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."
Related Stories
Custom Builder
Floodproof on a Floodplain
An impressive addition to the IDEA Home series, the NEWLOOK Experience Home is a master class in engineering and creative design, with builder Michael Freiburger out-thinking an exceptionally tricky lot
Custom Builder
3 Questions Answered About Reliable Energy in Home Construction
Energy expert Bryan Cordill makes a case for why and how propane is an answer to growing concerns about reliability and resilience in home construction
Business
Custom Builder to Talk Color Design with Becki Owens at IBS
At this year's IBS, renowned designer Becki Owens will sit down with host James McClister, editor of Custom Builder, to discuss a variety of topics from basic color play in design to the Allura Spectrum palette, a collection of Sherwin-Williams colors curated for the benefit of pros
Business
PERC Highlights Sustainability and Efficiency at IBS with 'Clean Build Conversations'
Hear from industry standouts Matt Blashaw and Anthony Carrino at this hour-long Show Village event
Custom Builder
Telling a Story That Preserves the Past
Custom builder and historic restoration and preservation expert Brent Hull walks us through the careful details of his Pennsylvania Farmhouse project
Business
Defining Outdoor Living in 2024
Residential experts weigh in on outdoor living trends in new report
Construction
How to Air Seal the Garage
A poorly sealed wall or ceiling between the garage and the main house can let harmful fumes into the living space
Business
Taking Advantage of Incentives Through Weatherization
Industry insider Kristen Lewis walks us through the basics and benefits of weatherization
Custom Builder
2023: A Year of Case Studies
A look back at the custom homes and craftsman details we spotlighted last year
Customer Service
A Smart Home Built Smart
Custom builder August Homes blends efficient, high-tech home automation systems with high-performance, sustainable building strategies