Archive for the ‘Uncategorized’ Category

Lake Front Retreat

Friday, May 14th, 2010

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As challenging as the construction industry has been over the last couple of years I have seen the market expanding of the last few months. In fact I just completed the design of a 5,500 square foot home that will be built for a nice young couple and their two children.

The house will set on a peninsula shape lot on a lovely private lake in Plainfield, Illinois. The three car garage is tucked into the side of the stone and brick exterior.  The finished home will be surrounded by an in ground pool, large decks, patios, plush landscaping as well as the finely manicured lake front.

The interior of the home has been arranged on three levels, with the foyer, principle rooms, master and guest suite comprising the main level. The upper level will contain two bedrooms sharing a large “Jack & Jill” bath and an over sized play loft that overlooks both the two story entry hall and the great room. The lower level which is open to both the rear and side yards consists of a large (more…)

Illinois Residential Energy Code Update

Wednesday, February 17th, 2010

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Without fanfare or articles in the mainstream media, the Energy Efficient Building Act became effective in Illinois on January 29, 2010 for most new residential construction in Illinois.  As mentioned in an earlier blog, Illinois Governor Patrick Quinn signed the new statewide residential energy code into law on August 28th 2009.  The delay between signing the law and its effective date has been the necessity to write the administrative rules.

The Energy Efficient Building Act adopts the requirements of the latest edition of the International Energy Code, currently the 2009 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC).  The requirements are statewide, with the exemption of a few communities such as the City of Chicago and approximately 30 other municipalities that had adopted the 2006 IECC prior to May 15th, 2009.  Apart from the exempted communities, no local municipality has the authority to mandate energy requirements less than or greater than the requirements of the 2009 IECC.

It’s likely that many architects, builders and code officials are not yet aware of the new residential energy code requirements.   Although SWA Architects has already been providing upgraded insulation packages for many of the homes we design, the new code will affect some of our details and specifications. (more…)

North Woods Retreat

Thursday, January 28th, 2010

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SWA Architects had the pleasure to design the lakefront vacation home for Bill & Kathy Radostits on Little St. Germain Lake in northern Wisconsin. The home is designed to be all about family gatherings. Bill’s parents originally vacationed at this location starting in 1956, when the property was part of Ryckaert’s Resort, where they vacationed each summer. When Bill and Kathy were married and raising their family, they continued the Radostits tradition, continued to vacation in the area enjoying the fishing, boating and hunting. In 1997, Bill & Kathy had the opportunity to purchase the property, including two small cabins, with the dream of eventually building a year round vacation home. The dream is now becoming reality, as construction has begun on the Radostits home. (more…)

Lighting and Lighting Controls

Thursday, January 28th, 2010

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Architectural lighting is vital for merchandising, work space productivity and architectural enhancement. In recent years, there have been major innovations to both the light fixtures and lighting controls. The latest energy codes continue to restrict the amount of energy used for lighting in a building. Lighting controls are increasing in importance for achieving energy savings, especially in commercial applications where day lighting is used to reduce the intensity of artificial lighting. Reducing artificial lighting also reduces air conditioning loads as an additional benefit. The Lutron EcoSystem is an example of a commercial lighting control system using dimming ballasts for fluorescent fixtures coupled with occupancy sensors, photo sensors and day lighting to reduce lighting energy needs by 40% – 70%.

As for residential design, compact fluorescent lights (CFL) have become the universal solution as a replacement for the typical incandescent lamp for increasing (more…)

Peanut Butter Chocolate Fudge Mallow-Raisin Candy

Tuesday, December 15th, 2009

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Time for a holiday treat!  Thank you Tess.

1  12oz pkg. Semi Sweet chocolate chips

1  Cup chunk style peanut butter

2½  Cups miniature marshmallows

¾ Cup raisins

Microwave chocolate and peanut butter in a 2 quart bowl on medium, stirring after each ½ minute until melted.  Fold in marshmallows and raisins and pour into a foil lined 8” square pan and chill until firm.

You can double the recipe and use a 13 x 9 foil lined pan.