Our work with this family began with a quick two week exercise to stage their former home, a classic 1970s structure with diagonal wood-faced interior and exterior walls. The occasion was the mother was going through a healthcare situation, yet they needed to get their eldest daughter into one of the top schools in the area. They sought relocation, and we agreed to help.
Once the new split level 1960’s property was purchased, we were brought on board to manage the renovation of the basement level, adding engineered wood flooring throughout and a mix of warm and cool textures, and contemporary materials, including cold rolled steel to the living space. Then Covid hit, and the mother’s compromised immunity system required a pause our working relationship.
As the world returned to normalcy, we were invited back to pursue Phase II, the upper level which included open living, dining and the top of the interconnecting stair. At the conclusion of Phase I, we had drawn the dream of turning the low pitched roof gable into an interior post and beam system. The owner had been dreaming of this all through the Covid years, and wanted it.
Clearly, this structural renovation would be invasive, but transformative to the home and its architectural character. The budget was set, but the challenges great – 1) to find a general contractor willing to tackle the risk, and 2) to make it fit the project budget. At the ULI sustainability conference last year, we met with Earthcraft Construction, known for their sustainable construction methods, particularly the use of strawbale. Through a competitive process, they were selected and the project began.
In timber rich land, we found that an FSC wood product was difficult to put our hands on, or our purchasing power. We deciphered the Pacific Northwest mills that provided the right documentation to meet the sustainability goals of the project, as we applied for the first Grace Farms Design Freedom Pilot in the state. We investigated and detailed the supply chain delivery of the UPC barcoded sustainable ridge beam, custom milled to length, and the 4 x 10s. due to ship directly to the jobsite.
The familiarity with building with wood solids was a forte of the Earthcraft team and benefitted the custom detailing throughout. Alicia Eickenberry, Structural Engineer with AMDE provided the plans and calculations and was integral to hands on solutions to field conditions. Added to roof structure were three skylights and new window openings on the north and eastern façade transformed the natural daylighting inside the space. We filled the openings with Low-e glazing and remote controlled operable skylights to increase passive air conditioning and airflow throughout the temperate months.
We wrapped the existing interior fireplace with fire resistant materials in a traditional mid-century stacked pattern to the wirecut brick, updating the finish direction. Phase III is now underway, as we complete the construction of Phase II, aligning the remainder of the upper level, including kitchen with a mix of modern and mid-century vibes, expanding the open plan.
