Rocky Mountain Log Homes

Photography by David Wakely

“Compelling.” That’s how one of our judges characterized this stair, which manages to embody both reassuring solidity and airy weightlessness. Architect Mahdad Saniee specified beefy maple treads—each laminated from two boards, to resist twisting and cupping—and supported them at the wall with hidden steel hangers. “We wanted to make them look like they are floating,” he says, “so they sit away from the wall by about half an inch.” The stainless steel rods that seem to pierce the treads’ opposite ends are, in fact, joined by threaded couplings hidden within the thickness of the wood. The result is an assembly whose stiffness underfoot defies expectation, Saniee says. “It feels very solid, much more solid than average stairs.” With the rods working in tension from above and compression below, “it’s very hard for those pieces of wood to move.” The interplay of wood and steel makes abstract reference to a Steinway concert grand, Saniee notes. “It’s taking elements of a piano and playing with them.” A gently curved soffit in the ceiling reinforces the visual rhyme. The jury admired the effect but was equally impressed with the technical acumen required to achieve it. “The rhythm established by the vertical rods sets up a rigorous discipline that works with the intricacies of stair dimensions,” observed one judge. “That’s really hard to do.”

The Craftsman started with moving the existing historic log cabin located on the property and turning it into the detached garage. The main house spares no detail. This home focuses on craftsmanship as well as sustainability. Again we combined passive orientation with super insulation, PV Solar, high efficiency heat and the reduction of construction waste.

Twist Tours (Andrew)

Clean contemporary wood plank shower and stone floor bathroom, designed by Andrea Camburn

Interior Design by Hurley Hafen

Robert Reck photography : curved red waterproof plaster defines the shower and the frosted glass provides privacy for the WC in this contemporary master bath. The cast concrete sink cantilevers off the wall to keep the bathroom lines simple and easy to maintain

Lawrence Song & Reid Balthaser

This gorgeous free standing tub and cedar focal wall with accent lighting form the center piece of the relaxing spa retreat. Hidden storage for towels and toiletries is just behind the wall. Shower controls are placed just outside the spray zone so that a comfortable temperature can be attained before getting wet.

Anita Lang - IMI Design - Scottsdale, AZ