Creative use of space
At H2D Architecture + Design, we are always thinking of creative ways to use space. Many of our projects are in-city properties where space is at a premium. Using every inch of space in a thoughtful manner is very important. We love this Houzz.com article with ideas for using all the nooks and crannies in your home with creatively designed 'hidden spaces'. Hidden in Plain Sight: 10 Cleverly Closeted Home Spaces
Make your relationship outlast your construction project
A construction project can be very stressful for your personal relationships, so be sure that all lines of communication are clear and open prior to getting started with the process. Many stressors may be triggered during the design and construction process – miscommunications between you and your partner or other members of the design and construction team, financial stresses from unexpected budgets overruns, or the shear amount of time it takes from your day to day schedule. To help prepare for these stresses, you and your partner should discuss a budget limit prior to the start of design. This budget limit should be shared with your architect and builder, who, as a team, can help you keep on target with your goals. When your design vision exceeds your budget, this can lead to tough and, many times, disappointing decisions that need to be made in order to get the project to fit within the budget. You and your partner may need to sit down together to discuss your highest priorities for the project to decide which items are ‘must-haves’ and which items are ‘nice-to-haves’. Have a strategy for how you will work together with this type of conversation in order to reduce the number of disagreements. Know that your schedule will be stretched in every unexpected way possible. During the design process, there will be numerous meetings to attend and much shopping to be done to prepare for the start of construction. If your time is tight, rely on your architect to assist with selecting materials and finishes. Be prepared to know what you like and to be flexible with what your partner likes, as disagreements may occur between you and your partner when it comes to style. The design process is fluid and flexible, but all parties involved need to communicate and work together. During construction, numerous meetings and questions will start to disrupt your day to day schedule. Before the start of construction, it is best to discuss with your partner and architect as to who will be the main point of contact. Will you or your partner be the person who the contractor will be calling and emailing with endless questions? Or would you prefer to have your architect field questions and only contact you when an important question comes up? With a solid plan for how you will work together, you and your partner should be able to smoothly sail through the trails of a construction project.
Kirkland Second Story Addition and Remodel
Here at H2D Architecture + Design, we have been working with a Kirkland family on a transformative second story addition and remodel to their existing single story home. This family of four was feeling cramped in their home, but loved the location of their home which prompted them to consider a large remodel. We worked closely with the homeowners to tailor the design to their vision for their home. We worked closely with the homeowners through the various design phases to develop the design of the home. The main floor of the home was remodeled to include a double height entry, grand stair to the upper floor, and intimate sitting area off the entry. The existing living spaces were combined into a larger great room, including a living, dining and kitchen area. New square footage on the upper floor included a generous master suite with large walk-in closet, two kids bedrooms, bathroom, and recreation area. The new wood wainscot, cabinetry, trim detailing, and architectural details throughout the home with give the home a traditional feel when complete. The home is currently under construction. Please check back in for new photos as the construction progresses!
Selecting a Kitchen Countertop
It may sound simple to select a kitchen countertop material. When you start looking at all the options available, the decision can become overwhelming. You might want to start the process with a few questions: Are you looking for a low maintenance countertop? In 5 years, do you want your countertop to look as new as the day it was installed or are you okay with patina developing over time? Do you want to use an environmentally friendly material? Do you want to be able to take hot pans out of the oven and set them right on the countertop or do you use trivets? These are just a few of the questions you might start thinking about before starting your search. Here are a few materials that we have used in the projects that H2D Architecture + Design has designed over the years: Novustone - NovuStone is a custom made countertop composed of post-consumer recycled content such as bottle glass, windows and mirrors and other materials such as natural aggregate. The material is durable, stain resistant, and sustainable. H2D has used this beautiful and unique material in both kitchens and bathrooms. Paperstone - Paperstone is a solid surface material composed of 100% post consumer recycled paper combined with a phenolic resin to create a durable, water resistant material. This material is heat resistant to 350 degrees, non-porous, stain resistant, and sustainable. With this material, it is easy to rout in an integral drainboard right next to the sink. There is a palette of colors to pick from. Quartz - There are numerous manufacturers of quartz countertop material. H2D has designed past projects with various brands of quartz, such as: Pental Quartz, Caesarstone, Silestone, Cambria, and Zodiak. Beyond this list of manufacturers, there are many others to pick from. Quartz is composed of natural quartz and a polymer resin to create a hard, resistant countertop material. This material is non-porous, heat resistant, scratch resistant, and stain resistant. There is virtually no maintenance required of this countertop. It works great is both kitchens and bathrooms. H2D has specified quartz countertops for numerous kitchens, wet bars, tub decks, and bathroom vanity countertops. Natural Stone - Natural stone countertops include materials such as granite, marble, quartzite, soap stone, travertine, and others. Granite is a very common and readily available stone. Granite is a durable countertop which requires periodic maintenance. Marble is a baker's favorite countertop, although it is soft, stains easily and can be prone to chips. Some people love the patina that develops on a marble countertop and that is one reason that they choose this material. Quartzite is a hard, durable surface which performs well with stain resistance. A honed quartzite is prone to less staining than polished. Soap stone is dense and doesn't stain as easily as other natural stone countertops, although develops a patina over time like other natural stones. Soapstone can easily be scratched and nicked. Architectural grade soapstone can be fabricated with an integral drain board adjacent to a sink. H2D has designed past projects with marble, granite, and soapstone countertops.
Denny Blaine Midcentury Modern Remodel
The homeowners of this virtually untouched midcentury modern home came to H2D Architecture + Design in search of help with remodeling the master bathroom. The home was originally designed by John Rohrer and is designated as a historic landmark. The master bathroom was in a state of disrepair and needed a major overhaul to be functional once again. The design was carefully thought out to fit within the context of the home and of the era that the home was built. A custom sunken tub/shower was designed in the space and tiled in a stunning pattern with Heath Ceramics tile. The vanity, light fixtures, and wall mounted cabinets were specially designed and selected to fit the space.
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.
Design a Fabulous Shower
Showering has become a luxurious experience. With many new fixtures and systems available today, it is easy to bring a spa-like experience into your own home. The multitude of options available can become daunting to a homeowner embarking on a bathroom remodel. It is important to understand the type of showerhead or showering system that best fits your needs when designing a new shower in your home. Standard showerhead The standard showerhead can come as a fixed showerhead that is permanently installed on the wall or as a hand-held showerhead on a bar with a flexible hose which allows for adjustable height and option to be hand held. The standard showerhead allows for a variety of spray patterns and options, such as pulse, massage, wide spray, directed spray, etc. The standard showerhead is also available in a low-flow model which helps with energy efficiency by reducing the amount of water that is used with each shower. Rain shower The rain showerhead simulates the experience of standing outside in the rain. The showerhead allows for a high volume of water to flow with an even, gentle shower. The rain shower head does not allow the user to change flow pressure. A rain showerhead can be installed on the wall and is also available as a ceiling mounted unit. Ceiling Mounted Shower Tile/Panel The ceiling mounted shower tile or shower panel is installed flush with the ceiling of the shower. This type of showerhead provides a similar experience to the rain showerhead with a large volume of water simulating rain. The shower tile/panel comes in a variety of sizes and some types even provides options for light and sound. The shower tile provides a clean, contemporary look in the shower and visually disappears with the ceiling. Body Sprays The bodyspray provides a spray that is directed to a specific location. The bodysprays are typically mounted on the wall flush with the tile. They are located to provide targeted spray for a specific location, such as runners tired legs or aching backs. The bodysprays come with options for direct spray and other types provide options for adjustability of the spray. Other showering options may include steam showers, digital shower controls, multiple shower heads or multiple types of showerheads.