Bridge Work
Log Home Design Ideas - March 2005
Dentist Larry Warren enjoys building bridges. Not too
unusual, unless you consider that his most recent construction runs
across a stream. That bridge is just one of many stellar
views that. Larry and his wife Donna now enjoy from their log
home in Greer, Arizona.
"Building a log cabin just fit our personalities,"
explains Larry. "We love the outdoors and that 'woodsy'
lifestyle - you know, wearing jeans and being casual."
They decided on a package from Expedition Log Homes, with a
knife-drawn half-log shell of northern white and northern red pine
with extended full-log ends. The interior tongue-and-groove
ceilings with ridge beams are pine as well. But the full-log
posts, stairs and rails are white cedar.
"We chose half-logs for design flexibility inside the home,"
says Donna. "I've been in cabins with huge logs.
They're just gorgeous, but I prefer having some light walls where I
can hang pictures and decorations without feeling overwhelmed."
Design at First Site
As with many hillside properties, siting played a large
role in the design. "that's why it's critical to get the
architect and the builder to the site early." Says Expedition
representative Greg Grimes.
For this crucial phase, the Warrens turned to local architect
Tom Terry and contractor Dan Rotvold, who also happens to be a
field representative for the log company. "the biggest
challenge for us was maximizing the view out back, while allowing
for easy car access and foot traffic to the front," Tom says.
The Warrens also had a few specific design requests.
"There were two huge, beautiful Ponderosa pines on the lot.
The Forest Service told us they were probably between 250 and 300
years old," says Donna. "We wanted our entry to be between
those two trees." Fortunately, the builders accomplished that
task - and fulfilled the couples' wish for an outdoor hot tub with
panoramic views of the valley.
This southeast view has residual benefits, too. "the sun
streams in each morning - making the home more efficient with
passive solar energy," says Tom.
Perfect Pitch
Donna and Larry chose half-logs for design flexibility -
and they took full advantage of it. "We changed the floorplan
as construction progressed and the half-log design allowed us to
move windows and doors around easily," says Larry.
The couple originally planned to have two bedrooms and a bath in
the loft area above the great room. "but while we were
building, we decided not to obstruct the loft's beautiful pitched
ceiling," says Donna. "So we cut out one of the bedrooms,
added a hallway and put the bath where the bedroom was supposed to
be." There's also a rec room with a pool table, a bar and a
nice sitting area with a window seat.
To make up for the lost living space, they decided to exploit
the area above the garage. Larry has a den up there, and
Donna plans to set up a sewing room. They also added a
family-friendly bunkroom where you'll find a queen bed, four twin
beds, lots of floor space - and, on many occasions, more grandkids
than you can count on one hand.
"The house can sleep at least 13 - plus the dogs," jokes Larry,
who adds that his grown kids and grandkids also love to invite
friends to hang out at the cabin and explore the great
outdoors. "We've got the world's best base camp right
here."
