As we draw closer to summer and the Seattle weather reminds us all the reason that we all live here — the gorgeous and abundant natural environment and community. We are excited to see our community work so hard to get the region opened up again. And while we are jubilant about being able to hug and actually see the smiles of our friends and family again, the re-opening also is a little nerve-wrecking… Seeing the crowds collect at sporting events (especially indoors!) fills us with a sense of concern. Being in confined places unmasked has us uneasy. Time will help us all move forward – together.
We have also made some positive strides toward impacting our climate. So much more to discover about socializing in this new reality.
In a similar vein, we think it will be a bit before figuring out to best live, play, and grow (and maybe work or school!) in our homes is still shaking itself out. Sure there was an immediate need; though now people are getting to make decisions about which path forward is the right path for their family and how that is reflects in their housing needs. The knee-jerk reactions of spring 2020 are giving way to future-proof planning. Tough conversations for most of us with most everyone I know is having them (including Doug and myself!)
And while we can’t make the decisions for you, we are here to help to answer questions, consult with you, or give you referrals to partners to help you gather the information you need to move your housing thoughts forward.
The City of Seattle recently changed the rules on Accessory Dwelling Units (Detached and Attached Accessory Dwelling Units) for single-family zoned lots. The options for these ADU/DADUs are only limited by the imagination. These units could be used as homes to house renters or extended family, but also home offices or other bonus spaces. Come learn a few basics on what an owner needs to think about before jumping in on an ADU or DADU project, and why building material reuse is a perfect resource for when you decide to move forward with a new dwelling or bonus space on your property.
Laura Elfline of Mighty House Construction leads this discussion on how you might take advantage of the new zoning changes in our city. This is a recording of a live workshop that occurred on April 10th, 2021.
Mighty House Construction is gearing up for the 2021 NW Green Home Tour and is excited to share two projects that we built with design partners ld arch design and ming | architecture and design. Additionally, we are sponsoring two small home social equity projects: a BIPOC Sustainable Tiny Art House Community and an alternative housing group, Facing Homelessness. Facing Homelessness seeks to leverage communities and backyards throughout Seattle to build spaces for people facing homelessness. By integrating these homes into our neighborhoods, Facing Homelessness seeks to remove the stigma of “other” from people in need of help.
The Garden Kitchen Project, designed by ld arch design, demonstrates the impact that a targeted remodel can have on the functions of a home and the lived experience in it. Lightening and brightening a shared space and opening up how that space is accessed outside has improved ventilation, light and opened up a world of entertaining possibilities. This project will be shown online on the first day of the tour, May 1, 9-11:30 am.
Growing on the Green belt, designed by ming | architecture and design, is a project that sought to preserve the look and feel of a neighborhood, while still allowing for space for a family to stretch out in.
With a lower profile roof to minimize change to the property, living space was expanded while maintaining the original feel of the house and leveraging available unused green belt-bordering space. Come visit the project on Saturday, May 8, 9– 11:30 am.
We are excited to see you and help you find new ways to make your home more sustainable!
Thinking about starting a kitchen remodel this year? Salvaged cabinets are one of the most popular ways to incorporate reclaimed materials into a remodel. Like most salvaged material, working with salvaged cabinets presents many rewards, as well as a few challenges.
Join Doug Elfline of Mighty House Construction to gain an understanding of how to shop for salvaged cabinets, prevent common installation mistakes, identify the different types and parts of cabinets, and determine what type of cabinets are the best fit for your project. This is a taped workshop that was presented live via Zoom on Saturday, February 27th, 2021. This workshop was presented by:
For information on how to shop reuse for your design – 0:30. 1:12:30 General design terms – 2:00 Kitchen remodels with salvaged cabinets examples – 4:30 Info on painting cabinets – 11:20 Staining – 29:20 Info on installing cabinets – 16:30, 36:20 Info on creating kitchen islands – 33:45 Info on unique countertop integration – 44:15, 52:55 Info on cabinet hardware: hinges & drawer glides – 47:45, 1:02:30 Tips on shopping for Cabinets at Second Use – 1:15:20
Consider the humble backyard cottage. Its name conjures up images of a cute grandmotherly abode nestled in deep green foliage. Indeed, this generally small and unassuming dwelling might seem more like a quaint guesthouse than a permanent place someone would choose to live. But people have been happily living in them for years and soon a lot more people-including people you know will be living in them, as well.
Laura and Doug will be holding several Mighty House Construction open office hours via virtual platform on April 23, & 30 (and maybe beyond!). You bring your BHAGs (Big Hairy Audacious Goals) and DIY quagmires and we’ll bring our healthy, functional and green construction experience. Log on with video on your phone or laptop and walk us through your house to get our professional opinions.
Due to security reasons we ask that you email your interest in attending to Nick@MightyHouseConstruction.com to receive meeting links and information.
