Fombell Addition in Western PA: Construction Update

We’ve made major progress on the construction of our Fombell Addition in Western PA. The modern house addition is about a month away from final completion and we are really excited to share our most recent construction photos of the project with you.

In our previous post on this project, we shared our design approach and project requirements. We also shared the first groundbreaking photos. We’ve come a long way since those photos – foundations, framing, insulation, building systems, timber framing, windows, roofing… We hope you enjoy!

Dining Pavilion

Foundations walls were constructed. The ground was backfilled and compacted in preparation for the slab on grade. Hydronic radiant piping and electrical floor boxes were installed prior to the pour.

Timber frame erection

Steel posts & beams were erected. Roof SIPs (structural insulated panels) were lifted into place and roof eaves were framed.

Exterior wall framing & windows installation

Window wall installation

Window wall installation with large slide & fold doors that will open onto a wooden deck

The window walls on this project are Hope’s Windows & Doors. They are steel thermally broken frames.

Master Suite Addition

Foundations and floor framing

Slab on grade preparation consisted of installing radiant heat tubing, steel mesh reinforcing and formwork around the elevator pit.

Demolition of existing guest bedroom over the garage

Hydronic radiant piping

Reflective barrier over radiant piping

Spray foam over reflective barrier

We decided to go with a staple-up radiant system at the Master Bedroom addition because we didn’t want to increase the floor thickness above the floor sheathing. We wanted to try to minimize the elevation change of the floor transition from the existing house to the new addition and the staple-up system helped keep the floor thickness to a minimum.

Steel framing erection at the “glass boxes”

Timber framing erection

Roof SIPs installation

SIPs have great thermal properties, minimizing thermal bridging and air leakage which is more common of traditional residential stick framing. Roof SIPS were also a great choice to use in conjunction with our timber roof framing because SIPs are structural panels and can span long distances. Had we used traditional stud framing for the roof, our roof assembly thickness would have needed to be deeper.