DHaus sculpts eco-friendly home in surrey's countryside from rammed earth

The Gurchiek family undertook an extensive renovation project on a Geist estate, transforming a severely dilapidated property into a luxurious family home. Originally built in 1990, the estate had fallen into disrepair over a decade, necessitating a comprehensive overhaul. The Gurchieks purchased the property as an investment, intending to create a livable space for themselves and their three young children. The primary residence spans 14,480 square feet, complemented by an additional 11,593 square feet of garage space, making it one of the largest properties in the area. Many repairs were critical, addressing deterioration caused by vacancy and lack of maintenance. The initial repair list was extensive, covering both interior and exterior elements. The renovation included significant updates to the home's aesthetic and structural components. Sean Sheppard of Silver Crow Studios contributed to the interior design, creating wall treatments and luxury elements such as Venetian plaster in the great room. The Gurchieks commissioned Sheppard for high-end finishes throughout the residence, indicating a focus on quality craftsmanship and sophisticated design. The exterior received substantial attention as well, with a significant budget allocated to landscaping improvements. The grounds, previously described as a "disaster," were updated, and extensive masonry repair was conducted. The entire brick wall bordering the pool was replaced, highlighting the scale of the outdoor refurbishment. Structural and cosmetic repairs extended to numerous aspects of the property. Over 80 windows were repaired, and brickwork and masonry were entirely redone. The cedar shake roof underwent repair and restoration, ensuring the home's integrity and aesthetic appeal. Foundational corrections were also addressed, demonstrating a thorough approach to resolving underlying issues. Realtor Allen Williams noted that "there is not a room in the home that’s not been redone or touched," emphasizing the comprehensive nature of the renovation efforts over several years. The Gurchiek family's dedication transformed the estate, making it nearly unrecognizable from its previous state. The renovation focused on creating a warm, family-focused environment while also providing ample space for entertaining large groups. The property offers 4.9 acres of privacy on Geist, contributing to its appeal. The virtual tour video of the revitalized estate garnered significant attention, with views matching its asking price. The Old Durham Mansion, as it is known, is now back on the market, priced at $3.495 million, presented as a luxurious and livable property following its extensive renaissance. #GeistEstate #HomeRenovation #LuxuryRealEstate #InteriorDesign #ExteriorLandscaping #PropertyRevitalization #GeistReservoir #FamilyHome #DurhamMansion

Rammed earth buildings utilize an ancient construction technique that combines soil, sand, clay, and water, compressed between forms to create solid walls. These thick, natural-looking walls are constructed on-site by pouring the earth mix into casings, which are then removed once the 'ramming' process is complete. The finished product often resembles man-made sedimentary rock, and stucco is frequently applied to protect the walls from environmental elements, especially water. Despite the stucco, the textural imperfections are considered a desirable aesthetic feature. This building method has historical roots, appearing in centuries-old villages across Asia and the Middle East, and is now being adopted for modern, multi-million-dollar eco-friendly homes, including some in California. Notably, some rammed earth homes in New Zealand dating back to the 1800s are still standing, demonstrating the material's longevity. Paul Geraets, a rammed earth builder and director of Terra Firma Earth Building, observes a growing interest in this technique, particularly due to its sustainability and energy efficiency. He notes an increase in inquiries from diverse individuals seeking natural and sustainably performing building options. Geraets emphasizes that the sustainability claims of rammed earth construction stem not only from a reduced carbon footprint, achieved through local material sourcing, but also from the inherent durability of the buildings. Further validating the material's potential, a rammed earth building in China received the 2017 World Architecture Festival's Building of the Year award. This particular structure was part of an effort to rebuild a village devastated by the 2014 Ludian earthquake. Geraets views this international recognition as a positive indicator for sustainable building practices in New Zealand, suggesting a shift towards prioritizing community architectural needs over developer profit margins and conventional construction industry interests. However, Geraets points out that New Zealand still lacks sufficient recognition for rammed earth's unique thermal benefits, specifically its ability to effectively heat and cool buildings. He argues that the local building industry predominantly focuses on standard wall insulation as the primary measure of thermal performance. Geraets hopes that the global acknowledgment of rammed earth buildings will challenge the New Zealand trend of using weatherboard for insulation, a method he suggests does not adequately address humidity. In contrast, the 'breathing' qualities of rammed earth are believed to counteract humidity issues. Dr. Paul Jaquin, an international expert on rammed earth buildings and part of the team updating New Zealand's earth building design codes, explains the thermal mass principle. The thick earth walls absorb heat from the interior of a structure, which helps to lower the internal temperature. When the interior temperature drops below that of the wall, the stored heat is released back into the room, warming it. For example, if the external temperature fluctuates between 30 degrees Celsius during the day and 10 degrees Celsius overnight, the internal temperature of a rammed earth building can stabilize at around 20 degrees Celsius. Additionally, rammed earth buildings naturally maintain an indoor humidity level of approximately 55 percent. This is significant in the context of 'leaky homes' and mold growth, which typically begins when relative humidity reaches 70 percent. With the Healthy Homes Guarantee Bill in New Zealand, which mandates minimum heating and insulation standards for rental properties, Geraets sees an opportunity to consider rammed earth as a superior solution beyond conventional insulation and heat pumps. He advocates for the acceptance of rammed earth as an intelligent, realistically affordable construction method in New Zealand, offering benefits such as improved health, comfort, durability, low maintenance, a reduced carbon footprint, and aesthetically unique buildings. #rammedEarth #sustainableBuilding #ecoFriendlyHomes #thermalMass #naturalMaterials #NewZealandConstruction #energyEfficiency #healthyHomes #architecturalInnovation

Los Angeles County outlines a streamlined rebuilding process for residents affected by wildfires, establishing one-stop permit centers to assist with navigation. Construction cannot commence until debris removal is complete, but residents are encouraged to apply for necessary permits as soon as they are ready. A guide titled "The Road to Rebuilding" helps residents understand the steps involved in the complex rebuilding process after a wildfire, including an animated video overview. Key rebuilding highlights include scheduling appointments at one-stop permit centers, applying for building or fire debris removal permits, learning about like-for-like rebuild options, obtaining temporary housing permits, and utilizing mapping resources. Information is also available for navigating manufactured and factory-built homes. The article addresses frequently asked questions related to fire rebuilds, covering topics such as what to expect, permitting timelines, and fees. A "like-for-like" rebuild, as defined by the Zoning Code, involves a replacement structure that is the same size, in the same location, and for the same use as the previous one. In the Palisades Fire affected area, modifications that do not increase floor area, size, height, or building footprint by more than 10% are allowed. In the Eaton Fire affected area, modifications can increase these aspects by up to 10% or 200 square feet, whichever is greater. These structures can have different internal floor plans or be smaller and do not need to comply with current Zoning Code requirements but must adhere to current Building, Fire, and Health and Safety Codes. The timeline for rebuilding is not definitive, with applications for temporary housing and like-for-like rebuilds generally required within two years of an emergency declaration. Extensions may be granted, but building permits expire if construction doesn't begin within 12 months. The duration of the permitting process varies based on project complexity, with expedited services for like-for-like rebuilds and pre-approved plans. More complex projects will still be expedited, with initial reviews within 10 business days and rechecks within 5 business days for Regional Planning. Additional agency approvals, such as a water agency "Will-Serve" letter, are usually required before a building permit can be issued. Minimum submittal requirements include one application with architectural plans and property ownership information to initiate review, with additional materials like structural and energy plans requested later. A debris removal permit is only necessary if homeowners opt out of the government-assisted program. Reusing existing foundations requires evaluation by an engineering consultant, ensuring the foundation meets current building code requirements after thorough testing and forensic analysis. Demolition permits are not required for those in the government's debris removal program if the foundation remains. The article also addresses specific code requirements, including exemptions and waivers for certain like-for-like rebuild projects in the Eaton Fire area, such as electric vehicle-ready infrastructure, cool roof requirements, graywater-ready plumbing systems, and low impact development (LID) requirements for buildings constructed before 2009. LID requirements are not waived in the Palisades area. Guidance is provided on cross-lot drainage and the process for determining previous square footage and available construction plans. Pre-approved building plans are available for homeowners, and solar panels are no longer mandatory but homes must be solar-ready. Fire sprinklers are required by current codes, and while new buildings must be electric-ready, gas appliances are still permitted. Wood-burning chimneys are now allowed for fire rebuild projects. Information on property tagging ("Yellow" or "Red" tags) provides details on access restrictions and safety concerns, with contact information for local Building and Safety District Offices and One-Stop Permit Centers. Temporary housing, including RVs, manufactured homes, or mobilehomes, is allowed with proper connections, and approvals expire two years after the emergency declaration, with possible extensions. Manufactured and factory-built homes can serve as permanent replacement structures if they meet fire-resistant construction requirements and are installed on a continuous concrete footing. Building new Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) is permitted as temporary housing while the primary dwelling is rebuilt, with expedited permitting and compliance with current codes. Utility-related questions cover septic systems, sewer connections, and undergrounding utilities. Existing septic systems can be reused if in good working order for like-for-like rebuilds, but upgrades are required if wastewater flow increases. Connection to county sewer lines is mandated if a property is within 200 linear feet of a sewer main and repair of a septic system is needed. Homeowners are responsible for the cost of lateral connections to underground utilities. The County supports the creation of community-driven sewer districts and clarifies that Public Health Department management keeps all inspectors informed of changes regarding septic, cesspool, and sewer systems. Incorporating greywater systems is encouraged for environmental benefits, though specific policies for new ADUs are still developing. Regarding swimming pools and spas, temporary fencing is required if existing barriers are damaged, and debris removal from pools is covered by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers if within the ash footprint. Draining pools to the sewer requires a permit and specific conditions, otherwise, private water haulers must be hired. The rights of new buyers are also addressed, clarifying that while temporary housing eligibility is tied to prior residency, expedited permitting is available to all within two years of the emergency declaration, regardless of property ownership changes. Lastly, contact information for one-stop locations and various rebuilding resources for different cities within Los Angeles County are provided, including links for FEMA assistance, disaster loans, tax relief, and insurance claims. #WildfireRecovery #RebuildingProcess #LAcountyPermits #TemporaryHousing #LikeForLikeRebuilds #BuildingCodes #SepticSystems #SewerConnections #DisasterAssistance

Ruth Rengasamy, who grew up in a rammed-earth home in Melbourne’s Yarra Valley, always appreciated its natural insulation, which kept the house cool in summer and warm in winter. Her parents built the home themselves using a handbook, inspiring her with the unique qualities of rammed earth. Rammed earth is a building material composed of natural raw materials like earth, chalk, lime, or gravel. When Ms. Rengasamy and her husband, Raja, decided to renovate their dilapidated California bungalow in Brunswick, Melbourne’s inner north, they were determined to incorporate rammed-earth walls. Architect Steffen Welsch of Steffen Welsch Architects was enthusiastic about the idea, noting that rammed-earth homes offer a strong sense of shelter and protection from the outside world due to their solid construction. The renovation involved demolishing an old lean-to at the rear of the bungalow to make way for a new extension featuring the rammed-earth walls. The earth for construction was sourced from a nearby quarry and mixed with lime for added stability. Mr. Welsch emphasized the contextual and environmentally friendly nature of using local earth, as its color reflects the region, and the process has a lower environmental impact compared to concrete production. These walls contribute a raw beauty and natural texture to the extension, which houses the main bedroom, a study, a laundry, and the kitchen, meals, and living areas. Beyond the unusual materials, the extension's curved shape also stands out. Ms. Rengasamy explained that they wanted to avoid a standard box-shaped extension. Since the backyard faces south, a curved design was adopted to maximize morning light. This design successfully brings ample morning sunshine into the home. The front of the house also underwent a significant renovation. The bungalow was in poor condition and had lost much of its original character. Although the couple considered tearing it down, they decided against it to preserve the streetscape, as a row of matching bungalows lined the street. The house was restumped, and the original weatherboards were replaced. Mr. Welsch also redesigned the front to connect the home more effectively with the neighborhood, adding French doors to the front spare bedroom for easy access to the front yard. The revamped house now offers distinct spaces for children, guests, and parents, along with communal and transitional zones. The change in flooring from timber in the older part of the house to polished concrete in the new extension visibly marks these different areas. The kitchen is a highlight for Ms. Rengasamy, featuring a large island bench, Corian countertops, and extensive outdoor views through numerous windows, including a curved bank of glass doors. She notes that the kitchen’s design makes cooking enjoyable and that the entire living area remains bright and cheerful even on dark winter days, fostering a sense of openness and connection to the outdoors. #BrunswickRenovation #RammedEarth #SustainableDesign #ArchitecturalInnovation #HomeExtension #CaliforniaBungalow #NaturalMaterials #MelbourneRealEstate

Biophilic design, a concept pioneered by biologist Edward O. Wilson in the 1980s, is experiencing a resurgence in popularity, particularly among millennial and Generation Z homeowners and tenants. This design philosophy emphasizes the innate human need to connect with nature, aiming to integrate natural elements into architectural and interior spaces. The trend gained significant traction, with visual search engines like Pinterest reporting substantial increases in searches for "biophilic architecture" and "biophilic design bedroom. According to interior designers Brooke Lang and Ariana Lovato, biophilic design extends beyond merely adding potted plants to a room. It involves a holistic approach to design, encompassing layout, lighting, the use of natural materials, and creating a seamless connection between indoor and outdoor environments. The goal is to create spaces that evoke the soothing, inspiring, and restorative feelings associated with the natural world, thereby supporting physical, mental, and emotional well-being. The renewed interest in biophilic design is largely attributed to a post-pandemic desire for mood-boosting and restorative living environments. The experience of COVID-19 highlighted the profound impact surroundings have on individuals, leading clients to actively seek spaces that promote relaxation and well-being. Manufacturers have responded to this demand, introducing products like Kohler’s aromatherapy shower infusion system, Sprig. Several key trends define contemporary biophilic design. The first is the prominent use of green colors in interiors, from cabinetry and wall colors to even fixtures like toilets. While not a complete biophilic solution on its own, it serves as an accessible entry point for budget-conscious individuals. Secondly, living walls, which are walls covered with living plants, are trending as a classic example of bringing nature directly indoors. These installations are particularly popular among millennials, who are incorporating them into spaces like zen rooms. A third trend is the emphasis on natural, native materials. Homeowners are increasingly opting for authentic materials such as natural stone countertops and hardwood floors, even if they come at a higher cost than engineered alternatives. There's also a growing preference for materials that reflect the immediate natural surroundings, with clients requesting furniture or beams made from local wood and incorporating local greenery. Fourthly, there is a significant focus on landscape design, where outdoor spaces are treated as true extensions of the home. This includes matching indoor and outdoor plant selections and giving transition areas like screened-in porches and outdoor kitchens as much design attention as interior rooms. The integration of large sliding glass doors and glass walls further enhances the indoor-outdoor connection. Finally, the creation of dedicated "zen spaces" and meditation rooms is a notable trend across different demographics. While millennials explicitly request these spaces, even baby boomer clients, though not always using the term "biophilic design," are seeking similar relaxation-focused rooms for activities like meditation, sauna, or steam, indicating a universal desire for the feelings biophilic design aims to cultivate. #BiophilicDesign #InteriorDesign #NatureConnection #HomeTrends #WellnessDesign #SustainableDesign #GreenLiving #ArchitecturalTrends #ResidentialDesign