nethermead
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DESIGNING PRACTICE:
FINAL CASE STUDY
AN IN-DEPTH LOOK THIS CUSTOM-BUILT MOUNTAIN RESIDENCE made possible by carlton archtiecture.
case study content
general layout
01
project description
project team + design
02
case study complete
analysis + synthesis
03
preface This document was created by second-year Master of Architecture students, Jeff L. Hammer, Justin T. Hamrick, and Will S. Hinkley in the Fall of 2014 at Clemson University on behalf of ARCH 8810 Professional Practice I. Under the instruction of FAIA, Professor + Chair, Kate Schewennsen, the focus of the course is to provide an understanding of the basic principals and legal aspects of architectural practice. Throughout the duration of several months, team members Hammer+Hamrick+Hinkley were tasked with the investigation of the Nethermead Residence in Asheville, North Carolina. The investigation consisted of interviews, site visits, conference calls, construction document analysis, and internet research. This resulting document is a written case study examining the project in its entirety from conception to completion. Nethermead 02
CON- 01 05 08 TENT 24 29 34 38 project delivery the management organization necessary for the realization of the project.
abstract a summary of keys points of the case study.
design a description of the nethermead residence from concept to completion.
architect an introduction to the history, structure, character, and involvement of the project architect.
financial + risk mgmt. a description of the risks + rewards, and how risks + rewards are managed.
resources a description of special resources employed for project realization.
stories the unique story of how case, its personality, and generative ideas of the project.
11 13 15 19 client an introduction to the background, aspirations, and satisfaction of the client.
other participants an introduction to several additional design partipicants involved in design + construction.
protocols an articulation of the pattern of decisionmaking and its impact on the project.
services + schedule an articulation of the services necessary for project realization.
42 45 48 52 ideas : innovation a look at the willingness of the design team to venture out and how they did it.
measures of success a look at how the participants of this case study measure the success of this project.
lessons learned what does this case have to teach its readers about other and/or fuTUre projects?
conclusion a brief recap of the case study including a special thanks to carlton architecture.
ABSTRACT Nethermead 01
ABSTRACT
PARTICIPANTS
The following case study seeks to investigate, define, and describe the characteristics of exemplary architectural practice through the analysis of the design, development, and construction of the Nethermead Residence in Asheville, North Carolina. Key details about the project including design considerations, project participants, and participant relationships were considered and evaluated as a result of this case.
Client:
A significant feature of this study is the depiction of the evolution of the participants involved during the course of the project. More specifically, the evolution of Carlton Architecture into Carlton Architecture + Design Build. Several important lessons were discovered through the development of this case study. However, none more important than the necessity of effective communication and collaboration between all project participants. Proper communication and collaboration between the client, architect, contractor, as well as any other project participants enables accurate, detailed results to be achieved.
02 Nethermead
Urquit & Carolyn Morris
Architect:
Carlton Architecture + Design Build (Asheville, NC)
Interior Designer:
Alchemy Design Studio (Asheville, NC)
General Contractor:
Cardinal Building (Brevard, NC)
insight
DETAILS
“Involve yourself in what you want to be; and then invest in that. You’re going to get work like work you make; if you do really great work, you’re going to draw a better clientele.” - Rob Carlton
DESIGN AWARDS: 2010 Home of the Year, Best in Middle Atlantic Region. Best One-of-a-Kind Custom Home 4,001 to 6,500 Square Feet, Platinum. Best Kitchen in a Home 4,001 Square Feet and Over, Platinum. Best Specialty Room in a Home 4,001 Square Feet and Over, Gold Award. Best of American Living Awards, Professional Builder. 2009 Nethermead Residence, Special Focus Award, Kitchen. Builders Choice Awards, Builder.
NAME:
Nethermead Residence
“The Nethermead Residence has the best bones of any house I’ve ever seen.” - Urquit Morris
LOCATION:
The Ramble Biltmore Forest. Asheville, NC
TYPE:
Private Single Family Residence
STYLE:
Interpretive Colonial
SQAURE FOOTAGE:
5,900 Under Roof
DELIVERY METHOD:
Design; Bid; Build
PROJECT DURATION: 2005-2008
INTENDED COST: $700,000
ACTUAL COST: $1.7 Million
Nethermead 03
description Nethermead 05
the design Conceptually, the Nethermead Residence focuses on enhancing the relationship between indoor and outdoor living. It accomplishes this goal by locating the core living spaces – kitchen, dining, and living room – underneath an exposed-frame pavilion roof situated toward the back of the site looking out into a heavily wooded back yard. (Figure E-1) This design element, combined with the clearfinished cypress walls and rich walnut-stained floors creates an “almost seamless transition between the interior rooms and exterior spaces” drawing “the outdoors inside and contributing to a sense of living within the forest.”1 The program of the Nethermead Residence is fairly straightforward. Situated on roughly one acre of wooded mountainside terrain in Asheville, North Carolina, the Nethermead House boasts 5,900 square feet of elegant living space arranged on three different levels. The main level consists of the master suite, study, and living spaces, while the upper level is comprised of three guest bedrooms, each with an adjoining bathroom. The walkout basement level is reserved primarily for the two-car garage and mechanical space with the exception of the media room and wine cellar. The house is best defined as interpretive colonial in style and appearance.2 (Figure E-3) The decision to pursue this architectural style arose in part from the restrictions of the Biltmore Forest Homeowners Association where the Nethermead House is located. However, because of the close relationship between the architect and the members of the association, greater freedom was granted for the design of the Nethermead residence than what had usually been given in the past. This freedom of expression is best seen in the large pavilion space with its extensive use of glass and heavy exposed timber framing. 06 Nethermead
As with every work of architectural excellence, stunning details are a cornerstone of the Nethermead Residence. On the interior, the central staircase with its heavy GLULAM stringers and pristine steel handrail is a masterful display of outstanding architectural design and skillful craftsmanship. (Figure I-1; I-2) The joinery of the heavy interior framing within the pavilion also reflects
[E-1]
a perfect harmony between excellent design and expert workmanship. (Figure I-3; I-4; I-6) Intricate detailing is also clearly evident on the exterior of the house as well. The way the stonework, which wraps both fireplaces and the foundation, meets the earth and transitions into the landscape, bonds the structure with the site in an elegant yet powerful manner. (Figure E--5) Also, the contrast
Indoor + Outdoor Pavilion Photo Credit: http://www.carltonarchitecture.com/project/nethermead/
between the exterior materials – natural wood siding, rough stonework, and crisp metal roofing – and the details which join them together are truly remarkable. (Figure E-2 & E-4) Throughout the design, details like these, and many more, place the Nethermead Residence far above typical residential architecture.
Nethermead 07
[E-6]
North Elevation Zoomed Photo Credit: http://www.carltonarchitecture.com/project/nethermead/
08 Nethermead
[E-2]
West Elevation Zoomed Photo Credit: http://www.carltonarchitecture.com/project/nethermead/
[E-3]
East Entrance Photo Credit: http://www.carltonarchitecture. com/project/nethermead/
“Great attention is given to the relationships of materials along with the quality of light and the composition of space.� [E-4]
Northeast Exterior Detail 1 Photo Credit: http://www.carltonarchitecture. com/project/nethermead/
Nethermead 09
[I-3]
Dining Room (Pavilion) Photo Credit: http://www.carltonarchitecture.com/project/nethermead/
10 Nethermead
[I-6]
[I-4]
Living Room 2 (Pavilion) Photo Credit: http://www.carltonarchitecture.com/project/nethermead/
Living Room 1 (Pavilion) Photo Credit: http://www.carltonarchitecture. com/project/nethermead/
[I-1]
Interior Stair 1 Photo Credit: http://www.carltonarchitecture. com/project/nethermead/
[I-2]
Interior Stair 2 Photo Credit: http://www.carltonarchitecture.com /project/nethermead/
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12 Nethermead
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14 Nethermead
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16 Nethermead
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18 Nethermead
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the architect “It’s not what you know, it’s who you know.” Too many professionals, this proverb is more than just a belief; it is a truth by which success has been sought after and achieved. Other professionals, speaking directly of architects, approach success in a more, suitable manner. To these entities, “it’s not what you do, it’s how you do it,” that determines satisfaction of the client, and ultimately professional success. Carlton Architecture+DesignBuild (Carlton Architecture until 2008), a residential firm that describes its’ approach to design as being based firmly on its intrinsic nature to listen and observe, is a great example of “it’s not what you do, it’s how you do it.”3 Upon graduating from the University of Tennessee in the mid 1990’s, Rob Carlton of Asheville, NC, the firm’s founder and licensed architect, sought to establish a progressive architecture firm focused on redefining the common notion of Appalachian mountain architecture. Driven by a sense of stewardship for the land and reverence for an architecture that is relevant and timeless, Carlton Architecture was born in 2005. After three years of professional activity and the completion of the Nethermead Residence (the focus of this case study), Carlton Architecture recognized the potential for streamlining its business strategy and enhancing its marketability, and in 2008 Carlton Architecture + DesignBuild was founded. (Despite its current designation –“Carlton Architecture + DesignBuild” – due to the nature of the firm at the time in which the Nethermead Residence was conceived, the firm shall be referred to as Carlton Architecture (CA) throughout the duration of this case study.) The addition of the DesignBuild component came about, according to Carlton who is also a licensed general contractor in both North and South Caro20 Nethermead
lina and is the qualifier for CA, in response to a general lack of ability of contractors who, selected through traditional design-bid-build processes, struggled or were unable to comprehend and carry out the necessary level of detail specified by CA. 4 As a result of these collaborative issues, the firm often times found itself in situations where it was required to be overcommitted to keep the project on track and in line with the design intention.
“Detail is the key to great architecture,” said Carlton, “in the detail is where the architecture happens; it’s not in the pretty picture.”5
It is with this mind-set that CA is dedicated to providing custom homes and commercial design of unsurpassed quality, while remaining dedicated to the protection of our natural resources. In order to fulfill its belief in and execute the level of detail in its projects, CA understands the number of people it needs to successfully handle the level of work it is taking on at any given time. “We take a team approach,” says Carlton.6 At CA, a client in search of custom residential architectural service could expect an initial meeting with Carlton - founder of CA and one or two lead architects, to discuss their wants and needs and to understand how CA delivers its service. “It is important for us to understand what the client needs versus telling them ‘this is what we do’ or ‘this is what we’re going to do for you’,” says Carlton.7 Taking this approach allows ‘what the firm is going to do for a client’ to shift based upon what the client needs. Once an initial meeting has taken place and an understanding of what the client is comfortable with has been determined, Carlton can begin to know who to put them with in the firm. In an interview with Carlton with the focus being on ‘getting work’, Carlton said: “I had this illusion that I would get to a place in my career where we would have a nice body of work and people would just come in and say ‘Man we have to have you do this for us’…but I don’t know that that ever happens; you still have to work to get the job.”8 Due to the firm’s location in Asheville, NC, a city with a population which is largely comprised of people who have relocated there from some other geographic location, the process of getting work for CA, including architectural commission of the Nethermead Residence, comes about in its own unique way. Because people who are choosing to build in Asheville are often times new to the area, they have not developed personal networks which would provide them with knowledge of local architects and designers. For CA, a situation such as this
means that a large portion of the firms work relies on referrals from local builders and real-estate agencies of whom new community members are likely to contact when considering to build a new home. With regards to the Nethermead Residence, outside referrals were not the only marketing and outreach strategy the firm relied on. Because the firm was still relatively new (three-years old) at the time it was selected to design the Nethermead Residence, putting for the effort to get its name out within the Asheville area was extremely important.
“I invested pretty heavily in optimizing our website at this time to make sure that it would be easy for people who were relocating to Asheville to identify us,” said Carlton, “by doing this, it allows us to come up very high in the ranking when a potential client is searching for local custom home architects.”9 The number of people in CA’s Asheville office is based on several factors. First and foremost, like all firms, the current economic condition and availability of work largely depicts the number of employees the firm can afford to staff. Aside from the economy, CA seeks to strike a balance between the amount of work it takes on and the amount of work the office is capable of handling. CurNethermead 21
rently, the firm operates under the control of two Lead Architects, and according to Carlton, could theoretically handle eight or nine staff under them before a third Lead Architect would be considered. “The intensity of the detail which we strive for is such that we can’t get spread too thin because then we will start missing stuff,” Carlton said.10 Since the firm’s addition of the DesignBuild service, on the average project, CA assigns a total of six people to be involved in the process; three from the architecture side, two from the construction side, and a business manager. This allows the team to maintain a comfortable level of control and the ability to thoroughly create, edit, and manage every aspect of the project. Despite the organizational strategy which regulates the number of players involved on a particular project and regardless of the number of people the firm has employed, CA believes that if you have a talented group together, you’re going to grow as a firm. As an employee of CA, one could expect to contribute a 45-hour work week because the firm respects the lives of its employees outside of the office. “We plan for a 45-hour week because we know we’re going to waste time just doing what we do,” said Carlton.11 By not enforcing a heavy management hand and staffing a team of individuals who are empowered to do their work, ultimately creating a great deal of flexibility, the firm benefits in the enhancement of what they are doing and the quality of work which it turns out on every project. Aside from the design team which exists within the walls of CA’s office in Asheville, collaboration with members outside of the office was also an important human resource strategy with respect to the Nethermead Residence. Although the focus of CA is the design of custom homes, the firm saw it appropriate to endorse local interior designer Alchemy Design Studio as an integral internal player throughout the design process. The endorsement of Alchemy Design Studio allowed internal human
22 Nethermead
resource collaboration to consist of three architects and an interior designer; while external human resources consisted largely of Cardinal Buildings, the General Contractor, and the team’s project manager. In a small firm such as CA, according to Carlton, “there are really no clear lines of delineation amongst the participating architects in terms of project tasks; everything is co-mingled.”12 Through the blending of excellence in design, environmentally sustainable building practices, site sensitivity, and a commitment to exceptional craftsmanship, CA is dedicated to thoughtful architecture which looks to serve society and protect the environment, while spreading the beauty of its art. In June of 2013, the firm opened its second office in Memphis, TN; driving distance from the city where the firm’s founder, Rob Carlton, received his Bachelor of Architecture Degree and began his journey to establish a successful architecture firm of his own.
“Involve yourself in what you want to be; and then invest in that. You’re going to get work like work you make; if you do really great work, you’re going to draw a better clientele.”13 – Rob Carlton
CHAD HARDING
JEFF EDWARDS
HUNTER DENDY
J.D. CALDWELL
DAVID CHRISTIE
ALEX JACKSON
KYLE ROBINSON
BEN CHANDLER
LISA BERTAGNA
ADAM PRESSLEY
KURT KVANDAL
JUSTIN BOHELER Nethermead 23
the client According to Carlton, the definition of the typical client has transformed in recent years due to the economic recession in the late 2000s.14 As a result, today’s client is more cost-conscious when looking to build a home and in selecting an architect to assist them in the process. Furthermore, today’s client is also more concerned with the future value of the home they are about to build and how the architect can maximize their return on investment through the design. As an architect, one of the most important aspects of any project is educating the client on the realities of both the design and construction process. Unfortunately, as Carlton stated, “many clients who are uneducated in the home building process often have unrealistic expectations and goals for their new home.”15 For example, a client may assume that they can build a new house for roughly the same price as they could purchase an existing home of similar size and quality. This assumption, and many others like it are, are inaccurate preconceptions that architects often face when working with clients. It is also important to understand the values that influence a client’s decision making process and how those values align with the values of the firm. Many clients simply may not be the right fit for a particular architecture firm. CA is no exception. Consequently, Carlton has learned to recognize red flags early on in the client/architect relationship that signal a discontinuity of interest. “Clients who are primarily price driven,” states Carlton, “are usually not a good fit for our firm. Conversely, clients who value quality and accurate scheduling over project cost seem to work better with the values of our firm.”16 Nevertheless, setting realistic project costs, quality expectations, and scheduling goals are crucial in beginning a successful project. 24 Nethermead
Once commissioned for a project, the architect enters into a ‘social compact’ with the client. Through close collaboration with the architect, the client will begin to understand the full scope and cost of the project enabling all parties to be on the same page. The architect can then formulate a realistic budget range and thus set a target goal. In custom home design, some clients may shy away from discussing budget, as they do not want to hinder creativity, but it is important to establish expectations and set a target. Typical clients of CA are seeking custom designed homes with superior quality than the common “McMansions” so prevalent today. Consisting primarily of wealthy retired couples, CA’s clients typically have a ‘nest egg’ which they base their financial decisions around. In the eyes of these clients, an architect’s value is measured by his or her ability to provide clients with a design that is architecturally appealing, while still being able to maintain cost effectiveness and future return on investment. The client for the Nethermead Residence was an elderly couple from Charleston looking for a vacation home in the mountains to entertain guests. Neither
husband nor wife wanted a formal home, as, they both envisioned a home that took on a modern approach to mountain living. Carlton considered these clients to be unique compared to most clients he works with.17 Both husband and wife were very flexible and had very few constraints with design or budget. While that situation may seem ideal, Carlton described it as one that can be most challenging.18 Clients without a clear vision of what they want typically do not understand architecture very well and are unable to visualize the project prior to completion. Consequently, a certain level of trust had to be established between both parties before the project ever began. Since the client was not primarily concerned with the budget, their values were mainly focused around purchasing the services of CA as an investment that would yield future return of 20% or greater. After interviewing several firms, these particular clients chose CA based on its value and the reputation of previous work in the area. In the end, the clients were successful in earning a return on their investment. The total project cost was around $1.75 million dollars when completed in 2008. Deciding to sell the house roughly four years later, it was valued at over 2 million dollars – roughly a 20% increase.
The Clients Perspective Unlike many clients, Urquit and Carolyn Morris were very familiar with the homebuilding process. In fact, the Nethermead Residence was their sixth and most successful custom home build. Essentially, the Morris’s were attracted to CA because they felt like Rob and his design team valued what they valued. “I’ve had experiences in the past,” stated Morris, where I’ve had “to remind the architect who is building the house and who it is being built for, as the architect tends to play their own ideas out.”19 By choosing CA, it gave the Morris’s assurance that their priorities would be put first in both the design and construction of their home.
According to both Carlton and Mr. Morris, the project progressed without any major disputes or conflicts. The only point of tension was losing site of the original size and budget constraints. “My wife and Rob kind of got out the box,” stated Morris, “and I never got them back in.”20 The couple originally set down with CA in 2005 and discussed their intentions to build a 3,000 square feet home within a budget of about $700,000.00. However, once the ball got rolling, the house kept growing as Mrs. Morris and the design team continued to add and expand. As a result, both the square footage of the house and the cost doubled in size. Nevertheless, this was not a major concern for the Morris’s since they initially expected the house to exceed both time and budget like each one of their previous home builds. Another reason the Morris’s were unalarmed is because they understood the possible return on investment that a house like this could provide. Consequently, the project was able to proceed. When asked about the design excellence recognition awarded to the Nethermead residence in 2009 and 2010, Mr. Morris stated that both he and his wife were very proud of the recognition. Mr. Morris specifically mentioned how much he loved the kitchen and great room stating that the design excellence in those spaces was very recognizable.
“The Nethermead Residence has the best bones of any house I’ve ever seen built,” stated Morris. “The details, down to the smoothness of the cuts, is something I really appreciate.”21 Ultimately, the couple was able to enjoy the house for roughly three years before deciding to part with it in 2011 due to the high maintenance costs and burden of upkeep.
Nethermead 25
other particpants Other design participants played an important role both in the development and completion of the Nethermead residence. CA endorsed interior designer Traci Kearns of Alchemy Design Studio to assist in key material and fixture sections within the house. CA also brought on Basset Builders, Inc. out of Fletcher, NC to install the finish carpentry and Architectural Woodcraft out of Ashville, NC to complete the kitchen cabinetry. The general contractor for the project was Cardinal Building based out of Brevard, North Carolina. (Unfortunately, these participants mentioned above were unable to contribute this case study.) When asked about the factors that influenced his decision to hire each one of these project participants, Carlton stated that the ability to complete work on time and according to the schedule was one of the most important criteria used in the evaluation process.22 Carlton went on to explain that many contractors make promises they know they don’t have the resources or manpower to keep.23 This type of management practice was especially prevalent during the construction of the Nethermead project which took place during the beginning of the economic recession in 2008. Consequently, CA usually prefers to partner with larger companies and organizations who tend to be more reliable than most two or three men crews. In addition to finding reliable project participants, CA also needed contractors and subcontractors who were capable of understanding and interpreting the complex design qualities of the Nethermead Residence. “In many ways,” stated Carlton, “the [Nethermead] project was more like a commercial construction project than a residential one.”24 As a result, the necessity of finding a contractor who was well versed in the field of residential construction, yet familiar with and able to 26 Nethermead
understand the many complexities of commercial construction was crucial. Even after finding and selecting the right team members who were well qualified for the job, the Nethermead project still required an intense amount of project management and supervision on the part of CA. During construction, there was usually one architect on site every day working alongside the contractor to manage the project.
“In a sense,” said Carlton, “it felt like we were doing the contractors’ job for him.”25 Nevertheless, this amount of effort and time spent supervising the project from start to finish clearly paid off in the stunning details and elegant appeal of the project as a whole.
Guest Bath Main Level http://www.alchemy-interiors.com/design.php?group=7
Dining Area http://www.alchemy-interiors.com/design.php?group=7
Kitchen http://www.alchemy-interiors.com/design.php?group=7
Nethermead 27
analysis Nethermead 29
protocols players + roles + decision making
1 = most decision making power. 6 = least decision making power.
6
4
1
3
5
jack snyder
traci carolyn kearns morris
urquit morris
rob carlton
chad harding
Contractor
Interiors
Client
Architect
Architect
Client
Like many residential architecture projects, important participants in the Nethermead project include the client (Urquit and Carolyn Morris), architect (Carlton Architecture + DesignBuild), interior designer (Alchemy Design Studio), and general contractor (Cardinal Building). The organizational structure of the Nethermead project followed the primary decision chain in many ways (DC-1). However, two important exceptions make for a unique case: First, the close collaboration of interior designer, Traci Kearns, and client, Carolyn Morris, in the beginning of the project is an innovative and unique approach to the role of the interior designer. (DC-2) Rather than creating a space for an interior designer to enhance, Carlton Architecture let Traci work closely with Carolyn in the beginning of the project to develop a clear concept for the look, feel, and character of the house. This approach provided CA with a clear vision for the project that was already highly tailored to the client’s wishes and expectations. 30 Nethermead
2
Another unique aspect of this project’s chain of command was the way that CA supervised the project during the construction phase. Typically, in residential construction, the architect has very little to do with overseeing and managing the construction process. However, CA’s close supervision of the project on a day-by-day basis distinguished this house from the rest. Consequently, the general contractor played a smaller role in the project than what is typical for a contractor. However, supervising and overseeing subcontractors still fell under the responsibility of the GC as usual. (DC-3) While each of these parties were responsible for important decisions along the way, the client and the architect were the primary decision makers. With the help of the interior design team, the client was able to dictate the design of the project during the conceptual phase. Once design was complete, CA took the lead throughout the rest of the project ensuring that the client’s wishes were realized in the end product.
services + Schedule PROGRAMMING
sd Dd Cd HIRING CONTRACTOR
CONSTRUCTION
During the course of the project, CA preformed the standard services of a residential architect as defined by the AIA: programming, schematic design, design development, construction documents, hiring the contractor, and construction phase assistance.26 Unlike many clients, the Morris’s were experienced in the homebuilding process. They also came to CA with clear intentions, expectations, and strong ideas which the design team at CA could build upon. As a result, CA had little-to-no pre-design work to complete for the Nethermead Residence. Due to the residential nature of the project, postconstruction services were also limited. Rob Carlton explained that CA typically does not conduct any post-occupancy evaluations since projects of this size and scope lack sufficient systems and elements to evaluate. However when the Morris’s sold the house in 2011, CA assisted the new owners in a number of small-scale renovations, the largest of which included extending the existing elevator up to the second floor to access the guest bedrooms.
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project delivery West View Photo by : Will Hinkley
Rob Carlton was primarily responsible for the management of the Nethermead project from start to finish. Being a smaller firm at that time, CA’s internal organization for the Nethermead project consisted of two lead architects, one project manager, and several interns. Externally, a strong management approach between all project participants also helped CA achieve successful results with the Nethermead project. As the client, Mr. Morris also managed the project from his point of view by insisting key elements of the project be in place before construction began. From the beginning, Morris was very emphatic about all parties having all appropriate insurance, bonds, and signed contracts before any part of the project commenced. The Nethermead project adhered closely with the standard Design-Bid-Build delivery method. Before design work officially began in 2005, an owner/architect contract was signed between the Morris’s and CA which also included CA’s affiliates – Alchemy Design Studio, Bassett Builders, and Architectural Woodcraft. Once approaching the construction phase, CA assisted the Morris’s with the selection of a general contractor, Cardinal 32 Nethermead
Building, who then entered into a separate owner/ builder contract with the Morris’s. CA continued to play an active management role throughout the construction of the project in order to insure optimum quality was achieved, even if it meant placing an architect on site every day. For a small firm like CA, this was no small matter. However, as Carlton explained, it was worth the additional financial and human resource investment to insure the project was built with the same craft and attention to detail that went into its design.27 From a technical standpoint, CA used standard, tried-and-true methods of information management and representation. All construction documents were created using Autodesk AutoCAD software while Google Sketchup was briefly used in the preliminary stages for massing studies and schematic design. Although a small-scale project like the Nethermead Residence may require less information management than other projects, communicating clearly and effectively through construction documents was still vital to the success of the project.
DESIGNBUILD MODEL
OWNER
design + build model
CARLTON
Architecture + Design Build
The way Carlton Architecture conducts business today.
CONSULTANTS
SUBCONTRACTORS
SUPPLIERS
TRADITIONAL MODEL
traditional model Typical setup for DesignBid-Build procedures.
OWNER
GENERAL CONTRACTOR
ARCHITECT
CONSULTANTS
SUBCONTRACTORS
SUPPLIERS
NETHERMEAD MODEL
NETHERMEAD model The way Carlton Architecture conducted business for the Nethermead Residence.
OWNER
TRACI KEARNS (ID) BASSETT BUILDERS
GENERAL CONTRACTOR
ARCHITECT
ARCH. WOODCRAFT CONSULTANTS/ SUBCONTRACTORS
SUBCONTRACTORS
SUPPLIERS
Nethermead 33
financial + risk management At the heart of every project, big or small, lies the issue of cost and financial risk management. Every project participant, from the client to the smallest sub-contractor, faces important decisions that have the potential to determine the success of the endeavor. The Nethermead project is no exception. The Morris’s approached the project with the intention of building both a successful home and a successful return on investment. Being very accomplished individuals, both Urquit and Carolyn Morris had strong expectations the house, as well as strong financial backing for the project. Initially, the Morris’s and CA discussed building a 3,000 square foot home for approximately $700,000. This number was a conservative figure based on a low-risk strategy that the Morris’s knew they easily afford. However, as the project progressed, both the budget and size of the project continued to expand as CA worked with the client to produce a suitable design. Expansion of the project placed both the client and CA at more risk as the time-span of the project increased substantially as well. In the end, the budget and project scope increased to a 5,900 square foot house costing nearly $1.75 million. The dramatically increased budget was a minor point of contention during the course of the Nethermead project. However, it was not a big issue due to the Morris’s strong financial backing and their understanding of the increased return on investment they would eventually receive – over 20%. Being a private residence, the Nethermead project was governed by a relatively small amount of codes and regulations. However, this is not to say that these regulations were unimportant. On a national level, the project was designed in accordance with the 2002 International Residential Code – the version of the code used by the state of North Carolina at the time of construction. Additionally, the project fell under the jurisdiction of Buncombe County and its regulations of building permits and inspections. On a local level, the Nethermead 34 Nethermead
traditional model 2 Million $1,700,000
1.5 Million
1 Million $700,000
0.5 Million
0 Intended Project Cost
Actual Project Cost
traditional model 5,900 SF
6000 5000 4000 3,000 SF
3000 2000 1000 0 Intended Square Footage
Actual Square Footage
project was regulated by The Ramble Biltmore Forest design review committee. The design committee was primarily responsible for regulating aspects pertaining to building style and preserving a distinct level of stylistic quality within the community.
resources The Nethermead Residence is located in The Ramble Biltmore Forest community of Asheville, North Carolina. The Ramble, as it’s called, is a “master planned, gated community sculpted into the woodlands of Ducker Mountain and bordered by the Blue Ridge Parkway. The Ramble was carefully planned to include homesites with distinctive appeal nestled among 1,000 acres of woodland forest.”28
Kitchen http://www.alchemy-interiors.com/design.php?group=7
Building in a community like The Ramble presented CA with some unique challenges, namely the aesthetic and stylistic design regulations. However, this was not Carlton’s first experience working in the community and alongside its design committee which consisted of one architect, 1 landscape architect, the property manager, and the developer. Based on his prior relationship with the members of this design committee, Rob was able to navigate the issues of style and adherence to the aesthetic guidelines quiet easily while still pushing the boundaries of what the community would allow. One example of how the design team at CA pushed the boundaries of design within the Ramble community was through the choice of materials. The metal roof was one area of great concern for the design committee. CA took special care in selecting the color and finish of the metal roofing and convinced the committee members that it would be appropriate for the project. The design of the pavilion space in the rear of the Residence was also strategic to the adherence of the community guidelines. The further the house extends back into the site, the more it changes in style from interpretive colonial to site inspired. This gesture satisfied the desires of both the design committee and the client in a simple, effective manner creating a nice contrast of architectural style within the project. As was mentioned before, Rob’s personal relationship with the members of The Ramble design committee made the project possible from a stylistic standpoint. Without these relationships, it would
have been much more difficult to convince the committee that the Nethermead design was appropriate. Developing relationships and learning to work with individuals inside and outside the field is a crucial skill every architect must develop.
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[E-1] Kitchen http://www.alchemy -interiors.com/design .php?group=7
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Indoor + Outdoor Pavilion Photo Credit: http://www.carltonarchitecture.com/project/nethermead/
stories : the episodes of practice The primary generative idea behind the Nethermead Residence involved creating an indoor living space that was intimately connected with the outdoors. Programmatically, the design accomplishes this objective by placing the core spaces of the house under a “large exposed-frame pavilion roof” effectively blurring “the line between indoor and outdoor living.”29 Being situated in the scenic mountains of Asheville, the Morris’s also desired a more informal mountain home that
“made you feel like a part of the surrounding nature.”30 These concepts provided the design team at CA with clear direction for the project ultimately producing the Nethermead house as it is today. One identifiable element of this case study can be seen by understanding influence this project had on CA as a firm. As has been mentioned before, the Nethermead project was instrumental in helping Rob Carlton realize the limitations of a standard architectural practice in comparison with a DesignBuild firm organization. Consequently, in could be said that the Nethermead Residence shaped and formed CA just as much as the design team at CA formed the house itself. This is a truly unique aspect of the Nethermead project that bears witness to its architectural significance and importance.
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Exposed Pavilion Framing Photo by : Will Hinkley
Horse Blanket Photo by : Will Hinkley
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Detached Fireplace Photo by : Will Hinkley
ideas: innovation in architecture practice With respect to architecture and its counterpart construction, it is easy to think of innovation as being physical conditions; conditions which are quantifiable and most often pertaining to materials, building systems or fabrication methods. What may not be accounted for, however, is that innovation can occur in more general, less quantifiable and less obvious stages of a project. This case study displays examples of ideas and innovation at both levels; through its specific design features and framing system, to the collaboration and introduction of its team members. Because of the location of this project (The Ramble Biltmore Forest) and its requirements at that time of an architect being on every project within the neighborhood, there was an opportunity to introduce several additional, unique team members to the project. Due to relationships from previous projects, CA was able to bring to endorse Basset Builders Inc., Alchemy Design Studio, and Architectural Woodcraft as part of its design package. Although these participants may not be atypical in projects of larger scale, this type of extensive collaboration is not often seen in traditional residential construction. As discussed throughout other sections of this case study, it was ultimately this innovative project design and delivery approach which enabled the project to be a remarkable success. An observation and analysis of the Nethermead House displays several innovative conditions. The first condition, which is prominent from the exterior of the house, is a series of three chimneys; the first of which displays a stack that acts as a stone tower held away from the sidewall of the house providing visual access through the structure. A second innovative aspect of the house occurs within the framework of the pavilion.
“Developing the lateral resistance of the frame for the exterior walls of the pavilion which consist of columns and glass, was tricky,” said Carlton.31 Being that the glazing is not connected to the columns, special attention to the detail of how the two elements met at the roof was crucial; especially to an architecture firm who puts such a high value on the emphasis of impeccable detail. In order to achieve a high level of detail, “every system in the pavilion had an extra layer or two of complexity within it,” said Carlton, “ultimately making the thermal envelope very efficient.”32 Aside from using several low-flow fixtures, materiality with respect to the “built design” in this project was not of major concern. Instead, the architect put the majority of its focus on energy efficiency. This approach is true in most residential projects because clients seem to resonate more with how much their energy bill will cost because of a system, than they are with what the system is made of. At the time of this project, the outburst of BIM was still relatively new to the field of architecture. Consequently Carlton Architecture had yet to adopt its advanced capabilities into its daily routine at the time of this project. Instead, the firm developed the design and construction documents using AutoCAD, complimented by hand drawings and minor Sketchup modeling for visual purposes. The firm has since implemented BIM technology through the use of Revit into its practice.
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Living Room 2 (Pavilion) Photo Credit: http://www.carltonarchitecture.com/project/nethermead/
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measures of success When measuring the success of any architectural endeavor, many aspects must be carefully considered and evaluated, often times from multiple perspectives. Architecture is public in nature. Consequently, even small-scale projects, like Nethermead, can have a substantial impact on a much larger population than the initial project participants. While it is impossible to document this impact in its entirety, it is important to understand the immediate impact the project had on the primary team members involved in the design and construction on the residence. From the community context, the Nethermead project was a success. The house adhered to the design regulations of the Ramble Biltmore Forest while still providing a new look for the community. Additionally, the national design recognition awarded to the Nethermead Residence has also enhanced the success of the project in the eyes of the community by bringing national attention and recognition to the area. From the architect’s perspective, the Nethermead Residence was successful on many different levels. Although not an immediate financial success, since its completion, the Nethermead Residence has served as a primary marketing tool for Carlton Architecture.
“We didn’t make much money on the project,” stated Carlton, “because we were bent on getting it perfect [which] has paid dividends as the years have gone on.”33 Once such dividend would most certainly include the numerous design awards given to the Nethermead Residence since its completion. “Producing
an award-winning design was not one of our original goals,” stated Carlton, “but it is certainly a nice bonus.”34 Both the awards and the marketability of the project present a strong case for the success of the Nethermead Residence from the perspective of the architect. From a client’s point of view, measures of success are also dependent on several different factors. Often times, the process to the final product is as important, if not more important, to the success of the project than the final product itself. More specifically, a client may measure the success of a project based on the final cost compared to the initial budget, the completion time compared to the initial schedule, or the return on investment. For the Morris family, the Nethermead Project’s success was slightly unclear. While both of them were more than pleased with the design and the overall result, the house had grown to a size that soon became unmanageable from both a financial and maintenance perspective. However, due to the successful design of the project, the Morris’s were still able to reap a solid return on their investment when the house was sold, a fact that Mr. Morris viewed as a major success. Another method of measuring architectural success is obtained by comparing it with the standards of excellent practice. Excellence practice, as defined by Dana Cuff, entails strong ideas, service, and delivery.35 CA’s ability to produce a strong design concept, work directly with the Morris’s to provide the services needed, and effectively deliver each phase of the project exemplify excellent practice in strong manner.
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lessons learned lessoin learned #1 communication + collaboration The practice of architecture, like most everything, does not exist without choices, consequences, and lessons learned. This case study is a great example of how the process of architecture, when executed correctly and for the right reasons, can successfully transform a mountain of ideas into a beautiful custom mountain home. Although this case study is an investigation of a small scale piece of architecture, the value of its process should by no means be underestimated. Throughout this case study of the Nethermead Residence, several important lessons pertaining to both the design team and the owner have been discovered; however, none more important than the necessity of effective communication and collaboration between all project participants from concept to completion. By developing a strong unwritten relationship amongst team members, accurate results can be achieved, ultimately leading to a successful demonstration of excellent practice. For the Nethermead project, this relationship began early in the process. The Morris’ came prepared with a compilation of ideas and precedents for their new home. It was then the responsibility of Carlton Architecture to craft these aspirations and ideas into an innovative solution which not only exceeded the client’s expectations, but also made a strong argument for the strength and capability of the design. Needless to say, this task could never be accomplished without effective communication and collaboration between client and the architect. With regards to strong communication and collaboration, a similar argument can be made between the architect and Cardinal Building (general contractor). However, in the eyes of the architect, the amount of collaboration, or in this case instruction required to achieve the level of detail specified in the design, caused the firm to be far more committed to the project than expected. Although this
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is not a situation in which issues arose because of a ‘lack’ of communication or collaboration, it does display a circumstance in which lack of expertise from party (G.C.), required excessive commitment from another (architect). Validation of the excellence of this case study is not verbalized by the design team, but by the feedback from the client.
“This was the sixth and most successful house we’ve had built. The house had the best bones of any house I’ve seen built; and the details down to the smoothness of the cuts are something we really appreciated.”36 This goes to show that although communication and collaboration existed at both efficient and extensive conditions, the thorough attitude of the design team resulted in a successful project across the board.
lessoin learned #2 cost + size overrun Being awarded the contract to design a project for a client who has experience with the process from several past endeavors, as well as the financial security to foot a big bill, it can be understandably easy for an architect/design team to, no pun intended, throw everything at them but the kitchen sink. Although the client in this case study fits this profile, this was not the exact situation of the Nethermead project. However, it does set the stage
for what the client considered “the only major hiccup”: cost overrun. Despite having previously built several custom homes, the cost of building in the mountains was far greater than the client, and in some circumstances the architect, had perceived. After more than doubling the intentions for the project in terms of cost and size, and allowing project duration to drag on, one can quite easily see the importance of value engineering from the design teams perspective, and understanding where to draw the line from the client’s perspective. In this particular situation one could make the argument that the high cost overrun is both the fault of the design team for what may seem to be a lack of knowledge of mountain construction costs, and also of the client for presenting ideas and promoting desires beyond even ‘their’ financial capability; ultimately causing them to sell the house a few short years later. Whatever the outcome may be, we can learn the importance of addressing the budget and cross-checking progress with the budget at intervals throughout the project to mitigate any and all cost overrun. In this case, respecting the intended size and budget of the project would not have only made the house more affordable, allowing them to maintain ownership, but it also would have allowed the project to remain on schedule, eliminating the construction time of unnecessary elements.
Although this case study illustrates the value of effective communication and collaboration on a small scale project, one can easily see the positive effect that the organization of this project could have on a multitude of projects at scales of much larger proportion. It is understood that a largerscale project means the introduction of more participants, more hoops, and often times more limitations. However, with more man-power comes greater ability; and with greater ability should undoubtedly come greater results. So it is with faith in the future generation of those involved in the design and construction industry that the successful, close-knit relationship of a project like the Nethermead Residence can and will enhance project processes of greater, more extensive difficulty.
replicable excellent practice As discussed in “Lesson Learned #1: Communication + Collaboration”, one of the most important factors in executing a successful project is developing a close working relationship among all participants involved. Without excellent communication, the profession experiences a number of obstacles ranging from poor client satisfaction and lack of efficiency, to over-commitment by certain team members and developing a reputation which suppresses the willingness to collaborate.
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conclusion
The story of the Nethermead Residence is rich in beauty, strong in architectural detail, and full of valuable lessons to be learned. Throughout the narration of this project, many interesting facets have been discovered ranging from project participant relationships to key design intricacies.
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As a team, we would like to specially thank Rob Carlton of Carlton Architecture for his assistance throughout the duration of this case study. It has been a pleasure learning about both the Nethermead project and the firm responsible for its creation. Nethermead 45
works cited from project description
from analysis
[1] Nethermead Residence. (2014). Retrieved November 25, 2014, from http://www.carltonarchitecture.com/project/neth
[26] An Architect’s Residential Services : AIA. Retrieved November 13, 2014, from http://howdesignworks.aia.org/casestudy-architectsservices.asp
[2] Carlton, Rob. Personal interview. 26 Sept. 2014.
[27] Carlton, Rob. Personal interview. 26 Sept. 2014.
[3] I.b.i.d [4] I.b.i.d
[28] The Ramble Biltmore Forest. (2013). Retrieved November 13, 2014, from http://www.ramblebiltmoreforest.com/index.php
[5] I.b.i.d [6] I.b.i.d [7] I.b.i.d
[29] Nethermead Residence. (2014). Retrieved November 25, 2014, from http://www.carltonarchitecture.com/project/neth
[8] I.b.i.d
[30] Urquits, Morris. Personal interview. 13 Nov. 2014
[9] I.b.i.d
[31] Carlton, Rob. Personal interview. 26 Sept. 2014.
[10] I.b.i.d
[32] I.b.i.d
[11] I.b.i.d
[33] I.b.i.d
[12] I.b.i.d
[34] I.b.i.d
[13] I.b.i.d
[35] Cuff, Dana. Architecture: The Story of Practice. Cambridge: The MIT Press, 1991. 195. Print.
[14] I.b.i.d [15] I.b.i.d [16] I.b.i.d [17] I.b.i.d [18] I.b.i.d [19] Urquits, Morris. Personal interview. 13 Nov. 2014 [20] I.b.i.d [21] I.b.i.d [22] Carlton, Rob. Personal interview. 26 Sept. 2014. [23] I.b.i.d [24] I.b.i.d [25] I.b.i.d 46 Nethermead
[36] Urquits, Morris. Personal interview. 13 Nov. 2014
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DESIGNING PRACTICE:
FINAL CASE STUDY