jones & jones design studio

Log with Ice Crystals

2011-11-22T17:20:00.000-08:00

I hiked up into Easter Creek and found this log covered in fine ice crystals. Cold air was trapped down in the bottom of the canyon creating rime on the surface of the log. I like how the curve of the log helps to develop the composition of the photo. I also like how delicate the rime crystals are.

~Tad

Landscape of Wood

2011-11-22T16:06:00.001-08:00

From Nature Photography

This is a photo that I took of an old stump that has been eroded by the elements. It resembles an aerial photograph of a landscape far below. I love how the different grains of wood almost look like taffy being swirled together.

~Tad

Nest Egg

2011-11-22T16:02:00.000-08:00

From Nature Photography

I hiked up near Thorn Creek and found these pockets in the dirt that were collecting pine needles next to an old mine. There were also a lot of small round rocks that had been left over from the mining days. To me the pockets resembled a little nest so I built up one of the pockets with more pine needles and placed three of the round rocks into the nest. I photographed it just as the sun was setting and casting a low orange light onto the nest.

Enjoy!

~Tad

Family Lake Cabin Remodel | McCall, Idaho

2011-11-10T11:29:00.000-08:00

We renovated an old family cabin on the shore of Payette Lake in McCall, Idaho. We reconfigured the floor plan to provide more open space and accentuate the view across the lake. We also updated all the finishes throughout the cabin.

Check out the slideshow below:

Enjoy!
~Tad

Rabbit Brush in Snow

2011-11-07T21:20:00.000-08:00

I hiked up five mile creek after the first snow of the year and photographed these small balls of snow that had formed around the dried flowers of the rabbit brush in the early morning. They were very delicate and didn’t last long. As soon as the sun began to warm the snow crystals the “cottontails” began to disappear.

From Nature Photography

It was such an interesting sight that I was inspired to write a haiku. Haiku is a fun way to express images through words. The haiku originated in Japan. They typically describe seasons or the changing of seasons. The first line is five syllables, the second line is seven syllables, and the third line is five syllables. There is also a version that goes 3-5-3 instead of 5-7-5, but I chose the longer format for this haiku. There are a lot of different rules for haiku and as with any art form there are multiple variations. Below are a few simple rules I use when starting to write a haiku:

1) Use words that describe nature and a season of the year.
2) The first two lines should evoke images in the reader’s mind.
3) The third line should connect the first two lines in a surprising way.

Below is the haiku I wrote after taking the photo above:

snowy rabbit brush
cold crystals cling in bunches
sun melts cottontails

Try writing your own haiku! It is a fun way to express your ideas. Find a photograph that evokes a feeling to you and write about it or think of a memory from your past that has a strong mental image. Most of all have fun with it!

Enjoy!
~Tad Jones

Drawing Elephants

2011-11-04T09:08:00.000-07:00

I have been thinking about elephants lately after my Mom told me of an elephant that she met in Singapore. The elephant was given a paint brush with buckets of paint and a canvas was placed in front of the elephant. The elephant would then paint on the canvas. My Mom has one of these paintings hanging above her fireplace. I found a photograph of a baby elephant and its Mom and I thought it would be fun to illustrate the two elephants using ink and marker. I took time lapsed photography of the process in the short film below.

Enjoy!
~Tad

2205 North 19th Street Remodel

2011-04-21T13:24:00.000-07:00

We received approval from the Historic Preservation Commission for a remodel to this small Bungalow in Boise’s North End Historic District. We will be removing many of the existing interior walls and replacing them with load bearing beams to transform the existing compartmentalized spaces into a more open floor plan.

From 2205 North 19th Street

Existing Floor Plan

In addition to the renovations to the existing floor plan we are also adding an addition to the back of the home that will almost double the square footage and make the home more liveable.

From 2205 North 19th Street

Proposed Floor Plan

The addition respects the historic nature of the home by utilizing the same materials and details found in the original construction.

From 2205 North 19th Street

The Design of Flight

2011-04-19T14:34:00.001-07:00

When I was in architecture school I worked at the airport to help supplement my tuition and pay for flight time. Often I was allowed to help the A&P mechanics work on the airplanes and perform menial tasks for them. When the mechanics would rebuild or repair portions of the planes they would throw the old pieces into scrap piles and sorting bins I always thought that many of those pieces were art forms in their own right. The forms and curves of airplane parts are absolutely beautiful to me. When I am performing the pre-flight before I fly, the feeling of running your hands across the airfoils and propeller blades somehow makes you feel closer to nature. You can feel the principles and theories developed over the years that we now know as aerodynamics run from the tips of your fingers throughout your body. As we are embarking on this new company that will integrate architecture and aviation I have been researching other companies that incorporate design with aviation and came across this one.

I believe that this company shares the same passion for design and aviation that has shaped my life and career as an architect and a pilot.

interflight studios

I would like to finish today’s blog with a quote from Antoine de Saint Exupery – the famous French Aviator and author.

"Have you ever thought, not only about the airplane but whatever man builds, that all of man’s industrial efforts, all his computations and calculations, all the nights spent working over draughts and blueprints, invariably culminate in the production of a thing whose sole and guiding principle is the ultimate principle of simplicity? It is as if there were a natural law which ordained that to achieve this end, to refine the curve of a piece of furniture, or a ship’s keel, or the fuselage of an airplane, until gradually it partakes of the elementary purity of the curve of the human breast or shoulder, there must be experimentation of several generations of craftsmen. In anything at all, perfection is finally attained not when there is no longer anything to add, but when there is no longer anything to take away, when a body has been stripped down to its nakedness.”

Antoine de Saint Exupery

Replacing Windows in Older Homes

2011-04-19T13:41:00.000-07:00

Many of our clients as the question, "Should we replace our old windows with newer and more efficient windows." While I am an advocate for upgrading the efficiency of homes, I also believe that any remodel project should not be undertaken without careful consideration of other factors.

Many of the homes that we work on are historic homes, and often we are ask to evaluate the condition of windows and make suggestions on whether or not the windows should be replaced.

Below are some questions I usually ask myself before making a recommendation:

Do the windows contribute to the historical character of the home?

If the answer is “yes” then I take a look at the condition of the windows. If the condition of the existing windows are in poor shape, then you may want to look at replacement options. When looking at replacement options I try to find a manufacturer that is able to manufacture new windows that will most closely match the configuration and mullion pattern of the existing windows.

Have the windows been painted shut?

Often times the windows are still in good condition, but they have been painted shut by a past owner. It takes some work, but the paint can typically be cut along the operable areas and the windows can be refurbished to original working condition with much less cost than replacing the windows. Often in older homes we will find a true double hung window with the top panel painted shut and the bottom panel still operable. The original idea behind a double hung window is that in warmer months of the year the top panel can be lowered to allow air flow high in the room. Since heat rises, the operable top panel allows hot air to escape which reduces the need for mechanical cooling. Due to this same theory we sometimes see transom windows in kitchen areas of old homes to allow heat to escape from the hot kitchen to cooler areas of the home.

Do the windows have single pane glass?

It is definitely true that old single pane glass windows are not as efficient as newer double pane or even triple pane glazing systems, but the glass may be adding character to your home and that is sometimes overlooked by some homeowners and remodelers.

Glass is actually a liquid that is being pulled slowly in the direction of gravity. Many of the older homes that I work on have glass that over the years has become thicker at the bottom of the pane than at the top. This gives a “wavy” illusion to objects on the other side of the window when looking through the glazing sometimes called the “bottled glass” effect.

If your single pane glass adds a character to your home that is irreplaceable you might consider adding storm windows to the home. My own home has custom storm windows that we can easily remove and replace with screens during the summer months. The screens allow for cross-ventilation while keeping insects out of the home during the hot summer months. During the winter months, the extra layer of glass provided by the storm windows keeps the windows from "sweating" and building up condensation. It also helps seal the house and makes it easier for the heating system to maintain a comfortable temperature in the home. It is a bit more maintenance to change out the screens and storm windows each spring and fall, but in my mind it is worth it to be able to keep the original glass. If you are thinking of installing storm windows, there are a few companies such as Van Dykes Restorers that have some nice looking hardware to attach the storm windows to your home.

Wind-It | Harvesting the Wind

2011-04-19T13:30:00.000-07:00

A team of young architects and an engineer from France have developed a concept of modifying existing electrical towers to harvest wind power.

Photo by Elioth + Encore Heureux

The idea is still in its infancy, but I love the fact that they are thinking of ways to produce sustainable power for our society while attempting to utilize existing infrastructure. The team won the 2009 “Next Generation” competition organized by Metropolis Magazine. More information can be found at the following link:

Metropolis Magazine | Harvesting the wind

City Park Restroom Design

2011-04-13T14:57:00.000-07:00

We recently finished construction documents for these park restrooms to be used in the City parks system. We used cost effective materials with a shape and building form that is easily constructed and low maintenance. Below are some drawings of the restroom design.

From City Park Restrooms

To see more on this design please visit the following link:
City Park Restroom Design by Tad Jones, Architect

The Elm Grove ~ Plan #185A

2011-04-09T15:03:00.000-07:00

In keeping with our theme of designing small garages that comply with the requirements of the Boise City Historic Districts we introduce the “Elm Grove”. Named after Elm Grove park in Boise’s North End, this small two car detached garage was designed specifically for smaller lots in Boise City’s Historic Districts. The garage is under 500 square feet which is the current maximum square footage for utilizing reduced lot line setbacks in Boise City. The design of this building utilizes clipped gables.

From The Elm Grove ~ Garage ~ Plan #185A

For more information on this plan please visit:

The Elm Grove ~ Plan #185A

The Heron ~ Plan #182B

2011-04-08T15:21:00.000-07:00

We are developing a series of garage plans that lend themselves to use in the Historic Districts of Boise, Idaho. Our first design has just rolled off the shelf today and is named the “Heron” after one of the prominent streets in Boise’s Historic North End. In addition to providing plans for these little buildings we also offer historic submittal services as well as our ability to oversee the project through completion of construction.

From The Heron ~ Garage & Workshop ~ Plan #182B

For more information or to purchase this set of plans please visit our website

jones & jones design studio, inc. - The Heron - Plan #182B

Ski Shack | Roof Decking Installed

2010-11-04T13:10:00.000-07:00

We completed the roof decking on the Ski Shack this last weekend! The shorter days have proven to be more difficult to get a lot of work done. With winter on its way I was relieved to apply the grace ice and water shield so that the building will be more protected from the elements. We have a small section of roof to complete over the stairs and then we will start to build the carport.

~Tad Jones

From 1324 Boydstun Lane

NAHB Gold Certification

2010-11-01T09:58:00.000-07:00

All the hard work and attention to detail renovating this older ranch style home has paid off! By building double exterior walls, using energy efficient windows & doors, building materials, finishes, insulation, heating & cooling systems, water conscious plumbing fixtures, and water conscious landscaping we have made the building much more energy efficient.

From 235 East Braemere

We received a NAHB rating for the residence at 235 East Braemere of GOLD! This is the highest rating offered by the National Association of Home Builders for Green Building.

From 235 East Braemere

Congratulations & thanks to all of our suppliers, subcontractors, and verifiers who worked together to make this possible!

Most of all, thanks to our Clients for having the insight & good conscious to pursue a more “green” lifestyle.

Our Clients can now enjoy the benefits of a home that is more comfortable, energy efficient, and will have less of an impact on our environment throughout the life-cycle of the building.

~Tad Jones

2601 West Woodlawn

2009-12-13T23:20:00.000-08:00

2601 West Woodlawn Avenue | Moving the Garage

December 6th, 2009

We moved the Garage from 2601 West Woodlawn this week. We developed an agreement with a local building recycler to remove the garage in exchange for the price of demolition. This was great for everyone involved! We were able to cut the demolition of the garage from our budget which saved the client quite a bit of money. The movers used hydraulic jacks to elevate the garage onto a trailer and take it to a site where it could be sold to someone who could use the building. In exchange for the moving fees we donated the structure. It is great to see the building being re-used instead of ending up in the landfill!!

Garage Movers at the Site

Lifting the Garage

Loading the Garage onto the Trailer

Garage Supported by Trailer

Garage being Moved Away!

Moving the Garage off the Slab

Garage Mover's Big Dog

We lifted the garage and then moved it around 4:00 in the morning so that there would be less traffic on the roads during the move. We left the garage totally wired and with an operable garage door. Hopefully it will be purchased by someone who can put the garage to good use.

Material to go in the Trailer

Joel | Smashing Concrete

Pulling out Old Stem Walls | Ground not as Frozen as we Thought | Whew!

John Brown's Dumptruck | Ready to recycle concrete!

We will replace the old single car garage with a new structure that will accommodate two cars and include an attached woodworking shop. Our client is a woodworking craftsman & the new shop will give him a great place to make art from natural materials. We are matching many of the existing details of the existing bungalow style home with ornate brackets and exposed rafter tails.

~Tad Jones

Watercolor | Black Cliffs

2009-12-01T23:30:00.002-08:00

I rode my bicycle out to the Black Cliffs this weekend with my bike trailer in tow along with some art supplies. I did this watercolor painting looking up Car Body Canyon. The Black Cliffs are made up of columnar basalt rock formations. There were small patches of snow on the canyon rim which is depicted on the right-hand side of the painting. A small waterfall was trickling over ice in the very center of the canyon and every once in a while I could hear pieces of ice break off and crash to the rocks below.

Jefferson House

2009-12-01T23:30:00.001-08:00

Below is a home we designed for Wallace Custom Design and Renovation. The home was designed for Boise's East End Historic District and much effort has been made to ensure that the scale and massing of the home respects the surrounding neighborhood. Please click on the image below to see more about the home & the design process.

Architectural License in Colorado

2009-12-01T23:29:00.001-08:00

I received my license to practice Architecture in the State of Colorado today!! Below is a map of all the States I am currently licensed in. Next year I will go for Utah. I am concentrating on States with large ski resorts! :)

Garden House

2009-12-01T23:25:00.001-08:00

Below is a house we did some design options for. They ranged from some fairly modern designs to one that incorporated traditional shapes with some minor modern accents. Click on the image to view the options.

2106 N. 21st Street 3D Model

2009-12-01T23:23:00.001-08:00

I have been experimenting with the ArchiCAD 3D sketch engine on a modern house I designed for 2106 North 21st Street in the North End. You can see a 3D movie that I made using the sketch engine by clicking the image below.

12344 Upper Ridge

2009-12-01T23:22:00.001-08:00

Our website has been updated to show the building process and the finished home that we designed in Hidden Springs at 12344 Upper Ridge. Special thanks to Sam Jordan of Sun River Custom Homes for making the project possible. To view the latest updates for this project, please click on the the image below.

Sustainabuilt

2009-12-01T23:21:00.001-08:00

Karma and I were invited to visit the Sustainabuilt cabinet shop earlier today. Brad Boggess, the owner, took us on a tour of the cabinet shop and explained how they are using innovative sustainable products to produce top quality cabinetry and furniture. Click on the image below to see a slide show of our visit to the shop.

215 N. 24th St. Demolition

2009-12-01T23:20:00.001-08:00

Demolition started today on our project at 215 N. 24th street. The project is directly behind our house so I have the unique opportunity of documenting the progress of the project fairly easily. Click on the image below to view some photos taken of the early demolition process.

Tim Prentice

2009-12-01T23:16:00.000-08:00

Tim Prentice does some amazing installations. I ran across an installation in Coeur D' Alene that was done in 2007. Of his installations my favorites are "Biplane" and "Yellow Zinger".

30th Street Extension Public Presentation

2009-12-01T23:15:00.000-08:00

There will be an Open House from 5:30 to 7:30 at Whittier Elementary School at 301 N. 29th Street in Boise, Idaho on Tuesday, October 28th. Please come out to see the latest plan and have a chance to voice your opinion about a project that will have a huge influence on our community. There will be two formal presentations starting at 6:00 and at 6:45. For more information on the project and a link to the Boise City website, please click on any of the renderings below (Renderings of the 30th street project are from the Boise City website):

Green Building Materials

2009-12-01T23:12:00.000-08:00

There is a lot of hype about building "green" these days. So much that it becomes difficult to decipher who is just jumping on the band wagon to make a quick buck and who is in it for the right reasons and proven their commitment to the green movement. Below are some websites that have done their research and provide great options for green building materials.

http://www.naturalbuilthome.com/

http://www.thenaturalabode.com/

Artwork by Deb Jones Yensen

2009-12-01T23:10:00.000-08:00

As many of you know my Mom, Deb Jones Yensen, has been attending BSU to achieve her Master of Fine Arts. I am extremely proud of her for overcoming the daunting task of going back to school and completing the amount of work it takes to achieve such a goal.

This first piece is a collaborative work which she and five other artists produced after reading an article on what it takes to feed our world. My Mom produced the engraving of the cow. Below is a quote from her.

"I engraved the cow. We had to read an article about feeding the world; the article stated that most grain and corn is used to feed cattle, for people to eat, instead of feeding people the grain and corn."

This second piece is a part of the Oregon Ink Spot exchange project and is entitled "crocus".

The work she produces is very close to nature and has a lot of empathy and sensitivity. I am excited to see what she will produce next. Keep up the great work Mom!

~Tad

Illusions and Perception

2009-12-01T23:05:00.000-08:00

I have been researching "illusions" that can have an impact on a pilot's perception and actions and/or reactions. The idea is to gain a better understanding of the "illusions" and the effects they have on the mind and to mitigate symtoms such as "empty field myopia". I first became interested in these "illusions" while studying under professor Bill Bowler at the University of Idaho. Bill introduced me to some of the art pieces and installations dealing with light and space by James Turrell.

Listen to the commentary at the end of the video below in which the woman says, "When you really start to look, then you start to lose yourself....and that's when it becomes very...disorienting." It then shows the woman bumping into the solid matter, "Whoa".

The empty field is similar to the effect of flying into a cloud or into a dark night sky with no references in IFR (Instrument Flight Rules) conditions. Without a horizon or other objects to relate to, the pilot can easily lose directional control of the aircraft and end up in a spiral dive with the feeling that they are still traveling straight and level (if not paying attention to their instruments). The centripital force of the spinning motion can be misinterpereted giving the pilot the sensation that the airplane is traveling straight and level, when in "reality" the aircraft may be in a spiral towards the ground. As the woman in the video says above. "Whoa". Click the link below to see what a spiral dive looks like from inside the cockpit with external references in VFR (Visual Flight Rules) conditions.

From inside the cockpit:

From outside the cockpit:

Shipping Container Architecture

2009-12-01T23:03:00.000-08:00

I was looking into this type of building for a commercial project we are working on. I think it is an interesting and viable method of construcion. The shipping containers are coming into our country literally by the shipload. They are standard sizes and can be stacked in either a horizontal or vertical orientation. Their modular nature has high dimensional tolerances as they are made to be stacked tightly onto ships for transport. In my mind they seem much like giant lego blocks. Using our 3D drafting software makes it really fun to place the containers in different configurations and create interesting interior spaces that reflect contemporary sculpural exterior design elements. The containers can also be easily transported over land by either train or semi-truck tractor trailers. The initial construction process is fast as the units are flown into place with the use of a construction crane giving an instant "shell" building ready to receive interior finishes and cut in windows and doors. The energy required to produce this building material has already been spent which makes the process more environmentally conscious. Below are some links for more information on integrating shipping containers into our built environment: