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The snow is here, and as we warm up with a hot mug and a fire we thought we’d share some cozy projects.

Influences

I grew up in the lake-house that my grandfather built in Chelan. He anchored the house off of a three sided stone fireplace. That warmth was the center of the home, and in the winter Grandpa made sure it was roaring. There was a loft level partially supported by the stone chimney, and I loved to look down to the living room from above at night, watching the orange glow dance around the room. The wood beams supporting the different levels and roofs were exposed and crisscrossed in different ways depending on where they were needed. I remember laying on my back and pretending I could walk on the ceiling. In my mind I’d jump from beam to beam, level to level, and lay on the whitewashed cedar ceilings. Most of the walls were covered in either wood paneling or reused barn siding, and there were even cedar shingles in the shower! My memories of living in that home completely embody the word cozy.

Lost River

This two bedroom cabin in Mazama reminds me in many ways of my childhood home in Chelan. This is our second Cross Laminated Timber project, and the exterior walls and ceilings are exposed solid panels of wood with a light whitewash. There’s a sleeping loft with a large opening to the living room with wood stove below. I’m sure our clients grandchildren will watch the orange glow from above just like I did as a child.

The cabin is under construction now by Methow Valley Builders. The concrete is poured, and the CLT walls and roofs are on site and ready to erect. The cabin will be dried in before the snow is unmanageable!

There's a video walkthrough of the project here: https://www.seriousfun.studio/lostriver

Structural Engineer: Dean Becker, DCI

Contractor: Luke Evans, Methow Valley Builders

Hawk's Ridge

Speaking of being cozy in Chelan. Our Hawk’s Ridge project is almost finished. Only the entry awning and patio pergola are left to complete. We’re lucky to have Homes by JJ as the contractor. They did a wonderful job. Karisa Anna Photography was able photograph the home before the snow came, and pictures are now up on our website. Before even starting design, our clients asked for Hygge, the Danish term for creating a warm atmosphere and enjoying the good things in life with good people. With its sunken, and very comfortable, living room, seating nooks, and clean, simple materials, we think this home is a wonderful place to enjoy life, friends, and family.

More photography of this project can be found here: https://www.seriousfun.studio/hawksridge

Structural Engineer: Jason Lindquist, Equilibria Engineering

Contractor: JJ White, Homes by JJ

Long Leaf

We have another warm mountain retreat under construction in Winthrop by Rising Tide Construction. The walls and roof are framed just in time for the snow. The small two bedroom cabin is all about enjoying views of the trees from a cozy spot. The loft over the kitchen opens up to the living room and dining room on either side. I can imagine laying in the loft, watching the first snow flakes lightly fall on the skylights above.

A video walkthrough of the cabin can be found here: https://www.seriousfun.studio/longleaf

Structural Engineer: Dean Becker, DCI

Contractor: Jared Slater, Rising Tide Construction

Thank You

As we near Thanksgiving we have been reflecting on what’s important in our lives. We’re so lucky to have wonderful clients who are willing to come along with us on their journey to their dream home or pet project. Because of them we are able to spend much of our time finding creative ways to achieve meaningful goals.

We are also thankful for our contractors and engineers, who are supportive and truly excellent team members. And of course our community here in the Methow Valley and Chelan who are so supportive of our work.

We’ll see you on the slopes!