Cornerstone University Chapel Construction to continue

Earlier this week a semi truck ran into a part of a US-31 overpass near Holland, MI and it needs to be replaced. This may take a while due to high demand and a very limited supply of steel in Michigan. 

The shortage is stemming from the Tappan Zee Bridge project in New York and the Ohio River Bridges Project on the Kentucky/ Indiana border. These projects are eating up a large supply of the available steel in the area causing building projects that involve steel to be put on hold.

Photo Courtesy of WZZM13

After learning of the shortage and seeing the impact it has been having on building and road projects in the area, WZZM13 set their eye on Cornerstone University's new chapel construction. The rising concern with the steel shortage had people wondering what is happening. WZZM interviewed the architect of the project, Wayne Visbeen of Visbeen Architects, asked his opinion on the matter. "I think what's happening with steel is just a little lead time. So there's supply and demand issue". 

Fortunately the builder, Christman Company was thinking ahead and ordered the steel 12 weeks in advance and only paid the going price rather than the 14-16% price increase that builders are having to pay now. This planning was a result of a change in the original plan from wood beams on the interior to steel in the design, "the effect was giving the structure that radial pattern. They're crossing in the center from all four corners" says Visbeen.   

 To read the full article and to watch the video interview with Wayne Visbeen visit WZZM13. 

Art Deco Architecture

Art Deco Architecture is one of the many styles of architecture that has swept through the industry. It made a large impact on architectural design,  in addition to architecture, it influenced art, fashion and furniture design through this period. 

This movement in architecture in was very popular in 1925-1940 and has left lasting impressions in architecture. A couple iconic Art Deco Buildings are the Chrysler Building and Radio City Music Hall in New York.

Radio City Music Hall

Chrysler Building

The origins of Art Deco architecture come from Paris around 1900. It was referred to as "La Societe des artistes decorateurs" or the Decorative Artists Society. Among the many famous names in the Art Deco movement is Hector Guimard, founder of the Decorative Arts Society designed many of the modern entrances to metros in Paris. 

Photo Via.

Another great example of Art Deco architecture is in the hotel district of South Beach Miami, Florida. Furniture, facades and decor in this district are all true to the Art Deco Style. 

We had the privilege of seeing some of these structures in person and took a few pictures.

Elements of Art Deco Architecture:

• Stepped Pediment - Profiled like a staircase
• Flat Roofs
• The Power of 3s - Everything generally comes in a set of 3
• Banding or racing stripes
• Columns
• Glass Block 
• Neon 

For a complete list visit the Art Deco Society of the Palm Beaches

Angela Mulder: NAHB Design Committee Appointment

We are proud to announce that our very own Angela Mulder has been appointed to serve on the Design Committee for the National Association of Home Builders. 

Good, cost-effective, design is very valuable to architects, builders, developers and sales representatives  to build a better business and imagein the housing industry. The NAHB Design Committee is in place to help these professionals understand design trends and to find solutions to problems they may have with a design in order to provide a higher quality product. In addition to business development, the Design Committee promotes public awareness of new and effective design solutions to the ever changing design trends. They also promote the increase in ongoing interaction between designers and builders which helps the build process go smoother for all parties involved. 

The Design committee is composed of two sub committees: one which focuses its efforts on the Best in American Living Awards, which recognizes good design within the residential design and building community. 

The second sub committee, focuses on the Design Education sessions that are offered at the International Builders Show and other conferences and online events. 

The committee meets during IBS and during the NAHB Spring & Fall Board of Directors meetings. Being a member of the design committee is an honorable position to hold and we are very proud to have Angela representing our firm on the national level. 

Georgetown

As promised…Here are the rest of the photos for our newly completed home, the "Georgetown". Located in Palmetto Bluff in Bluffton, South Carolina, this home puts a northeastern spin on the traditional low county architecture. 

This home opens with a gracious, yet elegant, entry way to provide views to expand through the main level.

The neutral colors and decor allow for a smooth transition from the interiors to the natural surroundings. 

The home has two wings which encompass the rear patio for added privacy while entertaining outdoors.  

The main level of the home is characterized by wide open spaces with a connected living room, dining and kitchen areas all leading to the various outdoor patios.

The gracious porches, catering style kitchen and pass through for outdoor dining are just a few of the traditional "Low Country" elements this home has to offer. 

 Although this home is large, a major effort went into making every space special and unique, including the sitting area under the stairs for an intimate getaway in the open main level. 

The master suite is accessed through a hallway with a barrel style ceiling leading into the master bath. 

The master suite features a walk in closet with windows for natural light and a sitting room for the owners. 

With three additional bedrooms on the upper level and one in the guest suite above the garage, the "Georgetown" is suitable for a large family or a small one that enjoys hosting a number of guests. 

 The guest suite has a private living room and kitchenette for guests that wish to have added privacy during their stay. 

Project Team
Architect & Interior Architect: Visbeen Architects
Builder & Interior Design: Custom Classics
Designer: Low Tide Design
Location: Palmetto Bluff - Bluffton, SC