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!
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!
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
Intentional Interior Design at H2D Architecture + Design
Intentional Interior Design, In House One of the main services we offer at H2D in addition to architectural work is interior design. If you work with us on a remodel or new build, we can help you make finish and fixture selections in a way that pulls together a unified design for the whole home. Offering interior design in house allows for the interiors to be considered from very early on in the architecture process – this is a win for everyone involved in the project! Here’s why… Our team works collaboratively, so often times our interior designer will be part of the schematic and design development phases of the architectural work. This means that we can spot opportunities to add key design elements, arrange components of kitchens and bathrooms in a thoughtful way, and make sure that interior design ideas are captured in the architectural plans. The interior design will be more premeditated rather than an afterthought. Additionally, our familiarity with the plans makes it easier to jump into the interior design phase. This approach benefits the whole team, and lays the groundwork for a more cohesive and beautiful interior. Plus, less mix-ups are likely to occur during construction since everything is communicated clearly between all channels (client, architect, designer, and builder). Our interior design packages include concept boards, digital colorboards (sourced fixtures and finishes), 3D renderings, electrical plans, interior elevations, exterior paint/siding layouts, and documenting selections. The interior design phase occurs simultaneously with the architectural process, starting as soon as the floor plans have been finalized. We kick things off with an introductory questionnaire that you fill out to help give us an idea of your preferences for the style and function of your new spaces. We then curate design concept boards that include inspiration images and ideas to aide in communicating the aesthetic direction. Once we’ve agreed on the direction, our design team begins sourcing finishes and fixtures to put together cohesive colorboards for each space in the project scope. The colorboards include items like cabinetry, flooring, tile, countertops, plumbing fixtures, light fixtures, mirrors, etc. It’s important to note that we do not provide sourcing for furnishings and décor. Each space to be designed will have a board for scheme A and scheme B, from which you can make your selections. We can also provide additional sourcing as needed to get to the point where all selections are finalized and documented into the specification sheets. These boards also include realistic looking renderings to help you visualize the suggested finishes. After you’ve made your selections, we finalize the interior elevations so that they include details about the finishes and fixtures that will be installed, ensuring that the end product turns out as planned. We also check that the electrical plans accurately reflect the placement and requirements needed for the light fixtures that you have chosen. The specification sheets will have information that corresponds with both the interior elevations and the electrical plans. During construction, we are also available to visit the site to consult as needed. Our main goal throughout the whole process is to guide you toward making choices that support your goals as well as the architectural style of your home, resulting in beautiful, functional spaces. It might feel overwhelming, but we will be there to offer guidance and answer your questions along the way. Written by: Lauren Groth, Interior Designer
Tips for a home office
The necessity of a home office is growing with many people working from home as a result of the development of virtual conferencing, telecommunications technologies, and more recently Covid-19. It is important to have an efficient space that helps maintain focus and concentration. The need for good lighting and appropriate furniture is also key for success. A guest room, an attic space, a nook under the stairs, or another empty corner in the house can become a nice space to set up your home office. An area close to a window can provide natural light during the day to help keep you motivated. If a window location is not possible, a good table or desk lamp will also be a good alternative. Choose a quiet location or a space where distractions will be kept to a minimum. If you are frequently on calls or video conferencing, a quiet space will be important not only you, but also others in the home that you might bother during the calls. In addition to the location in the home, it is important to focus on surroundings and furniture to create an adequate work space. Among the innovative options for office furniture, the addition of a stand up desk is interesting because it encourages ergonomic best practices by allowing you to both stand and sit during the work day. A comfortable chair that provides adequate support is also important for you to maintain proper posture while sitting at a computer. In combination, choosing the right chair with an adjustable desk can consistently provide comfort throughout the day by allowing you to change position while keeping a computer and the desktop at an adequate level. Small details like boards and planners on the wall are a good idea to track work progress and schedules. If your table is small and does not have a drawer you can try to use shelves to organize papers and books. Lastly, a cup of coffee or tea is always welcome. For these and other design ideas you can follow us on Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/h2darchitects/ Written by: Maria Ribeiro, Architectural Designer at H2D Architecture + Design
Thinking of a planning a construction project during the Covid-19 outbreak?
Are you still thinking about your remodel or new construction project but are not sure about to approach it with the quarantine restrictions? Here at H2D, we are still open for business, but we have adapted our process to try to work with the changing times. Are you hesitant to call about your project as you don't want anyone coming to your home? Instead of coming to your home or commercial space, one of our architects or designers will meet with you virtually to do a walk through of your space. During the walk through, we will have you walk through the space with your cell phone, tablet or laptop camera while we will discuss the goals of the remodel, addition or new construction project. Following the walk through, we will discuss the design and construction process with you and answer any questions you may have. From our virtual meeting, H2D will provide you an estimate for your project. Give us a call at 206-542-3734 to discuss your construction project. We look forward to hearing from you!
Saving Energy with Plants
There are many ways to invest in a house to reduce the amount of power and money needed to keep it comfortable year round such as insulation, air tight construction, and more efficient equipment. However, people sometimes overlook what a well-designed layout of trees, bushes, and other plantings can do to contribute to a passive heating and cooling strategy. Mechanical heating and cooling systems are designed to react to changes of temperature after they occur, but smart landscaping can control how the sun and wind interact with your home and prevent or moderate these temperature swings, leaving less work for your home’s mechanical systems. Strategically planted trees can be used as an aid/alternative to mechanical climate control by providing shade and blocking or guiding the winds that blow across your site, which can help maintain a comfortable home environment. Direct sunlight can provide light and warmth but also has the potential to overheat and over-light a space, making it more expensive to keep comfortable. When planting trees for shade, consider where and when you want sunlight coming into your house. In the northern hemisphere, most sunlight comes from the east, south, and west throughout the day, with afternoon/late day sun being the most intense with the most potential to overheat a house. Shade trees planted to the east and west of the house can protect the interior from the brightest and most direct sunlight of the day. Direct southern sunlight can provide free warmth in the winter but has the potential to overheat the same rooms during the summer. While evergreen trees provide a solid column of shade throughout the year, a leafy deciduous tree with its foliage concentrated on the upper portion of the trunk can provide shade from the high angle summer sun while allowing the lower angle winter sun to shine through to warm and light the house when the trees lose their leaves. Study the differences between these trees throughout the year and use this information to decide which trees you need to get the kind of shade you’re looking for. When laying out any tree shading strategy, take into account the full-grown size and shape of the trees you’re planting as well as the angles of the sun throughout the year so that they can be placed where they will be most effective once established. Trees are also useful for blocking and guiding the winds and breezes that blow across your site throughout the year, though this may be more commonly useful on larger sites. If your house is consistently buffeted by cold winter winds coming from the south, a mixed row of evergreen trees and squat bushes/shrubs can push these winds upwards and allow them to pass over the top of your house without stripping your valuable heat off the walls. Again, deciduous and evergreen trees can serve different roles here, with evergreen trees acting as a solid wall to oncoming winds and deciduous trees allowing winds to twist and wind between their trunks and below their canopies. Both can be useful depending on your goals. If there is a cool summer breeze that blows across your site, rows of plantings can also be used to guide rather than block, leading refreshing breezes into your open windows that would otherwise blow by. Laying out your site’s planting to address both sunlight and wind has the potential to significantly reduce power bills by keeping your house from getting too hot or cold in the first place, reducing the need for mechanical heating or cooling. While trees and bushes can have a dramatic effect on your home’s sun and wind exposure, vines are another effective tool for helping keep your house comfortable with less mechanical assistance. Evergreen vines planted against a sunny exterior wall will raise their leaves to the sun and breathe out water vapor (a process known as transpiration) during the summer, which cools the air around them and allows this cooled air to pass over the walls of your house, which helps keep the temperature down. During the winter, these same evergreen vines will become more dormant and lower their leaves against the wall, which creates a pocket of air which can add a small amount of insulation R-value to those walls. Deciduous vines are another helpful option which can be used with a strategy similar to using deciduous trees for seasonal shade. Allowing deciduous vines to grow over a trellis located along your house’s sunniest southern walls can provide shady exterior and interior areas with gentler, filtered sunlight that will also help keep these areas cooler. In the winter, these vines will die back and allow the more desirable winter sun to shine through and warm your house. If you’ve got a green thumb, you can even use food-producing vines to provide both shade and summer snacks. When choosing plants to execute these ideas, remember to seek out native species wherever possible, as these generally have an easier time getting established and thriving in the local environment without additional watering and caretaking, and can contribute to creating a familiar habitat for the other inhabitants of the local ecosystem. If no local species can meet your needs, make sure the plants chosen are not invasive and do not clash with local food chains. If you are interested in exploring these ideas further, there are many resources available online, at your local nursery, and in books on passive cooling and similar strategies involving landscaping in combination with buildings. Good luck! Photo by Nathaniel Willson. © Nathaniel Willson 2018. All rights reserved.
Making a great first impression
The entryway sets the tone for your house’s design, mood, and guest experience. This space should reflect your style and personality while creating a welcoming atmosphere. Whether you have a grand foyer or a small apartment nook, these key design elements will help make the most of your entryway. The Front Door The front door can often be overlooked, but it is the first point of contact for your guests. If you are a home-owner choose a bold paint color to create an eye-catching focal point in the exterior and interior. Current color trends: Lime Green, Charcoal Gray, Classic Red. Not a fan of bold colors? Unique door hardware is a great way to make a tangible first impression as guests enter your home. If you rent and aren’t allowed to alter your door, an entry mat with a bold pattern or texture will set your unit apart from all the rest. Clean & Clutter Free! Proper storage in your entry will help you make an organized first impression. A large entry is perfect for built-in storage: closets, cubbies, or even a separate mud-room to keep the dirt out of your home. Small spaces can achieve the same effect using a hall tree, wall-hooks, or a small console to drop your keys/mail as you come and go. Current trends: DIY pallet with hooks, refurbished and bold colored consoles. Décor Choose a focus piece in your entryway and keep the other elements simple and complimentary. Large spaces lend way to choosing a chandelier or pendant as the focal point for a classic design approach. Other options are a grand staircase, furniture, or area rug. Some creative ideas for smaller spaces are shelves with personal framed photos, a ladder to hang coats/purses/scarves on, or even a unique wall mirror (which will help your space seem larger). Current trends include: inspirational quotes (on canvas or wall decals), floor mirrors, and bold wall colors and patterns. Whether you’re designing on a budget or doing a complete overhaul, have fun with your entryway design and choose elements that will help reflect your personality and keep you organized! By: Lisa Kramer, H2D Architecture + Design
Hiring An Architect 101
When taking on a remodel, addition, or new construction project, many owners are unsure where to begin. Often times, the first step that the owner takes is to call a builder to get a quote for the work. The builder may then ask if the owner has a design for them to bid and build from. If the answer is 'no', this is where the architect comes into the picture. An architect can provide a wide range of services to their clients including feasibility studies, space planning and design, code research and compliance, energy efficient construction, material selection, permitting, bid negotiation, and construction observation among many other services. At first glance at the architect's fees, it may feel like you are paying a lot for just a few plans and visit to the building department. Instead, you are paying for years of training, expertise, and experience for an architect to help bring your vision into reality. The time spent working with the architect may also help you to avoid expensive mistakes during construction by working out the kinks through design, layout, and detailed construction documents on paper prior to starting construction. Over the course of the design process, the architect and owner will pore over the design in painstaking detail until the drawings contain enough information for the builder to take the plans and build the project. During the design process, the architect will help with suggesting materials and construction methods that may suit your budget or help with ideas for creating an energy efficient home which can save thousands over the years. The design costs are a relatively small percentage compared to the added value that good design can achieve. A beautiful, creatively designed space alone will maintain premium value for the long term and for potential future resale.