This year’s 21st Annual Gingerbread Village, hosted by the Seattle Sheraton, features 6 gingerbread houses created by some of Seattle’s top architecture firms and the Sheraton’s culinary team. The event is free, but donations are encouraged and go to support the JDRF Northwest Chapter. Check out a few photos from the event:

Jack and the Beanstalk by Callison

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Our work on a recent new home project in Sherwood, Oregon that connects inside and outside brought to mind a few past projects that also feature inside-outside connections. In home design, creating an inside-outside connection is a great way to make the space feel open, airy, and connected to the outside world. Sometimes this is accomplished with floor-to-ceiling windows that offer expansive views, sometimes the connection is larger with doors that completely open up an interior space to an outdoor area. These five projects show just how meaningful having an inside-outside connection can be. Take a look!

Glass doors accordion open in this retreat in the hills of Yamhill County, Oregon to connect the indoors with the beautiful outdoor scenery and patio.

This new home overlooking the Columbia River features impressive floor-to-ceiling windows and glass sliding doors to not only offer an expansive view of the outdoors, but also open up to connect the deck with the interior living space.

This sunroom, with two walls covered in windows and glass doors, give the feeling of being outside while sitting comfortably inside. The doors can be swung open to connect the space with the back deck and garden outside.

The sitting area in this historic estate features doors that open up to the patio with a view of the extensive grounds. In the summer, these doors open to create a large socializing area that’s half indoors and half outdoors. In the winter, the doors close to keep the home warm but offer a clear view to the outdoor area.

The existing sliding glass doors were replaced with a new overhead bay door to better facilitate the indoor/outdoor transition in this basement conversion.The result is a door that can open all the way up to open the space to the outdoor area.

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Here are five home improvements you can make on your current home to get that extra space you need:

ADD AN ADDITION

Additions are the biggest way to add space to your home. Whether you build up, out, or even down (yes, it is possible to add a basement!), an addition can double the size of your home.

FINISH OUT A BASEMENT

Don’t let all that empty space underneath your home go to waste. A basement remodel is a great way to add the space you need to your home. Need a bigger laundry room? Want a guest bedroom? A basement can be just about anything you desire. If the basement has its own separate entrance you could even turn it into an accessory dwelling unit for family or for extra rental income.

ADD A BUMP OUT

If you need just a little more elbow room a bump out is a good option. A bump out can be done to add a bathroom to a bedroom, expand a small kitchen, or create a mudroom at the entry. It’s a less invasive project than an addition and is a good way to add a little extra room in one area of the home.

CREATE AN OUTDOOR LIVING SPACE

An even less invasive project that adds space is to develop part of your yard into an outdoor living space. In the project below a new outdoor fireplace and some outdoor furniture creates a second living and dining area. Outdoor living spaces can be enclosed or covered as well for year-round use.

ADD  SECOND STORY BALCONY

Another way to use outdoor space is to build a second story balcony. It could be a small one that’s just big enough for a chair and side table, or could run the length of the house and serve as a larger entertaining area.

There are some other smaller projects you could take on to get a little extra space, too. Sometimes removing a few walls can open a space up and give more room where it’s needed. On the other hand, sometimes putting up new walls can create a new room or private area if that’s what you’re looking for. Architects can often find creative ways to add space to a home, so make sure to consult with one before taking on a project, and when you’re ready we’ll be happy to help you build it!

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Remove Insect Superhighways to Your House

Make sure plants – this includes shrubs, tall grass, weeds, and ground covers – don’t come into contact with your house. When plants rub against your house they create a pathway for insects to move from the ground to your home. Make sure to pull weeds and trim back or relocate plants growing too close to your house. It’s also a good idea to make sure there isn’t any dirt-to-wood contact around the house as it can result in rot (unless the wood is of a type that’s approved for this).

Avoid Sugar Ant-pocalypse

Here in the PNW we are attacked by sugar ants (also known as odorous ants) once spring hits. There are a few things you can do to keep them from taking over your home. One way to deter them is to sprinkle diatomaceous earth around the perimeter of your home. Another method is to use peppermint oil as a deterrent – I’ve found this works really well but you have to keep reapplying the peppermint every few days or it wears off. I personally use a service from EcoElite  for my house. After the first invasion I was more than willing to hand off this fight to a professional. I haven’t had ant problems since I started with them. Just please avoid poisonous chemicals – they can kill honey bees as well as ants and is just generally bad for the environment. 

Clean Those Gutters

Now is a good time to clean your gutters – with spring comes rain and you want to make sure your gutters are clear and working properly. Water overflows from blocked gutters can wreak havoc on your yard and even result in water intrusion in your basement.

Discourage Moss Growth

Trim trees back if they overhang your roof – this will reduce gutter clutter but will also help keep moss from growing on your roof. It’s also a good time to get rid of any moss that developed over winter – powerwash it off and apply an anti-moss agent to keep it from coming back.

Check Attic & Roof

Spring is when birds and other creatures start nesting and procreating. Often times they like to do these things in attics – much to the chagrin of the homeowner. Now is a good time to take a peek inside the attic to see what’s going on up there. You want to check for signs of water intrusion (mold, damp boards, rusty nails) as well as holes or other areas critters could get in.

You’ll also want to check the outside of the roof for damage and loose tiles. Make sure tree branches are cut back away from the house and do not overhang. Branches overhanging roofs can encourage moss growth (especially on the north side) and can act as bridges for squirrels and other unfriendlies to explore your home.

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MT. TABOR REMODEL

Parts of the kitchen and living room of this home were demolished by the Portland H&H team and rebuilt to create a more social environment.

FJÄLLRÄVEN SEATTLE

Around the corner from Pike Place Market, this commercial tenant improvement project features ash wood, Douglas fir, and custom details throughout.

BUENA VISTA REMODEL

A whole home remodel of a semi-circular mid-century gem overlooking the Columbia River.

SOUTHWEST HILLS OFFICE ADDITION

Our Portland team built this second story office addition to match our client’s office in downtown Portland.

CUSTOM BLACK STAINED PASSIVE HOUSE DOOR

The H&H Woodshop team crafted this certified Passive House door with the Idaho panhandle’s weather conditions in mind.

VIEW RIDGE HOME REMODEL

This home remodel included a full kitchen guy and refresh without changing the home’s original footprint.

Want to see additional H&H projects? Check out our Project Portfolio or contact us about your own project!

The post Recent Project Highlights appeared first on Hammer & Hand.

The room’s gas fireplace centerpiece holds a secret… Above, and tucked away behind a wooden panel, is a cleverly concealed entertainment center. The smart design transforms the living room from the typical television-centric layout, to a space centered around an inviting fireplace. A television that is powered on while guests are present can be bright and distracting, yet a television without power becomes a cumbersome block intruding into the home. Moulton eschews the typical design and avoids the dilemma altogether. However, a very precise and well-executed build was required to pull off a design that included a smoothly sliding panel to hide the television while still accommodating the functionality of the fireplace and it’s chimney.

A large and sleek bay window was installed to frame the room. This new addition brings in a great deal of natural lighting and provides additional seating that adds to the inviting ambiance. Overlooking the freshly remodeled deck, the bay window shows stunning views of the neighborhood’s lush foliage. Together with architect David Moulton, Hammer & Hand’s Project Supervisor Daryll Fry, Site Lead Carpenter Steph Lynch, and team of skilled craftspeople like the talented Moses Grubb created a transformative space that effortlessly shifts from a cozy home cinema to a stunning parlor that is sure to delight both client and guests for years to come.

To see the inner workings of this design, check out the drawings below. Shared with permission from the architect.

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Upcycling is all the rage these days, and with good reason. Using materials that would previously have been considered waste products to create new items is both economical and environmentally friendly. All across the world, people are finding unique and creative ways to turn old items into new, useful, and often visually stunning pieces. Whether it’s glass yogurt cups becoming a tray of seed planters or an old coffee tin transformed into a brilliant lighting fixture, this new trend helps people find the beauty in items that would otherwise be clogging landfills.

Back in 2018 our team was remodeling a sunroom for a Portland client. While not all elements of the heavy wood aesthetic were reusable, there were several large, sturdy beams salvaged by our carpenters. Kept in storage until recently, we hauled them out this last summer after receiving an approved design for a custom bench by John Weil at Weil Architecture. Built in our woodshop by Carpenter Moses Grubb and finished by Carpenter Matthew Kamenski, the final piece showcases the attractive quality of the original fir beams.

“I love working with this beautiful old wood,” says longtime carpenter Grubb. “It’s exciting to re-use material to make something fresh that fits back in the space so well.”

And fit it does. The flawless execution of the bench’s clean and timeless design not only elevates the upcycled beam itself, but beautifully compliments the redesigned space it once again occupies.

While we are not furniture makers at Hammer & Hand, from time-to-time the skilled team in our woodshop have been able to create unique, hand-crafted pieces for existing clients as part of larger renovations, commercial TIs, and new home builds. We don’t always have the capacity to build furniture as our woodshop is usually extremely busy with doors, windows, and other high-detail components of our existing projects. Your project supervisor can work in concert with your designer and our woodshop team to determine if custom furniture will be a feasible addition to your project.

Learn more about our Woodshop and the custom doors and windows they create here!

Watch our skilled carpenters hard at work in our Woodshop in our Custom Passive House Door video series on YouTube!

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BIG FIR VINEYARD | Outdoor Space w/ Fireplace

Designed by Prentiss Balance Wickline | Photos by Andrew Pogue

When attending a dinner party on a vineyard such as this, one of the many perks is the phenomenal views and quiet, refreshing atmosphere. Especially in the warmer months, gathering indoors would be such a shame when vistas of the surrounding countryside would be obscured by walls. This covered outdoor area at Big Fir Vineyard takes advantage of this home’s spectacular location. The inclusion of a fireplace not only adds to the rustic ambiance but also lengthens the practical use of the space even into the cooler months.

HEMENWAY HOUSE REMODEL | Kitchen Island w/ Stovetop

Designed by Gusto Design Studio | Photos by Haris Kenjar

If you like to cook for your guests, a common conundrum is how to do so without turning your back on everyone in the room. The homeowners of this home now have a solution that allows them prep and cook while at the same time engaging with their guests! A kitchen island with both bar-top seating and a flat-top range allows the chef and dinner guests to face one another, making it possible to host a dinner without having to sacrifice conversation or a home-cooked meal.

MODERN LIVING ROOM REMODEL | Concealed Entertainment Center

Designed by David Moulton

The age-old question: To TV or not TV? We all love to be able to kick back and watch some Netflix now and then, but there are few appliances in our homes that take up as much real estate as a television. When on, a TV subconsciously draws the eyes and attention of anyone in the room, and when off, they stick out like a big, useless sore spot on the wall. Architect David Moulton had a very elegant solution. Through some very clever engineering, the Hammer & Hand team was able to implement his design so that the finished room conceals the homeowner’s TV behind a sliding wooden panel. With guests in attendance, the closed panel shows a beautiful landscape painting above the newly installed fireplace. However, once guests are gone, the homeowners can slide open the panel and wind down to their favorite episodes of Downton Abbey. 

HISTORIC PORTLAND REMODEL | Built-in Wine Refrigerator

Nothing says class like an elegant wine refrigerator built right into your kitchen. Mere steps from the dining room and an arm’s reach from the kitchen island, this small unit is designed specifically for the storage and temperature control of fine wines. No more overly chilled whites or overheated reds; the inclusion of this sleek appliance makes sure the homeowners always have the perfect bottle ready for any occasion!

Designed by Maria Cohen and Benjamin Silver | Photos by Christopher Dibble

THOUGHTFUL FAMILY KITCHEN | Coffee & Cocktail Cabinet

Designed and photographed by Mutuus Studio

Why stop with a wine cabinet if you have room for a full beverage cabinet? This kitchen in Seattle was remodeled by the Hammer & Hand carpenters to include a designated space for storing wine, mixing drinks, and brewing espresso. A wine refrigerator keeps bottle at ideal temperatures, with enough space for a state of the art espresso machine, air-tight coffee bean grinder, plenty of storage for glassware and spirits, and a built-in sink to make clean up a breeze! A designated mixology station is a must at any party, so these homeowners are always prepared to host!

Are you ready to begin a project? At Hammer & Hand, we are traditional builders. As such, we do not have architects or designers in house. Rather, we work with some of the best architects and designers in the Portland and Seattle areas, executing their bespoke and exacting designs with precision and care. Click here to Start a Project today!

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Blending contemporary elements with the natural beauty of the region, Northwest Modern homes exude a sense of timeless charm and harmonious integration with the environment. Clean lines, ample use of natural materials, and large windows are signature elements that define this style. The simplicity and functionality of the design are aimed at creating a seamless connection between indoor and outdoor spaces. Expansive windows allow abundant natural light to flood the interiors while providing breathtaking views of the surrounding greenery, mountains, or water bodies. From cozy retreats nestled in the forest to striking waterfront properties, Northwest Modern homes effortlessly blend with their surroundings, celebrating the beauty of nature.

The interior spaces of Northwest Modern homes are characterized by open floor plans, minimalist aesthetics, and a focus on sustainable and eco-friendly materials. Warm wood tones, exposed beams, and natural stone accents add organic textures, creating a welcoming and cozy atmosphere. Thoughtful integration of energy-efficient technologies and sustainable design principles ensures that Northwest Modern homes not only offer visual appeal but also prioritize environmental responsibility. With their timeless charm and seamless integration with the Pacific Northwest’s natural splendor, Northwest Modern homes continue to captivate homeowners seeking a harmonious balance between contemporary living and the surrounding environment.

As traditional builders, we do not have designers in-house. Instead, we work with clients and some of the best architects in Portland and Seattle to achieve our clients’ goals. If you are considering building a home in the Northwest Modern style (or any style), Hammer & Hand can help pair you with the perfect design team to suit your needs! Contact us today and tell us a little about your project to get started!

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