Simple Living

by Jim | Oct 5, 2022

Simple Living

LIVE | TRADITIONAL

“Broken Auger” ranch

Every home we design is a reflection, not of us, but of you. These owners wanted a smaller house and simpler lifestyle in a relaxed setting.

Perched on a high point of a large open field, this home has excellent views of the surrounding property and Mt. Baker beyond. Ample windows and skylights bring in plenty of natural light while the natural tongue and groove wood ceilings help create a bright and warm space. The owners desired a smaller footprint with a higher attention to detail which allowed for unique items such as the large ridge skylight, douglas fir cabinets trim, radiant floor heat, as well as metal clad wood windows. Through the careful use of materials this home is a clear expression of its homeowners desire to live simply.

Features: Ridge skylight • Natural finishes and materials • Radiant floor heat • Xeriscaped landscaping for reduced water consumption

PHOTO ALBUM

Construction: Big Mountain Construction

Country Cottage

by Jim | Oct 4, 2022

Country Cottage

LIVE | TRADITIONAL

John & Sue’s JOURNEY

The path toward your new home can seem daunting, but it doesn’t have to –– not if you have the right guide. Here’s a closeup look at one couple’s adventure.

This home takes full advantage of the expansive bay views that the site boasts, with a majority of the home’s windows oriented towards the water, and opens onto a large deck. Being in the Northwest, part of the deck is covered with infrared heat panels, making it a prime spot for relaxing and barbecuing. The exterior is clad in untreated Alaskan Yellow Cedar which will turn a nice silver color as it weathers. The living room features a floor-to-ceiling rock fireplace with the hearth extending the full width of the room, creating great spaces for reading and storage. Through the use of car decking as the finish floor material on the upper level, the floor framing and beam structure are able to be exposed creating an inviting and warm finish to the overall space.

Features: 3 bedroom, 2 bath • Carport with secure storage • Covered deck equipped with infrared heat panels • 1,800 sq. ft.

DISCOVERY

This was to be their second home… a getaway. They wanted a cottage feeling, a relaxed atmosphere with a big open living space including a loft.

The client also wanted a second master bedroom downstairs in case they decided to make this their retirement home and age would prevent them from sleeping upstairs. But for now, it would be a guest room.

They wanted to use natural materials throughout the home with as much exposed wood as possible. They were very specific in wanting no drywall.

DESIGN

We designed the home with an exposed wood ceiling. The wood for the floor above was also the exposed ceiling for the kitchen below.

We placed large windows in the front facing their view of the Georgia Straights. This let in as much natural light as possible. So much so, that they needed very little indoor lighting during the day.

Instead of drywall, we used shiplap on the walls with a transparent stain to show the grain.

We used Alaskan yellow cedar for siding, leaving it unfinished, allowing it to silver with age.

BUDGET

Normally, we work with the contractor from the beginning of a project to assure everyone is on the same page regarding the budget.

But in this case, the client wanted the drawings first so they could get bids from several contractors. We designed the project, then they bid it out. This was a unique approach, but once a contractor was chosen, the drawings helped keep the project on budget.

DOCUMENTS

Construction and other documents required quite a bit of detail because of the unique approach to the building, including special materials, the exposed car decking in the kitchen, exposed beams, and shiplap.

PERMITTING

Permitting for this site was a bit of a challenge. We had to be aware of archeological concerns to be sure we weren’t disturbing any Native American middens, or other historical artifacts. Fortunately, there weren’t any.

Due to the weather conditions in the area, storm water runoff could have been an issue. We were only allowed 2500 square feet of impervious surface, including the house and driveway. So we had to get creative

We designed a rain garden to absorb the excess water. A rain garden is a recess in the ground that the water can drain into and then soak into the soil without sending it offsite. It was planted with native plants to control all the water. The rain garden was designed with a grid system strong enough to support fire trucks.

CONSTRUCTION

Construction went very well. The contractor appreciated the detailed construction documents, and we were very happy with their timelines and quality of work.

PHOTO ALBUM

Construction: Janzen Custom Builders Photography: Jim W. Smith

Edgemoore Manor

by Jim | Mar 11, 2023

Edgemoore Manor

LIVE/TRADITIONAL

Bay View

A blending of function and whimsy

Great attention to detail was given to the design of this tudor-craftsman style home. Driven by the personalities and hobbies of the homeowners, the basement design has a room specific to brewing beer as well as an artist studio. The walls on the lower level are thicker than needed to give a feeling of permanence. From the upper floor, spectacular views overlook Bellingham Bay below.

Features: 3 bedroom, 4½ baths • Unique bonus room above garage • 3 bedroom, 4½ baths • 3,700 Sq.Ft.

PHOTO ALBUM

Construction: Moceri Construction

Valley Views

by Jim | Mar 11, 2023

Valley Views

LIVE/TRADITIONAL

NORTHWEST CRAFTSMAN

This Northwest Craftsman custom home is oriented on the site to take advantage of expansive views in all directions.

The clients were engaged in the design process from the beginning, giving the home a very personalized touch. Exposed beams with custom details highlight the spaces throughout. The inside is well connected to a wrap-around covered porch with ample views to the valleys below.

Features: 3 bedroom, 2½ bath • Attached 3-car garage • Bonus room above garage • Slab on grade with radiant floor heat • 2,500 Sq.Ft.

PHOTO ALBUM

Simple Style

by Jim | Mar 15, 2023

Simple Style

LIVE/TRADITIONAL

Outdoor Connection

This custom residence is traditional Japanese in both layout and construction.

Wood columns were scribed onto rocks to form the foundation. Underneath the house is a sauna as well as a cellar for food storage. A combination of stucco and cedar clad the exterior. Future plans include building a main house and tea house, which will form a courtyard with the guest house. With vaulted ceilings, skylights, lots of windows, and an open floor plan, the space feels much larger than it is and allows for a constant visual connection to the outside surroundings. The living space is surrounded by a wrap-around covered porch.

Features: Open studio layout • Steam shower in master suite • 2-car garage • Wrap-around covered porch • 1,300 Sq.Ft.