Architect's Journal
Exterior Landscape 1 - Site Demolition
Aug 19, 2008 - David R Lopes PEI Architect Charlottetown
This first photograph marks the start of our adventures in landscaping the exterior of the house. Part of this was instigated by the fact that people seldom approach the house from the street, and instead come up the driveway (if parking on the driveway) and either trod across the front lawn or proceed to the back door. A couple of other issues that have made this work a necessity include: the concrete sidewalk was in bad condition and was much too narrow, the adjacent tree has a rotten core and would be ready to come down in the next high wind and the exterior concrete steps are damaged and need to be badly repaired. Stay tuned to see the new sidewalk.
Bathroom Renovation Completed
Jun 13, 2008 - David Lopes PEI Architect
As I mentioned in my last update, here is a photo of the other side with the stand alone tub. Here you can clearly see the counterpart to the recessed cabinets is the shelving above the tub, and the considerable extra storage space that can be made available from a fairly limited depth.
One feature of the tub panel is that the panels are doors that can be opened for access to the plumbing, electricity and other items that don't need frequent access. For a modern touch we decided instead of window treatments, just to apply a frosted film over the lower part of the windows for privacy.
This completes our renovations in the house for the time being. Our next project will be to improve the landscaping and curb appeal of the house from the street. Stay tuned.
Bathroom Renovation # 9 - Vanity Close Up
Apr 11, 2008 - David Lopes PEI Architect
Here is a photo focusing more on the vanity. Having used the washroom for awhile, we have definitely made good use of the medicine cabinets. It is funny how you can live so long with out adequate space for toiletries and then when you double or even triple the storage space, it becomes instantly filled up! (Where did we keep all that stuff before?)
When designing the vanity top, we had worried that 4'6" wasn't wide enough for two sinks, however it is quite adequate (we did buy the smallest underhung sink we could find, about 12" in diameter).
Overall, we love the new space and it is working quite well. The best part is that the kids don't argue so much when brushing their teeth before bed.
Bathroom Renovation # 8 - Finished
Mar 6, 2008 - David Lopes PEI Architect
We have arrived at the end of another project in the house. The bathroom is completed and we are quite pleased with the result. In the next few postings I will show some other views of the bathroom. Keep posted.
Bathroom Renovation # 7 - Vanity has arrived
Feb 11, 2008 - David Lopes PEI Architect
This next photo shows the new vanity in place. You can see that we still need to do a good wipe down on the tile walls and floor!
The vanity is a little modern, open below for towel and other storage. It will have two sinks, one on either side, with drawers in the center. The cabinet maker did a great job with the doors to either side of the drawers, they look just like the drawers.
Next on our to do list includes:
Vanity top
Medicine cabinet doors/mirrors
Shower enclosure
Electrical light fixtures
We will be sure to keep you updated.
Bathroom Renovation # 6 - Starting up after the Holidays
Jan 11, 2008 - David Lopes PEI Architect
Happy New Year. A little slow to get back into the swing of things, but we couldn't wait any longer to update you on the bathroom renovations. What a difference a little tile makes! In the photo the tile installer is putting in the grout between the tiles, and will wipe off the excess when completed.
Under the tile we have installed an electric radiant heat system. The wall tile pattern is offset by 1/3 of a tile, with a feature strip at vanity height and is lower where the vanity will be located. This strip was made up by cutting the larger 12 x 24 single pieces. We didn't want to introduce a second color or pattern in order to keep the room looking as spacious as possible. The floor tile is the same color only 12 x 12 with a little bit of texture to prevent slipping, and the pattern was only offset by a 1/2 tile.
Next step in our process is to bring in the vanity, have the templates made for the Corian vanity and bathtub tops. We are now nearing the finish line, the next photos may be of the completed bathroom. See you then.