entries are chronological, please scroll down....
11.27.07 CALIFORNIA CENTER FOR SUSTAINABLE ENERGY
Dietmar joined local architect Martin Hammer and engineer Bruce King as they presented along with San Diego architect Drew Hubbel. The one-day seminar focused on the design and construction of strawbale buildings, and featured reviews of salient strucural, fire, code-related and architectural issues. Dietmar provide a unique perspective on the current international state of the strawbale movement. More here.
09.21.07 WEST COAST GREEN 2007
Dan and Dietmar presented at the third annual West Coast Green conference in San Francisco. Their talk, entitled "Actively Passive" focused on the principles of passive solar design, as well as strategies for combining active and passive energy systems to reach new levels of building performance. You can purchase a recording of the presentation, and find more info @ westcoastgreen.org.
09.07 PACIFIC BASIN BUILDING
Work continues on our own building at the corner of San Pablo and Virginia in Berkeley. Aside from expanding our offices, DSA is providing architectural services to the building partners as they work towards renovating the commercial space along San Pablo Ave. Tentative plans include an Italian cafe, a Sushi restaurant, and several new retail spaces to be added to the building. The image below highlights some of the exterior chages.
07.09.07 AMADOR COUNTY SOLAR HOUSE
Much progress has been made since the bale-raising several months ago. Windows and doors are installed, bale work was completed, and the entire building was prepped for plasterwork, which started last week. The picture below shows workers applying the first scratch coat to the north side of the building. The pop-out above will be clad with corrugated metal siding.
05.21.07 NEW WEBSITE
Our new website is finally up and running! You'll find new projects, updated photos and plenty of green building info on the pages within. We hope you enjoy the new format and presentation. Many thanks to Roni Terkel at 4BlackSheep for her help and patience. If you come across any glitches or problems while browsing, please don't hesitate to let us know. We welcome your feedback.
04.26.07 PRESENTATION CENTER WINS PRESTIGIOUS AIA AWARD
We are thrilled to annouce that the Presentation Center Welcoming Center and Dining Hall has
been recognized at the AIA San Francisco chapter's annual design awards. PC recieved an honor award, the highest level of recognition, in the category of Energy and Sustainability. The AIA will be hosting an exhibition of all award winners at their headquarters from May 7-June 1.
04.21.07 AMADOR COUNTY SOLAR HOUSE
This weekend our client's hosted us for a bale-raising party at this beautiful foothills site. Staff from Skillful Means, as well as many friends and family were also in attendance. Progress is moving along of this 2500 sq.ft. house, with construction slated to end early this fall. Stay tuned for more updates.
04.14.07 CASBA CONFERENCE
Dan presented some of our latest work and ideas at the bi-annual CASBA conference held at Walker Ranch in Marin. A good time was had by all. Learn more about CASBA and the events and workshops they sponsor here.
03.25.07 BERKELEY COTTAGE
This building won the "Best Custom Home" award during the 2006 Berkeley Green Home Tour. The cottage is now available for sale as a seperate unit from the original house. Open house schedule and pricing information is available at www.2339ninth.com.
03.16.07 SANTA ROSA WORKSHOP
Dan and Dietmar recently made a site visit to this unusual project. Bales are going up and the living roof will be installed soon. The exterior will be finished in earth plaster.