FSF Foto Friday!

Many of you have been wondering what is happening at Wheeler High School.  From the photo you can see that sitework continues for the last phase of this project.  The last section of the underground storm water management system is still to be installed.  We have experienced a tremendously wet Fall and Winter and the soil is just too wet to compact.  The site is limited in area and doesn't lend itself to being able to spread the dirt out to dry.  So we wait.  We are hoping that as the Winter months subside and warmer Spring weather arrives, the dirt will obtain the proper moisture content for compaction and the project's completion.

Throwback Thursday - Epiphany Lutheran Church

Completed in 1986 by Bob Foreman, this was the first Lutheran church FSF designed and completed after the start of the firm in 1985.

Project Highlight - Aurora Theatre, Lawrenceville, GA

Aurora Theatre was an adaptive reuse of a hundred year old Methodist church purchased by the City of Lawrenceville.FSF had to not only preserve the historic building but also turn it into a performing arts center the city could be proud of.It adds to the already robust activity in the downtown redevelopment area with shows weekly!

 The project was completed in May 2007 with a total of 18,000 square feet. The project team consisted of Jeff Seeley, Kathy Pallansch, and Teri Huling for architecture and Lusk & Company as the contractor.

 

Tuesday Trivia!

Which architectural style popularized the use of synthetic building materials such as glass, plastic, and steel in the 1920s and 1930s?

Myth Buster - Alternative Energy Sources Always Save you Money

Alternative energy sources will always save you money – myth!  They may save energy but they may not save you money.  The initial cost is so high on most of these systems that it is difficult to know for certain when or if the alternative energy method will actually produce a return on the investment.  The life expectancy of solar power systems may be less than their payback time.  Wind energy is expensive and is highly unpredictable.  Geothermal heat pumps are worth consideration and may actually save money; however, there is a long payback time before the real savings will begin.  Before a homeowner considers these alternative energy methods, it makes more sense to first follow the tried and proven energy efficiency steps such as the recommended amount of insulation for your area, good insulated glass windows, doors with proper weather-stripping, high efficiency well maintained HVAC equipment, and programmable thermostats that automatically set back temperatures at night and when you are not at home.

Sunday Inspiration

FSF Foto Friday!

Christian Life Center in Bensalem, PA - Completed by FSF in 2000

Throwback Thursday!

First marketing picture of the trio taken in 1992.

Bob Foreman, Jerry Fountain, and Jeff Seeley

Project Highlight - Christ the King Lutheran, Norcross, GA

This project consisted of completion of the educational areas of the church. Each area was themed to represent the appropriate age. Preschoolers had an underwater theme, middle grades an international theme, and upper grades a warehouse theme. Total area was 10,000 sq. ft. and the project was completed in 2007.

Tuesday Trivia

Who demonstrated his amazing contraption, the elevator, at the American Institute fair in 1854 in New York?

 

Happy President’s Day from FSF!

President’s Day is observed the third Monday in February.  It was previously observed on February 22nd, the actual birth-day of President George Washington.  Today, we celebrate and remember the U.S. presidents, past and present. 

Happy Valentine's Day!

Love Lock Bridge - Paris, France

Throwback Thursday - Waycross Bank & Trust

This federal style bank was completed in 1988 and was instantly recognized for its architecture.  It was featured in an article on bank architecture.  It became the basis for many future designs that replicated its success.  It was our first bank to use shop built cornices to speed construction on site.  Interestingly, the Project Architect, Bruce McLean is now a missionary in India.

 

FSF Employee Highlight - Jared Snider

 

How long at FSF:  "3 1/2 years"

School Attended:  "Georgia Tech"

Favorite Season:  "Fall because of hunting and football"

Favorite Hobbies:  "Hunting, fishing, and music...I play the drums"

Favorite Christmas Present as a Child:  "Red satin Chicago Bull Starter jacket"

If you could go anywhere, where would it be:  "I went to the UK, Italy, and France last year so the next big trip on our list is Germany, Austria, and Switzerland...or maybe an African safari"

Tuesday Trivia

What famous architect designed the Walt Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles?

 

Sunday Inspiration

"Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail" - Ralph Waldo Emerson

FSF Foto Friday - Sewell Park

We are excited to announce that Sewell Park in Cobb County has begun the construction process.  This Little League Baseball park with 4 main fields and two smaller fields is to be completely renovated.  New parking will be added to the complex.  As well, three of the ball fields will be regraded and new dugouts with metal roofing will be added.  The existing concession stand will be replaced with a new building that adds restrooms and a passive cooling system.  Be on the lookout for more updates soon!

Throwback Thursday - Pleasant Hill Baptist Church

Pleasant Hill Baptist Church constructed an interim worship facility in 1990 on Pleasant Hill Road, near I-85.  The church later relocated, changed their name to North Metro First Baptist Church, and Bahama Breeze Restaurant now occupies the former church site.

Tuesday Trivia

Where is this famous spiral ramp?

A White Roof Makes A "Cooler" Building - MYTH

Many people believe that a white roof is better due to the fact it should be cooler. However, Carlisle Construction Materials recently posted an article comparing a white "cool" roof to a dark... roof. A study was conducted and analyzed if a darker roof is more energy efficient and cost effective than a white roof in northern climates. The results showed that thermal heat loss of white roofing is 30% higher than black EPDM during winter months. Thus, creating more consumption of natural resources and increasing global warming. The solar absorption in dark roofing keeps the building warmer in winter months. Even though the white roof kept the building cooler in the summer months, the overall cost savings and global impact does not compare. The line of demarcation runs roughly through Atlanta. View the full article here: http://www.carlislesyntec.com/view.aspx?mode=media&contentID=4583