The Castaway House – A New Project in Collaboration with The Ranch Mine

by: Taz Loomans

Tweet The Castaway House Project Synopsis: Address: 3932 E. Fairmount Ave. Phoenix, AZ 85018 An existing 1000sf painted concrete masonry house, stripped to the studs, “thrown away” by a speculative owner during the economic downturn creating a blight in the neighborhood. The Ranch Mine acquired the property with investor Cycle Development in the hopes of revitalizing not only the house, but restoring life and vibrancy to the neighborhood. In collaboration, The Ranch Mine and Blooming Rock will completely renovate the existing building and add about 900 sf to the house, while creating an exceptional desert outdoor space. Project Mission: Inclusivity:…

July 12, 2010

A Primer on ADA and Why it’s Important to Design

by: Taz Loomans

Tweet Do you have people in your life with disabilities? I do. My mother, as she has aged, has experienced a considerable decline in her mobility. She often uses a wheelchair and a walker when she is out and about. I sometimes push my mother’s wheelchair when we are out together and whenever I do, I become instantly aware of ramps to sidewalks and to entrances of buildings. In those times, accessibility becomes an immediate reality, something I have to negotiate with personally, instead of the abstract notion that many times serves as a hindrance to architects and designers. Accessibility…