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Design inspiration can come from many places, but sometimes you find it right on the doorstep. This new house near Seattle, WA is set on a wooded 80-acre site overlooking Mt Ranier. The setting and the seven species of trees on the site determined the name of the residence, its design and the natural material palette.
Seven Tree Lodge, designed by Alpine Log Homes, was constructed by Smith Built – a company that specializes in the construction of high-end homes.
Builder Felix Smith says the house is defined by its intricate log-house construction. The exterior features lodge-pole pine logs that have been hand peeled to provide a natural, faceted surface. As in a traditional log cabin, the logs are saddle notched at the corners to create interlocking joints. Similar log columns and custom trusses are also evident inside the house. And the seven bedroom suites each feature a different wood species found on site.
"The owners wanted to use as many natural building materials as possible," says Smith. "But although the house features handcrafted wood walls and ceilings, the interior is light and airy."
The house features expansive floor-to-ceiling windows that provide plenty of light, and balance the heavy structural wood and stone elements.
Smith says the company worked closely with the owners and their representatives, and coordinated a large group of artists and tradespeople to ensure the finished project would achieve the owners' vision for the lodge.
"The house is designed to be a family home for several generations, and this is reflected in the detail and the skilled craftsmanship of all the artists and tradespeople who worked on the project."
For more details, contact Smith Built, Inc, 2301 N Castleway, Lynnwood, WA 98036, phone (425) 485 5166. Website: www.homesbysmithbuilt.com.