Post and Beam - Timber Frame Blog

Time for a New Blog

noreply@blogger.com (Kim Bonin) — Wed, 30 Mar 2016 17:05:00 +0000

Hello everyone, it is time for a new blog. We're going to discontinue posting on the Green Home Design Architect Blog as well as our Post and Beam Timber Frame Blog. Please view our two new blogs, http://boninarchitects.blogspot.com/. This blog will be written and maintained by Kim Bonin, Principal Partner of Bonin Architects & Associates. It will feature behind the scenes and daily happenings at Bonin Architects & Associcates.

The second blog is http://redmaplela.blogspot.com/ which is written by Greg Rusnica, Landscape Architect at Bonin Architects & Associates.

Feel free to contact Kim or Greg with suggestions, comments or to schedule a visit to Bonin Architects & Associates' offices in New London and Meredith, New Hampshire. www.boninarchitects.com

Contemporary Lakefront Timber Frame

noreply@blogger.com (Kim Bonin) — Fri, 29 Jan 2016 16:22:00 +0000

Building a lakefront home inherently addresses one of the principles of sustainable design, connecting with nature. The home is designed to maximize multi use spaces creating a compact and efficient design, while providing views through the home upon approach, encouraging both visual and physical movement towards the lake.
Goals such as minimizing the footprint, reducing site impact, crafting spaces to draw one outdoors and reducing dependence on fossil fuels logically follow this principle. A superior envelope, high efficiency geothermal heat pump, on demand hot water heaters, LED lighting, Stormwater management, charging station for the homeowner’s electric car and roof top photovoltaic panels are examples of addressing these goals.
The result is a project that reduces negative impacts on the environment and promotes the health, wellness and enjoyment of nature for this family and future generations.
In addition our Bonin Architects & Associates' design team, thank you to CLD Engineers for civil engineering, Old Hampshire-Jay Tucker & Bill Andrews and their talented craftsmen who were the General Contractors, Landforms, Pete Schiess for the landscaping, our wonderful client was the interior designer for her home, and thank you to John Hession for the beautiful photography.
www.boninarchitects.com

2016 New Hampshire Home Magazine Design Awards-Bonin Architects Wins 3 Design Awards

noreply@blogger.com (Kim Bonin) — Wed, 13 Jan 2016 14:31:00 +0000

Last night our firm was honored to receive three awards during the 2016 New Hampshire Home Magazine Design Awards, which included Winner of Excellence in Landscape Design-Clearview Lake Retreat, Excellence in Architectural Design, Honorable Mention-Fernwood Landing, Excellence in Renovation, Honorable Mention- Hilltop Home. Thank you to all members of the Bonin Architects & Associates’ Design Team who work collaboratively each day on our projects. www.boninarchitects.com

Fernwood Landing Project - Bonin Architects & Associates

noreply@blogger.com (Kim Bonin) — Wed, 16 Dec 2015 20:47:00 +0000

Inspiration stemmed from a shared interest in the history of the Lake Sunapee and its architecture from the “Grand Hotel Era” to the beginning of the “Cottage Era” in the 1920’s. Local architect of the time, Prentice Sanger, designed many such cottages as well as the Lake Sunapee Yacht Club.

Using heavy amounts of stone with integrated brick in conjunction with other vernacular lakefront architectural precedents gives the design a unique aesthetic with strong historic roots and pays respect to many of the lost works of Sanger in the region.

The landscape ties home and site seamlessly while addressing the needs of construction near sensitive lakefront resources.The entry court uses modern construction techniques to capture storm water while maintaining an aesthetic true to the character of the home. Intimate outdoor spaces draw inspiration from the architecture and materials of the home maximizing the long Southerly views towards Mount Sunapee. Photos by John W. Hession Photography

Architectural and landscape design by Bonin Architects & Associates, Meredith & New London, NH. www.boninarchitects.com

Timber Frame Barn Raising

noreply@blogger.com (Kim Bonin) — Wed, 19 Aug 2015 19:10:00 +0000

It's not often when clients organize an old fashioned timber frame barn raising, complete with caterers, a tent, and a band!

Last weekend, we were invited to a raising event for one of our clients from Athens, GA. We designed a timber framed barn on their beautiful property.

You can see some of the photos of this fantastic project on our Face book page https://www.facebook.com/BoninArchitects Please remember to "like" us!

noreply@blogger.com (Kim Bonin) — Fri, 05 Jun 2015 15:38:00 +0000

We would like to announce the newest team member of our growing architectural firm. Welcome, Mike Purvis!

SAMUEL M. PURVIS IV, AIA, NCARB, LEED AP – SENIOR PROJECT MANAGER

Samuel M. Purvis IV (Mike) obtained his Masters degree in Architecture from Catholic University of America in Washington DC. In addition Mike has a BA in Political Science from George Washington University and a Masters of Fine Art in Photography from the Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond, Virginia. He is also a member of the American Institute of Architects (AIA) and a National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB) certified architect licensed in New Hampshire, Vermont, New York and Massachusetts. Mike is a LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Accredited Professional. LEED is the U.S. Green Building Council’s national standard for the development of high performance sustainable buildings.

Prior to joining Bonin Architects, Mike owned his own firm, Three River Design Group in Woodstock, Vermont. Three River completed numerous residential projects from the Woodstock area down to Cape Cod, Massachusetts. Commercial projects include the Springfield Area Parent Child Center in North Springfield, Vermont, Long Trail Brewery in Bridgewater Corners, Vermont and working with businesses and the Department of Justice on accessibility issues in the Woodstock area.

Mike is active in the community, enjoys coaching Middle School Soccer and is a Rotarian. He also enjoys working on his home, soccer, skiing and photography, particularly photographing his son’s sporting events.

Squam River Landing Seminar-March 21, 2015

noreply@blogger.com (Kim Bonin) — Wed, 25 Feb 2015 16:03:00 +0000

Are you interested in learning more about purchasing, designing and building a home in the lakes region of New Hampshire? Join us and meet a few leading local professionals exploring the options for purchasing, designing, and building a home in today's lakes region. Click the link for more details. Squam River Landing Presentation

Bonin Architects & Associates Receives Multiple Awards Last Week

noreply@blogger.com (Kim Bonin) — Wed, 28 Jan 2015 20:36:00 +0000

Last week was an amazing week for Bonin Architects & Associates on a national and regional level. Our firm was recognized by three separate professional organizations for our custom designs, receiving five awards in total. We are honored and grateful for all of the awards we received. Our dedicated, loyal, and talented design team are a hardworking, creative, dynamic, and a wonderful group of individuals who have worked for us for years; working collaboratively on our projects. Last week, we were awarded the 2015 New Hampshire Home Magazine’s Home of the Year for the Birch Bay Home. Additionally, for the third year in a row, we were issued a 2015 Best of Houzz Award for Design. The American Institute of Architects New Hampshire Chapter (AIANH) announced that we were the recipients of three awards during the 2015 Annual Excellence in Architecture Design Awards in Amherst, NH, receiving a Merit Award for the Clearview Lake Retreat on Lake Winnepocket, and we were extremely excited to receive the 2015 People’s Choice Award and an Honorable Mention Award for Stone Fence Farm in Salisbury, NH! Thank you to all of the independent judges who were on the board for the competitions, as well as the organizations who hosted and sponsored the events. Here are a few photos of the award winning projects. www.boninarchitects.com

Bonin Architects Wins Houzz Award

noreply@blogger.com (Kim Bonin) — Mon, 19 Jan 2015 18:31:00 +0000

Bonin Architects & Associates, of New London & Meredith, NH, Receives Best Of Houzz 2015 Award

Over 25 Million Monthly Unique Users Rated Top-Rated Home Building, Remodeling and Design Professionals in the United States and Around the World
January 19, 2015 – Bonin Architects & Associates of New London & Meredith, NH, has been awarded “Best Of Houzz” for Design by Houzz, the leading platform for home remodeling and design. The award winning architectural firm was chosen by the more than 25 million monthly unique users that comprise the Houzz community from among more than 500,000 active home building, remodeling and design industry professionals.

The Best Of Houzz award is given in two categories: Design and Customer Satisfaction. Design award winners’ work was the most popular among the more than 25 million monthly users on Houzz, known as “Houzzers.” Customer Satisfaction honors are determined by a variety of factors, including the number and quality of client reviews a professional received in 2014. Winners will receive a “Best Of Houzz 2015” badge on their profiles, helping Houzz users around the world who discover and love a professional’s work to learn even more about that business’ popularity and satisfaction rating among their peers in the Houzz community.

“We are honored to be chosen again for the third consecutive year in a row,” said Jeremy Bonin, AIA, NCARB, LEED AP who owns the firm along with his wife and business partner, Kimberly Bonin.

“Houzz provides homeowners with a 360 degree view of home building, remodeling and design industry professionals, empowering them to engage the right people and products for their project,” said Liza Hausman, vice president of industry marketing for Houzz. “We’re delighted to recognize Bonin Architects & Associates among our “Best Of” professionals as judged by our community of homeowners and design enthusiasts who are actively remodeling and decorating their homes.”

Follow Bonin Architects & Associates on Houzz http://www.houzz.com/pro/boninarchitects/__public

About Bonin Architects & Associates
BONIN ARCHITECTS, located in New London NH and Meredith NH, serves the Lake Sunapee and Lake Winnipesauke Region, Maine and NH Seacoast as well as all of New England and New York.

As an architectural design firm, we believe in a collaborative approach to every project. Our staff works collectively, bringing an array of personal strengths and professional experience, ensuring exceptional quality throughout the design process.

Our expertise is new construction, additions, renovations and landscape architecture for residential clients seeking a distinctive home and property design. Our commitment is to artfully transform your vision into beautiful and timeless architectural designs.

About Houzz
Houzz is the leading platform for home remodeling and design, providing people with everything they need to improve their homes from start to finish - online or from a mobile device. From decorating a room to building a custom home, Houzz connects millions of homeowners, home design enthusiasts and home improvement professionals across the country and around the world. With the largest residential design database in the world and a vibrant community powered by social tools, Houzz is the easiest way for people to find inspiration, get advice, buy products and hire the professionals they need to help turn their ideas into reality. Headquartered in Palo Alto, CA, Houzz also has international offices in London, Berlin and Sydney. For more information, visit www.houzz.com

Lake Winnisquam Timber Frame Vacation Cottage

noreply@blogger.com (Kim Bonin) — Wed, 12 Nov 2014 18:46:00 +0000

This home, with its close proximity to deck, beach and dock was designed to maximize the small site for family vacations and gatherings, as well as enhancing the stunning lake view. Family and friends enjoy the multiple outdoor gathering spaces and screen porch from spring to fall and the warmth of the wood interiors and fieldstone fireplace create a comfortable atmosphere for gathering during the winter months.

Capturing the views and breezes, the house is oriented to place as many rooms on the lakeside as possible. The design of the home draws upon the steep gabled Victorian cottages of a past era while integrating features of the current lakeside vernacular. The first floor contains the major living spaces, kitchen, dining, living and mudroom/laundry as well as an office that doubles as an overflow bedroom for guests. The second floor consists of the master suite, a guest bedroom and bunkroom for the children and another bathroom. www.boninarchitects.com

Timber Home Living Features Bonin Architects & Associates and homeowners in a recent article

noreply@blogger.com (Kim Bonin) — Tue, 23 Sep 2014 18:48:00 +0000
We were recently contacted by Timber Home Living Magazine after many people requested more information about one of our designs. Please read the following article about the timber frame, our firm, the builder, and the homeowners!
http://www.timberhomeliving.com/open-house-a-vermont-hillside-home/

Whole House Renovation

noreply@blogger.com (Kim Bonin) — Fri, 11 Jul 2014 12:33:00 +0000
Here is a photograph taken by John Hession of a whole house renovation located on Lake Winnipocket in Webster, NH. Our firm designed both the home renovation and landscape architecture. www.boninarchitects.com

Bonin Architects & Associates Adds A Second Office Location in Meredith, NH on Lake Winnipesaukee

noreply@blogger.com (Kim Bonin) — Thu, 20 Mar 2014 17:22:00 +0000
Beginning this week, Bonin Architects & Associates will now have two office locations to better serve our clients.

Our main office location is 210 Main Street, New London, NH. The second office location is 290 Daniel Webster Highway, Meredith NH on Lake Winnipesaukee.

In order to schedule a client meeting, please call 603-526-6200 or Email info@boninarchitects.com

noreply@blogger.com (Kim Bonin) — Thu, 06 Mar 2014 13:51:00 +0000
We have some exciting news to share! Bonin Architects & Associates is opening a second office location in Meredith, NH, directly across from Meredith Bay on the Daniel Webster Highway next week.

Our main office will still remain in New London, NH, the town we love and where we continue to raise our family. As our projects continue to expand to the Lake Winnipesaukee area, we decided to open another office for our client meetings.

Jeremy and I would like to thank our loyal and talented staff (who have become our second family), our clients, friends, business associates, our family, and Bailey  for continued support and embracing all of the changes we’ve made over the past six years.

Bonin Architects & Associates Receives Two Awards From New Hampshire Home Magazine

noreply@blogger.com (Kim Bonin) — Thu, 30 Jan 2014 15:10:00 +0000

Bonin Architects & Associates was recently honored to receive two design awards during the New Hampshire Home Magazine Design Awards Ceremony which was recently held in Manchester, NH at the Radisson Hotel.

The first award for Green Design was based on a recently completed timber framed hybrid home located in the Dartmouth/Lake Sunapee region of NH.
Sustainable design elements included:·         The home is a timber frame and structural insulated panel (SIPs) with an ICF foundation.
·         A continuous high R-value envelope; meticulously air sealed and uses balanced HRVs for ventilation.
·         This house was designed to meet the Energy Star certification.
·         Solar hot water and geothermal heating system lower energy costs and eliminate onsite fossil fuel for heating.
·         Materials sourced from local NH and VT companies, sealants/adhesives/paints are all low or no-voc products.
·         100% of storm water run-off is collected and infiltrated in order to protect the water quality of the Lake preventing erosion and siltation in accordance with (and exceeding) the Shoreland Water Quality Protection Act.
·         An existing shed was re-purposed providing lakeside seating, bath facilities and water front storage space.
For photos of this project, please see:
http://www.boninarchitects.com/en/selected-projects/83-portfolio/selected-projects/90-cronenwett.html

The second project received an Honorable Mention Award in Architectural Design for a home designed by Bonin Architects on Lake Sunapee in Newbury, NH.

Materials, innovative and sustainable components:

·         The foundation was done with insulated concrete formwork; the exterior walls and roof are conventionally framed and highly insulated with a hybrid system, and are properly air sealed for a very weather tight exterior

·         Durable/maintainable materials; cedar shingles, AZEK trim, IPE decking, Hickory flooring, reclaimed wood, tile/stone, aluminum clad wood windows and 50 year asphalt roof shingles

·         Because of the operable windows and doors bringing in the cool lake breeze the client did not want air conditioning. The home has in floor radiant heat and a Heat Recovery Ventilator to allow preheated fresh air to exchange automatically maintaining a proper balance of fresh air.

·         There was a 5% decrease in the impermeable impact of the site (53% to 48%) was achieved with an overall smaller building footprint and reduction in paved and hardscape areas.

For photos of this award winning project, please see http://www.boninarchitects.com/en/selected-projects/83-portfolio/selected-projects/94-lake-sunapee-cottage.html#M122-LakeSunapeeCottage14

noreply@blogger.com (Kim Bonin) — Fri, 13 Dec 2013 18:46:00 +0000

One of our firm's projects is featured on the cover of the 2014 Annual Buyer's Guide for Timber Home Living Magazine. This home was also selected as the 2013 NH American Institute of Architects People's Choice Awards. For further information about this project, please view http://www.boninarchitects.com/en/selected-projects/night-pasture-farm.html#M166-01

Money and Environment Saving Tips for Your Home

noreply@blogger.com (Kim Bonin) — Thu, 17 Oct 2013 12:21:00 +0000
Money and Environment Saving Tips for Your Home

Bonin Architects & Associates Featured in New Book

noreply@blogger.com (Kim Bonin) — Wed, 25 Sep 2013 13:30:00 +0000
We were honored when contacted by author Dale Mulfinger last year. He described his new vision for a book, solely focused on small cabins and cottages to follow up a book he authored and published in 2001, called, "The Cabin".

Dale was interested in one of our completed projects on Pleasant Lake in Elkins, NH which has won awards and has been featured in national magazines, such as Country Living Magazine. Our design focused on sustainability, reusing many of the items already present in the cottage renovation. He sent a photographer to the cottage, interviewed our Principal Architect, Jeremy Bonin, as well our clients, who were instrumental in the design process and tastefully decorating their cottage.

The book is now available in many bookstores and online. We received our copy yesterday, and we are enjoying reading about all of the different cabin and cottage styles and components of simplified living.

Please view our website, www.boninarchitects.com for more information about our firm.

Maine Vacation Home Enjoys Being Green

noreply@blogger.com (Kim Bonin) — Tue, 26 Mar 2013 13:03:00 +0000
We're excited to get new photos of our clients’ energy efficient vacation home in Maine!

The architectural design incorporates:

Small footprint to minimize carbon footprint

Energy efficiency in all four New England seasons

Environmentally conscious to minimize site impact

Low maintenance and durability, easy to open and close up

Security in rural setting

Take advantage of lake views

Possible addition in future

ArchitectJeremy Bonin translated these ideas into an energy efficient home plan, incorporating these sustainable design considerations:

Passive solar design, with the first floor receiving the low winter sun (early morning and late evening sun) under the varied depth of the porch roof. The second floor, with a moderate roof overhang, will always have abundant natural light.

The east, south, and west elevations have windows for natural cross ventilation. A cupola was added to allow for heat release in summer as well as aesthetics.

Keeping in mind the clients’ plans to possibly build an addition in the future, Jeremy designed the north side of the building, which is the most buildable side of the property, to be easily expanded. The first floor laundry includes a storage bench under a window, both of which can be easily removed and become a doorway into a future addition.

An open central stairway eliminates the need for hallways which keeps the footprint of the home to a minimum, as well as increasing circulation and natural light between the floors.

A natural color palette of browns and greens was chosen for the exterior of the home, blending it with the rugged Maine environment.

Energyefficient building materials for this green home include:

Board and batten and red cedar shingles for low maintenance and are aesthetically appropriate with the property

Standing seam metal roof for energy efficiency and eliminating snow and ice buildup

Possible use of SIPs construction

Energy efficient windows

Enjoy the photos!

Night Pasture Farm Project Wins AIA NH People’s Choice Award

noreply@blogger.com (Kim Bonin) — Wed, 30 Jan 2013 00:10:00 +0000

Thanks to all voters, this Night Pasture Farm project won the People’s Choice Award at the 2013 American Institute of Architects NH Excellence in Architecture Design Awards Ceremony in Bedford, NH on January 11, 2013!

Each entry was judged on overall design excellence including aesthetics, clarity, creativity, appropriate functionality, sustainability, building performance, and appropriateness with regard to fulfilling the client's program. The entries are previewed in the January/February 2013 issue of NH Home Magazine.

Project Description:

Principal Partner and Architect Jeremy Bonin describes the project: “The clients sought a unique home; a timber frame yet not ‘barn like’. They felt posts should feel like trees and support the roof overhead, like a forest grove. They preferred connected spaces for entertaining and appreciating the view. The floor plan has an open kitchen, dining, and living space which center around the hearth and chimney. It is quite open and inviting.”

“The chimney and timber frame define, enclose and shelter the space similar to the tree canopy the clients described. The first floor contains living areas as well as laundry, master suite, pantry and a half bath. The second floor has two bedrooms, bath and an office/loft overlooking the great room. Space over the garage was utilized for the client’s second love: music,” continues Bonin Architects Principal Partner Kimberly Bonin.

The home is a timber frame and structural insulated panel (SIPs) structure with SIPs and the central fireplace engineered as contributing structural elements. The main post formations are independent of the exterior walls lending an organic feel to the frame while defining interior space. The use of keyed beams and steel connections are expressed as necessary structural elements and highlighted as architectural art rather than concealed.

Sustainable Design Elements include a continuous high R-value envelope of structural insulated wall and roof panels (R-26 and R-39 respectively), radiant floor heating, passive heating and cooling (no AC), HRV for ventilation, and maximized locally sourced materials that are durable and maintainable.

The home found its name “Night Pasture Farm” after the owner found out his neighbor’s grandfather was the original owner of the land, a 1200 acre working farm, and they were building the new home right on the pasture his grandfather’s cows loved and where they spent their overnights.

Photos of this project can be found on Bonin Architects & Associates website at www.boninarchitects.com/en/selected-projects/83-portfolio/selected-projects/95-vermont-timber-frame.html.

Photographer: John W. Hession, Advanced Digital Photography

Timber Frame Company: Vermont Timber Works

Bonin Architects Adds to Architectural Staff

noreply@blogger.com (Kim Bonin) — Sat, 22 Dec 2012 16:29:00 +0000
Bonin Architects welcomes Scott McCullough to our architectural firm!

Scott received his Bachelor of Science Degree in Architectural Studies and Masters Degree in Architecture from Norwich University in Northfield, Vermont.

Much of his career has been spent working on Martha’s Vineyard for Hutker Architects working on both modern and traditionally designed custom homes. He has also been involved in designing custom homes on the North Shore of Boston for coastal and agrarian settings.

In 2008 he earned the LEED AP designation from the USGBC, and since then has received the LEED AP for Homes specialty designation. As part of each project he enjoys strategizing for sustainable living, and implementing those ideas into the design.

Scott enjoys snowboarding, tennis, golf, traveling, and working on building projects at home.

4th Annual Business After Hours

noreply@blogger.com (Kim Bonin) — Tue, 25 Sep 2012 10:58:00 +0000
Join us for our 4th annual Business After Hours on Wednesday, September 26, 2012 from 5:00 - 7:30 PM. Meet Bonin Architects' staff, see our architectural offices, and learn how you can work with us on your next remodeling or new home construction project.

Refreshments included. Free to non-Chamber members, $5 for non-Chamber members, free for Chamber members. See you there!

Bonin Architects & Associates, PLLC
209 Main Street
New London, NH 03257

Country Living: Little House on the Lake

noreply@blogger.com (Kim Bonin) — Wed, 15 Aug 2012 23:48:00 +0000

Our clients’ terrific 500 square foot cottage is featured in September 2012 issue of Country Living magazine!

Sheri and Gerry Weber describe how their cottage went from old and outdated to clean and contemporary with a plan that included opening up the space, recycling as much material as possible, and making the most of limited storage.

NH Architect Jeremy Bonin presented a green design that tore down the dropped ceiling and eliminated all of the wood paneling. The Webers reaction was perfect: “Without the ceiling, it was like, “Wow!”, explains Sheri. “We capitalized on all the extra height by putting in a sleeping loft.” Working closely throughout the project, Bonin Architects and the Webers succeeded in making this cottage one of the nicest – and greenest – cabins on the lake!



Be sure to read the full article on this award-winning remodeled cottage online or get your copy at your local newsstand!

Reprinted from http://www.greenhomedesignarchitect.blogspot.com/2012/08/country-living-little-house-on-lake.html

Architects Design a Home for Summer Living

noreply@blogger.com (Kim Bonin) — Tue, 31 Jul 2012 21:04:00 +0000

Our new house in Newbury, NH (featured in the July/August 2012 issue of New Hampshire Home magazine) is picture-perfect and ready for a summer full of fun! The house plans and designs were developed by architect Jeremy Bonin and project manager Jessica Cook of Bonin Architects & Associates of New London NH, who designed the home for our clients and their three children.

One challenge to the house plan included property setbacks of only four feet (eight feet away from the adjoining houses on either side). To achieve this goal and the client’s goal of making the most of their lake view, Bonin developed plans to take down the existing cottage, with driveway-facing living space and a stairway that blocked the gorgeous view of Lake Sunapee, and designed a tall, narrow house plan that fits perfectly in with the neighborhood.

A focal point is the open, winding staircase which is referred to in the article as “climbing art”. Indeed, the staircase is visible from one end of the house to the other and instead of blocking the view, allows the family and guests to enjoy the lake from every angle.

Another highlight of the home – and a big hit with the kids – is the theater.

The homeowner comments in the article, “Having spent lots of time in New York City we wanted that modern feel but we also wanted that lake house / cottagey feel.”

Inside and out, the new house is exactly what the homeowners wanted!

New House for Clients with Unique Vision

noreply@blogger.com (Kim Bonin) — Tue, 24 Jul 2012 18:56:00 +0000

Not all timber frames have to look like barn homes. One of our clients building a timber home in Vermont wanted to design a home that is not just “different”, but truly unique in that they wanted their home to feel like a forest grove.

Taking all of their ideas, wants, and needs into consideration, Architect Jeremy Bonin developed a house plan that is more beautiful than they imagined: a central hearth and chimney define, enclose, and shelter the open floor plan similar to a tree canopy.

The first floor plan includes living areas, a laundry and pantry, a master bedroom suite and powder room. The second floor has two bedrooms, a bath and a loft/office overlooking the great room.

The space over the garage holds a music studio which brings hours of enjoyment and impromptu jam sessions with friends who pop in to say hi.

The best time of day, though, is just at dusk, when the view of the valley is darkening yet still visible and the new house beams radiantly in the setting sun.