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As we adapt to a more connected world, we are growing in creative and fulfilling ways. Although our design process remains true to our values, some of the tools that we use are evolving rapidly. In this issue of our newsletter we are sharing some of the ways that technology is improving our process and end results. |
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Drones!On a recent landscape project, rather than rely on out of date, low resolution satellite imagery, we used aerial drone images as an accurate underlay. Not only were we able to use this imagery as a design tool, it also became a very effective tool for presenting and visualizing our intent. |
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Another way we are using drone technology in our process is site assessment. For instance, we can now fly our drone to the second floor level of a home we’re designing to assess the views. We can then import those images into our model to show clients exactly what they’ll see when the home is built. |
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A future application that we’re very excited about is automated context modeling. Soon, we’ll be able to automatically process our drone imagery into accurate site models. |
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CommunicationAs the world becomes more connected, we are becoming more accessible to our clients. Many of our clients aren’t able to meet in person because they aren’t in our area. In recent months the need for high quality remote communication has become more important as we maintain physical distance for our own safety. |
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Like many of you reading this we are using Zoom or other virtual meeting platforms on a daily basis. A new tactic we’re taking is to record short snippets while we walk through digital models. This allows us to effectively communicate a specific topic without the need to schedule a meeting. A client can watch the link and comment on their own time. |
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One of the inherent difficulties of the design process is sharing the experience of a project in two dimensional drawings and images. We were early adopters of 3d printing, which increases efficiency in the traditional tool of physical models. These models are helpful tools for us as designers, but they don’t convey the feeling of actually standing in a space. We are now creating virtual walkthroughs to allow clients to explore the design as it progresses from the inside-out. These walkthroughs open in any mobile device or standard web browser without special plugins, and they can be explored with simple taps or clicks on a screen or be completely immersive with a virtual reality adapter or headset. |
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On a recent speculative project for Impel Construction in Lake Chelan, we were able to share our virtual walkthrough with real estate agents and potential buyers. The home sold before construction began, and the new homeowners know how the home will look and what the views will be without ever stepping foot inside. | | |
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In design, we use VR to experience a project and make decisions for the next iteration. Future applications of this technology will allow us to manipulate the model in real time while we are virtually standing in the space. |
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Above: Kit showing a VR model to a student at the Okanogan County Career Fair in 2019 |
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Global TeamworkWashington State is experiencing a construction boom, partly driven by technology and the widespread acceptance (and necessity) of remote work. Our firm is growing in tandem with demand, and we are embracing this new economy by working with remote support staff. Although our team is now spread out all over the world, we work as effortlessly as if we were next to each other in our small office. Our BIM software allows us to work on the same project as our team in real time, and remote communication is now better than ever. |
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Case Study In Local ImpactTechnological tools have allowed us to make huge strides in our involvement in supporting our local community and projects. |
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For the recently completed TwispWorks Pavilion we detailed every aspect of the project in three dimensions, including electrical and audio-video routing. This allowed the steel beams and columns to be erected in a matter of hours, pre-drilled before installation for every connection and electrical conduit. |
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The wood rafters were then craned in and bolted to the beams at their pre-drilled locations. The electrician was then able to attach the light fixtures directly into their pre-threaded holes in the steel beams, and mount conduit, junction boxes and switches at their pre-drilled locations. Every location was vetted for use, aesthetics and constructibility. |
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The movable timber wall panels were manufactured in a factory in Colville, Washington. Grooves at varying depths, designed to reduce sound reverberation during performances, were routed into the panels by a CNC router. These panels were then fitted with pivoting hardware by our local steel fabricator and installed on site. |
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CLTWe’re excited to be working with Vaagen Timbers in Colville, Washington on our new projects utilizing cross laminated timbers. |
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CLT is a wood panel product made from gluing together layers of solid-sawn lumber. Vaagen sources their wood from byproduct from the restoration of our forests. Because these are laminated panels, rather than individual studs, they can use smaller boards that wouldn’t make the grade for traditional framing. |
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In the factory, our files are sent to the CNC router, which cuts each panel to size and cuts in window and door openings, notches, and pre-drills for fasteners and hardware attachments. Finally, Vaagen pre-attaches brackets and other hardware so the panels, beams and columns can be attached quickly on site. | | |
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