Seattle Homes & Lifestyles Blog

REX Award Winners

June 25th, 2009 at 12:04pm Guest

The Master Builders Association’s Remodeling Excellence (REX) Awards, recognizes the work of professionals who create dream living spaces for their clients. Entries are judged by a panel of experts, who consider aesthetics, general design, budgetary considerations and special challenges. We congratulate the 2009 REX Award Winners:

BATH EXCELLENCE
More than $75,000
Shirey Contracting, Inc.
The addition of 100 square feet made it possible to include a whirlpool tub and walk-in closet. Environmentally friendly materials and a unique shower design that incorporated a window-wall added a modern touch.

$40,000–$75,000
Gaspar’s Construction
A cool, light palette of white and silver kept the original character of the 1911 Capitol Hill home while making the new master bath bright and classic. Antique touches in the lighting fixtures complemented the retro sensibilities of the other fixtures. 

Less than $40,000
Tenhulzen Remodeling, Inc.
The formerly cramped space got some pizzazz without having to relocate windows or plumbing, making the project cost-efficient without the sacrifice of design. A lower vanity utilized awkward space below the window, and sandy-hued tiles paired with barn-red walls pulled it all together.

KITCHEN EXCELLENCE 
More than $175,000
Seattle Design Build, LLC
The home failed to take advantage of the dramatic views of the Olympic Peninsula. Its dark, cramped kitchen was also in need of a makeover. With the remodel, the house was drastically opened up to do justice to the panoramic view with an added sunroom and a large, modern kitchen.

$125,000–$175,000
Gaspar’s Construction
The kitchen, blocked off by a wall, felt small, gloomy and restricted. The kitchen was redesigned as a contemporary and elegant space with custom wenge and zebra wood cabinets and slab verde bamboo granite countertops.

$75,000–$125,000
Ventana Construction
An outdated kitchen was transformed into a warm, bright room. Some of the new features include an eating nook, new french doors with period details, subway tile, a farmhouse sink and vintage-style lighting fixtures.

Less than $75,000
Blox Construction, Inc.
Charlie and Angela decided that it was time to renovate their 1929 bungalow home as they had always wanted. The dated and mismatched finishes were replaced by materials with an artistic and streamlined style.

MAJOR REMODEL EXCELLENCE
More than $600,000
Anderson Construction Group, Inc.
The goal during the remodel of a 1926 home in Washington Park was to replicate the period elements that already existed, for a timeless and elegant living space. The interiors were stripped and rebuilt with custom interior and exterior millwork.

$300,000–$600,000
Weitzel Construction, Inc.
This remodel gave the homeowners a basement workshop; a larger family room; enlarged living, dining and kitchen spaces; and a new master suite. On top of all this, a sleek and dramatic flat roof replaced the old gable roof. 

Less than $300,000
Dyna Contracting, Inc.
Style and livability in this home were taken care of with a dramatic restructuring of the entryway and the repurposing of rooms for more functional spaces. 

REBUILD EXCELLENCE
More than $500,000
Dyna Contracting, Inc.
It’s all in the details with fir-trim panels that span from the main entry porch through to the back entrance and a freestanding magnetic chalkboard wall watching over the kitchen. The use of natural and sustainable materials throughout created a brighter, more efficient home. 

Less than $500,000
CTA Builds, Inc.
The builders kept the charming cottage feel of the home while giving the owners the extra space and functionality they desperately needed. A new entry, mudroom, bedroom and bathroom were carefully designed with the lifestyle of an active family in mind.

GREEN EXCELLENCE
LastingNest, Inc. and Velocipede Architects, Inc.
A family home that will last for a century and works with the neighborhood’s proportions was only the third remodel to earn a Built Green 5-star designation. Featuring “the most extensive and efficient use of salvaged materials,” this 1903 house was thoroughly brought into an environmentally conscious 21st-century world. 

DESIGN EXCELLENCE
Details/Finishes/Trades
Dyna Contracting, Inc.
A new garden gate was made to match the owners’ coffee table and to allow their Portugese water dog to see through. Both items are made from custom-forged, powder-coated steel, and the gate has a stainless-steel latch and is made from ipe wood.

Landscaping
Berg’s Landscaping
The city of Kirkland generously donated an extra 600 square feet of land to the client, who desired the construction of an outdoor living space with a special Asian flair. A water feature, large patio area, gas fire pit and a collection of beautiful plants and trellises made this vision come to life.

Universal Design
Stewardship Remodeling
Sparked by a need for garden sheds to house yard equipment, this project faced an additional challenge. The homeowners wanted to preserve an old-growth cedar stump that housed native salal and huckleberry, which was nourished by the runoff from the vegetated roof above. The problem was solved by a Trex boardwalk that flowed to the vintage barn doors, allowing easy access into the garden sheds. 
—Julia Chang

For more information about this year’s REX Award winners, click HERE.

Entry Filed under: Architecture, Design, Events