Portfolio

Smith/Jordan House

Design by Smith Design Studio • Build by Small Building Company

Summer 2008

 
 

© 2000-2012, Smith Design Studio, LLC

Site Our house is carefully nestled in a grove of big leaf maples and is immediately identifiable for what it is; shelter. The surrounding deciduous trees provide shade in the summer, and allow generous amounts of light deep into the structure in the winter. A compact 24’ x 36’ footprint minimizes impact on this site; only one tree was removed for the 1750 sq. ft. house. Inspired design and local natural materials A deep reinforced stem wall and footing and insulated reinforced slab create a strong, stable foundation. We assembled the timber frame from site-generated rough sawn fir timbers. The interior posts and beams are sanded smooth, and left exposed to express the open structure. Vaulted ceilings, lofts and a screened sleeping porch mirror the openness of the surrounding woods. Vintage pocket doors conserve space and add charm, while natural Marmoleum® flooring radiates warmth. Low VOC colors from nature’s palette coat the walls and water-based finishes reveal the woodgrain in the millwork. In the kitchen, locally made Paperstone® countertops made with 100% recycled paper and water-based resins protect customized Ikea cabinets. A bathroom sink sits upon a pedestal made from the maple tree that once stood in its place. Energy Efficiency Interior appliances are Energy-Star rated, some gently used from salvage stores like Olympia Salvage. 98% of lighting locations contain compact florescent bulbs, saving nearly 75% on lighting energy consumption. Efficient, comfortable hydronic radiant floor system is heated by an on-demand water heater. Stained concrete, Marmoleum® and slate floorings absorb sunlight during the day, radiating it back after sundown. Windows and roof overhangs take advantage of seasonal changes in sun angle while providing views, shelter and protection. Only 1750 sq. ft. in all, the house is affordable to maintain, heat, and clean. Accessible Design for Aging in place The main floor is continuous and smooth heated concrete, with ADA compliant door thresholds and hardware. The stairs have a high-contrast, slip-resistant stair nosing, and a continuous handrail. Compact multi-use design combines the bathroom and laundry area into one efficient space. Blocking in the shower walls will secure future ADA compliant safety rails. A cozy den/media room can convert instantly into a main floor bedroom if needed. Natural and durable exterior The exterior siding is a mix of local and regional woods, like northwest cedar and site-generated fir board and batten, and painted steel panel siding. All exterior wood is treated with natural Lifetime® wood preservative, for long-lasting and non-toxic beauty. Deep covered patios provide needed protection from northwest weather, and skylights made from salvaged sunroom windows allow extra light. The concrete patios contain recycled concrete over a compacted base of crushed recycled concrete rather than quarried gravel. Exterior lighting is deeply shaded Dark Skies Friendly for reduced glare and increased efficiency. Above all is a standing-seam galvanized metal roof, made from a minimum of 30% recycled content US steel and fully recyclable. The galvanized finish reflects sunlight, while providing superior durability and clean runoff. Extra deep galvanized steel gutters direct rainwater away from the eaves to a planned catchment system. Interior paint by W.E. Davis Co. Natural flooring provided by 510 Interiors. New windows provided by Kell-Chuck Glass. Patios by Doug Locken Concrete. Doors and other materials provided by Bayview Lumber. Custom timber milling by Bob Skillman, Steamboat Island. What is Neo-Ruralism? Designed to evoke images of rural life, the silo and multi-angle roof combine elements commonly found in the vernacular country architecture. Natural, weathered and durable exterior materials and finishes are part of the palette. Buildings are massed in groups and modulating scale to suggest the expansion over time of the overall structure. Form follows function, eschewing hollow ornamentation for purposeful details. NeoRuralism traces its origins to the early part of the 21st century in and around Olympia, WA.http://www.xwebforums.org/

Project Overview

Contact Info:

Gregory Smith

Telephone: 360.239.0429

Email: gfs@gregoryfsmith.com