Friday, October 23, 2015

Building Science

At Geometra Design we strive on building science research of new technologies.
New products available out there may not be used at their best, or sold to the proper applications.
We decided not to use spray foam insulation in our retrofit projects in Toronto's buildings.
The existing exterior double brick walls with interior plaster were meant to perform in a way that in the tested conditions the build up of moisture would occur in the created drainage layer between the bricks.
Once the interior walls are stripped from the lath and plaster, and a new layer of insulation is added, the dew point moves on the internal layer of the double brick. That is where a non ventilated air space (conduction) should be left for the condensation/moisture to dry, and also create a separation with the new insulated stud wall.
Insulation always need more attention in the planning because of condensation on the cold inside of the masonry can hardly be avoided. A vapor barrier / brake seems to solve this problem, has in practice but often not the hoped effect.
One more example is the adoption of an exterior EPS (Expanded Polystyrene Insulation) layer on the exterior surface of the brick wall, where in the tested conditions allows not buildup of condensation.


Resource: https://www.u-wert.net
Typical Toronto wall composition

Typical Toronto double brick wall insulated with Batt Insulation
Typical Toronto double brick wall insulated with Batt Insulation+exterior EPS

Sunday, August 2, 2015

New services available at Geometra

Interior Design: To help finalizing your vision, Geometra Design Ltd. created in house collaboration with our trusted interior designers, and are now able to provide you with coordinated interior decor packages starting at $3,800 + tax. Contact us for more details.

Tuesday, April 28, 2015

New proposed Addition


 This is a proposed split level two storey addition to an existing one storey bungalow in North York, Toronto.

Thursday, March 26, 2015

Austrian technology available in Ontario

Geometra design and Fisker International are working together on a partnership with top European window manufacture Gaulhofer. Stay tuned for show room location.
Feel free to contact us for more details.

Thursday, February 5, 2015

Building Permits 101

If you are planning a renovation, an addition, a new construction, or you are just curious come to this presentation at the Toronto library, city hall branch, where I will be explaining how important it is to obtain a building permit before starting any residential project, no matter the size. I will explain when a permit is required, the parties involved, and the process needed to build safe. Click here for more details.

Wednesday, February 4, 2015

New renovation addition project


 Featured on Houzz is now a new project for a three storey full gut renovation in Toronto.
A typical single family dwelling is experiencing right now a transformation to ultimately become a legal two units house. Many places in some area of Toronto are now legally going through this transformations as a income property development. Read more here.
This particular project essentially will have two apartments with separate entrance. Ground and Basement will feature a two bedroom apartment with separate entrance and below grade courtyard.
Second and Third Floor will feature another two bedroom apartment with large rear private balcony.

Tuesday, February 3, 2015

From the drafting table

Latest design concept for new custom project located in Mississauga.
The project is located in an area of Mississauga where site plan approval will be required.

Monday, January 19, 2015

Best of Houzz 2015 - Toronto (Home gym)

Houzz Announces “Best Of Houzz 2015” Winners
Annual Survey and Analysis of Community of Over 25 Million Monthly Users Reveals Top-Rated Home Remodeling Professionals and Design Trends

Houzz (www.houzz.com), the leading platform for home remodeling and design, today announced the community’s picks for Best Of Houzz 2015, a homeowner-to-homeowner guide to the top home buildersarchitectsinterior designers, landscape pros and other residential remodeling professionals on Houzz from tile, stone and countertop pros to painters.

“Houzz connects people with the best home professional for their project by providing the only 360-degree view of a professional, from their portfolio, client reviews, awards and accreditations to their work style and expertise based on their participation in the Houzz community,” said Liza Hausman, vice president of Industry Marketing for Houzz. “We’re delighted to join our community in recognizing the talented professionals on Houzz who are delivering incredible designs and delightful customer experiences.”

The Best Of Houzz award is given in two categories: Customer Service and Design. Customer Service honors are determined by a variety of factors, including the number and quality of client reviews a professional received in 2014. Design award winners’ work was the most popular among the more than 25 million monthly users on Houzz, known as “Houzzers,” Winners will receive a “Best Of Houzz 2015” badge on their profiles, showing the Houzz community their commitment to excellence. These badges help homeowners identify popular and top-rated home professionals in every metro area on Houzz.

Houzz recently launched the Photographer Network (http://www.houzz.com/getPhotos) to provide industry professionals with access to top photographers at affordable prices, making it easy to showcase their work to the Houzz community. Consisting of more than 500 professional photographers in the U.S. and Canada on Houzz, the network provides special photography packages to first-time clients who are professionals on Houzz.

About Houzz
Houzz is the leading platform for home remodeling and design, providing people with everything they need to improve their homes from start to finish - online or from a mobile device. From decorating a room to building a custom home, Houzz connects millions of homeowners, home design enthusiasts and home improvement professionals across the country and around the world. With the largest residential design database in the world and a vibrant community powered by social tools, Houzz is the easiest way for people to find inspiration, get advice, buy products and hire the professionals they need to help turn their ideas into reality. Headquartered in Palo Alto, CA, Houzz also has international offices in London, Berlin and Sydney. For more information, visit www.houzz.com

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