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Continued....
Riverbend
uses energy-saving foam core panels that are designed, manufactured
and guaranteed by the company's subsidiary, Insulspan. They are
tremendously energy- efficient, Jim says. "We've done studies
at the University of Michigan, and we've found that this insulating
system is three to four times more efficient than those used in
a conventional home," he says. Charlotte and some friends set
up lawn chairs and watched the frame raising with awe. "It's
so impressive to watch," she says. "It's an incredible
experience to see your dreams come to fruition."
David
and Charlotte Gray selected their home site for its easy access
to water. It is a leisurely spot on Lake Huron.
In only two days, they were able to tell if
the design would meet their needs. "You can walk inside and
see the views from where the windows will be," David says.
"The beauty of the system is that once you have the structure
up, you can make changes in the floorplan without disturbing the
frame." Working with building contractor Dale Sheldon and his
wife Betty, David and Charlotte made use of this attribute in several
ways.
The floorplan called for an enclosed stairway,
but the Grays decided to remove the walls so they wouldn't detract
from the main floor's openness. Upstairs, David realized the family
and their guests were going to be missing out on a spectacular lake
view. Taking full advantage of that vista, they quickly modified
what was slated to be a large bedroom and a bathroom and made it
into a small bedroom and an open loft.
Dale, who has been a friend of the Grays for
25 years, came out of retirement for the challenge of completing
their timber frame home. Once the frame was up, it took Dale and
Betty 18 months to complete the home. The Grays didn't rush the
process, since it was going to be their second home, and they realized
that quality craftsmanship takes time.
The long-time friendship survived and even flourished. "Dale
was a great person to work with," Charlotte says. "He
saved many times from making mistakes novices."
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With 4,800 square feet, 2 1/2 baths an three
guest rooms, there is more than enough space for everyone. Invariably
guests comment on the home's colorful frame and ceilings. This splendor
was attained through the home owners' use of red oak for the frame,
treated not with a stain, but with a Swedish oil that will have
to be reapplied every five years.
With its staggered, soaring design, the fireplace, which is made
of Chilton rustic stone from Wisconsin, is another striking feature.
Jim believes it was the most difficult aspect of the home to construct.
Riverbend used a unique combination of timbers to support the fireplace's
height of more than 20 feet, which almost reaches the ceiling. "That
design was a challenge," Jim says, "so we came up with
a frame to complement it." The design of the timbers incorporated
a beam to act as the mantel.
The great room's floors -- Idaho gold and silver
stone -- were an area of further compromise between husband and
wife. "I wanted stone floors," David says. "She thought
it would be too cold." Radiant heating solved that concern.
Water that is heated between 108 and 114 degrees flows through pipes
beneath the floors. Then, after it cools down, it's reheated and
reused. The process creates an even heat, and Charlotte is very
satisfied with the results. "It's a wonderful floor, and is
quite warm," she says.
Home Details
Square footage: 4,800
Timber frame company: Riverbend Timber Framing
Convection oven/stove: Jenn-Air
Dishwasher: KitchenAid
Great room lamps: Quoizel Collectibles
Kitchen countertops: Cherryland Cut Stone
Lighthouse lamp: Crate & Barrel
Panel system: Insulspan/FPC
Trash Compactor: GE Appliances
Windows and doors: Pella Corp
Tradition meets technology when the Grays turn
the heat on with one telephone call to their state-of-the-art security
system. Though Charlotte spends most of her time in the sun-drenched
sitting room off the master bedroom and David often retreats to
his basement office, they agree that the strength of the home is
the scenery -- both inside and out. "We have wonderful views
from the house and airy views of the ceiling and beams inside the
house," David says. "It feels very spacious."
The timber-framed look is evident throughout
the home -- even outside. Although the deck is pressure-treated
lumber, Dale used patterns from Riverbend to erect it in a timber-framed
style. It includes such details as water-cut pine tree trim on the
railings.
The basement also is designed to look like a timber frame and includes
a sauna, wet bar, family room, office, pool table and another fireplace.
David and Charlotte are pleased with their
decision to build a timber frame home. They have started construction
on a new one, which they plan to sell, and you could say they are
sold on the concept. "The warmth that the timber frame design
gives is impressive," Charlotte says.
The Grays also have put a lot of work into
their primary home, a 1960s cottage on Lake Michigan, so they are
not planning to move into their timber frame home permanently. But
it certainly has a special place in their hearts. "Both houses
are distinctive," Charlotte says, "but the timber frame
house is going to be here for 100 years. It will be a legacy for
our children and grandchildren."
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