swa architects
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The kitchen is most often the heart of the home and it is not simply an area used for food preparation but is the core of everyday living whose function also includes dining and entertaining. A home's kitchen should reflect the style of the owner, whether they be a gourmet chef, an entertainer of guests or simply someone who enjoys preparing simple home cooked meals for family.
SWA Architects works with clients to assist them to design the kitchen to best fit their personal style. In addition SWA will work to develop the flow of the kitchen to its related spaces, be they a great room, dining room, garage mudroom, etc.
The design process starts with a conceptual layout based on the client's wish list, including the desired appliances, island size and function and the kitchen's relationship to other rooms or the outside of the home. The conceptual plan will then be further developed to include the size and style of the cabinets to be used as well as countertops, flooring, plumbing fixtures and lightings.
Other items to consider including large drawers for storing pots and pans, a pull out trash and recycling bin, under cabinet LED lighting and a walk in pantry to store bulk items and seldom used appliance.
Whether the kitchen is in a new home or is an older kitchen that is being renovated SWA can assist clients to best utilize the square footage available. In renovations the design may include showing the client how the removal of an existing wall or adding an addition to the home may provide the best solution for the client's kitchen needs.
The professional architects and designers with SWA look forward to working with you to assist with the design of your dream kitchen. Please call or email us to discuss your future kitchen.
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A recent advertising campaign for a company making sump pumps states that eventually all sump pumps will fail. That statement is so true; some component of the sump pump system will fail and when it does, it usually results in an expensive insurance claim, if covered at all. SWA Architects have been proactive in attempting to minimize these problems by including a specification on our drawings for a second sump pump with a battery backup and dial out alarm system that warns the homeowner of a power failure or high water level. Early warning of a system failure, along with a means of back up will help minimize potential flooding.
Among reasons for basement flooding include the extended loss of electrical power, a circuit breaker turned off or sump pump itself unplugged, the discharge pipe disconnected or blocked, and of course the failure of the sump pump itself.
So what can be done to prevent basement flooding caused by sump pump failures?
- Install a battery backup sump pump.
- Purchase an audible alarm with a dial out feature which warns of a power failure or high water level.
- Have access to a portable generator to provide power to the sump pump during extended power failures.
- Better yet, install a natural gas generator with an automatic transfer switch to provide power for the sump pump and other essential household needs.
- Purchase a spare sump pump to have on hand in case a pump fails. It is inevitable that a pump will fail while the stores are closed.
- Select basement floor finishes that are durable against water damage such as stained concrete or ceramic tile.
- Finally, check your homeowner's insurance and verify you have coverage for basement flooding, it may require a rider to your current coverage.
Although sump pump systems are not usually considered a "green" sustainable feature, a well functioning system that prevents water damage is sustainable in my book.
The social and economic climate of the day can, and typically has, had a broad affect on home design throughout time. Our current times are no different, in fact, home design may be more driven by these factors than we have seen in over fifty years. The current economic downturn coupled with peoples' desire to be more environmentally conscience, has brought about change in our perception of what a home should be. Efficiency is the key word of today, and now more than ever, it is an integral part of designing and building a home. Maximizing the efficiency of resources during construction can cut down home building costs, while quality construction and air-sealing a home can cut down the energy costs over its lifetime. Read the rest of this entry
Plan to join SWA on Saturday July 31, 2010 from 10:00am - 3:00pm for the 3rd Annual Elmhurst Green Fest! The Fest will be held at Wilder Park in Elmhurst, 225 Prospect Ave, Elmhurst, Illinois. Whether you are ready to start with one small change in your home or business, or if you've been living green and want to take your efforts to the next level, you'll learn how you can reduce your impact on the environment and contribute to a more sustainable community.
Visit Booth 61 to see examples of High performance green homes which SWA Architects have designed.
We will also discuss what homeowners can do to "green" their existing home or to think "green" when planning to build a new home or an addition or renovation to an existing home. SWA has donated a door prize for an in-home consultation to help you plan a strategy to green your home. Join us for a great day at Wilder Park; we look forward to seeing you.
We would like to remind everyone to visit our web site and blog. Come and view our postings on architecture, the construction industry and related issues. You can also follow us on twitter where we periodically post links to our latest Blog articles and other interesting information.
