The home and “barn,” by design, were constructed to reflect the pioneer spirit of the region while taking advantage of the hilltop location and distant vistas. In every aspect of the design/build process, we worked closely with our clients to maximize views while maintaining intimacy, using exceptional, but simple materials such as salvaged timber and hand-tooled native stone. Such materials complement the rustic setting while taking advantage of local and recycled building products.
Intimate spaces were designed as backdrops for the owner’s art and collections of advertising memorabilia. All the stone used on the project was harvested on location just as the original settlers would have. Wood shingles and reclaimed barn siding contrasts against the “tinners roof” and hand-troweled plaster walls.
Because of the 360-degree view, our designer decided to center the project on “the silo,” the round dining room, which reflects the shape of old grain storage structures. Combinations of salvaged and site-sourced materials were blended with the tree-covered site and pioneer rock fence completing the vernacular project.
Masons crafted and hand-chiseled lintels and L-shaped stone corners to create the allusion of mass found on local 19th-century buildings which had solid stone walls 18 inches wide. Unwashed sand from a nearby creek and slightly different shades of mortar were used throughout the process to give the stone a patched appearance.
Building blocks of timber, stone and plaster give a feeling of the evolution of time. A reconstructed log cabin was incorporated into the project as the living room. Great care was taken in dismantling and relocating the circa 1830 building. The native rock fireplace warms the living area with clean-burning LP gas.
The owner and builder worked together to construct a unique ceiling fan using an antique six-foot windmill head where the ceiling is clad in salvaged corrugated roofing accented by nonstructural rafters and lath to give the look of an old barn ceiling.
Custom millwork, hand-crafted soapstone and modern appliances provide a functional kitchen. Base cabinets and the adjacent walk-in pantry provide ample storage, eliminating the need for extensive traditional upper cabinets. A wall of windows floods the room with natural light and frames views of the panorama beyond.
The spacious master bath features dual vanities against a native rock wall. The oversized shower is clad in locally sourced granite slabs and has chest-high windows that open onto the countryside. The cozy bedroom features a stone accent wall as a backdrop for the master bed and a built-in window seat with storage space.
The adjacent “barn” is constructed old school. The solid stone walls are 18 inches wide and 12 feet tall. All exposed wood is reclaimed as is the antique wood stove. The multi-purpose building acts as a garage, expands the living space for large parties and has a cozy guest suite with a private porch. Natural light floods the space through stainless steel overhead doors juxtaposed against the rustic backdrop.