On the Boards: Ryan & Desiree's new digs in West Seattle

Having seen how SZ transformed an untouched 60's ranch home, just down the street, into a 'Glamour Rambler', Ryan & Desiree sought a similar creative touch on their own 700 SF single-story home (with daylight basement).  

They love where they live - great community & convenient location.  Just not enough squarefootage for this active, dynamic & professional young couple.  Though they entertained the idea of trading in for something better suited to their current lifestyle, Ryan & Desiree preferred to leverage what they owned and truly make it their own.  

The key to turning this challenge into a feasible opportunity is to take full advantage of what already exists.  In this home that meant maintaining the existing footprint.  In addition to minimizing the impact to the site, going up also captured greater views and additional outdoor spaces. 

Ryan & Desiree continue to be the ideal clients in that they know who they are, what they like (and don't like), how they want to live & entertain in their home.  They've trusted in the process, asked all the right questions, and their genuine enthusiasm for realizing this dream has been infectious. 

Heron Hall: A Living Building Home on Bainbridge Island

Had the distinct pleasure of touring Heron Hall, currently under construction, on Bainbridge Island earlier this afternoon.  Was welcomed by Joss Krayenhoff, co-owner of SIREWALL USA.  He's hosting a hands-on practicum, along side Jason McLennan, Owner/Architect of Heron Hall, creator of the Living Building Challenge & one of the most influential leaders in the green building movement. 

While admiring the first SIREWALL revealed and thumbing through this unique home's floor plans, I was delighted to hear that Jason McLennan and his family had just arrived on site.  Jason was kind enough to walk me through the various design features of his beautiful home.  

Joss & team were busily forming up the Stair Tower.  Jason explained that this particular location of the house was the central hub - utilities were home-run beneath the stair, family members would be traveling within and have a view out towards the entry drive to welcome guests, and all rainwater is directed to its rooftop for collection in nearby cisterns.  As you travel vertically, views of the estuary marsh begin to open up.  

This home is striving to meet all petal requirements of the Living Building Challenge, 'the worlds most progressive and stringent green building rating system'.

Inspiring all around!

Dose of Inspiration: Why Your Critics Aren't The Ones Who Count

There is nothing more frightening than the moment we expose our ideas to the world. Author and vulnerability researcher Brené Brown shows us how to deal with the critics and our own self-doubt by refusing to "armor up" and shut ourselves off. "Not caring what people think," she says, "is its own kind of hustle."

Instead we must "reserve a seat" for the critics and our own self-doubt. "Tell them, I see you, I hear you, but I'm going to do this anyway." 

Dr. Brené Brown is a research professor at the University of Houston Graduate College of Social Work. She has spent the past twelve years studying vulnerability, courage, worthiness, and shame. Her groundbreaking research has been featured on PBS, NPR, CNN, The Washington Post, and The New York Times.

Brené is the author of the #1 New York Times Bestseller, Daring Greatly: How the Courage to Be Vulnerable Transforms the way we Live, Love, Parent, and Lead (Gotham, 2012). In Daring Greatly Brené dispels the cultural myth that vulnerability is weakness and argues that it is, in truth, our most accurate measure of courage. Fast Company Magazine recently named Daring Greatly one of the best business books of 2012. Brené's 2010 TEDx Houston talk, The Power of Vulnerability, is one of the top ten most viewed TED talks on TED.com, with over 6 million viewers.

Brené is also the author of The Gifts of Imperfection (2010), I Thought It Was Just Me (2007), and Connections (2009). She lives in Houston with her husband, Steve, and their two children, Ellen and Charlie.

SIREwall (Structural Insulated Rammed Earth)

Recently had the opportunity to attend a week-long course on Salt Spring Island, BC about SIREwalls.  This wall system was developed and perfected by Meror Krayenhoff, a pioneer in green building in Canada in the 1990's.  Since that time the system has been tested and refined in dozens of project around the world. 

I was lucky enough to visit five very unique homes showcasing the beauty, sustainable benefits and durability of this fascinating wall system.

Joss Krayenhoff (Master Earth Mason and Co-Owner of Sirewall USA, LLC, ) has recently teamed up with Jason McLennan, one of the most influential individuals in the green building movement today and the recipient of the prestigious Buckminster Fuller Prize (the planet’s top prize for socially responsible design).

I'm excited to apply what I've learned very soon, in collaboration with these inspirational visionaries.