Bringing the Elements Together
Sharon Axtell and Paul Carlson transform their beach house into a great place to live.
Sharon Axtell and Paul Carlson always planned a major remodel on their Pacific City beach house. Though solidly built, the late-60s design didn't take full advantage of a stunning ocean view, provided little flow throughout the home's main area, and never felt like place they'd want as a permanent residence.
Working with Herschel Parnes, a Seattle-based architect whom they hired as a design consultant, Axtell and Carlson explored a number of options, including new construction. In the end, they chose a redesign that would enhance the view, open the space and improve the home's durability.
"We wanted it to be more fun and open, and to function as a year-round residence," Axtell says. "We wanted to make it ours."
As they began interviewing builders, the couple and Parnes wanted a local firm that could jump right in and keep the project moving forward. As Parnes puts it, "It can be difficult to find a contractor who's comfortable working in a team like this, especially when they come in later in the process." They found one that felt like a match, only to be placed on a waiting list due to time constraints.
"It got to the point where we just needed to do it," Axtell says. "We were beyond being able to maintain the house adequately."
Having previously worked with the Fisher family, Axtell and Carlson were confident he and his people would fulfill the project's demands. Soon Parnes was on board as well.
"Construction is a collaborative effort," Parnes adds. "In this case, LB Fisher needed to jump in on something that had already started. They needed to be able to work within the budget, timeframe and various construction methodologies."
There were a number of challenges from the start. The home required seismic upgrades throughout, and envelop needed extensive construction. The entire southwest side had rotted and needed to be replaced. Also, to ensure the home would withstand intensive wind and rain, builders would need to add stainless steel flashing not only on ledgers and above windows, but also imbedded into entire areas of concrete.
"With Lance, we were all on the same page," Parnes says. "He was very assiduous, and was quick to contact me and the client whenever an issue or question came up."
Changes to the interior were just as extensive.
"There was something to be addressed on every level," Axtell says. While she and her daughter worked tirelessly on an interior design that had both functional and aesthetic appeal, LB Fisher made sure their plans were carried out—from the beamed ceiling that directs one's view to Haystack Rock, to the stone fireplace, hickory floors and custom zinc wet bar in the main room.
"We've basically turned it into a new house," she says. "Nothing is the same. The roof came off. The siding. Lance's people redid the surfaces to make them more wind resistant. You wouldn't know to look at it that it wasn't a brand new house."
She continues. "Lance coordinated things perfectly so everything was set and ready to go. He brought experts in to address everything from potential water intrusion to creating custom cabinets. He and his people did whatever it took to make things right and keep everyone happy."
