CASE STUDIES

ACCESSIBILITY

VASHON UPTOWN

Tucked away near Vashon Island’s town center, this residence was designed for a couple who relocated from California to be closer to their kids and grandchildren. Wisely, this couple acknowledge their physical limitations which translated to a strong focus on living in place - providing a beautiful space that will function comfortable far into the future.

  1. Integrated grab bars. When thoughtfully executed, grab bars can provide assistance or even just reassurance that help is available without compromising aesthetics.

  2. Easy access controls. Providing fixtures that limit the need for a tight grip or reliance on dexterity allows for more comfortable (pain free?) control of systems (water in this case).

  3. Flexible resources. If mobility is a challenge (even temporarily), the bathtub may be your enemy. However, providing a dedicated hair-washing faucet may change it into your best friend.

  4. Transfer seat. A sturdy seat adjacent to a bathtub can replace a very tense step of the bathing process with one that provides confidence and safety.

  5. Eliminating shower curbs provides seamless access to bathing. You can even bring your wheels with you!

SUSTAINABILITY

PALISADE HOME

This home sits high in the upper hills of the Vashon Island North End. Our goal in designing this space was to open the originally closed-in kitchen and create a space that was bold, colorful, and simultaneously zen-like. Sustainability was a key consideration in every finish as well as our approach to construction. We designed this kitchen in 2021, and our wonderful clients came back to us a year later to design their two bathrooms as well.

  1. Locally-sourced cabinets. Not only are the cabinets manufactured in Seattle, but they’re FSC (responsibly-harvested wood) certified as well!

  2. Zero waste. The tile is manufactured on the west coast in a zero waste facility - meaning all off-cuts and broken materials are diverted from the landfill and are reused in other projects.

  3. Renewable materials. In addition to reinforcing the finished material with FSC certified product, the countertops are made from post-consumer recycled paper (and are very durable)!

  4. Interior paint is low-VOC which dramatically limits the indoor contaminants.

  5. Low impact flooring. As a flooring material, Marmoleum is made from agricultural waste and manufactured in a carbon-neutral facility. So, while it’s great for those knees, it’s also low impact on the environment! It’s also durable enough to go in schools, hospitals, and retail!

REGIONALISM

MANZANITA HOME

This home rests above the water in the Manzanita neighborhood on Vashon Island. This home is all about drama with high contrast, from the modern and traditional finishes to the contrasting colors, textures, and fun retro twists.

  1. Daylighting. Daylight limits our need for artificial light but it also increases productivity and provides a temporal connection to the broader environment.

    Bringing outside materials in. Consistency between the out and inside of our homes blurs the barrier between the two - elevating the connection to the natural environment.

    Natural ventilation decreases our reliance on appliances while improving our interior environment. Open that door!

    One of the more obvious connections we create to nature are visual ones. Ample windows provide daylight, views and, again, a strong connection to the outside.

    Natural materials. Incorporating natural finishes and textures reinforce our connection to the outside. Here in the PNW, we have some incredible options to choose from!