Natural Flow

by Jim | Aug 10, 2022

Natural Flow

LIVE/CONTEMPORARY

Bellingham Bay View

Do you entertain a lot? If so, you might want a lot of open space with natural traffic flow. Whatever your situation, we always put your needs at the top of our list.

Our client wanted an open feel with plenty of natural light. Since they do a lot of entertaining, they needed a natural flow from the entrance into the living room and kitchen areas. We approached the design based on separating the “public zone” from the “private zone,” making a very clear division so guests naturally flowed into the living area.

The property was mostly bedrock, but we were able to design the footprint to avoid a lot of excavation, saving significant costs.

Features: Board-form concrete retaining walls • Stair enclosure with large window • Concrete entry columns

PHOTO ALBUM

Construction: Big Mountain Construction

Growing Family

by Jim | Sep 8, 2022

Growing Family

LIVE | REMODEL/ADDITION

Andy & Terra’S JOURNEY

How do you see yourself expressed in the design of your home? Tell us your dreams. We’ll make them our top priority.

With a growing family, the need for entertaining and exercise space, and a general updated look, the client decided on a complete remodel. The result was a home built around both the adults and the children’s needs. It has become a wonderful destination for friends and family.

Features: Large chef-style kitchen • 3 levels of outdoor living • Complete master suite getaway oasis • Gaming area off entry

DISCOVERY

We walked through the house with them and talked about their needs, desires and budget.

They felt their house was dated and wanted an upgrade. They wanted to modernize the whole look and feel of the building without blowing the budget. They wanted to stick with a traditional design but wanted it “clean” as they put it. They were all about cleanliness, function, smooth surfaces, easy to clean, and a lot of light.

But most importantly they wanted their home to be a destination for entertaining friends and a fun place for their children to have friends over.

The kitchen was especially important to them. They wanted it large like the kind you see on television cooking shows. It needed to have a natural flow into the dining and living room space.

And they wanted a dedicated exercise space with lots of natural light.

DESIGN

The rooms in their existing home were small and single-purpose. Our new design opened up the space, creating a flow through multi-use spaces. What was once the living & dining room area became a gathering space for games and entertaining. The kitchen, dining, and living room areas were expanded into the addition. We also included a master suite with spacious bath and window seat.

The lower level provided gaming and entertainment space for the children, as well as an exercise area with reinforced wall for special equipment.

BUDGET

We had a contractor involved early on in the project which helped us stay in tune with their budget. They increased their budget to meet suggestions from their interior designer and for perceived quality of life needs. Though their budget was flexible, we always made sure to stay within their plans.

DOCUMENTS

Because it was a full remodel/addition and the original plans were not available, we had to do precise “as-built” drawings of the existing building. Then we provided the construction documents for the new design, coordinating with a soils engineer for storm water drainage, determining set back requirements, energy code requirements, etc.

PERMITTING

Our in-house permitting technician was involved throughout the project, making sure all local building codes were met, and avoiding any headaches for the client.

CONSTRUCTION

With our precise documentation and the excellent work from the contractor, construction went smoothly, even with last minute changes by the city.

Due to the scope of the project, the client found an alternate place to live during the construction.

PHOTO ALBUM

Construction: Kota Construction Photography: Point 2 Studio

River’s Edge

by Jim | Jul 26, 2022

River’s Edge

LIVE/REMODEL

Zen Oasis

Your needs are paramount to us. At Haven, we know what it means to have the perfect property, but a less-than-perfect building that needs major renovation. We can make it happen, giving you the peaceful setting you desire.

An abandoned split-level house above the Nooksack River was completely gutted for this remodel. The layout of the basement stayed as it was while the kitchen, dining, and living spaces on the main floor were given an open feel with the revision of the roof, creating a more open space and bringing in plenty of natural light. The home appears firmly grounded in its site and the layout of the spaces was guided by principles of Feng Shui, a core value of the client. Floating entry stairs lead to a covered front porch that includes a new large entry door.

Features: New master suite • Covered deck • Reuse of original materials • 2,300 sq. ft.