Blog

We are now beginning one of the most enjoyable parts of building: the structural framing.  The layout and volume of the rooms take shape quickly, providing the first real glimpse of how the spaces will ultimately feel.

For the structural system, we are using a set of guidelines called "Advanced Framing."  This method uses less material, produces less waste, and reduces thermal bridging (heat escaping through the envelope by conducting directly through the wood structure). To put it more simply: there's more insulation in the wall and less wood, which holds the heat in (or out) more efficiently.  
Progress through this stage will evolve quickly, so check back soon or visit the job site for more updates.

We've recently completed the flatwork and are ready to start framing.  On a sustainable note, we had the pump truck unload the concrete spoils off-site.  This allows 100% of the ground outside of the building footprint to remain pervious, which in turn keeps more rainwater out of the storm system.

The gravel you see in the picture to the right is in place for the pervious pavers that will be installed as part of the landscaping.

Check out the latest video we put together for the Lever Homes.  Special thanks to Chris Roman for writing and recording the original music.  He is available for commercial work and can be contacted at 214.chris@gmail.com.

When our close friends at RW Anderson Homes asked us if we wanted to help with their effort to remodel the U-District Food Bank as part of their annual give-back program, we jumped at the opportunity.  The entire project envolved an overhaul of the stocking shelves, the ceiling, and paint touch-ups throughout.  Taylor and I designed new check-in and check-out desks to replace the wire shelves that were a clumsy fit for their role.  Then, alongside 12 other carpenters and countless other volunteers, we tackled the project over three consecutive days in order to minimize disturbance to the food bank's operating schedule.  The project was a huge success in the eyes of the volunteers and patrons there.  Big thanks to RW Anderson Homes for including us in such a fun project, other thanks to Construction for Change , University Presbyterian Church , Duke Electric, ANK Construction, and Pi Kappa Fi Fraternity for their time, efforts, and donations as well. 

Here are some progress shots from the Lever Homes project. This is one of the first opportunities to see some of the sustainable elements of this project.  We're putting rigid insulation on the outside of the foundation, which reduces thermal bridging to the exterior of the building. We also installed drain mat to reduce potential hydrostatic pressure that can cause water intrusion and mold issues in the future.  The excavator will be removed from home before completion.

We're excited to announce we have officially started construction on the Lever Homes.  We'll be updating this section of the site with news and progress over the coming months.  

We believe that thoughtfully designed urban infill projects are not only the right kinds of homes to be focusing on but can also thrive.  We're looking forward to the journey.

Thanks,

Taylor and Kevin

After a concerted effort to finish all of the small projects that are underway before beginning construction on the Lever Homes, we've completed the crib for Jonas, our new addition to the family. 

We had the chance to tour CDL's material recovery facility today and chat with plant manager Craig Vierling and account manager Todd Johnson.  We hope that learning a bit about the logistic, economic, and day-to-day challenges that the recycling industry faces will help those of us who are "upstream" along their supply chain make more informed decisions about how we build houses.  According to King County's list of diversion rates, CDL is tied for first with Recovery 1 for the highest in the area, and we were excited to get to see it all take place.  It's always refreshing to see innovative ideas in action, especially from the ones who do it best.

-FL

We are excited to release the first design images of our development in Judkins Park.  Please visit the project site here to check out more.  We are set to submit the permit next Wednesday June 30th and are looking forward to construction starting in mid to Late August.   First Lamp is acting as Owner, Architect and Builder for this project so we look forward to sharing our experience in the months ahead.  Thanks again for everyone’s support!

-FL

Sorry for the length of time between posts... we'll have another soon showing the progress on our development in Judkins Park.  In the mean time take a look at the Mailbox cover we completed construction on for an 8 unit townhouse project in the Mount Baker area. Hope you enjoy and look for more soon.

Just a quick announcement that after nearly a year of searching we closed on our first land purchase today.  Look for this project to become a major fixture on our website, as we plan to post frequent updates on the design and construction process. Thanks to friends, family, and colleagues for your unwavering and continuing support. We will not disappoint.

-FL

Wanted to give a quick thanks to Adam Hestad with Real Properties Associates for giving us an opportunity to help with a fantastic site in Magnolia.  We hope our efforts help Adam with the property. 

If anyone's interested in the property they can find more information here...  http://www.2657perkins.com/

...working in the small projects shop. Keep an eye open for a new section on our website coming soon.
-KW

We agree: It's been entirely too long since our last post.  Lately our attention has been spread thin across our current custom projects, updating the portfolio on this website, and searching for the next opportunity in the speculative realm.   In a flurry of backstage activity, we've been investigating the depths of wet mail, the Fremont Troll, and homes for babies.

We are particularly excited about the direction that the Roozen's design has taken.  Make sure you also visit both the orchid and mason lake additions to our "design approach" section of our site, which further communicate how our design process is a search for a project's story.  You can also find the mad park and magilvra homes, both recent additions to the "unbuilt works" section of our site along with the addition of the Covert Residence.

Thanks to friends, family, and colleagues for your relentless support, we'll keep our future updates more timely.

-First Lamp

For our first blog entry we thought it best to start with a bang.  We made an offer on a property today!  Needless to say we're pretty excited.  Being this is our second project to develop/design/build we thought it best to name it "Square Two" (among other reasons...).

For now we're not making any promises on how this blog will evolve, but mainly we hope for this to be a place for friends of  the firm to keep track of First Lamp happenings and to expound on all ideas architecture and construction.  Hopefully there will be sharing of ideas about things we learn along the way and a place for us to refer back to when what we've learned isn't accessible by our memory.

Thanks to everyone for your support of First Lamp and we look forward to what is to come!

To be continued...

-First Lamp