Greetings from in situ studio!
This month we’ve been busy with the construction of a few projects, submitting proposals for new ones, and traveling – it is summer after all! We hope you have had the chance to escape the heat this summer, too.
We decided to try something new with this month’s newsletter. We are introducing two new sections: Book of the Month and Detail of the Month. We’ll share a book that inspires us, that we find useful, or that is simply enjoyable. We will also highlight a construction detail we appreciate for its logic, materiality or beauty. Reply to tell us what you think; we would love to have a dialogue about these.
Thanks for your continuing support!
Project Updates
With interior framing completed at the Cox Sood Residence, it is time to open up the roof to allow more north light into the living spaces. Ron Weber, of Redfoot and Weber Construction, is leading this labor-intensive process of disassembling the current roof and adding new structure and more insulation, all the while protecting the exposed interior of the house and its exquisite original wood construction. Lighting has also been a major focus. With the help of Sandy Friedman of Accipiter Gallery, we are working towards a lighting scheme that respects the integrity of the structure and provides ample light. Foundations for the addition have begun as well!
Construction for the Graham Pobiner Residence is finally progressing steadily. On site, contractor David Ballard has been busy demolishing unsound existing foundations, and preparing new foundations for the additions. We’ve been plugging away at designing and refining millwork drawings for the kitchen, bathrooms, nooks, and closets. During this process, we learn a lot about how the spaces will function for the clients.
After solving several unforeseen zoning hurdles, the Goodman Residence has its construction permit andAnchorage Building Corporation has broken ground! We are ecstatic to see the realization of our first ground-up project. The Goodman Residence was featured in Form + Function this month. See Mike Welton’s articlehere.
Construction on the Staton Simmons Residence will begin next week on west Cabarrus Street in Boylan Heights. The project includes a new master bathroom and storage solutions in several major spaces. Preserving the appearance of the historic home, the renovation is mainly on the interior. Like many houses, this 1920’s bungalow lacks storage space and closets. We have responded to our clients’ needs by designing thickened walls of millwork that accommodate new storage space and clarify several awkward past renovations.
Book of the Month
Our first Book of the Month is Thinking Architecture by Swiss architect Peter Zumthor. Matt assigns this book to his sophomore architecture students the first week of class, so it seems fitting as the first book we highlight. You don’t have to be an architect to appreciate this book!
The book is an exploration of the abstract qualities of architecture that stimulate our designs, the “art” of architecture. What inspires an architect to create? What does the experience of the space mean? How do the elements of space, light and materiality interact to create memorable places? Zumthor verbalizes the imagery and engagement of the senses architects try to captivate in their designs. In his casual conversations, he shares memories of his experiences with architecture before he became an architect. The reader gains an insight of what drives the designs of this master architect.
We have selected an excerpt that truly inspires us and speaks to our firm philosophy:
“…The presence of certain buildings has something secret about it. They seem simply to be there. We do not pay any special attention to them. And yet it is virtually impossible to imagine the place where they stand without them. These buildings appear to be anchored firmly in the ground. They give the impression of being a self-evident part of their surroundings and they seem to be saying: ‘I am as you see me and I belong here.'”
We would recommend this book as an addition to any design enthusiast’s library. Please tell us what you think.
Detail of the Month
Journeys Outside the Studio
July was a month of travel! Yet, even during our times away from the office, we try to reach out to the architecture/urban/design community, meeting people and learning all we can.
Matt and his family visited his wife, Ashely’s, family in Houston for the week of the fourth. While there, Matt worked remotely from David Guthrie’s office. He also visited with Carlos Jimenez, who’s studio is across the street from David’s. It was an inspiring and productive week! Ashley and Matt took a day trip to San Antonio to celebrate Matt’s 37th birthday and to visit with and see the work of Tobin Smith, and John Grable, and visit with former student Ryan Tevebaugh at Lake Flato.
While in the North Carolina Mountains last week, Matt also had the opportunity to visit with Jean McLaughlin and Marie Fornaro at the Penland School of Crafts. They discussed upcoming projects on the campus, and Marie was kind enough to lead a comprehensive tour of the facilities. The school is truly a cultural treasure!
Nicole and Matt Tomasulo traveled to Chicago to spread the word about CityFabric’s Kickstarter Project as vendors at the Pitchfork Music Festival. Through Kickstarter, CityFabric is crowd-source funding to expand their design and apparel line, “Wear You Live,” to include the figureground maps of 13 cities. We are avid supporters of CityFabric and its mission to engage people in conversation about place. In fact, each time we have visitors we find ourselves caught up in discussions about the CityFabric Gallery in our studio (come see!). You can help support this local business by visiting their Kickstarter Project and backing it or spreading the word! Chicago was amazing – exploring the city’s invigorating architecture and public spaces, visiting the office of Studio Gang (thanks Katrina!), meeting new CityFabric enthusiasts, and of course enjoying the music!
Erin rode her bike to Harnett County…
Now back home and refreshed, we are ready to continue working alongside our clients to realize their visions for great architecture!
Working in our Community
With summer camps in session, we have had a lot of visitors lately. The new Contemporary Art Museum (CAM) has a series of summer camps for kids of all ages. Sara Queen brought a group of 7th graders to learn what architecture is and what it’s like to work in the profession. And, just this week, Melissa Vaught from Growing Through Play, brought a group of elementary school kids in the Architecture and Urban Planning camp. They had fun playing with our models and looking for their houses on the Raleigh CityFabric canvas.
We are one of The R3 Committee’s locations for magazine drop-off. We take used architectural magazines and place them in schools and offices. We also recycle other old magazines. If you have any magazines you want to retire, let us know. We have a stack ready to go!
We are expecting a big August for the Raleigh City Farm. More to come next month.
Please contact us if there is anyway we can help you.
Best.
in situ studio
919 397 3949
www.insitustudio.us