NW Ecobuilding Guild Green Home Tour 2024
H2D Architecture + Design and Carlisle Classic Homes are excited to announce that one of our recently completed new custom home projects will be featured on the NW Ecobuilding Guild's Green Home Tour on April 27, 2024. This home will be open for in person tours from 11am to 5pm on April 27th, 2024. Please follow this link to learn more and to register for the tour. This high-performance home, the Seward Park Industrial Custom Home, recently completed construction and boasts numerous cutting edge sustainable construction materials and methods, in addition to showcasing a variety of unique design features. Green features of this home include a highly insulated and efficient exterior envelope meeting Passive House air tightness standards, a Structurally Insulated Panel (SIPS) roof system, sustainably sourced wood products, and an efficient HVAC system for heating, cooling, and ventilation. The exterior of the home is built to optimize energy efficiency in the home and provide years of durability. The walls of the home are designed with a combination of products including cellulose insulation, Gutex interlocking wood fiber panel boards, air barrier meeting Passive House air tightness standards, rain screen system, and fibercement panel siding. The modern shed roof is built with Structurally Insulated Panels (SIPS). These technologies work together to provide a highly insulated system that reduces thermal bridging, creates a water resistant and airtight barrier, and allows moisture to escape. The HVAC system is designed for energy efficiency and to create a comfortable environment in the home. The SpacePak system installed in the home provides a multifunctional and multi-zoned system. The system includes in-floor radiant heating and cooling system installed in the exposed concrete floors for both floors of the home, as well as a high-velocity forced air heating, cooling and ventilation system. The home has multiple zones and is customized to provide the occupants with the heating and cooling they desire for the various spaces in the home. The HVAC system, as well as the lighting in the home, is set up with smart technologies allowing the homeowner to easily adjust settings directly in their smart app. Beyond the sustainable aspects of this home, this two-story structure is designed in an modern industrial style with numerous unique design features. The main floor of the home has an open plan with a kitchen, dining, and living room segmented with a three sided fireplace and wall of sliding glass doors leading out to an expansive deck with views of Lake Washington. The gourmet kitchen is designed with high end appliances, custom cabinetry, concrete countertops, custom steel pot rack, and wet bar. Other unique features in the home include a exposed steel beams, large cantilevered roof overhangs, spa-like primary bathroom with smart controls in the shower, wine cellar, office with custom built-ins, and home gym. The industrial modern styling of the home is expressed with exposed steel beams, industrial materials, polished concrete floors, and contemporary finishes. Learn more about the project here!
The Beauty of Shower Niches
Amidst the various elements that contribute to a luxurious bathing experience, shower niches stand out as both functional and aesthetically pleasing additions. These built-in shelving units not only enhance the organization of your shower space but also elevate the overall design of your bathroom. In this blog, we'll delve into the charm and practicality of shower niches, exploring their benefits and the creative possibilities they offer. Design Considerations Shower niches can be built in a diverse range of shapes and sizes, providing ample room for customization. Whether you lean towards a recessed shelf, a corner niche, or a more intricate design, their versatility ensures a seamless integration into any bathroom layout or style. To achieve the envisioned outcome, meticulous planning and design considerations are crucial before construction begins. Much like framing a window, the niche is framed early in the construction process, emphasizing the importance of determining its size and placement at this initial stage. It's essential to note that niches cannot be incorporated into exterior walls where insulation is needed, or in areas with a pocket door, plumbing, HVAC, or electrical components. Addressing these constraints may involve furring out the wall to create the necessary depth for the niche, albeit at the expense of some shower space. Additionally, designing a niche around a specific tile further emphasizes the value of having precise measurements planned from the project's outset. Streamlined Aesthetics & Functionality Shower niches provide a sleek and seamless appearance to your bathroom. By integrating the storage solution directly into the shower wall, you eliminate the need for external shelving or storage units, creating a clean and uncluttered visual appeal. Toiletries, shampoos, and shower essentials can be nicely tucked out of sight, adding organization to the space as well as functionality. When designing, it is important to consider the niche’s placement from a functionality perspective, making sure first that it’s located in a spot that is easy to reach while using the shower. Next, you can decide if you’d like it to steal the show or slip into the background. Make it a Statement Piece Adding a niche to a shower design instantly creates an opportunity for it to be the focal point of the shower. Selecting a more intricate or contrasting tile for the back wall of the niche is one simple way to make it stand out. Alternatively, the shape, size, or placement of this clever nook can be what catches your eye. To add more ambiance, lighting can be incorporated with the use of hidden LED tape light or recessed lighting placed inside the niche. This produces a subtle glow, highlights gorgeous tiles, and creates a spa-like atmosphere in your bathroom. Conclusion Shower niches are not just utilitarian features; they are an expression of thoughtful design and an investment in the overall aesthetic of your bathroom. Embracing the elegance of shower niches transforms your bathing space into a haven of sophistication and practicality. So, whether you're planning a bathroom renovation or building a new home, consider integrating shower niches into your shower design and enjoy the advantages for years to come.
Past to Present: Unveiling the Timeless Allure of Powder Rooms
Real estate listings define a powder room, or powder bath, as a bathroom that consists of a toilet and single sink. It is typically located on the main floor, strategically tucked away for privacy while remaining conveniently adjacent to the living room, dining room, and kitchen. Powder rooms are functional, yes, but they also provide the opportunity to make a statement and introduce your guests to the overarching style of your home. History Lesson The term "powder room" traces its origins back to the 1700s when the elite class frequently adorned wigs, requiring regular primping and powdering. During this era, having a dedicated space for such grooming rituals was indicative of social standing and affluence. In the absence of modern plumbing, these rooms typically featured a dressing table, a plush stool, and, notably, a mirror. As plumbing advancements emerged, the room's purpose evolved, and the powder bath gained popularity during the post-World War II construction boom. With the rise of makeup use, the powder room became a sanctuary for a quick touch-up, coining the phrase "powder one's nose." From a privacy standpoint, the powder bath functioned as a dedicated space for guests, sparing them the need to encroach upon the more intimate areas of the home – this remains one of its key features. What Makes a Powder Room so Special? Today, the main components that make up the design of a powder bath include the toilet, sink, mirror, and light fixtures. Beyond these essentials, additional features such as tile, wallpaper, accent paint, wainscoting, and art can be seamlessly integrated to add a layer of intrigue. The allure of the powder room is its compact footprint – this allows a splurge in higher-end materials since the square footage is so minimal. It provides you with a space to create a jewel box within the home that speaks to its overall aesthetic in a more daring way. It can be moody, experimental, colorful, busy – all the things you may be too timid to try in other areas of the home. These design risks are safer done in a confined, capsule-like room. Plus, beauty can take precedence over function here; due to its limited usage, issues like steam, splashes, and other messes are less prevalent. Explore these inventive ideas to add a touch of creativity and charm to your powder bath: Statement Wallpaper: Choose bold, vibrant wallpaper with fun patterns or textures. Lighting: Opt for a pend ant (in lieu of a sconce) and integrate toe-kick lighting for a layered effect. Mirror Magic: Find a uniquely shaped or ornate mirror to serve as a focal point. Wall Treatments: Painted wood shiplap, wainscoting, or wood cladding on the walls will help set the tone of the space. Unique Faucets & Fixtures: Upgrade faucets and fixtures to unique and stylish designs that become conversation starters. Open Vanity or Pedestal Sink: Choose an open vanity or a stylish pedestal sink to give the illusion of more space and add a touch of sophistication. Bold Color Palette: Paint all walls, ceiling, trim, and door in a bold color to transport your guests. Vintage Touches: Incorporate vintage or antique elements such as hardware or fixtures. Considering a remodel that includes a powder bath? Connect with us, and let's work together to turn your vision into reality!
Stair Design 101
Whether you’re building new, adding on, or remodeling a multistory home there’s one element that can have a major impact on your space planning: stairs. With so many options on layouts and styles, this guide will help you get started on thinking about your stairs. Under most circumstances (and in most jurisdictions under the current code) there are a few basic requirements to keep in mind when planning for a new stair in a residential project. Must be at least 36” wide. Cannot have a riser higher than 7 ¾” (residential) The landing at the top and bottom of the stair must at minimum be as wide as the stair and the depth to match the stair width. Must have minimum 6’-8” clear head space between nose of riser and ceiling/finish above. There are a few exceptions for the above for stairs leading to attics and small lofts. Step 1: Stair Shapes There are many different types of stairs with unique space considerations and dimensions to keep in mind. Straight Run: The most common stair type, this stair goes in one straight line typically without any landings other than the top and bottom. Straight run stairs are a great fit for narrower spaces with a lot of length to work with. L-Shape: Much like the name indicates this stair has a landing somewhere in the run with a 90 degree turn. L-Shape stairs are great for small spaces as they can be tucked into a corner and leave a good amount of usable floor space. U-Shape: This stair is similar to the L-Shape but has a 180 degree turn at the landing. This stair is ideal for wider more generous spaces since they tend to take up more floor area than the other shapes. Spiral: A helical/circular stair more commonly used as an accent stair or in very small spaces. These stairs can have a great visual impact to a space but tend to be less safe than the other shapes and not recommended for areas with a lot of foot traffic. Step 2: Open vs. Closed It seems like a simple question, but there are pros and cons to having an open (railings on the sides so you can see into the adjacent spaces) or closed (walls on all sides) staircase. Here is a brief list of pros/cons: Open Stair pros: Visibility and connection into the spaces around the stairs Opportunity to introduce railing or slat wall design into the space Makes the stair an architectural feature of the space Open Stair cons: The biggest con for an open stair is sound travelling between floors and spaces. Open stairs are typically more expensive than closed stairs Closed stair pros: Keeps noise from travelling between floors and spaces Allows opportunity for doors at the top/bottom of the stair to add more security and sound dampening Typically less expensive than open stairs Closed stair cons: No visual connection between floors and spaces Step 2: Stair Construction The construction type of your stair can significantly change the look and style of your space, but it also has the most impact on the cost of your stair. While there are some up-charges to go from a straight run to a spiral stair shape, the construction type will be a major factor when it comes to budget. Here are just a few examples of construction types: Standard wood frame closed riser ($): This is the most common stair construction type. It’s the least expensive and does not require specialty engineering or construction. These stairs can be open or closed and finished with a variety of materials such as carpet or hardwood. Open riser with closed end ($$): An almost middle-ground between a floating stair and a closed riser stair, this option has “floating” treads between two stringers or walls. The stringers or sides of the stair can be wood or metal and will require some additional engineering. Steel stringer floating tread ($$$): One of the most desired modern stair designs we see requested by clients this stair has a single steel beam in the middle with “floating” treads. These stairs are a great feature for spaces but come at a high price and require specialty engineering and construction. Cantilever stair ($$$$): These stairs appear to “float” off the wall with only one side having a hidden connection point. They require meticulous engineering to ensure there isn’t too much flexibility on the ends furthest from the walls. There are a lot of other factors that go into designing the perfect stair for your home. Stay tuned for more blog posts getting into the fine details of stair design coming soon!
Elements of the Midcentury Modern Home
Part of the appeal of the midcentury modern style is it’s nostalgic feel. The furnishings and fixtures of the time utilize organic shapes and warm color palettes. Combine those themes with a modern backdrop… it is hard to go wrong! Also, you can easily integrate midcentury antique furniture or décor in any modern-leaning home without it feeling wildly out of place. Midcentury modern is an aesthetic that allows the new to come together with the old when remodeling or building new construction, creating a timeless and widely appealing home. Bridging the Past to the Present The midcentury modern style originated in the middle of the 20th century, after World War II. It’s clean-lined and simplistic look resulted from a backlash toward the more ornate traditional styles that came before. Today, midcentury modern (also known as “MCM”) is one of the most popular architectural and interior design styles. It is modern without being too cold or minimalist, and it’s retro vibe adds a touch of fun without the risk of being too trendy. Architecture & Interiors The architecture of the home is what you see first, and therefore should ideally represent the midcentury modern aesthetic. Some MCM architectural features might include… Low pitched shed and gable roofs, flat roofs Wood and stonework siding accents Concrete sitework & porches Extended eaves Horizontal lines Minimal adornment & trim work Asymmetrical features Clerestory and floor-to-ceiling windows Pop of color The interior design should reflect the architecture of the home and help round out the midcentury modern vision. Here are some design features found in the interiors of MCM homes: Vaulted ceilings often with wood cladding & exposed beams Teak, walnut, or oak wood species Walls with wood cladding/paneling Fireplaces with stone surround Light fixtures with globe shades Slab or flat panel doors Minimal trim work Multiple levels/sunken living rooms Straight set tile Geometric patterns Natural materials Pop of color MCM Today & Tomorrow If you’re looking to build a new home or renovate, going midcentury modern will not only yield an inviting and sophisticated space, it will also stand the test of time. Here are a few additional tips to successfully achieve this timeless look: Avoid trends – when in doubt, ask yourself if it would work in a 1950’s or 60’s home? Update without wiping out – For example, replace the pink ceramic bathroom tile of your truly midcentury home with something in the same size/pattern but with a new fresh color. Adapt for today’s world – Open up the main living spaces, make the kitchen larger than it would be 70 years ago Something old, something new – integrate classic pieces like the Eames lounge chair and Nelson Saucer pendant to help your new space feel connected to it’s MCM roots Furnishings, décor and accessories are the final touches that bring a design style together to form one cohesive look. Since the midcentury modern style is so widely popular, there is no shortage of resources to find the perfect items to go with your new space. With functionality and simplicity at the forefront, this design style is likely to remain popular for the long haul.
All About the ADU
All About the ADU You may have heard the term, “ADU”, and wondered exactly what it is and whether it’s an available option to add functionality and value to your own property. ADU stands for “Accessory Dwelling Unit” and is a secondary and separate living space on a single-family property with a primary dwelling unit. It is not to be confused with “duplex” or “two-family dwelling”, where both units will usually have their own addresses, utilities, and meters. ADUs can be attached to the primary dwelling unit (“AADU”) or detached and often located in a rear or side yard (“DADU”). Some other common terms for these kinds of units are mother-in-law (MIL), garage apartment, carriage house, or backyard cottage. Each jurisdiction will have its own terminology and definition, along with regulations on when and where it can be incorporated. For the unit to be legally rentable, the space will need to be permitted by the local jurisdiction specifically for this use. Increased Housing Density As the population increases, more and more jurisdictions have included allowances for ADUs and encouraged their creation to help with housing density issues. In some areas, regulations allow multiple ADUs on the property through a combination of attached and detached units. While some jurisdictions require the property owner to live in one of the units on the property, others don’t have this requirement adding the potential for an additional rental unit. Key Components of an ADU ADUs, whether attached or detached, will have their own separate entrance from the outside (AADUs will usually also have a lockable door leading into the primary dwelling unit or a “common” area). Jurisdictions will often specify this entrance be out-of-sight or shielded from view of the street. Separate off-street parking may or may not be required, depending on the jurisdiction. The ADU will need its own kitchen, bathroom, controllable heating system, and fire separation from the main dwelling unit. Electrical service is usually required to be provided through a sub-panel. Sometimes, “common” areas can be established between the ADU and primary units where equipment panels, utility equipment, and laundry may be located, allowing tenants of both spaces access without traveling through each other’s unit. A separate water shutoff may also be required. ADUs will be limited in allowed area, either through maximum square footage or a percentage of the primary dwelling unit area. For both existing un-heated spaces being converted into an ADU (such as a garage) or for new ADU construction (such as an addition or a new DADU), the ADU will often be treated as added floor area and will need to meet jurisdiction requirements for the property such as maximum gross floor area and energy code specifications. Common AADU Locations Some of the most common AADU locations to be established in existing homes are within a basement, within part or all of a ga rage (“garage conversion”), or within a main living area of the primary unit – often as an addition (or “bump-out”). For garage conversions, it is important to know whether a garage is required on the property, and separate garage space may need to be included. For basement units, the AADU entrance may require excavation to provide a door landing and steps leading up to grade, and a window well might be needed for a bedroom egress window. An existing “walk-out” basement is often an ideal space for an AADU. Common DADU Locations DADUs are most often a separate self-contained structure in the rear or side yard of a property. Jurisdictions sometimes have reduced setbacks to allow a DADU to be located closer to the property line than a primary unit. Height and area restrictions are used to keep the structure visually reduced in relation to the primary unit, and the exterior design is sometimes required to be in keeping with the primary unit for coherence. DADUs can also often be added over a detached garage. An exterior stair is usually used for access, so it’s important to have the space for this element. An upgrade to the foundation and existing walls is often needed for the added load above the existing garage walls. Is an ADU right for you? An ADU can add solid value to your property, and often requires a minimum of construction and permitting. Whether you have plans to add rental income to your property, or would like for an elderly parent, care-taker, or a college-aged child to be close to your home but have their own space, creating an ADU might be the right step for you to take. Written by: Sarah Thompson, project architect
NW EcoBuilding Guild Green Home Tour – April 29
H2D Architecture + Design and Carlisle Classic Homes are excited to announce that one of our recent projects will be featured on the Northwest EcoBuilding Guild Green Home Tour on Saturday, April 29, 2023! The featured home, the Nearly Passive Blue Ridge Custom Home, recently completed construction and is an amazing example of sustainable construction materials and methods, in addition to showcasing a variety of unique design features. This high-performance energy efficient home boasts cutting edge technologies for foundations, walls and ventilation systems combined with a beautiful design. The foundation is designed with ICF (insulated concrete forms) to reduce transfer of heat (thermal bridging). The walls are designed with a combination of products including cellulose insulation, Gutex interlocking wood fiber board panels, Zip sheathing and tape, Mento house wrap, and a mesh rain screen. These technologies work together to provide a highly insulated wall system with a continuous layer of insulation that reduces thermal bridging, creates a water resistant and airtight barrier, and allows moisture to escape. Other unique design features include an Attached Accessory Dwelling Unit (AADU) connected to the house with a hidden steel door, residential elevator for accessible access to all three floors of the home, gourmet kitchen, custom cabinetry with many numerous features, custom tile work, and great views of the Puget Sound. Learn more about this home at: https://nwgreenhometour.org/ghtoursite/near-passive-house-blue-ridge-home/. Please join us on the tour on April 29th! Get Your FREE Tickets for the 2023 NW Green Home Tour! Saturday, April 29, 2023 from 11:00am-5:00pm Sites spanning from Mt. Vernon to Seattle to Olympia to Portland The 2023 NW Green Home Tour is a FREE opportunity to see first-hand the many ways that environmentally conscious design and construction can benefit not only the planet as a whole, but your local community, your family, and you! This year’s tour features green building approaches that can put more money in your pocket by lowering your energy costs or even eliminating them altogether. We’ll show you remodels and new builds, backyard cottages, single-family residences, and co-housing units. The homes on our tour boast a variety of green building features and certifications, including Passive House, Built Green, and Net-Zero. Get your FREE tickets at nwgreenhometour.org/register Presented by the Northwest EcoBuilding Guild.
Outdoor Living Spaces in the PNW
It goes without saying that the pandemic taught us many things – one of them being the value of a good outdoor living space. Unfortunately, creating outdoor living spaces in the Pacific Northwest poses one major challenge – the weather. We all shivered through drinks at bar patios and tried to convince ourselves this was normal (and we weren’t cold). Though we may not be able to shake those 30-degree days, there are ways to create an outdoor space that can be used rain or shine! The first step is to see what you’re working with; This will be determined by your budget and available space. If you’re building a new home or addition, it’s important to call out your desire for an outdoor living space during the schematic design phase – especially if you want it to be covered. There are many possibilities when starting from scratch, but there are also ways to retrofit your existing outdoor space to add style and comfort. Covered Spaces Protection from the rain is crucial if you wish to use an outdoor space year-round. The best way to accomplish this is building a roof over a deck or patio. This will ensure the best waterproofing, and allow you to install more built-in accessories like lighting or ceiling heaters. If your budget or the design of your home doesn’t allow for a new roofed space, detached pergolas are a great option. For example, Struxure pergolas are metal pergolas designed with louvers that can open and close with the push of a button (or through an app), and offer options to add lighting, heaters, and fans as well. Heat The next way to create a comfortable space outdoors is by adding a heating element (or two). Fireplaces, firepits, and heaters (ceiling or freestanding) are your best options. Consider how much space you have, if it’s covered or not, and how you envision using the space to help determine which option is best for you. Hot tubs are also a great way to relax and warm up outside! Cooking Barbequing and dining al-fresco are wonderful ways to get the most out of the Summer. Your setup can range from a freestanding BBQ on the deck to a full-scale, covered outdoor kitchen. A few things to consider: how much do you barbeque? Do you want your dining space to be covered? Do you require a sink, mini-fridge, or other kitchen components? Space and budget will determine how far you can go here, but imagine how fun it would be to have a brick pizza oven in your backyard! Finishing Touches Time to complete your new outdoor space with furniture and accessories. Though sourcing these items is not within an architect’s scope, we recommend selecting outdoor-rated furniture that is both comfortable and, most importantly, sure to last many seasons. You might also want built-in speakers or a television – those components will need to be called out very early on so that they can be hardwired. Twinkle lights, rugs, and firepit tables are other great additions to make your outdoor space feel cozy even on those chilly nights. Bringing Outdoors In If none of those options are for you, it may be time to think outside of the box and bring the outdoors inside instead of the other way around. This approach is ideal if it’s not feasible to add a covered outdoor space but you want the feel of the open-air during those warmer months. Large accordion doors like NanaWall allow you to open a whole wall up to your deck or patio. As a result, your indoor spaces will flow seamlessly into your outdoor space, creating an expansive feel. The downside here is the steep cost and the potentially low usage in a climate like ours.
Tips for Avoiding Unnecessary Stress During Construction
You’ve received approved permits for your project - yay! Although it may have been quite an arduous process to get to this point, the hardest part often lies ahead in construction. Anyone who’s experienced a remodel or built a new home will tell you how stressful it can be. One thing that might help is being prepared, having realistic expectations, and communicating clearly with your builder. In this article, we’ll review some ways you can set yourself up to avoid unnecessary issues throughout the construction phase. Be Prepared Many builders prefer to have all design selections made prior to bidding the project or at least starting construction. There are a few reasons why this is important - knowing what fixtures and finishes you have decided on enables them to provide a more realistic budget, order materials on time, and prepare or rough-in the spaces according to product requirements. You might find it hard to make a final decision on key design features like light fixtures and tile, but waiting until the last minute to order items can cause significant delays and backtracking. One sure way to avoid shipping delays is to select fixtures and finishes that are stocked locally. If the item you want is special order or shipping from afar, it’s crucial that the builder is aware so that they place the order in time. Trades will come in to rough-in for plumbing, electrical, and HVAC, so having those fixtures selected well ahead of time ensures that they will set everything up accordingly. For example, if you have specified a wall mount faucet in the powder bath, the plumber will need to know how high you’d like it mounted and the distance between the valves on the fixture itself. This is also where interior elevations play a crucial role. The interior elevations will represent where fixtures should be installed and how they interact with each other in the space. The cabinet layout will also be shown in these drawings; they will be shared with the cabinet manufacturer who will then draw up their own shop drawings. Make sure that you’ve thoroughly reviewed and approved all of the drawings before construction begins, working with us to revise as needed. Set Expectations & Communicate Clearly Executing designs in real life is no easy task, even for professionals. Often times, builders struggle most with managing the homeowner’s expectations. In your initial meeting with your builder, make sure to tell them the method of communication you prefer, what you expect in terms of updates (daily, weekly, as needed, etc.), and any other considerations you’d like them to make while construction is occurring. If you don’t communicate your needs, builders (similar to designers) will make assumptions as to what your expectations are based on their experiences with previous clients. Reviewing this at the start of the project will help get everyone on the same page and open up communication lines early on. There will, no doubt, be some surprises along the way. Many of the hurdles that arise through construction are not at the fault of the builder, so approaching those issues from a place of understanding will help avoid unnecessary tensions. If your builder did make a mistake, communicating how you expect them to remediate the situation in a calm manner will help you move forward gracefully. You will be dealing with your builder for at least a couple of months, and it can make a huge difference if all parties agree to put an extra effort in to help the construction process go smoothly. Contact us if you’re interested in working with us and would like more information about how we help navigate the construction (and pre-construction) process with you and your builder.