Canopy

Canopy

If you are looking for canopy and are interested in building your own, let us provide you with some helpful tips. There are many different types of canopies on the market today. Choosing a pre-built canopy can be a daunting task. Browsing information on party tents, canopies and portable garages from one website to another is time consuming and at the end of it all, do you really know the differences between all the products being sold? This article will provide you with some of the answers to your canopy questions as well as explain how you can build your own canopy.

Canopy

Canopy

Canopy

The first step in buying or building a canopy is to decide what diameter tubing is appropriate for the canopy size you are interested in. The frame diameter is probably the most important factor in any canopy decision. Do Not Be Fooled By Low Prices! Just because you see party tents, canopies or portable garages that are marked at an unbelievably low price does not mean it is a good purchase. A good general guideline for appropriate frame diameter is the following. Canopy frames that have dimensions of 18' W x 20' L or less should have a minimum pipe diameter of 1-3/8" and be made preferably out of galvanized steel. For canopy frames that have dimensions of 20' W x 20' L a minimum pipe diameter of 1-5/8" or more should be required. Pipe Gauge is another important factor when determining the frame size and diameter. Pipe Gauge is the thickness of the pipe wall and is a key element in determining how sturdy the canopy will be. Canopy frames that use pipe with a gauge higher than 18 should be avoided at all times. When dealing with tubing remember that as the number increases the pipe wall thickness decreases. A 24-gauge pipe is much thinner than an 18-gauge pipe. If the pipe wall thickness is too thin there is a greater likelihood that the canopy will collapse the first windstorm you encounter.

Canopy

Canopy

The second step in buying or building a canopy is to decide on the desired angle. The three main styles of canopies on the market today include the Flat Roof, the Low Peak and the High Peak. The most common of the three is the High Peak angle or A-Frame. The Flat Roof canopy features a 90-degree angle and is good for short-term shade protection or one day events such as flea markets. The Flat Roof canopy is not the best choice if you are looking for long-term coverage or all season protection. Although the Flat Roof canopy is highly functional, the flat top shape is not ideal for rain or snow. Since there is no angle to the roof, rain and snow can build up on the surface and cause collapse. For regions with fair weather and non-existent snowfall, the Low Peak style is a nice choice. The Low Peak canopy features a 110-degree angle and is considered a shallow pitch. The slight angle provides some shape for rain to run off but is still better suited for environments without severe, year round weather. However, the Low Peak canopy is ideal for neighborhoods that do not allow objects to show above the fence line. The High Peak angle is the most popular style for canopies and features a high angle 120-degree pitch. The High Pitch design is ideal for the shedding of snow and water. The steep angle prevents snow and water from building up on the canopy frame. The result is a sturdy all weather canopy frame that will last season after season.

Canopy

Canopy

Canopy

Cabin Life: Dreams on Paper: Hawk's Nest

August's issue of Cabin Life magazine features a cute little chalet we designed called Hawk's Nest.  It takes advantage of great views with only a small footprint, perfect for lots with mountainous terrain.  Check out the feature, rendering and floor plans in Cabin Life's Dreams on Paper section...

For ease of reading, please click here to view the full article on our website.

Architectural Canopy

Architectural Canopy

Most of the modern skyscrapers that we see do not sport architectural metal canopies unlike most of the smaller buildings and structures do. A canopy is considered to be an important element in the outdoor structure of a building because it protects it from the elements including the sun and rain. It also helps cool down the place without the need for a powerful air conditioning system to be installed inside.

Architectural Canopy

Architectural Canopy

Available Materials to be used of Architectural metal canopies
Metal canopies are considered to be durable in comparison to the other materials that are also used for canopies. They last longer compared to wood and canvass. It also needs less maintenance.

There are several kinds of architectural metal canopies that you can choose from. One is made of Iron or steel. Although this material is heavier than the other materials, it is sturdy and durable. However its weight is also the reason why it has a limited use. You will see a lot of wrought iron awnings, which completes the look of classic and old style buildings that are

Architectural Canopy

Architectural Canopy

If you are looking for a more lightweight material for a design that needs architectural metal canopies then you can consider getting one that is made of Aluminum. Metal canopies made of aluminum are more common because it is more affordable. The problem with aluminum canopies is that it is not the best looking one on the block. You would have to add more details like paint it with the color that matches the building in order to make it look more pleasing. The only concern when you paint it is that it tends to chip and flake off especially when the weather gets too hot.

If you are looking for the right balance of durability and style then you can consider using copper for your architectural metal canopies. Copper canopies actually get better with age since the color of it changes depending on the season. Also, this material is also the one that needs the least maintenance making a real value for money.

Architectural Canopy

Architectural Canopy

Architectural Canopy

Architectural Canopy

Architectural Canopy

Grand Rapids Magazine Design Home 2013 Gala

The story of our 2013 Grand Rapids Magazine Design Home, the Heartsworth, will soon come to a close and the final product will be revealed.  Want to tour this beautiful estate during a swanky party that benefits a good cause?  Please join us for the GRDH 2013 Gala on August 22, 2013!

Since 2003, Grand Rapids Magazine has been showcasing the region's premier custom home builders, architects, designers, furnishers and suppliers via the Design Home program.  We have had the pleasure of being a part of six of those Design Home teams.  All the while, Design Home open houses and VIP events have helped raise over $140,000 in charitable contributions to organizations such as Habitat for Humanity, Helen DeVos Children's Hospital, Camp Blodgett, American Red Cross, and for 2013 -- Bethany Christian Services.

Date: 
August 22, 2013

Time: 
6-9pm


Tickets:
$125 per person
or $800 for VIP Hope Scene package
(benefitting Bethany Christian Services)

Location: 
875 Skyevale, Ada, MI

View Larger Map

Here is the official invitation and you can CLICK HERE to visit the event page to purchase tickets:

Oh and did I mention The Verve Pipe's Brian VanderArk will be performing for your listening pleasure during the event?  You won't want to miss it.

Hope to see you there!

Did you miss any of the Design Home 2013 story?  No worries!  Catch up on your reading here...
January: The Adventure Begins
February: Wow! What a Design!
March: This Adventure Takes a Village
April: First a House, Then a Home
May: The Adventure Heats Up in the Master Suite
June: Distinctive Details Make the Difference 
July: Destination in Sight

Taking home the ARDAs!

The American Institute of Building Design's (AIBD) National Convention was held last week in Pasadena, California, where Visbeen Architects attended the American Residential Design Awards (ARDA) banquet celebrating the best and brightest in today's residential designs.  We were honored to receive 11 awards, including the prestigious Global Choice Award that we had implored you to cast votes for us over the last few weeks.  The Hasserton received nearly 1/3 of the total votes cast, so from the bottom of our hearts, thank you for the support!

Ten of our other projects were awarded for excellence in a variety of categories - here is the full list of our award-winners:

Hasserton
1st Place - Global Choice Award

Tupelo
1st Place - Model Home (2,501 - 4,000sf)
Interiors by Benchmark Wood Studio

Andover
1st Place - Model Home (4,001sf & above)
Interiors by Dwellings

Barron
1st Place - Published Design (2,501 - 4,000sf)
Built by Myers Builders, Inc

Highfield
2nd Place - Published Design (4,001sf & above)
Interiors by Ashley Cole Design

Shelburne
1st Place - Conceptual Design (2,500sf & under)

Tamlane
2nd Place - Conceptual Design (2,500sf & under)

Kismet
1st Place - Conceptual Design (2,500 - 4,000sf)

Dandridge
1st Place - Conceptual Design (4,001sf & above)

Multi-unit complex
2nd Place - Conceptual Design (any size)




Essex, Lennox & Brooklyn (River House Condominiums)
1st Place - Multi-family Design
Built by Falcon Custom Homes

Congratulations to the teams involved in making these projects award-worthy.  And thanks to everyone again for the votes!


Beating the Heat

We have been experiencing quite the scorcher in our neck of the woods lately.  Looking for a way to beat the heat?  Visit one of West Michigan's coast town splash pads, designed by our talented colleagues at GMB a+e!

Their most recent "urban beach" project can be found in downtown Grand Haven.  Completed in 2011, this project was provided for by the Rotary Club of Grand Haven, Grand Haven Area Community Foundation and community donations.  The fountains are activated by motion sensors and are solar powered.

Pictured below and situated in downtown Holland, just a few steps from GMB headquarters, you will find another great place to cool off this summer.  Designed and built along with the Plaza East building, this splash pad and fountain have become quite popular with the locals.  The sounds of gleeful children cooling off can be heard daily from GMB's front door.


Be sure to check them out this summer!



Grand Rapids Magazine Design Home 2013: Destination in Sight

This is the home stretch.  The final details and design elements of the Grand Rapids Design Home 2013 are coming together.  Lighting is being installed, walls are being painted and furniture will soon be placed in this 7,500 square foot residence, turning what was once just an idea into a home.

Check out July's issue of Grand Rapids Magazine for all of the final details as they come together...

For ease of reading, click here to view the full article on our website.

Room Guide: Outdoor Shower

It's mid-summer and we are enjoying beach days aplenty here in West Michigan.  But with lovely days lounging at the beach and splashing in the waves of Lake Michigan comes sand.  Lots of it.  Ending up...well...everywhere.  In your bathing suit, in your hair, in your bags, in your car.  

A home solution for the summer sand conundrum (albeit a good problem to have!)?  The outdoor shower.  This handy design element allows home/cottage-owners and guests the ability to wash off the sand from the beach or chlorinated water from a pool before stepping foot in doors. 

Here are a few fun examples of outdoor showers we have designed for clients in the past...

Duneside's low shower station has a foot washing station as well as a hand-held shower nozzle.

One of the preliminary design sketches for the Allenwood included a free-standing outdoor shower.
Carlton Shores' long walkway and staircase from the beach was designed to include a rainfall shower for use both coming back from the beach and from using the infinity pool on the patio.
The Stafford's amazing outdoor living space includes a large pool and recreation space surrounding it, so an outdoor shower near the back entry to the house is a must.  The laundry room is also located just inside the back door to keep wet beach towels in their proper place.

Horizon View is a modestly sized residence with a simple outdoor shower located on a patio between the front and side door of the home.
Just outside of Kearney Hill's beautiful retractable screened porch is a foot washing station.
Aronimink's lower level was designed to include an outdoor shower with door and transom window atop directly adjacent to the entrance to the lower level from the beach.