Light Houses Design Build

Welcome To My Visual Art + Design Build Studio

2014-01-12T15:51:00.000-08:00

Image Below: Two mixed media paintings in progress :

These two works are investigations in urban renewal, neighborhood redevelopment, adaptive reuse and revitalization in the urban core of Seaside California. They are abstract conceptual mappings of the urban condition and the human psyche. Movement, time, space, architectural constructs, abandoned lots & a lack of an urban core were just a few elements explored in these mappings of urban circumstance. The painting process literally became a conceptual planning /design process of how to stitch the town and its parts back together as a revitalized whole.

Framing In Progress

Title: Pollination
Media: collage, design sketches, graphite and oil on board
Size: 2' x 4'

Commissions For Private and Public Spaces Available For Rent or Purchase:

My Core Clientele:

Residential, Commercial, Institutional (Doctor's Offices, Cultural Centers & Non-Profits) , Live Work Spaces, Business Lobbies and Corridors, Urban Loft Entries, Meditation and Yoga Studios (Healing Arts), Contemporay Restaurants & Bars, Winery Tasting Rooms, Architectural Studios and Creative Work Spaces, Start-Up Companies Focusing On Green Tech Innovation and Invention & Small Green Businesses Focused On Local Sustainability.

Contact: Tracy Parker @ 831 . 236 . 6673

Paintings Available For Purchase & Commissions Available Upon Request.
Inquire about my giclee prints @ www.lighthousesdesign.com under Projects / Art / Giclee
To schedule a meeting to view my work, inquire about pricing or a commissioned work contact 831-236-6673.

Media: Oil on board

Reclaimed Flooring - A Grounding Mechanism

2011-03-13T12:55:00.000-07:00

Project: Casita Verde, Seaside Ca
- Whole-House Green Retrofit

Stage: Interior Flooring Installation

Scope of Work: Sourcing, Design + Installation

Material: Reclaimed 2 x 6 World War II Era T & G Douglas Fir

Sealer: Environmentally Sensitive Bona Products

Intention:

My house in Seaside is 680 sf. Given the small footprint, we wanted a flooring material that oozed comfort and durability. The primary prerequisites for choosing and sourcing the flooring material was it had to have a previous life/function and had to have been deconstructed/disassembled either here locally or within 500 miles of Seaside. We were in luck. We found 800 sf of old factory subfloor material in Petaluma- 680+/_sf we set aside for the main house and the remaining material for the detached soon-to-be-designed-and-built shed structure in the back yard for extended living space. The flooring had been salvaged from an old mill in the bay area, rich with history and ready for assembly. Note: It was a jouney in and of itself just getting the material- another post entirely!

During our whole-house green retrofit process, the flooring was garaged for two years (thanks Dad for sacrificing your parking spot for so so long) while the rest of the house was being gutted, converted, expanded upon and reconstructed on the exterior and interior. It has been a long time coming and I am grateful for all the hands that went in to this adventurous project. I want to especially thank my sister Kim for coming down from Fremont to help sand- having her artistic eye and 'go for it' spirit is always a pleasure and a joy.

Images Below : Installation Process

Given the flooring's age, thickness and type, the installation was a labor of love to say the least. The installation took about four times longer than a typical engineered flooring.

Below: Images of the sanding, wood filler, and sealing applications.

Final sealing/ buffing

Conclusion- After living with the flooring for (1) month:

Regardless of the obvious challenges that come with using reclaimed flooring, I wouldn't have done it any other way. The home feels cozy and inviting with the floors rich variation of texture and color. It's light enough to illuminate and reflect day light throughout the house and rich enough to ground the white-washed walls. Originally I was envisioning a dark wood floor, but I've found that this material creates an expansive sense of place in such as small limited living space- it also ties in with the doug fir window trim, interior doors and beams, emphasizing simplicity and minimalism which will contrast nicely with the more modern and industrial furnishings of the home.

The flooring is as soft as butta on the feet, easy to clean with warm water, and has been PERFECT for yoga sessions in the living room. I love the slight imperfections and variation of the wood under my feet- I can literally sense the subtle layers of imbedded history as I walk.

The one thing I would have done in addition is applied another final coat of sealer to fill the cracks between boards ENTIRELY . This final step would have eliminated the 'dirt between the cracks' issue... As a result, we take our shoes off before entering the house which has been a blessing in disguise- I have become more grounded and connected in this new home...Who would have thought that this material that caught my eye would become a constant grounding mechanism to my every day? The power of architecture and material alive and real.

200 gallon Rainwater HOG Installation, Seaside Ca

2011-03-03T15:06:00.000-08:00

Location: Seaside, Ca

Client: College Art Instructor / Ceramicist

Project Scope: Phase I Rainwater Harvesting System Design / Installation

Storage Capacity: 200 gal Rainwater HOG System

Design Intention:

This is a gravity fed rain catchment system intended to fulfill the landscape water requirements for the client's back yard for a significant portion of the year once fully implemented. The rest of the water needs will be supplied by graywater to support summer and fall months when rainwater supply is running low or depleted. Supplemental units plan to be installed in the near future in multiple locations to maximize storage capacity, take advantage of site placement and the slight slope of the lot and fultill the water requirements for both native and non-native water-loving plant species such as clumping bamboo for wind and privacy screening.

A great little project indeed and I look forward to completing the larger whole-house water recycling vision in the near future.

MARINA, CA - PERMITTED RESIDENTIAL GRAYWATER SYSTEM

2011-03-03T13:50:00.000-08:00

LIGHT HOUSES has just completed construction on one of Marina's first permitted residential graywater systems!

Constructed Wetland

Non-potable graywater signage for irrigation valve boxes

BELOW: IN THE TRENCHES...

Residential Graywater Design + Installation

2011-02-04T07:47:00.000-08:00

Project: Harvest LIFE Project, Marina California

Progress Report: Wednesday & Thursday Field Work

Myself and my crew are in the middle stage of implementing our current graywater manifestation in Marina California. Because our client is moving in to their newly renovated and retrofitted home this weekend, we have been working simultaneously on both the Laundry to Landscape and Cistern w/ Effluent Pump system in the front and back yard so they can utilize their washer, two showers and two sinks as soon as they move in. (These are the water fixtures that are tied to the graywater systems.) The entire plumbing of the house has been retrofitted to accomodate these fixtures. The only fixtures that are not tied in to the graywater system is the kitchen sink and toilets.

We have excavated the earth (predominantly fine sand (sand dune)) beneath one foot of top soil, organic matter and roots that have accumulated over the years from a neighboring Monterey Cypress and Coast Live Oak tree along with the previous owners trees that were on site and since removed and ground down to mulch which we will use. We will be replacing these ornamental trees with more beneficial and multi-functioning species that will be key positioned to absorb graywater in a highly effective manner, provide edible fruit, coastal native habitat and protection from seasonal coastal winds and summer sun rays.

Picture Above & Below:
Back Yard Constructed Wetland + Marsh Drain Field
System: Cistern W/ Effluent Pump

KEY FEATURES:

1. The main overflow basin for the 1500 gallon cistern
2. A catch basin for (3) Infiltration Chambers for graywater being pumped through irrigation system
3. Mortared walls and wetland floor to be constructed out of 'urbanite' (recycled broken up concrete from on & off site local demolition sources) and finished with a local stone cap.
4. Home to cattails, rushes & marsh species.

Picture to Left- Foreground: Mulch Basin # 3
System: Cistern W/ Effluent Pump

1. An overflow mulch basin for the Constructed Wetland & Marsh Drain Field (seen in the background of photo)

2. A catch basin for (2) Infiltration Chambers for graywater effluent being pumped through irrigation system.

3. Integrated into the basin will be a lemon tree (for water absorption, fruit, shade, cooling & interest) and seating wall as it terminates at the edge of the back patio and the living room space in the house.

Back Yard Mulch Basin # 4
System: Cistern W/ Effluent Pump

1. Catch basin for (5) Infiltration Chambers for graywater effluent being pumped through system.
2. Rain Garden for harvesting and diverting roof water catchment and overflow for future potable water cistern.
2. Blue elderberry tree, native shrubs & goundcovers.

Back Yard Mulch Basin #5
System: Cistern W/ Effluent Pump

1. Catch basin for (4) Infiltration Chambers
2. Rain Garden for harvesting and diverting roof water catchment and overflow for future potable water cistern.
3. Fig tree, native shrubs and groundcovers

Speaking of, I must return to the site pronto. Coming with more 1/2 tubing and couplings guys!

Graywater: Harvesting, Harnessing, Building & Growing LIFE

2011-02-01T08:33:00.000-08:00

Project: Harvest LIFE Project: Marina, California

Project Scope: Design + Build Services

Stage of Development: Installation In Progress

Type of Systems Designed For Client's Home Ecosystem & Lifestyle:

1. 1500 gallon Cistern and Effluent Pump System with

Constructed Wetland + (3) Mulch Basins / Mini Leach Fields

2. Launday to Landscape with (2) Mulch Basins

3. Edible Canopy & Shade Trees, Wetland & Native Coastal Dune Plant Species & Monterey Cypress Species.

Edibles Include: Citrus (Lemon), Fig, Blue Elderberry, Banana, Apples

Natives Include: Buckwheats, sages, bunch grasses, ca. fuchsia, toyon, ceanothus, lupine...

Purpose of Green Retrofit:

To dramatically cut back on potable water consumption by harvesting used on-site graywater for edible and native coastal dune landscape, groundwater recharge, habitat creation, biodiversity building. This project is about shifting priorities and what is important, choosing a more self reliant and sufficient lifestyle, recognizing a precious untapped resource and taking FULL advantage of its potential- Reevaluating and redesigning the daily usage, requirements and cycle of water at the home scale. Here we have designed systems to diverted the 'waste' water stream and create multiple resource and nutrient streams that literally build and support life. It's about recognizing that potable water is in high demand and short supply and it doesn't need to be used in most home applications. Its about choosing a daily lifestyle that enbodies reuse and repurposing, harvesting, harnessing, redistributing, infiltrating, building (soil, delight and potential), attracting and welcoming (beneficials & diversity) and growing a healthy balanced connected nutritious life experience at home.

Pic: Contoured Mulch Basin / Mini Leach Field / Swale In Progress

Breaking Ground:

Here we are defining the constructed wetland for the cistern overflow planter. Here, cattails and rushes will filter, slow, and redistribute water for infiltration and plant requirements, attract beneficial insects, diverse wildlife, happy homeowners and a sense of peace and well being.

Mulch Basin Excavation, Contouring & Grading Work

Vertical Healing Garden

2010-11-18T14:17:00.000-08:00

Project: Residential Landscape Design + Build
Location: Salinas, California
Scope of Services: This was a custom design, fabrication and installation of a cor ten entry gate, vertical living mesh screen, slate entry and sidewalks and a series of three custom wood climbing structures amongst natives, edible climbers and fruit trees. Lighting and irrigation was also installed as well as reclaimed wood benches for reading and observing wildlife. Upon completion of installation, follow-up consulting and maintenance took place for the first six months for client support and garden coaching.

Program: An older woman in a violence-prone neighborhood was looking for a secure, yet welcoming home entry design and back yard courtyard garden that exudes life due to recent events in her life. The garden functions as a tranquil, zen place of healing and health that encourages her to spend more time outdoors, growing and tending to her own strawberries, figs, citrus, apples, culinary herbs and observing the many life forms. Transforming her neglected and abandoned home space into an active participant in the healing process of her body, mind and spirit during this significant transition in her life was the primary objective.

Custom cor ten gate & mesh climbing screen

Gate Design Detail - Minimalism, Utilitarianism & Zen Unified

Partial View Into The Inner Courtyard Entry Garden

Here the vertical climbing structure against the stucco wall backdrop becomes the backbone and skeletal structure for a passionfruit vine, engulfing the wood 'ribs' as if its discovering a once abandoned structure and taking full advantage of its close proximity. Refinished redwood bench slats entice the passerby to take a pause, sit and BE in the space.

Espalier apples & citrus grow on skeletal trellises

Mortared slate walkways

Casita Verde, Seaside California

2010-11-10T09:20:00.000-08:00

Project: Whole-House Green Building Retrofit - Passive Solar Home + Garden Renovation

Location: Seaside, California

Client: Writer + Designer / Artist

Program: 680sf work live home on a 3600sf lot in a diverse mixed use urban residential seaside neighborhood. The goal is to create an urban homestead that exudes comfort, creativity, sufficiency and self reliance while maximizing multi-functionality and vastness within the constaints of a small footprint. All elements of the home and garden actively contribute to a simple healthy regenerative lifestyle on a small budget.

Scope: Architectural, interior and landscape design services, design oversight, material sourcing, building and installation for interior and exterior modifications and greening.

GREEN FEATURES:

Designed and built south facing dormer addition to maximize interior daylighting, elevate and expand living space and reduce energy consumption during daylight hours.

Removed attic and opened interior walls to create cathedral ceiling and open floor plan for an urban muli-functional work live environment.

Repositioned windows and doors to maximize views while maintaining privacy and to strategically welcome light from sun rise to sun set.

Porch and dormer roof decking made from 100 year old redwood barn door wood sourced locally in San Juan Batista

Standing seam cool roof for rainwater harvesting, reducing heat island effect and improving energy efficiency in house.

Recycled kitchen stove, utility sink for future art studio, reclaimed & recycled wood & hardware throughout interior and exterior of house.

Plumbed for future graywater system & rain harvesting system

Recycled WWII era doug fir flooring pulled from factory in bay area

Two north-facing skylight additions

Energy Star tankless water heater, gas furnace, water fixtures and appliances

Insulation in flooring, walls & ceiling

Reclaimed and recycled redwood for exterior and interior trim work

Low and NO VOC interior white paint and interior and exterior wood sealers.

More images to come.

Terraced Hillside Living Space, Santa Cruz Ca

2010-11-09T13:07:00.000-08:00

Project: Terraced Residential Living Space

Scope of Project: Design + Build

Location: Santa Cruz, California

Intention & Key Features: The primary focus of this design was maximizing usage, transforming a steep, untapped hillside into a flourishing abundant garden. This garden breeds life and provides for entertaining and outdoor living year round.

Four terraced living spaces with an integrated water feature and covered dining area with solar panel array provides the backdrop for edibles, natives, fruiting trees and flowering climbers.

Most important for the client was creating a view shed out to the ocean at the top of the hillside for scoping out those perfect surf sessions. This backyard shows what's possible in the face of uncertainty.

Residential Green Retrofit, Santa Cruz California

2010-11-09T11:27:00.001-08:00

Project: Residential Graywater Constructed Wetland, Rain Garden Bioretention System, Raised Edible Beds, Permeable Paving, 3,000 Gallon Underground Cistern, Vegetated Driveway & Vertical Climbing Garden

- Gravity Fed Laundry to Landscape System

Purpose: Utilize On-Site Recycled Laundry Water & Rainwater Resources To Create A Gravity-Fed Irrigation System & Underground Rainwater Collection System That Facilitates Groundwater Recharge, Sustains Native & Edible Landscape, Diversifies Urban Microclimates, Promotes Cooling, Builds Habitat & Encourages Biodiversity

Scope of Work: 2-d & 3-d Conceptual & Working Drawings For Integrated Site Systems, Interface With Client & Engineer, Design Oversight During Course Of Construction

Location: National Street, Santa Cruz California

100 Gallon Rainwater HOG System- Pilgrim's Way Bookstore, Carmel-By-The-Sea

2010-11-09T10:44:00.000-08:00

Project: HOG Rainwater Catchment Demonstration System
Scope: Design & Installation
Storage Capacity: 100 Gallons With Potential To Expand
Project Location: The Secret Garden
Pilgrim's Way Bookstore
Carmel-By-The-Sea

The Rainwater HOG is a 50 gallon modular storage catchment tank for the collection of rainwater. The HOG can be installed vertically or horizontally and you can extend the number of modules over time as your storage system needs and capacity expands. Whether for irrigation, habitat creation or toilet flushing, the HOG can be designed into a vast erray of site conditions. I can customize the HOG design to fit your specific lifestyle needs, site conditions and short and long term goals for reducing your potable water usage and integrating rainwater catchment into your sustainable home or business ecosystem. The HOG system can acheive up to 9 LEED credits for new construction or existing buildings.

Commercial Project: Laser Devices Inc., Monterey Ca

2010-11-09T07:26:00.000-08:00

All sod was removed from the site creating a semi-public native drought tolerant garden plaza space for employees & clientele upon entry.

Custom commercial entry courtyard sculpture, sitting wall + water feature

3-d concept model

Fabrication

Water feature & terraced ipe deck seating

Entry metal sconce lighting design, fabrication + installation

Terraced entry courtyard habitat planting

Second Story Interior Mezzanine Plant Design & Installation Welcomes Commercial Clients, Provides Improved Indoor Air Quality, Improved Productivity & Connection To Nature In The Work Place.

Light Houses does monthly maintenance on this interior plant scheme along with the entire exterior grounds.

Sample Project: Bioretention and Habitat Pond in Carmel Valley

2010-11-08T17:46:00.001-08:00

This natural spring in Yosemite National Park shows healthy systems at work:

In designing a water feature for a home, we always attempt to mimic natural systems.

This water feature includes a bioretention pond, a technique that helps retain stormwater run-off.

Best of all, this design provides habitat for native plants and animals while creating a peaceful sanctuary forthe homeowner.

From design concept to completion: