Woods Project - Design/Build 2009
Project description
The Woods Project is a custom home that was designed by Moore Construction based on a plan the client had created several years ago. The home is approximately 9000sqft with two detached garages. The home's exterior is covered with natural stone, split logs from the local sawmill, rusted tin roofing, and a new rubber shake roofing. Most of the timber used in the home was either taken from the site or from the local area. The tree that is used for the spiral staircase in the house came from the lot and weighs over 10,000lbs.
The mechanical systems will be an exercise in new technologies, efficiencies and functions. Using geothermal heating and cooling, radiant heat tubes in the floor system, computerized electrical wiring system, four story elevator, in wall vacuum system, you name it this house is getting it all.
What made this project difficult?
Well, look at it. Actually the house up through enclosing and siding hasn't been that difficult. Sure, we had a 700ft long driveway; we drilled a well at the top of the property which hit a pocket of open space that caused some difficulties early on. We had a long distance to run the water line and power line. The weather has been a bit of a hurdle with cold winter days and rainy summer days. We really have had to stay on top of erosion control issues on this lot due to the proximity to the lake. The lot is pretty steep and we had to excavate multiple levels and create a lot of rock retaining walls. We have had difficulties bringing materials in and out of the site but, even with all those issues we are pushing forward and will get the job done.
Preconstruction Photo's
Construction Photo's
I designed log trusses for the greatroom which were made from cedar trees shipped from Canada and constructed by a local log crafter. The other trees used in the project were all taken either from the clients property or local lots nearby. We used a 40" wide tree that was nearly 30' tall that was taken from the clients lot, for the spiral stair. The first crane used was not capable of lifting the tree into it's position and nearly tipped over.
The roofing installed is a unique rubber shake made by Titan, it is a green product and has a lifespan of 50yrs. There are three colors and three sizes laid in a staggered pattern.
The client ordered horizontal geothermal DYI kit from the internet to install. We had three options for geothermal, 1. putting loops in our lake, which hasn't been approved by Duke Power who owns the lake, 2. vertical lines dropped into well shafts,
which we found out would require a plan being sent to Raleigh to be approved, the shaft is required to be completely sealed due to the possibility of the fluid in the lines seeping into and contaminating the water source or 3. digging horizontal trenches at least
6' deep and burying looped lines. The problem is that building here in the mountains of WNC, the terrain is typically rocky and steep so horizontal is much more difficult, problematic and at times, impossible.
The geothermal will be fed to a 5 ton water to water exchanger to heat the DYI radiant flooring that we previously installed as well has cooling for certain areas of the house.
The last two items to be completed on the exterior of the building is the log siding and the pebbledash stucco on the stair tower. After pulling the electric into the house we are ready to begin our electric rough-in work.
The log siding was hand crafted from local timbers, saddled corners and tapered ends carefully set one piece at a time.
The client wanted to use a synthetic decking material. After some research he decided on Azek decking, color morado. It's not difficult to work with, we are screwing the decking down with special screws for this product. On the upper deck we installed our own deck shield system to protect the lower deck from rain.
Fireplace Photo's
Three of eight fireplaces in the house are Isokern units. I custom designed the basement fireplace from Isokern parts. I sketched the fireplaces out so I could be sure to get the look I wanted. A picture is worth a thousand words.
When doing natural rockwork on the fireplaces in this area, sometimes you have to go to several rockyards and dig out the rocks you want.
Detatched Garage #1 Photo's
Detatched Garage #2 Photo's
