Beauty of Design and Green Building "The Bridge House" by Stanley Saitowitz
Stanley Saitowitz / Natoma Architects Inc. www.saittowitz.com
Beauty of Design and Green Building "The Bridge House" by Stanley Saitowitz
Stanley Saitowitz / Natoma Architects Inc. www.saittowitz.com
Beauty of Design and Green Building "The Bridge House" by Stanley Saitowitz
Stanley Saitowitz / Natoma Architects Inc. www.saittowitz.com
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By Alli ReauVeau
Education Specialist, Steel IQ Inc.
To some, weathered steel represents decay and decline. But to a growing number of architects, artisans and building owners—particularly in the desert southwest—weathered steel is a wonderful thing.
Steel IQ, Inc. of Phoenix markets a line of weathered steel roofing and siding called Bare Naked Steel™, and the company’s products are featured on a pair of recently renovated buildings in the heart of Phoenix’s Arts District.
The properties, located at 901 and 905 N. 4th Street, are owned by Norm Fox. Working with architect Andy Pulsipher, general contractor Scott Fisher and artists Nathan Ward and Pete Deise, Fox completed his architectural works of art in March 2009.
Fox said he chose Steel IQ’s A606 for the project because he “wanted to bring back the historic and authentic look of downtown Phoenix.” The area was developed in 1908 and back then the area’s bungalow homes had tin roofs. “The A606 gave the authentic look and the ambiance I was looking for,” he noted. Fox is hoping that his restoration of the two commercial-use houses will inspire others to do the same and eventually attract new business to the area.
Pulsipher, the architect, is a protégé of the late Alfred Beadle. He said he usually uses some form of steel in his work, because of its “permanence and versatility”, and uses bare steel whenever appropriate. He concurred with Fox that Steel IQ’s A606 is ideal for historic preservation projects like the 901 & 905 homes.
The two structures were similar to one another but not identical. And Fox had no desire to make them so. In the 905 house, the desire was to maintain the existing open rafter design, but to trim-out the rafters with the weathered steel. Because of the added weight of the heavy-gauge A606, the original 2 x 4 roof structure had to be reinforced with steel supports and 2 x 6 furring. To ensure the new roof assembly was modern in terms of its energy efficiency, 6” of foam insulation was added between the 2 x 6s. The natural air pockets created by the corrugated material’s shape contribute to the energy efficiency of the assembly as well.
The 901 home already had good insulation so work on that dwelling was limited to reroofing. “Basically we took two inefficient houses and made them energy efficient and beautiful,” Pulsipher said.
As with any bare steel product, staining will appear around the perimeter of the building as water runs off the steel, unless a gutter system is installed. The buildings have no gutter system, which was deliberate. “We put pavers around the perimeter and wanted the staining to add to the vintage look. Around each rebar pole there is a small rust stain that is actually a great natural affect that adds to the charm,” Pulsipher explained.
When reminded of the significant environmental benefits of using a domestic A606, Fox, Fisher and Pulsipher said they were aware of the benefits of using steel but that “green” building was not their focus. They did not seek a LEED certification. The authenticity, nostalgia and life-span were the defining elements. The lack of a warranty did not concern them. Pulsipher confirmed, “I know steel and this steel will last forever”.
The lack of formal recognition does not mean the two buildings are not environmentally friendly or energy efficient. The steel used, for example, features more than 70% domestic recycled content, made and melted in the USA via an Electric Arc Furnace (EAF). The EAF method uses 67% less coal and 40% less energy than a traditional Blast Oven Furnace. The mill of origin is an ANSI/ISO 14001; 2004 certified facility, owned and operated by the nation’s largest steel recycler. And steel used on these two buildings is also maintenance free and will never need to be painted, sealed or power washed. This makes this renovation an architectural, environmental and historic work of art.
Contributions by Nathan Ward to the project included a massive Buddha, a rebar canopy, a railing and an expansive swirling wall sculpture on 901. He also used reclaimed grates to cover a door and window. These textural elements set the stage for an industrial Zen experience.
Pete Deise was responsible for the interior sculpture inside the 901 building. The detail is proof of steel’s ability to be as gracious as it is strong.
About Steel IQ
Steel IQ, Inc. focuses on the environmental use cold roll ASTM A1008 and ASTM A606 (aka: core-ten, rustic, exotic or weathered steel). The company markets its bare steel products under the name Bare Naked Steel™, and A606 under the name COR-10™. The “ore to door” environmental attributes of the company’s products are verified at the time of purchase.
To learn more about Steel IQ and Bare Naked Steel™, visit www.steeliq.com.
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The content on Design And Build With Metal relates to metal roofing (standing and batten seam, shake, tile, shingle, corrugated and screw-down roofs); metal wall products (ribbed, smooth faced, metal composite and curtain walls); metal buildings (pre engineered steel, wood post frame, hangars and self storage); insulation; doors; paint coatings; and many related products (including roof accessories like snow guards, screws and vents). The site covers metal construction products using all types of substrates: steel, copper, aluminum, zinc, stainless steel, Corten, Terne, Galvalume, Zincalume, galvanized, tin and more. Environmental (green) issues, such as sustainability and cool initiatives, are also covered. Project, news and product submissions are welcomed...see information in About Us sectionDevelopment by Aardvark, Inc.
Eco-Smart the Green Steel Check List.
What is your Steel IQ? We specialize in going green from "ore to your door".
Here is what you need to know to
Raise your Steel IQ.
•Recycled Content: Reducing by recycling is essential, it conserves the use of coal, iron ore, limestone.The recycled content is the #1 factor in how green the steel is. It also depends on if that scrap is domestic (was the raw scrap brought over seas from a non-regulated mill as a billett? ( a cake like block of smelted steel). If the scrap is not domestic the carbon footprint is already huge!
•Domestic Recycled Content: The price of the scrap is one of the key factors in determining the cost of steel. Buy local never made more “cents”.
•Green Manufacturing: Does the mill of origin comply EPA? OSHA? With the Buy America Act? or even the Kyoto Protocol?
•Bare vs. Painted Steel: We prefer a “bare” product to a coated or painted product. The chemicals in electro galvanizing are well…chemicals. Chemicals do creates more toxic waste.
•Lifespan: Steel’s longevity is increased by the gauge. The thicker the steel the longer it will last up to 100yrs.
•Electric Arc Furnace vs. Blast Oven Furnace: EAF saves a projected 80% of energy consumed in traditional steel making process.
•Local Independent Manufacturer: American owned company vs. foreign owned conglomerate? Buy Local and Made and Melted in USA!
•Logistics: Rail vs. Truck, Boat, Barge ect.
•Price: Market always determines the use of a product.
•Maintenance: Up-keep and aesthetics.
•Energy Cost: The right steel for the right geographic region, weather trends and environmental conditions do factor in the benefits of using steel. Steel conducts heat..even painted steel...no matter what color...so your insulation is where you reap the rewards of heating and cooling costs. Do not skimp on cheap insulation. Go heavy R-60 in cold and hot areas, 6" spray foam or more....and you will save money. Talk to an insulation professional and get it done right.We are experts on the “greenest” steel. We take the time to map out the carbon foot print, the LEED points, and we have a certificate to verify your purchase is as green as steel can be.
FAQ:
Bare Naked Steel™ is available in ASTM A606 Type 4 (COR-10™) and ASTM A1008 (Cold Roll).
Recycled Content:
•Bare Naked Steel™ has 8.6% pre-consumer and 56.8% post consumer recycled content.
•100% of the scrap used domestic (USA) scrap steel.
•Manufactured & Melted in the USA by an ISO 14001 Certified mill.
Electric Arc Furnace:
•EAF technology is employed at mill of origin.
•EAF use 67% Less coal and can start or stop at a flip of a switch.
•EAF uses 47% Less energy than BOF (Blast oven furnace).
Life Span:
•22GA-life span of 40-70-100 years depending on environment.
•Painted steel is usually 29GA which is much lighter-which is why it must be coated with paint. Paint is only 1-3mm thick. The paint companies offer the warranty not the steel.
•There is no warranty on Bare Naked Steel™
Installation:
•Steel IQ, Inc. does not offer installation.
•Installation of Bare Naked Steel™ is the same as any other steel roofing material. A qualified contractor will know how to install correctly. Use a local steel roofing contractor.
•Make sure the contractor you specify is licensed and bonded. The roofing contractor is responsible for proper installation, leak and workmanship warranties.
Trim:
•Trim material may be specified and delivered with panels.
•Trim material may be ordered in coil for local onsite trim professionals.
Screws:
•Galvanized Koko brown or Terra Cotta
•Stainless Steel
Panels:
•Panels arrive "gray" and naturally oxidize. We do not recommend Pre-oxidizing panels prior to installation.
•Oxidation will occur naturally. The luxurious rusty finish will complete in 2-4 weeks depending on environment.
•If you prefer to speed up the process, we recommend a mixture of one part household vinegar and two parts salt water, misted on panels after installation with a sprayer.
Maintenance of Steel:
•No maintenance of Bare Naked Steel™ is necessary.
•Mother Nature does all the work…as Green goods should be!
•If you prefer to speed up the process, we recommend a mixture of one part household vinegar and two parts salt water, misted on panels after installation with a sprayer.
Coverage:
•7/8” Corrugated: The width of the panel is 37”. Roofing coverage is 32”. Wall coverage is 34 2/3”. Square footage is based on 36”.
•½” Corrugated: The width of the panel is 26”.
Coverage is 24”. Square footage is based on 24”.
•R-Panel & Big Rib: The width of the panel is 36” coverage is 36”. Square footage is based on 36”.
•Standing Seam: The width of the panel is 16”. Coverage is 16”.
Square footage is based on 16”.
Delivery:
•Nationwide delivery available.
•Most shipments can be partnered with other orders to limit freight cost and fuel.
•Shipping costs are subject to change.
•Verify all shipping costs 24hrs prior to shipping.
Call Alan Bendawald-Sales Director for quote and questions.
602-402-8969
Visit our Facebook for photos and project photos.
www.steeliq.com
Studio B. Interior Design in Scottsdale AZ...one of the very best examples of zero landfill Bare Steel Roofing!
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Xeros House=Gesamtkunstwerk
Gesamtkunstwerk-”total work of art” by Blank Studio, Matthew Trzebiatowski, AIA, LEED AP
Gesamtkunstwerk: “Total Work of Art” Xeros house by Matthew Trzebiatowski, AIA, and LEED AP.
I had the opportunity to interview Matthew Trzebiatowski, AIA, and owner and lead architect at Blank Studio in Phoenix Arizona. Matthew received numerous awards for his design. Blank Studio and Matthew enjoyed months of attention via home tours and the admiration of the architectural community.
However, all that attention has stopped. Once the housing crunch landed, Blank Studio like many other Architectural and creative thinkers fell into the pool of luxury ideology. Architecture is the foundation of building, and as we as a country focus on sustainable building, the architects should be our leaders. Energy efficiency, use of local and sustainable materials all begin with design.
I asked Matthew to describe to me who inspires him, the works of classic architecture by LeCorbusier, Miles Van Der Rohe and Sigurd Lewerentz and more recently, the work of Anish Kapoor and Olafur Eliasson are his Mentors. All of which had a futuristic-using steel and glass in an open form, less is more, and small space or use of space ingenuity that can be seen in Matthews work.
When I asked him about “green” design, he agreed with me that the ideology is good but the “checklist” system is skewed. Steel IQ, Inc. is frustrated that USGBC and LEED do not advocate for architects like Matthew who like his mentors inspire and lead the way for change and can be adapted to exceed energy efficiency. Instead, buzzwords fly, advertising, memberships and LEED accreditation seem to be the focus.
It is Steel IQ’s mission to advocate bare steel use in sustainable design, the architects, and designers. To educate them on the use of American made steel. Together we will see real innovation and lowered energy use.
The Xeros house is Matthew’s home and office, unrestrained by conventional client issues, Matthew built his dream home. I cannot help but sense that at some level he sought it to be his “mark” in his trade. The “sensual minimalism” as Matthew puts it is obvious. From the outside, the building has a futuristic look, very angular and square, the bare corrugated steel cold roll, oxidizes to a deep cinnamon color, requires no maintenance, and has a life span up to 80 years. This bare steel blends beautifully with the desert landscape and jagged rock hills of the Arizona desert.
Matthew left the facing West sidewall solid, to neutralize the Arizona sun’s heat. On the South, East and North sides light to showers in from all sides, with a heavy industrial mesh flowing from the roofline to the ground, offering a heat buffer, as well as texture. The long narrow bathroom window’s blue huge add unique contrasting color at night.
The house’s clean lines, open space, sensuous spiral staircase to upper living quarters are all made of materials left in their natural state give purpose to the design. Matthew stated that most construction is covered up-because their ugly, rough, and lacking artisanship.
Unlike his open design where the foundational concrete is left open-“authentic” as Matthew refers to it, one instinctually understands that it is the foundation, it is under ground and it is the “grounding point of the whole house. One cannot help but feel solid and comfortably “at home”, that coherent element is lacking in traditional building.
The natural look is one that many industrial designers like, leaving beams open ect. However, with the Xeros house half way up the wall is covered in plaster with a zero VOC finish of bee’s wax and honey-the warm glaze looking finish gives warmth to the bare walls that span the total height of the buildings insides. Finishes like this add texture without masking the natural plaster and the ability to connect with the hand-finished glaze does evoke a personal appreciation to the artisanship of the work.
The staircase is a central focal point, the shear size of it is impressive and the hot roll (an industrial structural metal) is detailed with the steel’s stamp of origin, the welders beading is again left for admiration.
Regardless, Blank Studio’s phone is not ringing off the hook with contract offers. This is disturbing to Steel IQ. How is it that when someone such as Matthew who understands the need for sustainable design, innovative materials and is intuitive enough to know that the “trend” should become the norm, and yet is an anomaly?
This is where Steel IQ, Inc. becomes an advocate, we see this kind of neglect as a violation of inspiration, the very thing sustainable-GREEN-industry is intended for.
Steel is by far our favorite building material and we seek out architects like Matthew to further our argument that America’s standards for building need to reach far beyond LEED and inspire an urban-back-to nature mentality. It is simple common sense, use sustainable, environmentally (actual location) sympathetic design and material to lower the gluttony America is now known for.
Please visit Blank Studio’s website and see more about Matthews work. Visit. www.blankspaces.net
Contact Blank Studio at 602-331-3310
Photos by Bill Timmeraman
