, a remodeled 1978 Airstream is the home, office and “front-door-to-the-greatoutdoors” for this nostalgic 27-year old Santa Barbara-based architect.

So, why did he remodel a 150-square-foot trailer in his spare time while designing million dollar villas by day?

“It challenged me,” says Matthew Hofmann, sitting on the stoop of his silvery mobile abode. “I’m at this point in my career when I need to be stretched—it’s how I do my best work.”

Hofmann is clearly onto something big with his small and efficient high-tech dwelling.

Odds are your grandfather owned one of these ubiquitous travel trailers—and except for the iMac mounted on the wall and the hi-definition printer in the drawer, Hofmann’s updated creation hasn’t wandered far from its 75-year roots. Airstream’s been around since 1936 when these smooth-skinned aluminum bodies rolled aerodynamically off the Chicago production line. They temporarily stopped production in 1938 when the new lightweight material was needed for World War II. Many are still on the road today.

“Ever since I was nine years old building a five-story tree house I’ve been reclaiming old stuff and making it usable.” Hofmann spent the past eight months “…more hours than I care to admit,” single handedly restoring the 25-footer. The finished product is not only beautiful, but it’s efficient. “It’s got everything I need, and nothing I don’t,” he says.

“This is labor-intensive work,” says Hofmann, who says saving money was his primary motivation. “I left a 9 to 5 job to start my own firm and, naturally, I wanted to reduce my overhead.

This was a good way to do it.”—RB

For a wide selection of ceramic pottery fountains, check out Terra Sol Garden Center 5320 Overpass Rd. 805-964-7811. Most fountains require a small amount of setup and assembly and Garden Center staff are happy to assist you. Prices range $50 to $500 depending on features.

Photo by Shelley Vincent

AirDream T

he sound of trickling water slowly starts the process of melting the stress of the day away.

The harsh sounds of traffic fade. Your mood is elevated and mind renewed. Fountains are indeed a pleasant sight to behold, transforming any garden into a functional and spiritual sanctuary. And there are no limits to the designs and themes offered on the market today. From stunning colored glazed finishes to rock waterfalls to pebbled springs. Just choose the one that speaks for you and your style, add water and relax.—RB

Hofmann Architecture is a local firm (805) 618-2461 or check out www.HofArc.com

Hofmann Architecture

805.618.2461 www.HofArc.com Santa Barbara San Diego

an elegant touch‌

Photos by Beverly Poppe

spaces

T

he challenge to many Santa Barbara area kitchens is that most were designed and built over 30 years ago and lack the functionality of today’s use. Most have low ceilings, poor lighting and no counter space, not to mention space for entertaining guests. By blending cherry wood cabinets with a creamy, glazed island, stainless steel appliances, granite countertops and old world style tile, the designers were able to create an open, yet functional, kitchen that would become the social center of the home for two busy physicians who love to cook and entertain. The cabinetry presents a furniture look with options that include leaded glass doors, roll-out shelves, pull-out trash and recycling, a large pantry, a message center and a peninsula for seating. A custom plaster hood, enhanced by Walker Zanger Tile, becomes a focal point to the room, setting off decorative elements that include turned posts, custom on lays and detailed valences both under the wall cabinets and above the window.

A mixture of canned and hanging light fixtures, along with a raised ceiling gives this new kitchen a functional yet elegant and alluring design.

The Kitchen Company

1717 State Street Santa Barbara, CA 93101 805.682.4003 www.thekitchencosb.com

DESIGNERS: Cabinet design is by Gillian Amery of the Kitchen Company and Cherie Egbert Interior Design.

1717 State Street, Santa Barbara CA 805-682-4003. Interior Design is by Cherie Egbert THE DETAILS: Tile: Walker Zanger Range: Wolf Granite Countertop: Celestine Stone Refrigerator: GE, Monogram Warming Drawer: Dacor Dishwasher: Bosch Sinks: Kohler

The Kitchen Company

Faucets: Grohe Cabinets: Woodmode Cabinetry, Brookhaven Series Doors: Springfield Door style with fireside finish

on cherry wood Island: Wheat Glaze finish on maple wood Hutch: Wheat Glaze finish on maple wood

1717 State Street Santa Barbara, CA 93101 805.682.4003 www.thekitchencosb.com