04/06/2019
In every craftsman's career, there are milestones, projects and clients that are remarkable. Last month, we completed a project that will forever be special to us, not only for the challenges it presented, but also for the homeowners that have become dear friends. This project was the culmination of a year spent designing, planning, engineering, building, and installing. I believe that when an accomplished artist finishes their latest masterpiece, they must look back and reflect on how every brush stroke contributed to the bringing the vision to life. As I gathered together the before, during, and after pictures for this post, I was rewarded in that way.
This home was unique, historic, dated, and cutting edge (in its day). Built in 1982, it started life as a passive solar, geothermally-heated/cooled underground house at the top of a mountain. The boomerang-shaped structure was built as a retreat center with only the back wall of glass exposed. It was then purchased by a local couple who also owned the Mast General Store in Valle Crucis. They had the top of the house excavated and added another story to it. For 30 over years, it aged in that state, until it was purchased by a couple from VA. The new owners began doing projects right after they purchased it. They removed the popcorn ceilings, old carpet, and obstructive range hood from over the island. They put a coat of paint on the interior and moved in. But, they were far from done.
The driving force in this project was Tracey, owner of both the home, and the successful design firm, Heiss Interiors, LLC. One afternoon, I met with her, her husband, and David Scott Construction. We toured the home, discussed the wish list, and measured the space. The next several weeks were spent creating the new design, which was challenging. Remember the boomerang shape? Well, picture a house that is two long hallways with rooms on either side, connected by a large arc. The kitchen, living room, and dining room were all located in this big arc, curved around the radius walls. The kitchen was especially challenging since the reference point for the radius wall was a non-existent tree that had once stood in the back yard. It took lots of measuring and geometry to determine the existing 18' radius of the back wall and the appropriate curve required for the cabinetry and walkways. There were other challenges. As you will see in the before pictures, there were support columns, a dropped ceiling over the kitchen, beams, tight doorways, unnecessary walls, and a central fireplace located in a huge box in the middle of the main room. The new design required for the removal of everything that would make the space feel closed in or obstruct the amazing view of the surrounding valley and mountains.
David Scott and his team took our design and began demolition. We uncovered a series of challenges that required us to rework our plan. We brought in a structural engineer to approve our new direction and with his approval, continued getting the space ready for new finishes. New tile, paint, cabinets, countertops, lighting, fireplace, moldings, glass, plumbing fixtures, appliances, and stone were all selected by Tracey. Besides creating the design, we manufactured the custom cabinetry and helped to coordinate the installation of all selections. David Scott was the mastermind that managed all of the different sub-contractors and provided all of the construction labor for the project. The final result is amazing. Look carefully at the before and after pictures. It is hard to believe it is the same house!
If you have ever wanted something done to your home, but thought it was impossible, give us a call. We would happy to take a look and see what solution we can come up with. For now, enjoy!
