Wright Chat

I'll be in NYC next week to photograph the restoration, but unfortunately I'll miss the lighting of the new exhibit. Pity!

I'll be so close, in NYC that week, and we were actually attempting to get down to Fallingwater for the conference but the details just didn't work out. Instead I'll be exploring the Guggenheim's restoration in detail... I'll post photos. Best wishes to those attending.

SDR: To answer your question, yes, casting PEX in concrete is very common in addition to the "dry" system. Pex can be cast in a regular concrete slab or in lightweight concrete over wood framing for upper storeys of wood framed buildings. You just have to be very careful to not place the t...

Agreed, copper and concrete do not mix. The copper reacts with the other chemicals in the concrete and it should be sleeved or coated for such an application. Other grades of copper should also be considered. Additionally, the vibration of the pipes during use can cause vibrations and wear pin holes...

Doug and Ed: Most codes allow for "grandfathering" of existing items that do not meet the standard. In addition, authorities having jurisdiction can always overrule the code if they deem an item to be satisfactorily safe, such as narrow stairs or inadequately sized window. Building codes a...

RJH: Yes, I realize I am reiterating the same point as DRN. There is no need to reinforce this since it was intentional on my part. You failed, however, to acknowledge my main point, that you may require an air space. In your concern for replicating original FLW proportions, I thought this was an im...

Not to stray off topic, but... The U.S. economic system is based more on capitalism, whereas the Chinese system is based more on socialism. Most other countries, including Canada, rely on both market and state and so are considered to have mixed economies. The point being that, if we're concerned wi...

Don't forget that concrete is a permeable product and that any moisture that penetrates the exterior should be drained. Current building theory (rain screen) recommends an air space ahead of the insulation thereby increasing the thickness of the wall. You'll also need a good air / vapour retarder. T...

Although not familiar with American codes and standards, some of the additional items required under Canadian codes would include: minimum lighting levels, flame spread ratings, fire protection, shear and structural considerations, among others, not to mention the myriad of items in the plumbing and...

I've just been persusing the latest issue of Dwell magazine and came across an article on architect Charles Haetling. I had not previously been aware of his work, but is clearly very organic in nature and broad in its application. You can see many similarities between his work and FLLW & Goff bu...

So, aside from issues of trespassing and real estate values, has anybody reported the condition of the property to the Conservancy? They've been known to step in and help in situations like this, if it is warranted. Perhaps they can get a better assessment from the owners as to the current state of ...

DRN: Combining a series of previous posts and suggestions, wouldn't a standard polystyrene ventilation baffle in the rafter space and the remaining inches filled with spray-foam insulation do the trick (he says without knowing the exact detailing of the Sweeton House)? The spray foam would essential...

Here is link to a shingle-over, low-profile ridge vent that we use quite frequently at our office called the Cobra SnowCountry. We've also used it on the hip ridges in certain instances where having a monstrous roof ventilator would be detrimental to the aesthetics of the roof (of particular interes...

This is an interesting question. To further compound things, it is interesting to note in your second picture that the title also has an extra "L" and missing the vowel "I" and that the true spelling of the cactus species is actually "Oc o tillo". I have also noticed in...

Architectural Record
September 26, 2007

Guggenheim Restoration Has the Wright Stuff

http://archrecord.construction.com/news ... enheim.asp