SPRING 2023

Putting Winter Behind Us - It took Spring a L-O-N-G time to arrive in the Tetons this year, but in one week the valley has changed colors from brown and gray to green. We can enjoy striking vistas with white snow on the mountains and green grass on the lower elevations.

In this newsletter, we thought we would share some examples of how projects progress - from the initial step of beginning a project, to when a project is still “on the boards” and decisions are being made to allow us to complete construction documents. We invite you to read on to learn about what is occupying our office and staff.

PROCESS

SITE ANALYSIS - COLLECTING DATA

Site analysis is the initial research and evaluation that is the entry point for any project. The process answers the question of whether a client can do what they want to do on a site and it establishes the parameters to guide an architect in designing a project, whether it is a remodel or addition to an existing structure or a project for new construction. During site analysis, we investigate site boundaries, site access, building envelopes, utility locations, contours, and site features. The task includes noting the natural physical features of a site, such as the degree of slope, existing vegetation and view angles, water courses and drainage patterns along with proximity to traffic and noise. Site analysis entails examining legal information such as land development regulations and wildland urban interface requirements. Subdivision covenants and restrictions are also reviewed as they include height restrictions, setbacks, square foot ratios and impervious surface requirements as well as design styles and exterior materials and color restrictions. 

Once this information is gathered, we look at views, those to maximize and those to shield, along with sun paths and wind directions so we can design a project to ensure natural light and warmth and shelter from wind, rain and snow. As you can see, a lot of necessary effort goes into pre-design, but when site analysis is finished, the team has the borders complete of the puzzle for a new architectural project and can begin working on the other pieces. If you are considering a property or project, let us help you recognize the existing opportunities as well as find creative solutions to site challenges that may be identified so that you can make informed decisions to guide your vision forward. 

ON THE BOARDS

BAYHILL DUPLEXES

Most architecture firms use 3D modeling in their practices to help clients visualize their project more easily than with a two-dimensional drawing. In today’s world, we can ‘fly’ a client around their project to view the exteriors and interiors of their project. It is very beneficial to use 3D modeling to explore options with our clients as it helps owners make decisions and saves time in the design process. For example, after a floor plan has been approved, we can use the plan to create different elevations and perspectives to show our clients their project rendered in a variety of architectural styles. We can change siding options, colors, exterior facades, roof materials and the like to find the most appealing for the project and the most appropriate for the context of the neighborhood. Take a look at these variations of the same duplex.

We started with the floor plans for a 2 bedroom/2 bath duplex with second floor bonus room.

The simplest and most economical scheme has a simple roof gable covering the entire structure. We rendered this option with an earth-toned palette.

Another option with double gables conveys a separate identity for each unit of the duplex. The exterior incorporates stone veneered accent walls and horizontal and vertical clear stained siding.

For the next scheme, we changed the direction of the roof gable and created smaller dormers for each unit’s bonus room. This exterior has a light grey palette, vertical siding and suggests a more traditional aesthetic.

Our final version was creating something a little more unique and unexpected. This contemporary option features flat roofs expressing interior taller volumes that create varying roof heights. The exterior features a stacked stone garage facade, clear stained horizontal siding and geometric windows.

Which is your favorite? Can you picture different schemes in different places? We would love to hear your feedback. Using 3D modeling to envision different design directions is a fun exercise that always leads to animated and productive discussions with our clients. 

NOTEWORTHY

BRONC ACHIEVEMENT CENTER

Dubbe Moulder Architects and OLC are excited to have been chosen to design the new 88,000 square foot Bronc Achievement Center that will include a 4-lane 200-meter running track, 5 basketball courts, 5 volleyball courts, 5 tennis courts, 400-seat retractable bleachers, weight lifting equipment, wrestling room, climbing wall, locker rooms, concession stand, and exterior and interior dining areas. The BAC was approved by voters to receive $16.5 million in SPET tax funds. Teton County School District has directed the design team to phase the new facility, starting with design of the sports complex, but master planning the project to include academic classrooms and laboratories for the Fabrication Lab, Robotics, Health, Wellness, PE, CNA/Training, Engineering, Culinary, and Media Arts.

and

TETON VALLEY AQUATIC CENTER

DMA and OLC will also be teaming up for the conceptual design of the Teton Valley Aquatic Center. We are thrilled that the City of Driggs and Teton Valley Aquatics are taking this big step forward on a state-of-the-art facility for community use. Over 7 acres have been donated to the City of Driggs for the future aquatic facility. The site is located just north of the 5th Street Skatepark near Ski Hill Rd and 5th St in Driggs. You can learn more about the project on TVA’s website.

Stay safe, live well, see you soon.

307.733.9551

info@dubbe-moulder.com