Request Cabinet Quote from Showcase Kitchens Erika Bierman

We designed a “tree house” suspended above the ground on glued-laminated timber columns supporting two stories, forty feet above the forest floor. Suquamish means “place of clear water”. The care of the land that drove this residence included simple strategies for capturing rain and percolating storm water, minimal excavation and removal of soils, low-impact concrete foundations, and a light structure that captures views of the forest, water, and a distant Seattle skyline to the east.

Home bar - modern home bar idea in DC Metro

Example of a transitional l-shaped medium tone wood floor and brown floor kitchen design in Seattle with a farmhouse sink, shaker cabinets, white cabinets, white backsplash, stainless steel appliances, an island and white countertops

A picturesque spot to enjoy a fireside sunset. Photo by Roger Haywood
Photo of a huge eclectic drought-tolerant and partial sun backyard concrete paver landscaping in Denver with a fire pit for fall.

In Southern California there are pockets of darling cottages built in the early 20th century that we like to call jewelry boxes. They are quaint, full of charm and usually a bit cramped. Our clients have a growing family and needed a modern, functional home. They opted for a renovation that directly addressed their concerns. When we first saw this 2,170 square-foot 3-bedroom beach cottage, the front door opened directly into a staircase and a dead-end hallway. The kitchen was cramped, the living room was claustrophobic and everything felt dark and dated. The big picture items included pitching the living room ceiling to create space and taking down a kitchen wall. We added a French oven and luxury range that the wife had always dreamed about, a custom vent hood, and custom-paneled appliances. We added a downstairs half-bath for guests (entirely designed around its whimsical wallpaper) and converted one of the existing bathrooms into a Jack-and-Jill, connecting the kids’ bedrooms, with double sinks and a closed-off toilet and shower for privacy. In the bathrooms, we added white marble floors and wainscoting. We created storage throughout the home with custom-cabinets, new closets and built-ins, such as bookcases, desks and shelving. White Sands Design/Build furnished the entire cottage mostly with commissioned pieces, including a custom dining table and upholstered chairs. We updated light fixtures and added brass hardware throughout, to create a vintage, bo-ho vibe. The best thing about this cottage is the charming backyard accessory dwelling unit (ADU), designed in the same style as the larger structure. In order to keep the ADU it was necessary to renovate less than 50% of the main home, which took some serious strategy, otherwise the non-conforming ADU would need to be torn out. We renovated the bathroom with white walls and pine flooring, transforming it into a get-away that will grow with the girls.

We designed a “tree house” suspended above the ground on glued-laminated timber columns supporting two stories, forty feet above the forest floor. Suquamish means “place of clear water”. The care of the land that drove this residence included simple strategies for capturing rain and percolating storm water, minimal excavation and removal of soils, low-impact concrete foundations, and a light structure that captures views of the forest, water, and a distant Seattle skyline to the east.

The strategy for this project was to renovate the barn and pool house using sustainable and reclaimed materials, to produce an intersection of modern and antique design

With an eye toward accessibility, this bathroom is designed to ease the everyday routines of a homeowner who often uses a wheelchair. Universal design strategies guided the project structurally with ADA-compatible elements incorporated throughout. An expansive shower with a curbless transition replaces a large corner tub allowing our homeowner easier movement throughout the space. Grab bars add a safety net and are placed purposefully around the room. Photos by Spacecrafting Photography

Hugh Lofting Timber Framing (HLTF) manufactured and installed the Southern Yellow Pine glued-laminated (glulams) beams and the Douglas Fir lock deck T&G in this modern house in Centreville, MD. HLTF worked closely with Torchio Architects to develop the steel connection designs and the overall glulam strategy for the project. Photos by: Steve Buchanan Photography

Universal design is a strategy that recognizes the current and future physical abilities of homeowners and suggests remodeling ideas that will work for them. Removing steps from entryways are a great example. The solution for this home involved the creative use of pavers on a gentle slope to eliminate two cement steps. Our before and after photos show the results.

Transitional white tile light wood floor, beige floor and double-sink alcove shower photo in San Diego with shaker cabinets, white cabinets, gray walls, an undermount sink, black countertops, a freestanding vanity and a niche

Alcove bathtub - mid-sized transitional master subway tile gray floor alcove bathtub idea in Philadelphia with a two-piece toilet, gray walls, an undermount sink, recessed-panel cabinets, white cabinets, granite countertops and multicolored countertops

The owners of this home came to us with a plan to build a new high-performance home that physically and aesthetically fit on an infill lot in an old well-established neighborhood in Bellingham. The Craftsman exterior detailing, Scandinavian exterior color palette, and timber details help it blend into the older neighborhood. At the same time the clean modern interior allowed their artistic details and displayed artwork take center stage. We started working with the owners and the design team in the later stages of design, sharing our expertise with high-performance building strategies, custom timber details, and construction cost planning. Our team then seamlessly rolled into the construction phase of the project, working with the owners and Michelle, the interior designer until the home was complete. The owners can hardly believe the way it all came together to create a bright, comfortable, and friendly space that highlights their applied details and favorite pieces of art. Photography by Radley Muller Photography​ Design by Deborah Todd Building Design Services Interior Design by Spiral Studios​

Beach style bathroom photo in Los Angeles

Hugh Lofting Timber Framing (HLTF) manufactured and installed the Southern Yellow Pine glued-laminated (glulams) beams and the Douglas Fir lock deck T&G in this modern house in Centreville, MD. HLTF worked closely with Torchio Architects to develop the steel connection designs and the overall glulam strategy for the project. Photos by: Steve Buchanan Photography

Design ideas for a mid-sized contemporary partial sun concrete paver landscaping in San Francisco.

Apollo's Bow Strategies - apollosbow.com
Urban closet photo in Atlanta

From the outside this one of a kind modern farmhouse home is set off by the contrasting materials of the Shou Sugi Ban Siding, exposed douglas fir accents and steel metal roof while the inside boasts a clean lined modern aesthetic equipped with a wood fired pizza oven. Through the design and planning phases of this home we developed a simple form that could be both beautiful and every efficient. This home is ready to be net zero with the future addition of renewable resource strategies (ie. solar panels).