2009 Country’s Best Log Homes Design Awards

Day in and day out, we here at Country’s Best Log Homes spend our time looking at beautiful log homes. Sound like a dream job? It really is. But it’s also a job we take seriously, making it our priority to bring you the most inspiring homes with personalized touches, loads of curb appeal and, most important, smart designs.
Although we strive to feature the best homes in every issue of our magazine, we thought we’d pack this, our first annual Country’s Best Log Homes Design Awards, with page after page of the most stellar designs the log home industry has to offer, helping you find the champion design that’s perfect for you.
From more than 80 entries, our editorial team carefully examined each submission, weighed its pros and cons, and compared it to what our readers tell us they’re clamoring for: smart plans with exceptional details. With so many brilliant entries, choosing the winners was a tough challenge. In the end, we not only selected a winner in each of our 10 categories, we chose 10 additional entries that we felt deserved a nod.
Enjoy!

Runner-Up: Best Log Home Plan Under 2,500 Square Feet: The Dearborn by Gravitas

Runner Up: Best Log Home Plan Under 2,500 Sq. Feet:
Gravitas | “The Dearborn” | 2009 Country’s Best Log Homes Awards
2009 Country’s Best Log Homes Awards | Country’s Best Log Homes

“The Dearborn” | Gravitas

Square Footage: 2,499

The Log Home Plan:

Upper Level:

 Main Level:

Lower Level:

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In our relentless pursuit for the best (relative) green (relative) options for specifications in our home designs I was tracking down more info on soy based spray foam for a home we are designing for the North End in Boise, Idaho. There are as many “best” ways to super insulate a house as there are builders. What follows is an informative article that I found in my search by John Wagner that was published in Residential Design & Build magazine. John is a regular contributor to many industry magazines and a national speaker. You can learn more about him on his site John Wagner.   Below is the article which does a good job of explaining the difference between open cell and closed cell and the applications for both.

By John Wagner

When I was a working contractor, I remember how daunting it was to walk into a large project, bare studs for walls, knowing that I had to work (with a crew of course) to stuff each bay with fiberglass batts. I remember thinking — like a boy wishing he could fly — if we could only liquefy the insulation and spray it in place the job would go much faster. It would also get the insulation into every nook and cranny and save me from using duct tape in an attempt to remove the itchy glass from my arms and neck.

That was in the 1970s, and little did I know that by the time I got out of the blue collar side of building, just such a thing would be invented in the form of spray foam. I mean, let’s face it, you couldn’t design a better dream product. The stuff flows on as a liquid, fills up every crack and what’s best, teams of guys in white jumpsuits apply it in one day’s time. Heaven.

It’s also very green. The problems with propellants have been largely worked out, and there now are water- and soy-based products as well as isocyanate-free, formaldehyde-free alternatives to suit the greenest customer. Once in place it doesn’t leak or off-gas harmful emissions, and all foams are good at reducing noise transfer and sound penetration. What’s not to like?

Here’s how you differentiate among the two different types of foam, and the attributes for each product category.

OC-SPF. Open-cell spray polyurethane foam cures in place, stays soft and is designed to slow convection (the transfer of heat through the movement of warm matter like air) by leaving irregular bubbles that fill with trapped, ambient air. Weighing in at 0.5 lb. per cu. ft. and scoring around R-3.5 per in., the foam tends to have an R-value close to captured, still air. Although it has less mass (and is therefore less expensive) OC-SPF isn’t a good vapor barrier, and it gets knocked for this.

CC-SPF. Closed-cell spray polyurethane foam cures in place and stays rigid. But unlike open-cell products, its bubbles aren’t irregular or open. The bubbles form by trapping “reaction gas,” which offers insulation properties. With the higher-density foam you get higher R-value around 7 per inch. CC-SPF weighs in at 2.0 lb. per cu. ft. and partially because of its greater mass, it costs more per R than open-cell foam. Unlike its open-cell cousin, CC-SPF is a good vapor barrier and is often code-approved as such. What’s more, CC-SPF can add to the sheer strength of a wall, and in recent tests when sprayed under a roof decking it can help defeat roof uplift (Google search University of Florida, Dr. Prevatt, foam).

By the way, the polyurethane foams you see in molding are of even higher density than CC-SPF, weighing 30 to 40 lb. per cu. ft.

Even after you compare cost and vapor barrier performance, note that some foams are inappropriate in certain applications. Open-cell foam should not be used below grade because it can absorb water. Since water is a poor insulator (relative to air), foam that is soaking wet has dramatically compromised thermal performance. You’ll also want to spec closed-cell foam in tight areas or around utilities where you can’t get the bulk and thickness required by an open-cell product to achieve the designed R-value.

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Wood Treatment Basics

By John Wagner

We are seeing some real innovation with wood treatments these days; whether it’s wood for decking, siding, or part of the structural frame. At the root of this topic is the fact that, when left untreated or when unprotected, wood can rot. Even premium species like cedar and redwood—which are naturally decay- and rot-resistant—require treatment to extend their useful lives.

Today’s wood treatments range widely from chemical treatments to heat treatments (a.k.a. “thermally modified wood”). And if you are looking for the green angle here, the simple fact that wood treatments can dramatically extend the life of the wood is a very “green” attribute indeed—in a life cycle analysis, it lowers the environmental costs of re-harvesting (and re-treating, and re-shipping and re-installing) replacement wood products. However, each wood treatment method has its merits, and each one has features that can make it more or less green. Let’s take a closer look by first reviewing a brief history of wood treatment.

Chromated Copper Arsenate (CCA)
For a long time, Chromated Copper Arsenate, or “CCA” was the formula for treating lumber. For decades, it was common to see “green” CCA decks – the green was the color of the oxidized copper. And CCA-treated wood was also commonly used in most ground-contact situations. In the ‘90’s new alternatives to CCA were introduced. None took meaningful market share from CCA because none could match its performance and value. As the millennium approached, there was increased scrutiny regarding the perceived safety of CCA as reported by various “consumer advocate” reporters and environmental organizations. In 2003, treaters voluntarily stopped using CCA for residential applications and newer, more expensive formulations replaced CCA. One bright spot that emerged from the demise of CCA was that the pace of innovation in preservative development quickened.

Alkaline Copper (ACQ) & Copper Azole (CA-B)
The replacement wood preservative treatments were ACQ and CA-B. Let’s first look at ACQ.  ACQ is a treatment consisting of alkaline copper, a fungicide, and quaternary ammonia (sometimes called quat), which serves as an insecticide. On the other hand, CA-B is a treatment containing mostly copper and azole; the azole is a fungicide that appears in various chemical forms. If you step back and take notice, there are two consistent elements in these approaches to wood treatment. One, they all are aimed at stopping rot, decay, fungus, and insects from getting to the wood.  And two, they all overwhelmingly contain copper, a natural, harmless wood preservative. As wood treatments have evolved, some wood treaters (and the chemical companies that license their formulas to these wood treaters) have stayed with copper. But they have eliminated other chemicals in their wood preservative formulations.

Micronized Copper (MCQ)
Among the most positive result was the recent introduction of a new micronized copper wood preservative. Developed by Osmose, Inc., and marketed as ProWood Micro (MCQ Treated Wood), the new process bonds microscopic copper particles to the wood cells. Because of this there is no need for a solvent (which is still used in most other non-micronized formulations) . These attributes have earned the ProWood Micro formulation Environmentally Preferrable Product (EPP) status from Scientific Certification Systems, a leading third party certification firm. This is the first and only such preservative to earn this recognition. To earn EPP certification, a product must demonstrate reduced impact on human health and the environment when compared to other products that serve the same purpose as measured by guidelines published by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

Non-metallic
There is another relatively new product out today that is offered by Arch Wood Protection. The treatment is Wolmanized L³ Outdoor wood. It contains no copper as part of the preservative and uses a proprietary non-metallic preservative.

Boric Acid
Yet another class of wood treatment is focused on boric acid, as well as its oxides and salts which are called borates. Boric acid is a very-effective wood preservative. Conveniently, it is toxic to insects, but it has low toxicity with humans. That said, the problem with boric acid has always been that it is water-soluble. That means it can be floated into wood with water-based pressure treatments or applied with surface applications. But the boric acid will eventually leach out of the wood. That leaching process is dramatically accelerated if the wood is exposed to the elements. All of this means that wood treated with borates isn’t generally good for ground contact, and in any application, it has to be re-treated repeatedly with borate applications to ensure that the wood is preserved. Now, because borates have gotten another look from consumers, due to the perceived toxicity of alternative wood treatments, borates have seen some innovative uses. One company floats borate deep into wood fiber by mixing it with glycol, a kind of alcohol. The glycol flashes off, leaving the borate behind, and until the borate leaches out, it is a good termiticide, insecticide, and wood preservative. But here too, the wood has to be re-treated regularly.

Thermally-Modified Wood (TMW)
Another kind of wood treatment that you see gaining wider acceptance is heat treatment. Wood that is treated with heat is generally referred to as thermally-modified wood or TMW. This treatment process contains no chemicals or additives at all.  Like its name says, the thermally-modified process uses high heat and steam to change the very nature of the wood. In fact, the thermal process removes the aspects of the wood that serve as food. With no insects, fungus, or mold attacking the wood, the thermally-modified process can prevent for rot and decay. Specifically, the process removes or de-natures the sugars in the wood, leaving behind aspects of the wood that cannot be digested by insects or eaten by fungus and mold. After the wood is thermally treated, it can be stained, sealed, joined, and glued like regular wood.

No matter what type of treated wood you seek, you should be aware of its code acceptance. Some treatments are not code compliant, even though they have been around for a number of years. To get code approval, preservative companies can either work with the American Wood Protection Association (AWPA) to have their treated wood listed in the AWPA Standards. Or the preservative company will work with the International Code Council (ICC) Evaluation Service to earn an Evaluation Service Report (ESR). Without the support of either an AWPA listing or an ESR, there is no guarantee that a local code will allow a product on the job where treated wood is required. So, check the fact sheet from the wood provider or the wood treater to see if the wood is approved for use.

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A home we designed for a homeowner in Park City. The site was located in a equestrian development so the home was designed to fit in as if it were part of a larger barn complex. There is an indoor endless pool and a large guest suite over the garage. This home is within sight of the ski runs so of course there is a large ski prep area in the back of the garage to keep the skis in shape for the slopes.

Log Home Design For Park City, UtahLog Home Plan for Park City, Utah

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The latest in the Gravitas Design Series: The Cache B

 The Cache B makes a cute little get away cabin or an efficient retirement home. This home has just the right amount of room in a compact design.  This is a modification of The Cache plan which didn’t have dormers or the upper bedroom, just an open loft but it did have a full daylight basement that added about 1200 SF. An example of how we work with clients through changes of existing plans to better suit their unique requremens and site conditions.  If you want to use this, or any of our plans free of copyright infringement, we have affordable and easy licensing options whether or not you use our full design services.

Many of you save out these floor plans for use with clients or they go in the “someday dream home” folder. Here is a link to our Gravitas Plan Book that we update about quarterly with the new “plan of the month” plans. Please honor copyright ownership and contact us about licensing and use if you move forward in design with another designer or if you want to discuss their use for marketing or on your website. This link is “live” so to get the most current plans you will want to download from the same link every 3-4 months.

The Cache B - Dovetail Log Home by Gravitas

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The Santee is a custom home we designed for a couple about to retire to the Owyhee Desert for some quiet and peaceful living. This home has a open floor plan with a Main Level Owner’s Suite. The Upper Level accomodates the guests and open area for a home office. Sunsets from the lookout will be unbeatable over the desert. This space will also be a fun hideout for the Grandkids. If you want to use this, or any of our plans free of copyright infringement, we have affordable and easy licensing options whether or not you use our full design services.

The Santee - Modern Home Plan by Gravitas

The Santee - Modern Home Plan by Gravitas

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Gravitas Design Series Plan Book 

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The Carson is a hybrid log home that has a dovetail core with interior log walls and standard framed wings. The integration of multiple materials using the dovetail log, board & batten, and  shake shingle siding adds to the rustic charm of this home. This home has a formal Living Room off of a grand Entry and an informal Living Room near the Kitchen/Dining and Family Entry. The Owner’s Suite has a unique stepped storage hall that gives access to a private loft that would serve as a retreat or home office. The Upper Level features two bedrooms with built in beds in the dormers and full bath. This home would be easily adaptable to have more bedrooms on the Lower Level with an appropriately sloping site. If you want to use this, or any of our plans free of copyright infringement, we have affordable and easy licensing options whether or not you use our full design services.

The Carson Log Home Plan by Gravitas

The Carson Log Home Plan by Gravitas

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The Gunnison Log Home Plan by Gravitas

The Gunnison Log Home Plan by Gravitas

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The Lamar is a two story dovetail and timber home that will be built in Kentucky. A traditional “T” shaped plan makes for a spacious Main Level plan laid out for open accessible living. The Upper Level has four additional bedrooms for guests or a large family and a comfortable office study space. The unfinished Lower Level can be finished out with a Media Room, Rec. Room or more Bedrooms to suit the needs of the final occupants.

The Lamar Log Home Plan by Gravitas

The Lamar Log Home Plan by Gravitas

Download our full custom plan book which has all of our published Plan of the Month Plans:

Gravitas Design Series Plan Book 

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The North Fork plan below is a home we designed last year for a client in Wisconsin. This is a basic getaway cabin plan for simple living. The Main Level is open for entertaining and relaxed living. A spacious Owner’s Suite on the Main Level for easy access. Lots of outdoor living for grilling, sunsets and rocking chairs.

Our scope of work runs from design through construction drawings and can include site analysis, permitting, HOA approvals, stamped engineering, interior design, renderings, animations and sun shadow studies.  If you would like to use our plans in your marketing material we can personalize the plan book to include your company logo and information. We have just introduced a new format that includes links to a fly around movie of each plan and professional renderings. This provides a way to increase your presence in the industry and instantly upgrade your marketing efforts at no cost to you. Please contact us for more information on this service, for “paper specs” or visit our FAQ page online for more details. 

The North Fork - Log Cabin Plan by Gravitas

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