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 is grounded in the ancient art of dry stack stone wall building, a natural building technique evident in Europe and Asia for centuries. Our lead builder, Ben Schultz, has apprenticed with Master Craftsman Nick Aitken, who is internationally recognized for his exemplary craft. He also 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
-
Dry Stack Stone Walls
Our dry stack stone walls are not bound by rigid adhesives, they are hand-chiseled and shaped to create a naturally built landscape feature that will stand the test of time. This ancient method creates a structure that is strong but adaptable to frost heave and natural earth shifts, while ensuring strength and beauty for decades to come.
-
Flatwork: Patios, Landings, and Pathways
Be it 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.
-
Custom Steel Installation
We are on a mission to keep microplastics out of the soil by prioritizing natural materials in all of our construction projects. Using steel edging, borders, and raised beds as an alternative to stone and lumber 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.
-
Garden Carpentry
Our landscape carpentry skills focus 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. Smaller fencing projects fit into our wheelhouse from time to time as well.
-
Specialty Stones and Boulders
We love building natural landscape elements for people, pollinators, and wildlife. We use boulders for natural fire pits and curved dish rock for bird baths.
-
Stone Riser and Tread Installation
Natural stone steps are timeless, functional, inherently stable, and wonderfully organic. They provide seamless transitions between zones of varied elevation.
