PLASTER AND PAVERS

Here are some of the pictures taken of our patio project in Cheshire. For the full photo-set including construction techniques on how to build a wall foundation, install a strawbale formwork, and then finish with eco-plaster visit our facebook page fb UPDESIGN.

A KITCHENETTE IN THE COUNTRY

After getting by with a kitchen constructed out of plywood and 2x4's for 19 years, a dear friend of ours decided it was time to upgrade her custom home in the country with a new set of kitchen cabinets. 

 Being a Portland ex-pat, I sent her to Neil Kelly Cabinets who covers a 500 mile radius outside of PDX that just barely includes her property. Not only are they one of the pioneers of sustainable cabinetry, they also have a unparalleled collection of different styles, FSC species, and finishes. 

Below we have illustrated several cabinet and drawer styles to consider using the doors and boxes available from NKC. Which one do you like the best?

EXPLORING PLASTER FINISHES

On our recent project here in Flagstaff we've had the opportunity to explore the options now available for plaster finishes. Here is an inspiring image of a home with plaster interiors complimented by polished concrete floors. The subtle, tactile nature of plaster give massive objects a hand-made quality that is both natural and comforting. 

To learn more about plaster finishes, visit http://www.variancefinishes.com/ or http://www.ecostucco.com/

A PIZZA PARTY PATIO

A growing family here in Flagstaff built a wood fired oven in their backyard last year so they could cook outside in the summer evenings and enjoy warm air and wonderful clear skies. This year, they are adding a patio and place for the kids to play while they rewind from the day. 

We are proposing a large patio with traditionally brick-shaped pavers running in a herringbone pattern. We matched the color of the pavers to the wood oven which is built of local sandstone. To define the edge of the patio and to create extra seating for parties, we are going to build an L-shaped straw-bale bench. We are finishing the bench in Ecostucco www.ecostucco.com a sustainable lime plaster that comes in an array of beautiful colors made from natural minerals. 

LINDEN STREET

We spent the weekend in Tucson working on the Linden Street landscaping job. We got a new section of 6' fence installed and a new gate to the back house. For the first time ever, you can actually tell there are two houses on the property from the street! What used to be known as the "feral cat corner", is now an open and breezy walk way.

HORIZON DRIVE

Check out the latest plans for our project in Carefree. We anticipate more development but things are coming along nicely. We're really excited about the master bathroom!

SSLUG Shed for NAU

Students for Sustainable Living and Urban Gardening (SSLUG) is a Community Based Action
Research Team at Northern Arizona University. Together with the department of Construction
Management, UPDESIGN studio is planning a new storage and demonstration facility for the
Campus garden. Want to get involved? Contact us!