Spotlight

Janof Hald Architecture

February 18, 2011

We enjoy working with collaborative and inovative clients and are delighted when they get the recognition that they deserve. Janof Hald Architecture has recently been recognized in many ways.

One of our more recent projects, Capitol Hill Residence, designed by Balance Associates, is currently being built by Charter Construction. Lauren Tindall of Balance took some great shots of the framing, click below to check them out.

Be sure to look at the stair; one solid steel bar stringer supports cantilevered tapered angles that will, when completed, receive acrylic treads.

We have a new website!

November 15, 2010

Welcome to the new online home of Harriott Smith Valentine Engineers. We now have a way to better showcase our favorite projects, architects, and building issues.

The Spotlight section (which you've already skillfully found) will periodically focus on the latter of those. The topics might include a specific project update, a new code change, or a particular detail that we have found useful. Check back periodically!

60th AIA Seattle Honor Awards for Washington Architecture

November 10, 2010

This November, the AIA has once again honored great architecture in Washington. HSV projects were well represented.

Colman Triplex - Workshop AD
Courtyard Cut - E. Cobb Architects Inc.
eHAB - E. Cobb Architects Inc.
Prospect House - Janof/Hald Architecture
Seattle Children's PlayGarden - Jeff Babienko, Tyler Engle Architects PS
River Bank House - Balance Associates Architects
The Lake House - Stuart Silk Architects
Umbrella House - Suyama Peterson Deguchi

And congratulations to Workshop AD for receiving an Honor Award for the Colman Triplex.

Check out AIA's website for all entries.

The 2009 IBC is coming.

November 5, 2010

The 2009 International Building Code is in full effect on November 22, 2010, and there are a whole bunch of changes. Here are a few of the major ones that affect the structure.

The way wind loads are calculated has been revised by the referenced ICC publication Residential Construction in High-wind Regions. This updates the wind section from the "fastest-mile" method, left over from the Standard Building Code, and uses all of the current wind-speed maps and conventions. In another section of the code, special-inspection requirements have been established for buildings in high-wind areas.

Cast-in-place bolts now must have continuous special inspection if strength design is used for the concrete. Post-installed anchors in hardened concrete must now have periodic inspection.

Retaining-wall sliding forces have been clarified for keys. A footing key is a portion of concrete that extends below the footing in an attempt to grab more of the passive soil pressure. The code now explicitly prohibits the liberal practice of ignoring the active pressure on the opposite side of the key.