Research + Upcycle
Additional Info
Award Winner : United Rentals - Storage & Office Solutions
Design Firm Name : Research + Upcycle, Architect Robert Anderson AIA
Occupied Date : 11/15/2010
Production Start Date : 9/1/2010
Project Location City : Granada Hills
Project Location State Name : CA
Total Square Feet : 1460
Category : Renovated Reuse: Greatest Renovation: under 10,000 sq. ft.
Technical Innovation : The patio is constructed with used, salvaged scaffolding planks that will be re-used once the project is complete. The residence and office were also connected by a wood walkway constructed of recycled pallet boards. Champagne bottle exterior light cover fixtures with LED, low voltage lights, plywood sheets, used solid core/painted doors for the office desks and partitions, salvaged stone in the bathroom floor covering, wood burning stove and propane gas for the range and hot water heater are some of the various features that exemplify the use of low energy and “upcycling”. These structural components combined with new low cost furnishings and creative interior/exterior design makes this unique temporary living and office space truly one of kind.
Cost Energy Effectiveness : The project illustrates economical, energy efficient “upcycling” of modules and materials. Buildings, remodel and site work was done under $140K ($73/sf). Modules were placed on a temporary site built foundation. Existing components used included wood siding, HVAC units, floor, frame, walls and most roofing. Improvements included replacing the t-grid ceiling and florescent lighting with TTP and can lighting, installing new ceiling rafters, replacing existing roofing on the residential unit with rolled roofing and left existing roofing on the office unit, installing dual pane, argon gas-filled windows/sliding glass doors, R30 ceiling insulation and R19 wall/floor insulation, covered roof with ½” radiant barrier OSB; placed 1?” OSB, T&G flooring with natural finish over existing subfloor, used existing 100 amp electrical panels adding a panel for dedicated circuits in the home, installed sky lights in the restrooms and installed a propane tank to power the range/hot water heater.
Architectural Excellence : The R+U project consisted of renovating 2-24x40 retired, open DSA classrooms into the Architectural, Building & Development Firm’s office and their residence. 3-12x40 floors make up a 1,440 sf home. 1-24x40 module remained intact and mostly open, serving as a common area for kitchen, dining and family rooms. 2-12x12 bedrooms finish the 24x40 module. A third 12x40 module was paired and off-set with the other 24x40 to offer master suite privacy and allow access from the master and common areas to the patio/deck. The 12x40 office space was designed to maximize function yet provide spacious design. One wall was replaced by sliding glass doors. A restroom was also added. The design features match that of the home with TTP walls, plywood floors, can lighting and access to the exterior patio/deck. The buildings were placed allowing privacy to/from the existing residents and for convenience to the owners. All components will leave no footprint when & modules are removed.