Architectural
Firm:
Studio B Architects, Aspen
Designer/Project Architect:
Arthur Yuenger
The floor area of the existing main house (excluding
the garage) was at the allowable limit for the floor area ratio
of the lot. Therefore, in order to construct an additional habitable
unit on the property, the owner had to purchase available floor
area from another property owner (a process referred to as a TDR—Transfer
of Development Rights).
The design was influenced by a height limit established
by either an imaginary plane parallel to and 20 feet above natural
grade; or a point on the roof at the exterior wall that could not
be more than 20 feet above finished grade (the drive at the front
of the garage). The design was further complicated by the need for
a retaining wall at the rear of the addition which could not be
supported by a footing because of excavation difficulties. Another
design criterion was the owner's request for a vaulted ceiling in
the dwelling unit. Because of the height restrictions for the roof,
the roof structure had to be supported by "bent" steel
beams contained within the roof construction. Additionally, the
new roof eaves on the addition could not extend beyond the front
and rear yard setbacks.
Steve Peightal of S. K. Peightal, Engineers, solved
the problem of the retaining wall that could not be supported by
a footing. He cleverly cantilevered it off the existing garage roof
concrete slab. (See structural drawing.) The contractor commented
that the construction crew was somewhat reluctant to pour the concrete
for the wall because the arrangement of reinforcing steel was such
a magnificent sculptural masterpiece.
The architectural drawing of the building section
illustrates the zoning height limits; the cantilevered retaining
wall; and the vaulted ceiling. It should be noted that the cantilevered
extension of the floor of the addition beyond the garage foundation
wall was needed in order to gain enough width on the upper floor
to eliminate narrow bedrooms in the addition.
Careful communication between the architect (myself,
acting under contract with Studio B, Architects) and the structural
engineer was essential for the success of this project. The total
cost of the addition, built by David Lambert Construction, was approximately
$500,000. The comprehensive construction and engineering drawings,
especially the careful attention to every construction and design
detail, together with a very competent contractor, eliminated the
need for extensive site visits by the architect.
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