There have been some big changes from when I last wrote.  We have said good-bye to our beloved dormers  and vestibule and said hello to more light and views.  It took a long time but the design is much better now.  I learned a first hand lesson of what it means to be held back by tradition and history and we now seem to be applying the modern ideas of functionality along with its aesthetic.  As we are bound by the area that was approved with the original design I have had to pull in parts of the second floor to allow for a functional third level room.  I quite like how this has led to some interesting recessed windows which only helps the flatness of our boxes. We are a little nervous that these changes are too drastic for the approvals that we already have but we are taking our chances and I am working hard to get permit drawings together.  Gotta go!

We have deleted the upper canopy due to code reasons and sloped the upper roof to simplify the form. I like how this simple form acts as a backdrop to the intricate historic homes in front. Originally I thought black stained wood cladding for the addition but for maintenance reasons I think standing seam metal cladding is the more practical solution. There is a pop up for the stair to the third level which is masked behind the terrace guard. This saves the upper room from becoming too narrow. I like where this is heading ...if only I had the time to complete the work.

The mechanical system...

I made contact with a mechanical consultant today and she helped me to have a clearer view of the project from a heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning perspective. I have been able to sketch up, with the help of my cat Rex, a layout. I have also been able to develop some ideas about the interiors and the potential to express parts of the mechanical system and the structural system. With each sound piece of advice I feel the project is getting more traction.