EP 68 | Designing & Building Coastal Homes for Resiliency | Insights with Architect Cate Black & Toner Kersting
In this episode:
In this episode of the Your Project Shepherd podcast, host Curtis Lawson is joined by Cate Black of Cate Black Architecture studio and Toner Kersting of Toner Home Performance to discuss the unique challenges and considerations of building coastal homes in Galveston, Texas. This episode explores the importance of assembling a qualified team, navigating local regulations and environmental factors, and prioritizing building performance and resilience in a coastal environment.
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- Galveston’s Unique Building Environment: Understand the specific challenges of building on Galveston Island, including its coastal location, historical context, and regulatory environment.
- Building a Coastal Team: Emphasize the importance of selecting a qualified team with experience in coastal construction, including realtors, architects, builders, and building performance specialists.
- Lot Selection and Development: Discuss the complexities of lot selection in Galveston, considering factors such as buildable area, flood zones, and view corridors.
- The Trade Base in Galveston: Address the challenges of finding and working with qualified tradespeople on the island, including the potential impact on project timelines and costs.
- HOA and Architectural Review: Explore the role of homeowners associations (HOAs) and architectural review boards in Galveston, and the importance of understanding their guidelines and restrictions.
- Building Performance and Resiliency: Discuss the critical importance of building performance and resiliency in coastal homes, particularly in withstanding extreme weather events and the corrosive effects of salt air.
- The Role of the Architect: Highlight the architect’s role as a Sherpa, guiding clients through the design and construction process and ensuring that their vision aligns with the realities of the coastal environment.
- Common Forensic Issues: Identify the most common forensic issues encountered in new construction on Galveston Island, including moisture management, envelope sealing, and proper ventilation.
- The Importance of Proper Sequencing: Understand the significance of proper sequencing in construction, particularly in relation to windstorm resistance and structural integrity.
- The Impact of the Salt Air: Discuss the corrosive effects of salt air on building materials and the need for careful selection and maintenance of exterior components.
- The Value of Local Knowledge: Emphasize the importance of working with local professionals who possess a deep understanding of the island’s unique building environment and challenges.
GET IN TOUCH:
Guest: Cate Black
Business Title: Principal and Founder
Company: Cate Black Architecture Studio
Website: https://www.cateblackarchitect.com/
Bonus:
- If you’re considering building or renovating a coastal home in Galveston, visit Cate Black Architecture studio’s website to learn more about their services:
www.cateblackarchitect.com - Consult with Toner Home Performance to ensure your coastal home is designed and built for optimal performance and resilience:
www.tonerhomeperformance.com - Research Galveston’s building codes and regulations to understand the specific requirements for coastal construction.
- Consider the long-term maintenance and durability of building materials when selecting exterior finishes and components for your coastal home.
How to get in touch: Have questions about building coastal homes, architectural design, or other construction-related topics? Reach out to us at info@yourprojectshepherd.com.
About Our Guest:
Cate Black is a licensed architect and the owner of Cate Black Architecture studio, specializing in residential design on Galveston Island. With her extensive knowledge of coastal construction and passion for creating beautiful and functional homes, Cate is a valuable resource for anyone seeking to build or renovate on the island.
Toner Kersting is the owner of Toner Home Performance, a building performance consulting and forensic analysis firm. With his expertise in building science and deep understanding of coastal construction challenges, Toner is a trusted advisor for homeowners, builders, and architects in Galveston.
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