Monday, July 25, 2011

Segway Segueway

Posted on Facebook about my hopeless conversation with Kelly Benjamin that was capped off by a fat man on a Segway.  The more I think about it, the more potent a symbol it becomes to me of the current excesses and ridiculousness in our society.  I'm not sure what makes a Segway rider look so ridiculous, but I think its the same thing as the appliance salesman who jumped in the washing machine to show its durability.  Humans gliding along with perfect posture just always looks ridiculous.  It's the most self-consciously sci-fi thing you can do to yourself because it makes you look just like a robot.  Halloween costume idea: midget on a Segway.  Build a fake Segway that works like a Dorf set......

Friday, July 1, 2011

Fern Street Ideas

Had some ideas tonight about how to tackle the renovations at Fern Street.
1.  Use buckets to hang floor joists instead of stacking them on top of ledger beams.  This will allow skirt to be raised approx 12" which will get it clear of the ground at the back of the house.
2. Set beams at side walls inside existing walls.  This will allow old walls to support roof while work is being done.  It will also make for a better transition on the exterior as the new siding will break on an inside corner rather than on the flat.
3. Extended new floor 2' beyond existing north wall.  This will make the master a lot more comfortable and again solves the problem of replacing ledger beam under the existing wall. Center beam could even be offset to put it under the bathroom wall.  This way it won't interfere with the existing footer.
4. Use fixed clerestory window along north wall of master to go over bed.  This allows the most room for the bed plus added privacy.  It doesn't affect the historical appearance as much because it is only visible from the back yard.
5. No windows needed in bathroom.  Install tubular skylight for natural light.

LiveWork Logos

Variations on a theme.