Inspired Eclectic and Organic Style of Pacific Northwest

We recently completed a trip through Canadian Pacific Coast  (mainly inland British Columbia and Vancouver Island). During our trip we searched for an interesting architecture than can serve as an inspiration and a reference for future projects. 

With its lush forests, rugged coast and long rainy season, the Pacific coast has developed a style that is informal, organic, rustic and above all eclectic. 

Here, we noticed overlapping elements of architecture: 

• Design as a tribute to nature makes use of an open floor plan and native materials--both significant elements of early regional Modernism 
• The decor often reveals nuances of Japanese design or Scandinavian design
• Clean-lines, light, natural materials, and neutral tones combined with bright colours

While the styles vary, sensitivity to the environment and a desire to accentuate the natural beauty of the region lie at the heart of almost every design 

We love this style here are some photos. Enjoy!

Natural, rustic architecture

Natural, eclectic, architectural elements 

This restaurant was built from salvaged materials

The exterior also incorporated salvaged materials and artwork

Wonderfully eclectic entryway - all materials and artwork salvaged

Future italian restaurant - also is build from salvaged materials and artwork

Use of native materials and artwork

Design as a tribute to nature

Vivid colours in Pacific Northwest architecture

Banff Town Hall - example of natural materials, and neutral tones combined with bright colours

Sustainable Design in Renovations and Construction

Contemporary Deck by Bar Harbor General Contractors Peacock Builders

Sustainability doesn’t have to be a buzzword. By implementing well thought out design strategies in commercial and residential design and construction, we can make very meaningful, earth friendly, and resource efficient improvements that will also contribute to much healthier living environment and more efficient maintenance practices. The greatest sustainability gains can be achieved through well planned design even before the construction begins.

Sustainable design provides authentic, sensual and tactile experience that is grounded in what is real - what we experience through our senses.  As such, sustainable design is less focus on abstract, instead it  references cultural history, natural world, diversity in colours and textures, simplicity and honesty.

In addition to engaging traditional sustainability tactics such as energy efficiency, daylighting, and the use of healthy materials, the following are key to sustainable design approach:

1. Resource efficiency - a fundamental strategy for resource-efficient building is to build less square footage, use smaller quantities of materials and design the smallest footprint possible
2. Source reduction - use of materials that reduces the amount of toxicity of garbage generated and overall waste disposal
3. Low impact building materials by reducing use of nonrenewable natural materials, materials reuse, recycling
4. Rapidly renewable materials with harvest cycle of 10 years or less 
5. Climate-specific construction materials, regional products, consider life-cycle cost
6. Durable and timeless design

Here are example of some inspiring projects that adhere to sustainable design principles:

The reception and mountain cafe by Harmony Home Projects

The sustainable design features includes: opening of walls, changes to layout to maximize the use of daylight and to reduce energy consumption,  LED lighting, use local materials and natural finishing, to achieve durable, simple, low maintenance and timeless design.

Contemporary Hall by Bar Harbor General Contractors Peacock Builders

Contemporary Kitchen by Bar Harbor General Contractors Peacock Builders

Contemporary Bathroom by Bar Harbor General Contractors Peacock Builders

Contemporary Bathroom by Bar Harbor General Contractors Peacock Builders

The project received LEED Platinum/Net Zero certification and features high performance air-to-air heat exchangers; photovoltaic panels for electricity; solar thermal panels for hot water; ultra low flow/dual flush fixtures for water conservation; LED lighting; radiant heating; and IPE rain screen siding.

Modern Living Room by Minneapolis Architects & Building Designers SALA Architects

The sustainable features include: open floor plan to maximize natural light, clerestory windows, natural, simple elements, and timeless design.

Modern Patio by Portland Landscape Contractors Paradise Restored Landscaping & Exterior Design

Sustainability feature: constructing a green roof that you can potentially intercept a major portion of the storm water runoff before it gets to the impervious areas on your site. It also lessens the load on other sustainable systems you may be using, like rain gardens and permeable paving.

Resources and Photo Credits:

Photos: http://www.houzz.com

Sustainable Residential Interiors By Stelmack, Annette