Tue, 02 Feb 2010 11:10:42 +0000

If you have a relatively flat lot in Central Texas I'm generally a big fan of concrete slab foundations. Concrete slabs have lots of advantages vs a pier & beam foundation. I like that slabs don't have water or critter issues underneath them. However, they aren't easy to remodel as you need a jackhammer to move any plumbing around. Slabs generally aren't insulated so they can be less efficient than a spray foamed floor on a pier & beam house. This video will explain why Pier & Beam was such a good choice for this sloping waterfront house on Lake Travis. As an example of what we might have done, here's a photo of a new house under construction a few doors away. That tall concrete slab is going to really absorb the Texas Sun and radiate that heat into the house all day and into the night. Their AC is really going to work overtime to keep the house cool with that extra heat. Plus, think about how much concrete it took to pour that slab! From a Green building and a $$$$Green$$$$ Building perspective that tall slab might not have been the best choice. Talk to your Engineer and Builder about what foundation design is best for your new custom home or remodel. -Matt Risinger 1.20.10 | Chicago, IL | At the 54th annual AIA Chicago Designight, held recently in the Navy Pier Grand Ballroom, Goettsch Partners received a total of three design excellence awards, tying the most given to a single firm in 2009. One award was in the Divine Detail category and two were for Interior Architecture.

Divine Detail Honor Award
111 South Wacker Parking Ramp
Chicago, Illinois
The parking ramp for the office tower at 111 South Wacker Drive was presented with the top honor in the Divine Detail category for elevating the mundane function of the ramp to a celebratory swoosh that animates the lobby and gives it all a sense of motion. 

Click here for additional images of 111 South Wacker.

Interior Architecture Certificate of Merit
CBS 2 Broadcast Center
Chicago, Illinois
The new home and studio for Chicago's Channel 2 TV station received an interior architecture award in recognition of its open, transparent environment, with jurors noting a bold, graphic quality to the space.

Click here for additional images of the CBS 2 Broadcast Center.

Interior Architecture Certificate of Merit
Prairie Management Group
Northbrook, Illinois
The 7,500-square-foot office of investment firm Prairie Management Group received an interior architecture award for its modern, warm design, with an exposed central ridge beam that organizes the space and full-height glass throughout that allows daylight to permeate all areas of the office.

Click here for additional images of the PMG offices.