Steve Thornton Designs
Specializing in Small Homes and Remodels in the Pacific Northwest
Committed to the use of sustainable design and building principles.
““ I believe that good design comes about through a collaborative process between owners, contractors, and designers that begins with the earliest concepts and carries through to the completed project. “
”
The Carter House
The Carter House is situated in a sustainable working forest. The building was conceived as a journey up through the forest canopy. At the base, a wide sheltered porch ushers you into the public spaces with short-range views into the forest floor. At the second floor, views open to the treetops and mountains beyond. The builder discovered and partially exposed a massive shale formation running downhill from the building. This happy discovery reinforces the sense of a perch in the trees.
Carter House Project: Designer: Steve Thornton; General Contractor: Neil Harrigan & Mark Schrader; Project Manager: Bud Searle; Structural Engineer, West Cost Engineers.
The Carter House.
Example of wide sheltered porches.
Public areas main floor, looking out into the forest.
Staircase and living room.
Staircase to second floor.
Staircase detail.
Staircase detail.
Office with views of the forest.
Bathroom with privacy view of forest.
Bedroom with forest view.
Staircase landing, and music room.
Staircase landing seating.
The Collinge House
The Collinge house is located in a rural village and shares some of the challenges of urban development. High density and small lot size require special attention to the needs of privacy, daylighting, and views. The house sits back on the lot. Steel and wood fence elements designed by the owner shelter the front yard. Tall windows and deep roof overhangs control sunlight bringing it deep into the house in the winter and shading it in the summer. Windows on the second floor provide views over the surrounding buildings and to a saltwater bay in the distance.
Design: Steve Thornton; General Contractor: Marty Chamberlain; Cabinetry and Woodworking: Smith Vallee; Structural Engineer: West Coast Engineers
Entry metal and wood gate designed by the owner.
South side of the house.
Privacy entrance to the house.
Gardens and water features designed by the owner.
Gardens and water features designed by the owner.
Main floor open floor plan allows light into all parts of the house.
Clerestory windows light the staircase.
Kitchen.
Staircase landing walls designed and constructed by the owner.
Staircase.
Bathroom.
Bedroom.
The Soyuza House
The Soyuza house has become part of an ongoing project to restore local wetlands, provide wildlife habitat, and explore the best fit of residential, agricultural, and natural systems. Standing on the driest part of the property, the house is oriented to take advantage of passive solar and heating strategies. Cooling needs are met by deep porches, operable casement windows, and a cooling tower that allows warm air to move up and into a central staircase and is then vented through the highest part of the roof. An adjacent building serves as a design and painting studio.
Soyuza House Project: Design: Steve Thornton, Construction: John McClain & Steve Thornton, Metal Hand Rails: John McClain
South front of the house.
South face of the house.
Southwest face of the house.
Main house facing the studio, outbuilding.
Studio in December.
Livingroom, public area.
Staircase and south facing window.
Entry way to the kitchen.
Staircase detail.
Livingroom facing west.
Livingroom with afternoon sun.
Southwest porch.
Livingroom media center and built-in bookcases.
A very active kitchen.
Design,
Drawings,
Cost Estimating,
Project Management,
Construction Services,
Sustainability Strategies
I am a residential building designer and builder. My projects are characterized by comfortable open floor plans oriented to natural light and views.
I explore ways to break down the distinction between indoor and outdoor space while respecting the climatic constraints of the Pacific Northwest.
My core design values include respect for the site and climate.
I believe that good design comes about through a collaborative process between owners, contractors, and designers that begins with the earliest concepts and carries through to the completed project. I utilize sustainable design principles including passive strategies for heating, cooling, and lighting; selection of equipment for energy efficiency and materials for energy conservation as well as for durability.
I have an M.A. degree in Architecture from the University of Washington, and a sustainable home professional certificate from Earth Advantage Institute. I have completed the AIA+2030 Professional Series: Prepare for the New England.
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