January 2008 Archives

This is the time of year where hidden elements like drainage and roofing that go unnoticed most of the year can become the focus of attention. When there are feet of standing water in the crawl space or water pouring through the skylight, their importance become obvious.

We just finished an extensive drainage system for a commercial project where we installed over a thousand feet of drainage line and twenty new catch basins to solve drainage problems around the project site. Having a drainage system that provides a finished solution is an important consideration. Unless the system collects and removes or segregates all the draiange water out of critical areas, it can function to treat the problem but not solve it. For example, a system that pumps water out of a flooded crawl space or basement is less effective and higher maintenance than a French drain or other surface drainage system that stops the water penetration in the first place. Sometimes this type of solution isn't possible due to site conditions or topography. In most cases though, while it may cost a bit more the short run, the system that can most effectively deal with drainage issues is going to perform the best in the long term.

Here is a quick sketch of a couple of detailing options for a wood arbor. Part of the appeal of a custom wood arbor is the variety of detailing that can be done to create a style that fits a project and can coordinate with the house architecture. In the sketch are two basic systems for framing an arbor- either using sandwiched beams around a main support post, or having the beam rest directly on the post.

Here are some photos from a couple of current projects- one in Mill Valley and one in Tiburon that are in progress.

As with any planting, location can be a key factor to the plant's success. As I was walking by an office building today, I noticed a stand of Redwoods planted within feet of an office building's foundation. The trees themselves looked great, and helped to screen the building, but functionally it was clear the trees were misplaced. Half of the tree had to be pruned against the building, leaving them misshapen. Large scale trees may work well in confined spaces when young, but as they grow taller and as their root systems grow more pronounced they can cause significant problems. We have seen this time and again on projects where tree roots are disturbing foundations, and sewer or utility lines.

Practically it makes sense to think about what the tree is being planted to do (screen, provide shade, visual presence etc.) and to take into account its mature size and the needed buffer distance to help prevent problems. Selecting the wrong tree for a particular application can be just as bad. Just ask those with high rooted Birch trees planted in lawns or Liquid Ambar trees planted along sidewalks.

Here is an update to an earlier post, showing a pool courtyard project we are working on. Things have progressed from the initial concept to include a new water feature, fireplace with seat walls, and arbor to create an improved pool and courtyard space.

We make a morning call to determine if we are going to work in the field on mornings like this. Turned out we made the right call yesterday by deciding not to work today. The traffic and conditions have been terrible as a result of last night and today's storm. The good news is the reservoirs will be filled and we could use the rain. The bad news, with 580 and 101 closed, flooded, and delayed it has been a mess of a day on the roads.

Well another year is upon us, and with it comes the tradition of making New Year's resolutions. We make  resolutions as a company, helping us focus on improving our systems, service, and employees. After reading an article in the San Francisco Chronicle, it turns out this is something most small businesses do. The Chronicle article had some interesting tips for setting goals for the New Year as a business.

Another good source of inspiration, whether it is spending more time in the garden or launching a new company is David Allen and his Getting Things Done methodology. We're big fans!

Other tools we've found for the New Year: the MeeTimer for the Firefox Browser, which help track and cut back wasted time online, and the Google suite of tools- Notebook, Calendar, etc.