Balsam Hill House

The exterior detail for Balsam Hill House focused on materials that mated well with a contemporary design.  Materials selected were at a reasonable price point, gave a clean and uncluttered look, and were fire resistant.   Our final choices included corrugated metal and cement board siding with extruded metal trims, metal clad Sierra Pacific windows and doors, and continuous run metal roofing.  In keeping with firewise program recommendations metal soffit screens and concrete hardscapes were chosen.  Landscaping focused on creating a defendable space against fire through the use of rock, low growth plantings, and drought resistant fescue grasses.  To create a defendable  perimeter, brush was cleared and trees were limbed while on two sides the access road and driveway provide a fire break.  We were very thankful that during the Crescent mountain fire we had a site visit from the  wildland fire contract crew to make sure the house had a reaso...

The design of the main area is open, creating a space which lends itself to conversations and activities that can be collective, or more intimate and yet still feel inclusive.  Having a large glass face with access to the patio draws us outward to the landscape in warmer months while in winter we have a perspective of being cozy, yet still connected to the environment.   The bedrooms and family area are meant to be more private while the adjoining large central hall is welcoming towards the common areas.   As you approach the entrance from outside, sight lines become limited as the half wall keeps you tight to the house.  It is a bit of a surprise when you cross the threshold and experience the interior space opening to a wide hall.  Entering the hall, your eye is drawn to a larger perspective of interior space that continues through the south windows to the outdoors.  Liberty Bell Room Buttermilk Room M...

Interior build out is detail time!  It seemed like hundreds of decisions needed to be made.  Window trim, carpet square design, placement of light fixtures, paint schedules, tile layout are only a few of the items we worked through.  As tedious as it was, Bonnie's attention to detail resulted in a great finish.  We estimate we had 1900 hours between the two of us as we worked through all the design and construction details.  Many of those hours were devoted to the interior finishes ranging from selecting major appliances to placement of towel bars.

The foundation and rough floor were completed in early October.  Later in the month the weather turned wet and cold as framing started.  The goal was to be weather tight and have the finish roof on before the snow came.   Extra time was taken during truss design to make sure the truss contact points aligned with the weight bearing walls and would meet snow load engineering specs.   This was a collaborative effort that included designer Jay, builder Tim, engineer Fred Cooley, and Louws truss fabrication.  For the most part we made our schedule including having the trusses delivered before the snow came.  Ice guard was applied to the roof deck before the snow came, but Tim's crew did have to shovel snow and manage the technical challenges of getting metal roll forming equipment on site for the finish roof.  In the end--it worked out just fine.   ...