The Garden House

Atherton, California
Client: Olson Sundberg Architects
Dates of Service: 1993-1994

Project Summary: This large, new, and technically complex home was located on a very challenging site with extensive subterranean moisture and highly-expansive clay soils, posing the twin risks of sub-grade leakage and large differential movement due to the expansive soils.  Other exterior envelope components included cast-in-place concrete, wood siding, single-ply membrane low-slope roofing and standing-seam metal sloped roofing, window systems, etc. 

PL:BECS Services: PL:BECS consulted to the architect in all aspects related to the building’s exterior envelope elements, with a particular emphasis on the challenging sub-grade and sub-slab drainage and waterproofing systems.  PL:BECS provided detailed recommendations for the under-slab drainage and waterproofing, including specialized detailing to allow for a high degree of differential movement while maintaining water-tight integrity of the sub-grade elements.  PL:BECS also provided detailed recommendations for roof system ventilation, roofing materials and detailing, interior concrete floor joint lay-out and design, etc.