Dovetail Construction

Here is a nice article about our Construction friends at Dovetail Construction in Richmond.  They are working on our Gloucester project at Goshen Farms.
http://www.styleweekly.com/richmond/the-beauty-of-zero/Content?oid=1787173

www.ionicdezigns.com

Architecture Historic Restoration

It isn't everyday we get to work on a historic preservation project especially one as significant as the Goshen Farms located on the river in Gloucester County. This house was originally built in 1755 and had several wings added on in the early 1920's.  The latest "renovation" project took place nearly twenty five years ago when the current owners replaced the siding and had some roof repairs done. The siding was accomplished very well and is currently still in great shape.  Unfortunately the roof repairs and the internal gutters have failed. Water has poured into the wall cavities (not so much into the interiors - which is why the owners went unaware) and caused some damage to some of the old framing timbers and other miscellaneous support framing members.

This is like going back to school again to remember all the terms used "back in the day" for framing and methods used. Many of these processes are just not used any longer.  Like "Noggin". No this isn't your head! This is the brick and rock infill used in between the large framing timbers. Possibly this was used as insulation, but as many people argue about this as ideas of its originally intended purpose.  Today we would never think about adding wet brick and mortar to the inside cavity of a wood frame structure.  But it has mostly stood the test of time.

Our repairs involve limited disturbance of the noggin as the repairs are being performed.  Some will be required to be removed but will be replaced back in tact as much as possible. This is a very delicate process and modern techniques to assist in further long range plans to prevent deterioration by separating the replaced brick with a barrier.

The timbers that require attention will also need to be carefully addressed. If it is an 8x8 oak timber, we don't want to replace it with a new pressured treated pine repair. The two different types of wood will also react to one another and cause potential cracking and spalding of the plaster on the interior.  We need to get an oak replacement and have it pressure treated and put in place.....oh yeah, no steel bolts! As much as possible we are using the old world method of reattaching these new timbers to the existing structures.  Dovetails, wood dowels, half dovetails, notches and many other than I have forgotten from my history class days in college. Of course all of these repairs must be structurally sound enough for an engineer to feel comfortable to place his stamp on them. McPherson Design Group is working with us on the project to issue we are successful in these repairs.  Their history....in historic structural work...no pun intended...is well known.

There are a slew of other professional experienced in the historic preservation aspect contributing to the success of this project.  Dovetail Construction out of Richmond is heading up the task of coordination in the field while others are handling DHR submissions and supplying materials necessary for the restoration of the project.

Enjoy the pictures as we continue the process.

New Construction Begins....EVERYWHERE

Just taking a short drive around the area we can see new construction sites for Ionic DeZigns taking shape.  It is exciting to see some of our hardwork over the last several months.....or longer, finally begin coming out of the ground.  Okay maybe some of them are just scraping the ground, but we still see movement. That is always good news. It means that our work finally goes from lines on a piece of paper to actual sticks and bricks! The great thing about all these new construction projects are the jobsite signs posted everywhere! Marketing Marketing Marketing!!!!! If you see our sign, give us a shout back! Here are a few images again of the projects that we are starting.

Four Square Retail Center - Seeking LEED Certified

Russo Office Complex & Russo Law Offices

Towncenter Crossing Retail - Seeking LEED Certified

Goshen Residence - Gloucester Virginia

Sadly our jobsite signs have come down from these locations but really that is good news because it means that the construction has been completed and the owners can move in!  We still need to get some good marketing pictures of these jobs but until then here are some of the last jobsite photos taken during the inspections.






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Marketcenter at Harbourview in Suffolk



St. Andrews United Methodist in Virginia Beach

We are waiting on a few more to get started as well and we will post them at that time.  Until then, enjoy my friends!