Posts Tagged ‘Architecture’

Tim Van Wormer applying silicone to the plywood backer board.

We are using Eagle HarborMaster Windows – special thanks to Chris Burgess of Eagle Windows for helping us with our order!  The construction and glazing of these windows is designed to stand up to a hurricane.   Testing  includes firing a 2×4 into the glass (the wood is shot out of a canon at 50 feet per second) and repeated pressure changes (up to 9,000 cycles) to simulate hurricane conditions. Needless to say – we want to put them in right.

First we use a laser level to establish a line that runs all around the building.   Next, we build out around the windows with 1/2 plywood to allow the siding to properly align with the trim.   Then two beads of silicone caulk are applied to the plywood and the window is set and fastened through the nailing flanges.

Window fastened through nailing flanges

After the window is nailed to the wall the entire nailing flange and backer board is covered with Vycor – a thick piece of rubber backed with adhesive.  While the window is being installed from the outside Breck Tully makes sure that everything is square and true on the inside.

Finally the window is fastened to the  framing with metal straps that are visible in the inside photograph.  The straps are to prevent the windows from blowing out of the building due to the severe low pressure that accompanies a hurricane.

Breck Tully centering the window

Vycor over the window flange

Mike Morrone, Megan Moynihan, Mike Morrone

The shell is complete.   Most of the big equipment (cranes, well drillers, lulls, and lifts) is gone.   We are back working on the site and beginning the exterior of the building.  We are committed to handling all of the water on site through careful grading to channel the run off and the use of permeable paving stones.   Mike Morrone, Megan Moynihan, & Mike Morrone meet to go over the grades while Joe Morrone loads the dumptruck with fill we are taking off site.

Kerianne and Ginny Garston

………………………… Earlier in the day Kerianne’s parents visited and we took them for a tour of the site.  Kerianne Garston, from Pratt Institute, is working with us as an interior design intern and is doing wonderful work on the look of the new store.

Family resemblance?   We didn’t see it at first.   But, after we offered Kerianne an internship position, we found out that Mike Morrone is Uncle Mike – Kerianne’s mom and Mike are sister and brother.

Uncle Mike was gone so Kerianne and Ginny decided to climb up on the Big Cat.

Tommy (LT) and Ryan finishing the tower

The project is about to turn the corner as we finish setting the last of the Climate-Block panels.  But first we have to construct the tower and stairwell that will serve the mezzanine areas. Tricky angles, tough cuts, and a fair amount of head scratching, but we got it right.

We constantlly make adjustments in the field and architect Megan Moynihan is often on site (in this case on the roof) working with the team and figuring out the best way to take what is on paper and bring it to life.

Tim Van Wormer and Megan Moynihan

Kerianne Garston

While work continues outside – we have finished the three geothermal wells and are installing the last of the Climate-Block panels – we are finalizing the interior design. We are very fortunate to have Kerianne Garston, a Senior in the Interior Design Department at Pratt Institute, working with us as a summer intern.

Check-Out Counter

Kerianne has been working closely with Oyster Works’ Megan Moynihan, meeting with the owners, Jon Maldon and Jane Gross, and sketching the interiors. To the left is a drawing showing what the check-out counter may look like and below is a sketch of the wine room.

These are by no means final drawings and the end result may be quite a bit different.   But you get the idea – It’s going to be beautiful!  CHEERS!!!

Wine Room

The New Charlestown Package Store will be beautiful and green –  with a dramatic interior framed by Douglas Fir timbers, a highly efficient envelope built out of Climate-Block panels, a geothermal heating-cooling-dehumidification system, and very cool lighting.

Dramatic and cool, YES.  Easy to run electric wires, NO!  All of the wires are run in either the chases built into the wall panels, under the concrete floor in conduit, or in channels cut in the exterior of the roof panels.   All of this requires a lot of thought and often it’s best to get together at the construction site and go over the plan.  Below our lighting designer, Evelyn Audet, and electrician, Len Capizzano of Century Electric, meet to work out the details.