Worthwhile Endeavor

All materials specified for this home, including exposed wood structural members, stone, copper and reclaimed redwood, were chosen for their environmental friendliness, natural weathering characteristics and low maintenance, architect Greg Faulkner says. "This really allowed the built forms to dissolve into the landscape."

In addition to the custom furniture, Faulkner specified reclaimed redwood for a number of applications, including exterior siding, a slab bench on the entry porch, interior beams and paneling, accent shakes for the kitchen island and even a half-log slide that connects the main and lower floors.

Using reclaimed materials in this case, the majority of the logs had been salvaged from the bottom of the Albion River near Mendocino, Calif., requires special consideration. Any reclaimed beams must be tested and graded by a qualified structural engineer before they can be used, says Faulkner.

Builder Mike Yankin says the reclaimed materials presented him with a significant challenge. "For a project like this, I am continually searching for the materials needed for all phases of the construction, keeping in mind what the owner and the architect are looking for. As I find materials, I do mock-ups to demonstrate what these materials will actually look like. Once they approve, I need to secure the materials quickly because they do not last long on the market."

Reclaimed materials not only are more difficult to procure than new stock, but they also require much more labor, says Yankin. Prep work includes de-nailing, planing, sizing and sanding.

"Finding and preparing just the right materials can be time-consuming," Yankin says, "but is well worth it in the end."