BUILD
At Lacewing, we believe that well-constructed built environments should improve functionality, last for decades, and honor the land. This belief is evident through our chosen process that prioritizes natural materials — stone, steel, and wood.
Our naturalistic stone work - flat or vertical - is heavily influenced by the methods and art of dry stone walling, a natural building technique found throughout the world. Our entire team builds using almost exclusively dry techniques, meaning joint compounds and motors are at a minimum. Our resident DSC-certified dry stone waller, Ben Schultz, has apprenticed with renowned Master Craftsman Nick Aitken and worked on projects throughout the country. Mr. Aitken is internationally recognized for his exemplary craft and recently authored: Dry Stone Walling- Materials and Techniques.
We strive to use stone that is native to the Pacific Northwest, further guaranteeing that your landscape will radiate a natural, regional quality.
BUILDING IN PRACTICE
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Dry Stone Walls
The strength and benefits of dry stone walls reside in natural building fundamentals. A properly built dry stone creates a structure that is strong but adaptable to frost heave and natural earth shifts, while ensuring strength and beauty for decades to come. It provides drainage without the need for fabrics and plastics. It is hand-built and shaped to create a naturally built landscape feature that will stand the test of time.
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Flatwork: Patios, Landings, and Pathways
Whether a meandering flagstone path through a pollinator garden or a stunning bluestone patio for your outdoor dining area, the joy of a well-built garden pathway cannot be overstated. We prioritize using high-quality, sustainable, and permeable materials in all of your outdoor spaces.
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Custom Steel Installation
Using local steel for edging, borders, and raised beds helps us create clean, sleek lines in the garden. Choose from powder-coated treatments to a more industrial, weathered patina. For more extensive steel projects, we call on our friends at Cyclefab, a local metalworking business.
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Garden Carpentry
Our landscape carpentry focuses on using natural cedar timber as often as possible. Cedar is locally sourced, naturally anti-fungal, and generally has a 15-20 year lifespan without sealant. It is perfect for constructing raised beds, privacy screens, waste bin corrals, trellises, and arbors. We’re also open to small-scope wood fence/screen projects from time to time as well.
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Specialty Boulders and Dish Rocks
We love building natural landscape elements for people, pollinators, and wildlife. We use boulders for natural fire pits and are now offering in-house custom dish rock for bird baths.
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Stone Riser and Tread Installation
Natural stone steps are timeless, functional, solid, and wonderfully organic. They provide seamless transitions between zones of varied elevation.
