Fireplace and Chimney Design/Build Project for Dickey Betts of the Allman Brothers

Foundation work began on the Betts Hunting Lodge May 24th, 2011.  Normally, this stage of construction would be completed before we arrived on site to build the fireplace and chimney, but in this case we were also contracted to build the foundation because of soil complications.  This is obviously a very important part of the overall building process, but it is especially critical where the heavy, column like structure of the fireplace and chimney are concerned.  

We are not at liberty to say where the Betts property is other than the 'deep south,' and in this agriculturally based region the soil is very sandy with a high degree of variability in terms of compaction and bearing.  This required a spread footing for the fireplace and chimney of approximately 12" x  8' x 14' with #4 rebar placed on a 12" grid in the lower third.

We would normally recommend a reenforced, poured concrete foundation — concrete block was a building specification given to us during the planning process.

Architectural Awards Ceremony

Awards were presented to Owners, Builders and Architects at the Historic Commission's annual ceremony for  'Architectural Excellence.'  Mayor Bill Floyd is shown above presenting the 'New Residential Design of the Year Award' to my client Jack Daulton and myself.

From leftt : Bill Floyd, Jack Daulton, Clay Chapman

Design Award

The 'Daulton House' has won the City of Decatur's 'New Residential Construction Design of the Year Award.'

This Sunday, May 15th 2011, acknowledgements will be awarded by the City of Decatur at the First Christian Church of Decatur on West ponce De Leon Avenue across from St. Thomas  Moore.  The event is hosted by the Decatur Historic Preservation Commission, and Mayor Bill Floyd will be presenting.

Many thanks to Jack and Ninon Daulton for allowing us the freedom to interpret their vision and for providing the resources, confidence and constant encouragement to make that dream a reality.  If Architecture is preserved by the affection held for it, we have know doubt that this structure will serve many generations dearly, and be held deeply as an exceptional asset to the Decatur community for a very long time.