Posted by Joe Barnes on August 31st, 2009
Bundoran Farm is a busy place these days. Within the past 5 days, we have held Pre-Construction meetings for two new customs homes. At Bundoran Farm, we hold on-site pre-construction meetings for a few reasons. It’s a great opportunity to make sure all involved parties have each others contact information, have no unanswered questions and perhaps most importantly, celebrate the beginning of the construction process.
Mike Ball of Artisan Construction gives a big Thumbs Up.
On August 27th, we held the pre-construction meeting for house John and Diane Foraste are having built on Homesite I-06. In attendance at the meeting were Mike Ball with Artisan Construction, Alex Foraste, the Foraste’s son who also happened to be civil engineer working with McKee Carson on the design of the overall infrastructure for Bundoran Farm, and Leif Riddervold, David Hamilton and Joe Barnes with Bundoran Farm.
The Foraste’s home, wonderfully designed by Jeff Sties of Sunbiosis, a Charlottesville based architectural firm, will be around 1,600 square feet and when complete with be living proof that “good things come in small packages”. Nestled in the woods and up a bit from Hightop Drive, the Foraste’s home, aptly named Woodhill, will sit lightly on the land and, due to its skillful placement and design, will have commanding seasonal views across Bundoran Farm and beyond.
On August 31st, we held pre-construction meeting with the design and construction teams for the Tompkins Residence being constructed on Homesite H-13. Joining Bill and Dorothy Tompkins were Ted Marrs and Joey Reed from Abrahamse & Company, the Tompkins builder, architect Bob Gray of Shank & Gray Architects and Leif Riddervold and Joe Barnes from Bundoran Farm.
The Tompkins with their design and construction team and, of course, Sam the Beagle.
Based on all the thought and care which has gone into every aspect of the design of this three bedroom cottage, we know it will be wonderful addition to the overall fabric of the Bundoran Farm community in addition to being a great place for the Tompkins to live. As exciting as the house construction is, many of us are equally, if not more, excited by what will be happening as the Tompkins continue to craft the landscape environment immediately around the home. Already, it is possible to get a glimpse of what is to come by taking in the some of the flowering plants and herbs the Tompkins have been transplanted to their homesite over the past year.
Filed under: Architecture and Design, Green Building, Project Updates
We came for the land, are excited about the house and grateful for the wonderful people – the Bundoran Farm team and our neighbors, current and future.
John & Diane Foraste.
Keep in mind, as a neighbor, and a member of the Albemarle Natural Heritage committee, I’d be glad to lend free advice to any homeowner who chooses to use native plants in their design. Within reason, I’m also willing to share cuttings of the native plants I grow, many of which are quite rare.
Also, if anyone installs a green roof, I also have native plants that I’ve tested to be used on green roofs, including unusual native sedums and succulents.
Lonnie:
Thanks for offering to assist us and our owners/stewards. We are fortunate to live in a part of the country where people are not only knowledgable about a wide range of subjects but are willing to share their knowledge and experience with others.
Joe Barnes