On the Drawing Board

It's been a long time since our last blog post...My sincere apologies for lack of posts - We have been busy busy busy wrapping up a few installations and continuing with a few new designs since the holidays.  Below are two renderings of kitchen designs we are currently working on.  We can't wait to get started on the actual installations! 

Modern in the mountains.  Matte white and rich wood veneer come together to form a space that will be clean and inviting after a long day on the slopes in Winter Park.  

Our take on a clean traditional kitchen.  The hood will be custom made by Raw Urth Designs in Fort Collins and the butcher block on the island will be fabricated right here in Denver by Heartwood Carpentry.  

Denver Polo Club Kitchen by Chris Awadalla featured in 5280 Home Magazine Autumn 2014 Issue

I was happy to design the kitchen for this project by interior designer Megan Kane in Denver's Polo Club neighborhood, just south of Cherry Creek.  Jones Custom Builders did a wonderful job, as always, implementing the great design with amazing craftsmanship.

Click below for full article!

http://www.5280.com/dwell/magazine/2014/08/hit-refresh

http://www.5280.com/dwell/magazine/2014/08/hit-refresh

A Modern Bathroom in Greenwood Village - Scouting Shots

Scouting shots from a recent bathroom remodel in Greenwood Village. Here are some of the highlights...

Cracked glass floor detail...Axor tub filler and faucets...custom Anegre veneer high polish cabinetry. 

We used a really great luminescent tile for an accent in the shower.  The wall tile is a 12x24 porcelain that is very similar to crema marfil marble. 

Axor fixture, shown in front of the niche we built for additional storage. The storage niche is great for the homeowners' electric toothbrushes and has its own LED lighting and GFCI receptacles. 

Shower niche

The free standing tub is by Hydro Systems, and the tub filler is the Axor Massaud.  Striking!

Pressure Balance vs. Thermostatic Valves

"What is the difference between a thermostatic valve and a pressure balance valve?" I get this question pretty often.  In fact, I get this question so often that I am writing a post about it.  You'll most likely be given the choice of one of these types of valves when you plan your new shower or tub.  Here are the basics:

Pressure Balance Valves (PB)

A pressure balance valve has a single control that regulates the ratio of hot to cold water that flows out of the fixture.  There is no true volume control with a PB valve.  When the valve is turned on, 100% water volume passes through.  The more the valve is opened, the hotter the temperature gets.  Pressure balance valves have a maximum temperature limit that is set at the time of installation, which provides scald protection for families with children.  The most common scenario that people think about is how the shower reacts when a toilet is flushed.  The tank of the toilet will need more cold water to refill after the flush, so there will be less cold water for the shower.  In this scenario, the PB valve automatically reduces the amount of hot water as it senses this.  The pressure remains constant and so does the temperature.

Pressure Balance Valve

Thermostatic Valves (TS)

Thermostatic Valves have two control valves.  One controls the pressure and one controls the temperature.  TS valves also provide maximum temperature limits that provide scald protection.  These valves allow the user to set the temperature completely independent of the volume.  It makes it easy to find the correct temperature every time.  Thermostatic valves also allow the user to control the volume, so if you're interested in having a very hot temperature water at low volume, you can do that.  PB valves do not have that capability.

Thermostatic Valve

Which is best for you?

For the most part, thermostatic trims are more pleasing to look at than pressure balance trims, and you'll find that thermostatic valves are used almost exclusively in luxury showers.  However, pressure balance valves are much lower in cost (sometimes less than half a comparable thermostatic)  Both of these types of valves will last a long time provided you purchase a quality brand that stands behind their product.  Personally, I prefer thermostatic valves: they look better and have a better functionality.

Here are a few thermostatic trim packages I really like:

Notice the two handles on the valve trim. One controls pressure and one is set for temperature

This Newport Brass Thermostatic Valve has a cross handle for the volume and a rotating collar for the temperature.

Dornbracht Thermostatic Valve

Hansgrohe