Architect's Journal

Bathroom Renovation # 5 - Ready for the tile installation

Dec 6, 2007 - David Lopes PEI Architect

The work in the bathroom has progressed quite well, and I have skipped showing a photo of the repair work on the floors.  In order to level the floors, a cementitious levelling compound was added on top of the existing subfloor, to adjust for the minor differences in thicknesses of the new and existing wood sub floors that were in place.  You may also notice that the plywood has been screwed down on a 6" grid in order to ensure that there will be no movement in the floor and prevent any cracking of the tile/grout joints in the future.

 We are ready to install the electric in-floor heating system which will consist of wires that will be snaked back and forth on the plywood, and then be embedded in a layer of mortar. 

Additional progress that can be seen in this photo includes:  a tinted primer coat of paint has been applied to all walls.  The medicine cabinet shelving has been installed into the recesses (doors will be installed later).  The low profile shower base is in (left), and the rough in for the bathtub is completed (right). We can also see the electrical boxes for the sconces that will be over the vanity. The plumbing is ready for the vanity sinks.  

Bathroom Renovation # 4 - Preparing the shower

Nov 23, 2007 - David Lopes PEI Architect

Here is a photo of the other side of the bathroom.  As you can see we have a bit of a mess with the floor , having to reroute sanitary and water lines. This corner where the toilet  was will now house the shower. 

You might have noticed in the last journal entry that  moisture resistant gyproc is being used on the walls(greenish blue instead of white).   It is moisture resistant but not waterproof. The surface paper only, has a coating that does not penetrate the gypsum core.  If water penetrates the paper and reaches the gypsum core, the board will instantly absorb the water and ruin. It is not recommended to use this green board in a shower because of the higher risk of moisture penetration .  Instead at the shower location, we have used a concrete/cement board (Dark Grey).  This product will better withstand any penetration of water and if it does get wet it will maintain its form, preventing tiles from falling off.

Bathroom Renovation # 3 - Getting ready for the tile

Nov 19, 2007 - David Lopes PEI Architect

Progress has been slow but sure.  In this photo I would like to point out a couple of items.  To the right of the window was the original vanity, and to the left was the original tub/shower unit. (Can be seen in the previous journal photos)  Our new design will have the bathtub alone run under the length of the window.  The new vanity location will be on the left side.  The "L" shaped cut out in the floor is to accommodate  the plumbing for the new bathtub.  (The faucets will be on the right hand side.) 

A second feature I would like to point out are the large openings in the walls on the left hand side.  I  like the additional storage space that medicine cabinets offer, however I don't like when they overhang the sink.  In order to make the bathroom feel as large as possible with clean lines, we want to have a relatively smooth wall surface that doesn't jog back and forth with cabinets, corners, etc.  So to accomplish this the shelves at the foot of the tub and the cabinets over the sinks will be recessed into the wall for a final flush appearance.  

Bathroom Renovation # 2 Demolition

Nov 2, 2007 - David Lopes PEI Architect

The demolition has started on the upstairs bathroom, and has quickly become a bit of a mess. An old water pipe in the wall because of the movement had to be replaced when it began leaking due to the demolition work, and it looks like we will have to strip down the wood floors to the joists in order to level them and have them as one continuous surface.  However, overall the structure is quite good and there is no evidence of moisture accumulation, all is prettty dry. 

The small section of floor to the bottom left of the photo is where the stairs and stair well walls were removed that used to access the kitchen downstairs.  The plan is to relocate the toilet into this space, along with the shower to this side of the washroom. 

New project in the house #1

Oct 17, 2007 - David Lopes PEI Architect

We have decided that the next project in the house would be the renovation of our upstairs washroom.  Right now it is a small space with very limited surface/storage area on the vanity.   I also don't particularly like the shower shedding water onto the wood window at the end. 

In our kitchen renovation, there was a connecting "servants stair"  that came up next to the bathroom, and when it was removed, there was an opportunity to expand the washroom into this abandoned space.

Our new plan is to install a separate shower and tub, and to increase the vanity size.  We are also hoping to squeeze  two sinks into the vanity top, in an effort to prevent our children from squabbling when brushing teeth at a single sink.

More Architectural projects on our Website

Sep 30, 2007 - David Lopes PEI Architect

Just a note to let you that we have updated and added some more projects to our website. 

Please see Homes and cottages and Commercial Projects.

Office Renovation and Interior Design #5 - Finished

Sep 14, 2007 - David Lopes PEI Architect

We have come to the end of our office renovation and thankfully,  we found a great photographer, Mike Needham, who is photographing this and other projects to post on our website.  I will have this and more photos from all of our architectural projects added to the website .

I am quite pleased with the final office. It is a great place to get work done or to just sit around and enjoy the day. My favourite detail, is how the counter top becomes the window sill.  To accomplish this, the work top is a bit lower then normal, however, it just looks and feels right this way. 

It was quite a team effort to get this office renovation completed and special thanks to all.  Our cabinet maker / carpenter Ken Thompson, who demolished the old space and cabinets and built and installed the new ones.  Jamieson Electric,  the electricians who rewired for our new work station set up and installed the new lights.  The flooring was installed by "Heritage Floors and More", Stephen Collie and Steve Richard. The painting of the room was by Earl Lund Painting & Restoration. The painting of the cabinets was by Spray All. The shearweave blinds were from Color your World in Charlottetown, and the special low height modern white leather seats were from Attica in Halifax. 

Now that  this interior design and architectural project is complete, what can an architect do next? 

I have started to discuss a couple more projects with my wife Nancy,  I am not sure what she will let me do next, check back and see.

Office Renovation and Interior Design #4 - Cabinets along the windows

Aug 16, 2007 - David Lopes PEI Architect

Designing cabinets that are located in front of existing windows is always tricky.  The window sill height of these home office windows is low, and to put the desk top below the sill would make the desk useable only by toddlers.  To raise the desk above the window sill height would leave a gap betweeen the window and the back of the desk, make opening of the windows awkward and make the window look like it was cut off at the bottom out of proportion with the top. 

Our solution is to remove the window sill and have the counter run into the bottom of the window instead.  Visually the window glass area is not affected, and there is no longer a place for pencils to collect behind.

The second detail that requires some careful coordination is the size of the upper cabinets.  I wanted to maximize the width of the cabinets, however we also had to consider the width of the crown molding that was being placed at the top of the unit and ensure it didn't interfere with the window trims.  As can be seen in the picture,  the end result was to increase the cabinet height so that the crown molding would rest above the window trims and this height would then be the same for the cabinets on the opposite wall to maintain symmetry in the space.

New Home for North 46 Architecture

Jul 7, 2007 - David Lopes PEI Architect

Just wanted to announce that North 46 Architecture has a new home!  We have moved to 77 Grafton street on the second floor.  We are quite pleased to be in our new space.  Stop by for a visit next time your in the area. 

We look forward to seeing you.

Office Renovation and Interior Design #3 - The cabinets have arrived

Jun 20, 2007 - David Lopes PEI Architect

The cabinets are in the space and are waiting to be installed.  They are all constructed of plywood and have been sprayed off site with lacquer.

These cabinets have been constructed with a "face on the frame", or  "framed".  What this means is that there are two pieces to the cabinet.  First the box is made and then a frame is added to conceal the exposed edge of the plywood. 

An alternative and less expensive method is the frameless cabinet where the edge is "taped".   This means that a thin band of wood (resembling tape) is glued to the edge of the cabinet.  However, this is less durable and is prone to being chipped away. 

Unfortunately, we still have a little bit of demolition work to comnplete in preparation to install the cabinets before our next journal entry.  See you then.

Office Renovation and Interior Design #2 - The other side

Jun 8, 2007 - David Lopes PEI Architect

In this photo the other side of the office is shown.  The shelves similar to those on the window side are too narrow to hold larger architectural and design type books.  The existing doors are thin painted plywood that have outlived there usefulness and don't open fully as they catch on the slightly sloped floor. 

One issue we will have to deal with is that the new base cabinets will have to be designed to accomodate the high baseboards and tie in carefully to the existing woodwork of the mantle. 

Office Renovation and Interior Design #1 - Where we started

May 23, 2007 - David R Lopes PEI Architect - North 46 Architecture and Interior Design

The plan is to convert this room into my office at home.  In the photo we see a blank space next to drawers where a cast iron radiator was removed.  The new electric heating system is just to the right of the drawers mounted on the wall.

The shelves above the drawers are only 6" deep and most books these days require deeper shelves, in particular architecture books.  The drawers below are only 12" deep and are difficult to open. 

Unfortunately, none of the existing cabinetry can be saved and will be all replaced.

Hall Renovation # 6 - Arts and Crafts Architecture

May 1, 2007 - David R Lopes PEI Architect - North 46 Architecture and Interior Design

As an architect living in and renovating a heritage home in Charlottetown there are good days and there are bad days.

On the good days, I find that  I learn something new or gain a greater understanding and appreciation of interior design and architecture from this home.  An example is painting the wood wall panelling white. 

After painting the wood panelling, I have found myself paying more attention to the wood stained glass doors that can be seen in this photo. They used to blend in with the background, but now against a light background they have gained a welcome prominence.  It has also prompted me to conduct a little bit of research into finding a design precedence for the stained glass patterns in the doors and windows throughout  the house.

In James MacNutt and Robert Tuck's book - "Heritage Houses of Prince Edward Island", they note that the house was designed in the Queen Anne style which was prominent from the 1880 - 1890's.  It is also believed that the house was built in 1915, which is  the tail end of the Arts and Crafts Movement  (1880 - 1910), which I think was the influence for the stained glass patterns.

My theory is that we have two precedents for the stained glass patterns.  The first being that I believe the rounded flower patterns recall the work of Scottish Architect Designer Charles Rennie Mackintosh, and that the long linear lines are reminiscent of the work of the American Architect Frank Lloyd Wright.  I welcome any other thoughts on this topic.

For the time being, this concludes our work in the Hall and in the next issue we will be moving into the office.  I can't wait.

Hall Renovation # 5 - Painting

Apr 18, 2007 - David R Lopes PEI Architect - North 46 Architecture and Interior Design

Now that the wall paper is on, painting of the oak wainscoting has begun.  Similar to the bathroom, we are using a BINs primer first.  The first time we started to paint the wainscoting we took great efforts to fill in the holes, inconsistencies in the wood etc.  Then when the first coat of primer went on you would see more holes to fill, cracks and other gaps that required filling.  Now we find it is easier to do the filling and patching after the first coat of primer .

Stay tuned for more details on my next posting of the renovation of  the architect's home office.  I am starting to tire of working at the kitchen table and  searching for books at the bottom of boxes. 

Hall Renovation # 4 - Wall paper

Mar 31, 2007 - David R Lopes PEI Architect - North 46 Architecture and Interior Design

A lot has been done since the last journal entry which includes the final installation of new wood floors, removing wall paper, patching and seamfilling of the plaster and drywall patching.  The interior design is begining to take shape.

The photo shows Earl Lund of Lund Painting and Restoration hanging the new vinyl wall covering.  The covering is good at hiding the inconsistencies, patching and joints in the old and new drywall/plaster wall.  The wall covering is 54" wide commercial grade made of vinyl with a canvas texture.  The canvas texture adds a subtle pattern and warmth to the space, where paint alone may have been too plain, and a pattern would be too busy competing for attention with the woodwork.

We weren't able to finish painting the woodwork on the walls and doors before installing the wall covering, so a quick trick was to just paint a small  strip of woodwork along the wall to make painting later easier.

Through the door is a sneak peak of our office that we will begin working on once the hall renovation is complete.

Hall Renovation #3 - Opening up the Entry way

Mar 5, 2007 - David R Lopes PEI Architect

A bit of a mess at the moment, but here we can see the entry way now opened up with the vestibule wall removed.  It is hard to see the architecture right now but it will come.

Instead of removing all the plaster, of which some is still in pretty good shape, we have decided to put away the demolition hammers and fill with gyproc the locations where the walls were removed.  Afterwards all the existing wallpaper will be removed using a steamer (haven't had much luck using chemical removers).

With all the wall paper removed and the gyproc patching complete, a skim coat of plaster will be put all the walls and ceilings, sanded and then painted.  We aren't looking for a perfect finish on the walls because new vinyl wall covering will be installed on the wall and  that should conceal most imperfections.

Of note in this picture is the new heating system that we are experimenting with.  With the advent of wind power on Prince Edward Island and as an Architect always trying to stay current with technology, I am trying out these new electric heaters  made by "Convect Air "     These have been installed through out the first floor, replacing historic cast iron radiators. (We have left the historic cast iron heating on the second floor and will be comparing the two types of heating). 

One feature that I think will help  to reduce heating bills is that each heater has an individual thermostat.  In this way individual heaters can be turned down  in rooms that are not being used and only turn the heaters up in spaces that are being used.     I will keep you posted on the results of this architectural experiment.

New Architecture on the Website

Mar 5, 2007 - David R Lopes PEI Architect

Just a note to let you know that we have added a new section entitled Architect's Drawing Board where you can get a sneak peak at some of our work that is under design.

We have also added a few more interior photos of our Hickey home.  I hope you enjoy.

Hall Renovation #2 - The Architecture of an Entry

Feb 19, 2007 - David R Lopes PEI Architect

This week our photo is of the entry way to our Charlottetown home.   If you compare this to the previous journal photo you will be able to see the glass door and use it as a point of reference.  The stairs are to the immediate left of the glass door in the photo.

As an architect, an important design issue is always the quality of the entry way in a home.  It is the in between public/private space that maintains the privacy of the home and often provides  visitors with a first impression of the home.  Everything from the first contact with the door knob to the quality of space and light upon entering are important.

In this home, the existing entry way, has the appearance of being spacious from the exterior, however upon passing through the front door (wood door in the background), one enters into a small vestibule that is dark and cramped with little space for a guest to remove there boots or hang up a coat. 

Our plan in this part of the renovation is to remove the wall you see in the foreground and increase size of the entry area  making it  more spacious and able to accomodate larger groups of visitors.  It will also lend a added touch of formality  and I feel complement the architecture of this historic Prince Edward Island  home.

Biking up a Hill

Feb 2, 2007 - David R Lopes PEI Architect

I have always found that when going up a hill on a bike, the hardest part is always the last little stretch at the top.  Eventhough this is usually less sloped than what has been overcome.  If I end up walking, it will be at this point.    However, sometimes it can be deceiving and it is merely a short  flat stretch  before the start of a second climb. Similarly with our washroom renovation! 

We have completed the inside of the powder room, and there are some finishing touches to complete on the outside of the room in the hall.  One being the trim of the door.  You would think that this would be easy to finish.  Should I start to walk?

The trim on the door is not just any trim, it will have to match that already in the hallway.  Which means that we will have to take in a sample of the trim and have a new blade made to cut the trim with the same profile.   Then there is the issue of piecing the different woods together as well as the new gyproc mini wall we made below the stair and making it blend with the rest of the hallway. 

It seems that just as we got to the top of our hill, we have another one to climb and a new project - The Entry Hall Renovation.  The photo you see is the original state of the hall before we moved into the house.  At the far end of the hall, to the right, is where we have added the powder room,  the door to the left has been removed as part of the kitchen renovations.  and the glass door up close on the right is the door to the very small entry way/closet. 

Can't wait to see what happens next.

Powder Room Renovation #8 - Almost Complete

Jan 15, 2007 - David R Lopes PEI Architect

Happy New Year!  I am glad to say that we were able to use the powder room over the holidays, and it was a hit.

The mirror certainly helps to expand the space, and also increase the light level within the room.  The method of attaching the mirror to the wall also worked out well.  I had thought that I would have to modify the large wood wainscoting cap  to suit a mirror, but this mounting system solved that problem. 

Typically, I like to have the mirror mounted so that I don't have to hunch to see the top of my head,  yet with small children or for barrier free (universal) design standards the mirror should be mounted so that the bottom edge of the mirror is not more than 39" or 1 m above the floor.

This mirror, mounted off of the wall,  will also pivot which increases the range of mounting heights and will accomodate all persons, young and old.