Entry 5: Dirt Will Move

If I could summarize this entry in three words, the phrase would be “Dirt Will Move.” That was the outcome of today’s meeting at the Duke FMD building with Bovis LL, Frank Harmon Architects, and all the other players involved (see Entry 1 for a schematic representation). Everyone involved with the project has devoted more time than expected and the current quote is still higher than the budget. In order for a contract to be settled on between Duke and Bovis LL, these fiscal issues still must come to an accord with both parties. The issue of the meetings is to find ways to lower the projected quote, while preserving the integrity of the house. One example of this is switching the complex framing to a conventional framing. A decision like this takes time because the architect must review the plans, consult with his engineers, and change the plans. I cannot say that we will be finalizing a contract very soon; however, today’s meeting concluded with approval of beginning initial site work very soon. If you’re as excited from reading this as I was when I heard the news in the meeting, (I quickly jotted down a note to see if Tom Rose and I could check out the site pre-construction) you’re jumping up and down.

There are many issues to be solved and future entries will keep you updated, but here are photo’s below from my visit earlier today of the Smart House site.

Photos Taken Before

Evidence of Future Construction