Denver Home Builder Moves Towards Completion on Modern Infill Project

street view showing split-face block and beetle kill pine (blue pine)

main entry looking into central courtyard. beetle kill pine on far wall

aft of home showing Colorado beetle kill pine, and French doors

Denver home builder, West Standard, has made substantial progress on their residential infill project. The Huff Residence is located in Denver's East Washington Park, and completion is scheduled for late June 2011.

The modern home features a flat-roof and abundant clerestory windows. The exterior cladding is comprised of split-face masonry block, cement fiberboard, and Colorado beetle kill pine (also known as blue pine).

This modern home is designed and built by: www.WestStandard.com



 

street view showing split-face masonry and cement fiberboard

Saw Cut Joint vs Tool Joint for Modern Exposed Concrete Floors

saw cut joint in concrete

Concrete Cracks may occur as a result of product shrinkage during the drying process, or as a result of thermal expansion and contraction. Control joints also called contraction joints are placed in concrete slabs to control this cracking. Properly placed joints will concentrate cracking along the joint line, and reduce the potential for random cracking throughout the slab.

making a saw cut joint in concrete

As the name implies, saw joints are cut with a saw. Tool joints are created by hand with a grooving tool.

Saw cut joints and tool joints both accomplish the same goal, but the visual results are quite different.

Tool joints are commonly used in sidewalks. This type of joint is fairly thick, and has a relatively unfinished appearance.

tool joint in concrete

In contrast, saw cut joints are thin and offer a very clean finish. If you are building a new modern home with exposed stained concrete floors, saw cut joints will provide the cleanest possible aesthetic.


More information about modern home design and construction: www.WestStandard.com

making a tool joint in concrete

Blanketing vs Tenting: New Construction Exposed Stained Concrete Floors

concrete insulating blanket (black) and insulating tent (white)

concrete tent framing with plastic cover mostly removed

Concrete poured in temperatures at or near freezing must be insulated during the curing process.

For this Washington Park new-construction home the concrete was insulated using two different methods: blanketing and tenting. The top image demonstrates tenting (white-ish plastic), and blanketing (black insulated cover).

The tent consists of a simple wood frame over which plastic is draped. Neither the frame nor plastic contact the curing concrete. In contrast, the insulating blankets are place directly on top of the concrete.

So, why not just place blankets over the entire foundation? Why elect to use the more labor intensive tent option?

Here's why...

concrete finish with use of insulating blanket

The bottom two photos illustrate the different results achieved with blanketing vs tenting. Blanketing tends to result in an irregular finish with sharp color contrasts. Tenting provides a much smoother consistent finish.

For this modern home tenting was used in areas where exposed stained concrete will be the final floor finish. A smooth consistent finish is generally most desirable for exposed concrete applications.

concrete finish with use of insulating tent

This home designed and built by West Standard. More information: www.WestStandard.com

Denver Modern Home Takes Shape in Washington Park

Denver modern home by West Standard showing exterior framing

The Huff Residence located in Denver's Washington Park is beginning to take shape. These photos show progress after two weeks of framing. And, thus far construction is on schedule and under budget. The Mid Century Modern inspired home is scheduled for completion within four months.

street view rendering showing split face block and cement fiber board 

The vertical portions of the home's front will be clad with Robinson Brick's Ivory split-face block. The horizontal pieces above and below the windows, as well as the soffit and roof down-turn, will be clad with cement fiber board. This product will be primed and then painted with an acrylic soft gloss finish. Benjamin Moore's Dry Sage is the color.

The Huff Residence is designed and built by West Standard.

view from atrium to dining and living areas

West Standard is a design and build firm based in Denver, Colorado. More information may be found at: www.WestStandard.com

atrium view showing aluminum clad wood bi-fold and sliding doors

Urban Infill Custom Home in Denver's Washington Park

urban infill custom home by West Standard - street view

This urban infill custom home is currently under construction in Denver's Washington Park. The Huff Residence is designed for a 6,300sf lot, and consists of 2,000sf above grade.

A prominent feature of this home is a central courtyard. The courtyard, opening to both the dining and living areas, offers abundant outdoor living space.

urban infill custom home by West Standard - courtyard view

The Huff Residence currently has an Energy Star rating of 55, making it 45% more efficient then the rating system's base home. Other sustainable features include: solar photovoltaic panels, xeriscaping, and extensive use of Colorado beetle kill pine (blue pine).

urban infill custom home by West Standard -side view

urban infill custom home by West Standard - courtyard

West Standard Design Build is a Denver, Colorado based architecture firm and custom home builder: www.WestStandard.com

urban infill custom home by West Standard - rear view