Projects

Funky Cabin

Funky on the outside, functional and warm on the inside. This extra bedroom/guest house/retreat has been deemed"The Cabin" by our client. At 120 square feet its footprint is small, but it allows a lot of uses given its height. The loft accomodates a comfortable sleeping space while the floor level allows a host of possibilities.

Retreat & Greenhouse

Sometimes sancuary is just steps away. An avid gardener, reader, and relaxer requested we build a getaway space and companion greenhouse on her half acre. Together we came up with solutions to combine found objects, slavaged materials, long lasting new materials, and a look to match the clients' sense of style and fondness for all things tropical.

Lake Whatcom Shed

To successfully integrate this shed with an existing deck of a Lake Whatcom home, it was necessary to build it partially into the slope of the lot. The result was a structure that works with the elements around it rather than against them. The slope was retained with no ugly excavation scar, the 100 year-old apple trees arching over its roof remained unharmed, and the transition to the deck is essentially seamless.

As for the shed itself, it was framed entirely with FSC* certified wood, and the sheathing and lower windows were REStore finds. The clerestory windows above were made in the shop from salvaged glass and native hemlock. Enduring elements include the 50 year fiber cement siding and steel roof.

*FSC (Forestry Stewardship Council) is an independent, non-governmental, not-for-profit organization established to promote the responsible management of the world’s forests.

Potting Shed

This quaint potting shed is modest in size by design. Wanting "Just a spot to toss dirt into pots and store gardening tools," this client had us make use of a lonely corner of the backyard by tucking in a unique little structure comprised of about 95% salvaged materials.

The posts and beams are reclaimed Douglas fir, and the door, window and siding are reused material as well. While it's not always possible with every project, incorporating salvaged materials can be a gratifying and cost-effective option. Often the result is a delightful, one-of-a-kind structure such as this.

Adaptable Shed

Versatility with street-appeal - that was our intent with this design. Built on sturdy skids for possible repositioning, the owners wanted this structure to initially serve as a shed, and later a studio. Though not initially insulated, the wall and ceiling covering of wheat board can be easily removed for future adaptiations. Wheat board is made from a rapidly renewable resource, wheat-straw. It offers a rich, golden appearance and is manufactured using no out-gassing solvents, such as urea formaldehyde. Thus, no VOCs are emitted into your home or the atmosphere.

The framing lumber was either salvaged material or FSC certified.* In all, about 50% of the structure was constructed from reused materials. The shake siding is western red cedar, a native tree to the Northwest. A fifty-gallon rain barrel was also added to capture water for garden use.