Gable, Hip, or Shed

I'm working on an addition project in Beaverton today. We've worked out the plan layout, and now my client, Kim, wants to see what different roof shapes would look like. Here's a photo of the existing house and three options. Which one would you choose?

Gratitude

My heart is full of gratitude this morning. I just visited one of my client’s homes, an addition project currently under construction. The project is turning out so beautifully! The owners have made such good decisions along the way, and the builder has done such a careful job of detailing. I looked at the flashing, the caulk, how the edges come together – everything, every corner is carefully built and the house feels solid and permanent.

The house is tucked back into the woods on a cul-de-sac, and in the new upper floor, the morning light just drizzles in between the leaves of the trees. The owners have chosen vibrant, rich colors for the walls. In the stairwell and main bedroom, the ceilings soar in curves and peaks. Large skylights bring in more filtered light, but more than that, they are actual WINDOWS to the tree tops.

The curved balcony on the exterior is just right – cozy enough to feel perfect for one person, but big enough for 4 to sit out there. It’s in the middle part of the addition, so it’s in the ‘lap’ of the house, but with such a wonderful view of the trees. If it snows this winter, that will be the place to be – a warm mug of cocoa and a seat out on the balcony.

So, as I start my work this morning, I feel so grateful to have the skills I have, but also to be chosen by my clients. It’s such an honor to be part of people’s lives when they are building, or adding on to their homes.

  

Elliott House - Model of Option A

Elliott House - Model of Option B

Daylilies in Bloom!

The daylilies are finally in bloom! It's July! This is the entry to my office.

More Photos of Nicole & Dwight's Project

southeast corner

south elevation, facing catchment pond

a 'cascade' of roofs!

west facing, looking out onto the coy pond

west, stair with square window (built in seat inside!)

catchment pond (not my design, but I just love it!)

More Big Art Project Photos

Some more photos of this awesome project, provided by my client:

Big Art Project in the West Hills

My client for this project quite accurately calls this house addition her 'big art project'. You'll see why when the finishes start coming in. But for now, the addition is getting framed in and it's abundantly exciting. Here are some photos.

Win a Free Not So Big House Book!

This weekend, March 11-13, is the Portland Home Show. I will be there on Saturday from 12-4 with Alex Ioanide at the Western Oregon Builders' booth.

This time, I'm doing a book giveaway! As most of you know, I'm a huge Sarah Susanka fan. I have all of her books, and regularly recommend them to clients, especially in the beginning phases of design. They are phenominal books for generating ideas and discussion and they have the added benefit of describing 'archispeak' to, you know, those 'unfortunate' enough not to be architects (READ: totally tongue-in-cheek).

So, to win this juicy copy of Creating the Not So Big House by Sarah Susanka, here are the rules:

The drawing is open to all homeowners in Oregon and Washington who intend to hire an architect or designer for their house project in 2011-2013. I want to be your architect! So, I will be following up with you to schedule a complimentary design meeting at my office in NE Portland. To enter, simply post a comment to this blog post (why not tell me what you're planning to do to your house?) and make sure I have some way to contact you - email is just fine. If you don't want your email listed here, send me a note at kendra@spinnakerarchitect.com

The drawing will take place on Tuesday, March 15th. I will assign each entrant a number and have a number selected by random.org. The winner will be posted here. Good luck!

Big Addition Project

This is one of my large addition projects that just got permits! Stay tuned for construction photos this summer!