Apr 2017: This fencing project had an interesting twist

The dynamic between neighbors can be unpredictable, a sentiment underscored by a recent incident involving two households. One homeowner, who worked at a hospital, frequently received second-hand items for his children, including a paddling pool, trampoline, and bikes, often in excellent condition. His neighbor, however, viewed these acquisitions with an apparent sense of competition. When the hospital worker obtained a swing set with a slide, the neighbor responded by constructing a larger play structure with a shed on top, positioning it directly against the property line. This placement allowed his children a direct line of sight into the first homeowner's garden and even parts of his house. The homeowner felt his privacy was invaded, but knew directly confronting his neighbor would be ineffective. He devised a counter-solution involving the construction of a heavy-duty pergola with a solid roof. With the assistance of colleagues from his workplace—estate workers, doctors, and nurses—he built a treehouse-style play area atop the pergola. This new structure featured railings, a small dining area, and a decorated shed, specifically designed to block the neighbor’s view into his garden. Crucially, the structure was made to be easily assembled and disassembled, taking only about three minutes for each process. On a sunny day, the homeowner erected his pergola structure while his children played. When the neighbor’s children appeared on their shed, they became visibly angry at the obstructed view and reported it to their father. The neighbor reacted with hostility, verbally assaulting the homeowner and threatening violence, all while the homeowner recorded the interaction. Subsequently, the neighbor contacted the police. Upon the arrival of the police, they first spoke with the aggressor. They then approached the homeowner, who demonstrated the temporary nature of his structure by quickly disassembling it. During this time, the neighbor’s children mocked and taunted the homeowner. He explained to the police that his intention was solely to reclaim his privacy and prevent constant observation from his neighbor's property, showing them the direct line of sight into his home. He also presented the video recording of his neighbor's aggressive outburst. The police, having reviewed the evidence and understood the situation, returned to the aggressive neighbor. They informed him that his play structure, which intruded on the other homeowner's privacy, had to be removed. Failure to comply would result in a charge of breach of the peace, substantiated by the video evidence. The homeowner's children continued to use their pergola treehouse, though they were instructed not to engage with the neighbors. The situation concluded with the police enforcing the necessary action, resolving the dispute in favor of the homeowner and restoring his privacy. #NeighborConflict #PettyRevenge #PrivacyDispute #DIYProject #PropertyLine #PoliceIntervention #HomeImprovement #FamilyLife #CommunityIssues

This article, originally published in 2016 and updated to reflect Christo's passing in 2020 and Jeanne-Claude's in 2009, revisits the monumental art installation "Running Fence" by Christo and Jeanne-Claude. In 1976, this 24.5-mile long, nearly 20-foot high fabric fence was erected across Sonoma and Marin farmlands, extending into the Pacific Ocean. The article explores the significant impact of this temporary artwork, not only on the landscape but also on the local community and the land-use policies of Sonoma County. The genesis of "Running Fence" began in 1972 when Christo, accompanied by Jeanne-Claude, approached local ranchers like Joe Pozzi with his ambitious proposal. Initially mistaken for an itinerant laborer, Christo's charisma and genuine nature quickly won over the skeptical farming community. He and Jeanne-Claude immersed themselves in the agrarian culture of west county, building trust and personal connections with 59 families whose land lay along the proposed route. This personal engagement was crucial, as many local farmers and ranchers became staunch supporters of the project, driven by their admiration for Christo's character and his commitment to realizing his artistic vision. However, the project faced considerable opposition, primarily from environmentalists concerned about its impact on the land and some locals who questioned its artistic merit. This opposition led to the formation of the "Committee to Stop the Running Fence" and triggered a lengthy and contentious approval process involving the California Coastal Commission, the Marin County Planning Commission, and the Sonoma County Planning Commission. The bureaucratic hurdles and public debates lasted over three years, with meetings often marked by intense emotions and differing views on art, land use, and development. Despite the fierce resistance, Christo maintained a serene and optimistic demeanor. He famously considered the entire process—including the meetings, environmental impact studies, and public discourse—as an integral part of the art itself. Barbara Gonnella, owner of the Union Hotel in Occidental and Joe Pozzi’s sister, highlighted this aspect, noting that even if the fence hadn't been physically constructed, Christo would have considered the project a success due to the engagement it generated. The collaboration between Christo and Jeanne-Claude emphasized their deep connection to each other and their belief in art as a means of connecting with humanity and integrating with the landscape and its people. The article recounts the eventual triumph of the project, with hundreds of volunteers, including a young Joe Pozzi, participating in the construction of the fence. Christo himself was actively involved in the labor, wearing an OSHA-required hard hat and working alongside the volunteers. Although the "Running Fence" stood for only two weeks before being dismantled, its memory profoundly impacted those who witnessed it. Dave Steiner, a former Sonoma County Planning Commissioner, noted Christo's subversive streak, particularly his decision to extend the fence into the sea despite the Coastal Commission's initial refusal, a move seen by supporters as essential to the project's integrity. Ultimately, "Running Fence" played a significant role in shaping public consciousness regarding land use in Sonoma County. Brian Kahn, a former Sonoma County supervisor, suggests that the art installation galvanized public discussion around the county's general plan, which aimed to manage growth and preserve landscapes. The project helped shift popular support towards a more contained and orderly development approach, contributing to the preservation of Sonoma Valley and the west county's natural beauty. The experience of the "Running Fence" fostered a sense of collective accomplishment and brought the diverse community of Sonoma County together, creating a lasting legacy that transcended its temporary physical presence. #ChristoAndJeanneClaude #RunningFence #ArtInstallation #SonomaCounty #MarinCounty #PublicArt #LandUsePolicy #EnvironmentalArt #CommunityEngagement

The article details the complex process of transforming a closed-concept living space into an open-concept design by replacing a load-bearing wall with a support beam. This renovation project, undertaken at a specific job site, presented significant challenges due to the load-bearing wall functioning as a central conduit for almost all services supplying the second floor, including three main ventilation ducts, a three-inch ABS plumbing stack from the second-floor bathroom, approximately seven electrical circuits, a telephone line, central vacuum PVC, and structural support studs for the second-floor joists. The initial phase of the project involved the meticulous re-routing of every service that ran through the load-bearing wall. This extensive re-routing necessitated the construction of a bulkhead in the ceiling, a build-out along the back wall, and a slight build-up on the main floor. The bulkhead was designed to conceal the re-routed ceiling services, while the wall build-out accommodated the ducting and plumbing stack, and the floor build-up facilitated the return of ducts and the stack to their original tie-in points. A key design element incorporated to integrate these structural modifications seamlessly was a peninsula island in the new kitchen layout. The island was strategically positioned to hide the floor build-up beneath its cupboards and the bulkhead above, which was sized to match the island's footprint and serve as an aesthetic feature for decorative lighting. The custom-designed cupboards further accommodated the necessary structural anomalies, ensuring that the final appearance gave the impression of a deliberate design choice rather than a functional necessity for service concealment. Before the new support beam could be installed, temporary walls were constructed on either side of the existing load-bearing wall to provide crucial support to the second-floor joists. Once temporary support was established, the studs of the original wall were carefully removed, one by one, while navigating the still-active services. Following the removal of the old framing, two-by-six boards, grouped in sets of three, were affixed to the adjacent walls at each end of the wall location. These boards, cut slightly shorter than the ceiling height to allow for the beam, served as the primary support for the new laminated veneer lumber (LVL) beam. Three 11 and 7/8-inch by 1 and 3/4-inch thick LVL sections were then individually positioned atop these support studs, requiring precision and a small sledgehammer to ensure a tight fit. With the new tripled LVL beam securely in place, the temporary support walls were removed, marking the physical commencement of the open-concept transformation. The subsequent stages involved the finalization of service re-routing. Electrical circuits were sorted, repurposed, and redirected. The ABS plumbing stack's repositioning was carefully planned to ensure optimal flow, incorporating a 45-degree angle below countertop height to guide it to the floor build-up. The cupboards were specifically designed with a shallow depth to conceal the ABS behind the peninsula island's decorative backing. The three ventilation ducts were formally rerouted, running horizontally along the underside of the ceiling joists, vertically down the back wall, and then along the floor below the build-up before being reconnected. The central vacuum system and telephone landline were abandoned at the homeowner's request. The bulkhead was then framed to align with the peninsula island's footprint and a height of approximately 10 inches, corresponding to the new beam's reveal height after ceiling strapping and drywall installation, and was subsequently drywalled in preparation for finishing. The project's successful completion resulted in a dramatically transformed main floor, achieving a truly open feel that delighted the homeowners, despite the intricate challenges encountered during the renovation. #homeRenovation #openConcept #loadBearingWall #structuralBeam #serviceRerouting #homeDesign #interiorDesign #constructionChallenges #residentialRenovation

Schafbock Design Workshop, based in Gujarat, India, undertook a challenging project to create a portico shade structure for the entry of a workshop/studio. The project presented multiple hurdles, including a tight 45-day timeline from concept design to installation, and the need to work on an active hand-printed garment design workshop located in a residential area. Beyond logistical constraints, the team faced significant technical challenges involving new design processes for form-finding, design-engineering, and manufacturing a complex 3D structure. A key difficulty was the lack of local skilled labor experienced in pre-stressing cable nets, installing, or accurately measuring such intricate three-dimensional structures. This placed a substantial responsibility on engineer Vipul Mehta and Schafbock's Shehzad Irani to meticulously manage the system detailing, engineering support, and overall project execution. Their approach involved continuous monitoring to ensure accuracy, alongside developing new protocols, measurement methods, and specialized customized tools. These tools and tackles were innovated using readily available off-the-shelf resources, demonstrating ingenuity in overcoming resource limitations. Irani noted that once these systems were established, the project, while more tedious than conventional fabric structures of similar scale, became achievable. Schafbock Design Workshop, founded in 2002, specializes in designing and manufacturing various tensile structures, including car parks, gazebos, tensile roof canopies, portable warehouses, and tensioned facades. The successful completion of this portico shade structure marks a significant milestone for the company. This project's success has broader implications for Schafbock Design Workshop, as Irani stated that it "cracks open the possibility of using cable-supported membrane and roofing systems for large unsupported places with a fraction of the cost and labor engagement." The team's ability to create this structure in a record timeframe, while simultaneously establishing new protocols and design-engineering tools, validates their capacity to detail and prove such complex structures. The next logical step for the workshop is to scale up these newfound capabilities and apply them to even larger and more ambitious projects. The project utilized Sattler Pro-Tex fabric for its 12-meter diameter structure, located in Ler Village, Bhuj, Gujarat, India, with Vipul Mehta and Dipesh Shroff of Schafbock Design Workshop serving as key project partners. #TensileStructures #ShadeStructure #ArchitecturalFabric #CableNetSystem #CustomDesign #ProjectManagement #ConstructionInnovation

The author shares an unconventional approach to deck maintenance, detailing an experiment with canola oil as a wood treatment. This experiment was prompted by the recurring issue of conventional deck stains flaking and peeling in challenging climates, a problem the author has observed over many years. Traditional deck staining methods often prove ineffective on treated lumber because the wood's inherent treatment, designed to prevent moisture absorption and prolong its life, also hinders the stain's penetration. As a result, the stain sits superficially on the wood, leading to premature deterioration. The author's long-standing policy for treated lumber decks is to only apply stain once the wood has naturally weathered to a grey color, indicating that the initial treatment has diminished sufficiently for the stain to be absorbed effectively. Approximately six years prior, the author had applied a deep-penetrating oil by Behr to their front and back decks. This product, unlike typical stains, was designed to soak into the lumber. For five years, this treatment held up reasonably well, maintaining its color and protective qualities. However, by the most recent spring, signs of fading and wear became evident, necessitating another treatment. The prospect of repeating the laborious and costly process of applying traditional stain, which involved moving furniture, ensuring specific weather conditions, and purchasing numerous gallons of product, was daunting. This led to the idea of an experiment with canola oil. A small patch of the faded decking was treated with canola oil, which immediately restored the wood's original brown color, similar to the "wet look" observed when water is spilled on wood. Remarkably, this darker hue persisted for over a week, even after several rain showers. Furthermore, water was observed to bead on the treated surface, indicating a repellent quality. Convinced by these initial results, the author purchased 15 gallons of canola oil and proceeded to treat the entire deck area. The application process was significantly less cumbersome than with traditional stains. The clear nature of canola oil eliminated concerns about overlapping roller strokes, and the aged lumber readily absorbed the oil, revealing its natural wood tones. The front porch was completed in under an hour, and the back decks, including two tiers and the area around the pool, took an additional three hours. Only the railing caps, which had also faded, were oiled to match the revitalized deck surfaces. In total, only nine gallons of canola oil were used for all the decks, demonstrating efficiency in both cost and effort. The canola oil has proven effective in restoring the appearance of the wood and repelling water, contributing to the extended life of the decks, which are now approaching 20 and 14 years old, respectively. While acknowledging that this was a personal experiment and results may vary, the author expresses satisfaction with the outcome and the unexpected ease of the process. #HomeRenovation #DeckMaintenance #DIYHomeImprovement #WoodTreatment #CanolaOilExperiment #OutdoorLiving #HomeCareTips #CostEffectiveSolutions

Fences, while providing a sense of enclosure for humans, often act as significant barriers to wildlife, impacting their ability to find food, water, migrate, and mate. Ill-designed fences can also steer animals into dangerous areas like busy roads and trap young wildlife. Christine Paige, a wildlife biologist and author of "A Landowner’s Guide to Wildlife Friendly Fences," highlights that while fencing is ubiquitous and increasing, there's a growing adoption of wildlife-friendly fencing practices, supported by decades of scientific research. These practices allow humans to coexist more harmoniously with animals, including elk, foxes, bobcats, crabs, and quail. A wildlife-friendly fence possesses several key characteristics. It should be low enough for animals to jump over and have a bottom high enough for them to crawl under. The fencing material must be taut, free of loose or broken wires, and have ample space between cross wires or beams to prevent entanglement. Crucially, the fence needs to be easily visible to running animals or flying birds. It should not obstruct essential wildlife pathways or habitats, avoid creating three-dimensional obstacles like buck fences, and be free of components that could impale or snag leaping animals. Before installing a fence, it is recommended to observe local wildlife patterns, such as tracking animal movements in winter or using camera traps, to understand their needs and preferred routes. The initial consideration for any landowner is whether a fence is truly necessary. Natural borders like native hedgerows or strategically placed boulders can often define property lines without needing traditional fencing. If a fence is required, simpler, open designs like low posts with cables or chains, or split-rail fences, are preferable, allowing animals to step over or slip under. Spiked iron fences with narrow bars should be avoided as they pose a significant threat, potentially impaling or trapping deer. For specific protection needs, such as safeguarding a garden, hay bales, or containing pets, exclusion fences are recommended. These fences can be high or electric. For instance, electrifying chicken coops or beehive areas can effectively deter predators like bears, facilitating coexistence with wildlife. Various state fish and game agencies and local nonprofits can assist with the setup of such systems. Optimal fence design for wildlife includes features that facilitate safe passage. For ungulates, a top rail wooden bar, no higher than 40 inches, is advised to prevent entanglement. If on a slope, this height should be reduced. The second wire should be at least 12 inches below the top wire to prevent leg entanglement. The bottom wire should be smooth, not barbed, and provide at least 18 inches of ground clearance, allowing young animals like fawns, elk calves, and moose to pass underneath. Implementing easy exits, such as gates, is vital, particularly in migration corridors. These gates should be opened or fencing removed seasonally to accommodate animal movements. Paige also suggests having an easily opened gate in a corner, providing an escape route for trapped animals like young fawns. Regular maintenance is crucial; loose wires increase entanglement risks, and single-strand wires can be hard for animals to see. Enhancing visibility with flags, ribbons, PVC pipe, polywire, or poly tape on the top wire, or using double-stranded smooth wire, is beneficial. Visibility is especially important near meadows and waterways to protect birds. Chainlink fences are particularly problematic for small animals like turtles, land crabs, armadillos, and foxes, emphasizing the importance of more open fence designs for smaller creatures. Several resources are available for modifying existing fences or constructing new wildlife-friendly ones. Paige's brochure serves as a comprehensive guide. For large landholders, especially in Western ranch areas with old barbed-wire fencing, organizations such as state fish and wildlife agencies, the Natural Resource Conservation Service, county conservation districts, local conservation nonprofits, and the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation offer assistance and information on migration corridors. Virtual fencing is also an option for those grazing cattle. #WildlifeConservation #FenceDesign #HabitatProtection #Coexistence #EnvironmentalStewardship #AnimalSafety #LandManagement #DIYProjects

Living green walls, also known as vertical gardens, are increasingly popular in urban environments worldwide, offering various benefits for urban sustainability. These installations help address the urban heat island effect and rising temperatures by providing natural cooling for buildings through microclimate regulation and enhancing urban ecosystems by creating habitats for diverse species. Beyond environmental advantages, green walls also contribute aesthetic and emotional value to buildings and their occupants. For instance, workers in a building featuring living green walls reported finding the installations visually appealing, refreshing, restorative, and a source of significant mental and emotional well-being throughout their workday. Despite these numerous benefits, the widespread adoption of living green walls faces several significant challenges. A primary obstacle is maintenance, particularly in climates with extreme heat and drought, such as Australia. Keeping plants alive and thriving requires frequent watering, pruning, and pest management, which can be demanding and costly. Without consistent care, plant failures are common, especially during adverse weather conditions. Designers and clients often struggle with the long-term financial commitment and specialized knowledge required for proper upkeep, making maintenance a substantial barrier to wider implementation. Fire safety is another critical concern, as many living green walls utilize plastic components that can pose fire risks, particularly during dry periods. The lack of adequate fire safety guidelines and the difficulty of accessing high-rise installations for firefighting operations exacerbate these concerns. There is a clear need for updated regulations and the incorporation of fire-resistant materials in green wall designs to mitigate these risks and ensure public safety. The high costs associated with living green walls, encompassing both initial installation and ongoing maintenance, present a significant financial hurdle. These costs include plant replacement, irrigation systems, and expert labor, deterring many potential adopters. The absence of government subsidies or other financial incentives further compounds affordability issues, limiting the adoption of these beneficial structures. Many proposed projects involving green walls fail to proceed to the construction phase due to these prohibitive costs compared to perceived benefits. Design complexities also limit the applicability of living green walls. Not all building structures or environmental conditions are suitable for every type of vertical garden system. Poor system selection can lead to structural risks, system failure, or inadequate plant growth. Effective design requires careful consideration of a building's architecture, location, and specific climate conditions, necessitating expert consultation. The lack of standardized guidelines for installation, fire safety, and maintenance further contributes to inconsistent quality and performance across the industry. Industry stakeholders advocate for clearer government regulations and industry-wide best practices to ensure more reliable and successful implementations of living green walls in urban areas. Addressing these challenges through improved guidelines, resilient designs, and financial support is crucial for realizing the full potential of green walls in enhancing urban sustainability and fostering climate-resilient cities. #LivingGreenWalls #VerticalGardens #UrbanSustainability #UrbanHeatIsland #SustainableArchitecture #GreenInfrastructure #ClimateResilientCities #EnvironmentalBenefits #BuildingDesign