Summer is finally here, so when I found this fabulous Boathouse makeover over on Remodelista, I had to share with you. Look at how Seattle-based architects, Bosworth Hoedemaker, converted this rather dull, concrete boathouse into a stunning yet simple guest cottage.
Doesn’t look like much from the outside but open up those doors…
Front row seats to the lovely Hood Canal…
Building codes prevented the team from making exterior structural changes so they had to focus their creativity on the interior space.
The stairs can actually be raised so a boat can be stored here during the winter months…love the seasonal functionality here. A small space has to work extra hard to meet all your needs and this one does just that!
I really love the plywood walls – a rustic and suitably nautical touch. As for the industrial lighting – perfection!
Ahhh…my favorite spot – the sleeping loft, with gorgeous views!
I could sure spend some time here…couldn’t you?
Images via here and here.
downsizing, environmental design, interior design, Lifestyle, Small Space Design, Uncategorized
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beach house, candace kramer, design, downsize my space, downsizing, environmental design, interior design, lifestyle, small space design, space planning
Being completely inspired by my last post, I couldn’t resist doing a pre-fab encore. Check out Homb - a fantastic line of pre-fab homes designed using a 100 sq. ft. triangular system. Go here to view more plans. It turns out, that while squares and rectangles are perfectly fine for building…triangles are way cooler! This ingenious line is created by the brilliant marriage of two amazing companies: Skylab Architecture and Method Homes – both committed to designing spectacular architecture AND respecting the environment – gotta love that! Look at how beautiful these Homb structures are…
Aren’t they stunning? Would you consider living in a pre-fab home?
p.s. Wanna see what the Skylab Architects are up to in Portland? Check it out here!
All images via Homb
architecture, downsizing, environmental design, interior design, pre-fabricated
| candace kramer, design, downsize, downsize my space, downsizing, environmental, environmental design, green, method homes, modular, pre-fabricated home, Real Estate, skylab architecture, small spaces
Heavy title, I know…but it’s something cities like Portland, has to consider. I’m biased but the fact is our city is incredibly beautiful, rich in resources and available land. We can count on an influx of our population in the future and people will continue to flock to the Great Northwest – SO – how do we plan for it?
I recently attended one of the Bright Lights Discussions, hosted by Randy Gragg, Editor and chief at Portland Monthly Magazine and presented with the City Club of Portland. The topic: Climate Change and the Next Great Migration. (read more here) The fascinating forum took place at the fabulous Jimmy Mak’s club and was led by natural resource and transportation expert, Gail Achterman.
It was a full house and Gail held everyone in thrall with her passionate delivery. She pointed out that we can use this imminent population increase as an opportunity to restructure our land-use planning and reevaluate how we are conserving our natural resources.
With climate change, rapid growth and the threat of urban sprawl, now, more than ever, it is time to think creatively and plan accordingly so that Portland and its surrounding areas continue to flourish. Downsizing and using our land more efficiently make sense! Creating communities that offer public transportation along with eco-conscious designed residential and commercial spaces is key.
It’s tough living in a gorgeous place and it may take a little extra foresight to keep it that way…but someone’s gotta do it! I’m so glad that our city seems up for the challenge!
To read more about what is on the drawing board for the Willamette Valley go here. I highly recommend these monthly discussions, if you’d like to sign up for the Bright Lights newsletter so you don’t miss out go here and for more info visit the Bright Lights Facebook page here.
Get informed about the urban planning in your city and let your voice be heard.
Images via here.
Community, downsizing, environmental design, Events
| bright lights, candace kramer, City club of Portland, community, design, downsize, downsize my space, downsizing, environmental, environmental design, Gail Achterman, lifestyle, oregon, portland, portland monthly magazine, Randy Gragg
Happy Friday!
Found this fabulous townhouse transformation via homedsgn.com and wanted to share it with your for a little Friday inspiration! The owners of this modest Montreal home wanted to add a second story and expand their 800 sq ft. but when building codes and restrictions ruled out this option, the ingenious team at naturehumaine developed an amazing plan with multiple split levels. By pushing out into the backyard, the architects achieved maximum space and captured wonderful natural light.
Here’s the before and after shot of the exterior! Pretty cool right?
Now, let’s take a peek inside…
Don’t you just love creative design?
Have a fantastic weekend!
All images via homedsgn.com and naturehumaine
environmental design, interior design, Remodel, Small Space Design
| architectural, candace kramer, design, downsize, downsize my space, environmental, environmental design, interior design, montreal, naturehumaine, remodel, small space, small space design, small spaces, space planning
image via KDA Developement
What makes a great place to live? It’s a good question right? I was recently listening to webinar on AARP about this very topic. Click here for the webinar handout full of good resources!
Certain ingredients are needed to create a truly wonderful place to reside and walkable communities rank among the highest for their livability!
Here are some bullet points from this wonderful article about walkable communites:
- Housing Values are Higher where its Walkable
- Walkable Communities Attract “New Economy” Workers
- Walkable Communities are becoming a Business Relocation Alternative
- Walkable Communities Reduce Commuting Costs
- Walkable Communities Cost the Taxpayer Less
- Walkability Attracts Tourists
- Walkable Communities Can Capture an Emerging “Lifestyle” Retail Market
What’s not to like about those stats!?
image via walklive.org
So what ingredients are needed to create a walkable community?
- Sidewalks, bike lanes, crosswalks – encourages pedestrian and bike travel
- Good, safe, public transportation – reduces car traffic, pollution and noise
- Community services and events – things like farmer’s markets and festivals encourage community participation and local commerce
- Parks & Green spaces – encourages healthy lifestyle, recreation and exercise
- Places for fun! – cafes, local boutiques, community pools – places to gather and socialize strengthens communities
Does your home town have these? If not, consider getting involved in your Community Planning groups and let your voice be heard. Having these elements in your community not only creates a more pleasurable place to live, it raises home values too! If you are wondering how walkable your community is, go here and get your walkability score!
We all deserve a home where we feel safe, happy and enriched by our community. Get involved in your town and make it a better place to live.
Call me if I can help and I’d love to hear more about your hometown!
Community, environmental design, Resources
| candace kramer, community, downsize my space, downsizing, environmental, environmental design, lifestyle, Real Estate, walkable communities, walkscore
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