Antler 2

This house contains 1800 heated square footage with three bedrooms and 3 full baths. The exterior veneers are synthetic stucco, stone, and metal roofing, chosen because they ensured very low exterior maintenance. The flooring in the house is a combination of custom tile work, plush open-loop carpet in the bedrooms, and 3/4" red oak wood flooring throughout the living room and kitchen, stained to match the knotty alder cabinetry. The bathrooms contain Kohler drop-in porcelain sinks, oil-rubbed bronze Delta fixtures, tile countertops, Jacuzzi tub with a hand held shower, tile shower, and vaulted ceilings in the kitchen and living room areas.

The house presents an open floor design in the living area in which the kitchen flows directly into the living room to allow natural lighting and comfortable entertaining. The bar counter between the kitchen and living room was created also for entertaining and allows for additional family time together while meals are being made. The overhead lighting provides the perfect ambience for an evening cocktail or even for continued discussion while dishes are being done in the evening. This kitchen area has vaulted wood ceilings creating a spacious feel, 3 cm. granite countertops which are scratch and stain resistant, also functioning as an additional cutting and preparation surface for cooking. Knotty alder cabinetry was custom built with a wine-rack and glass doors, staggered at different heights, for showing off kitchen decor or nice dinnerware.

The free-standing wood-burning stove, on an elevated rock platform, is quite efficient at heating the house, reducing monthly cost in the winter and increasing energy efficiency. It is also a beautiful and cozy area in the living room where family gathers at the end of the day. This house also includes Jeldwen vinyl windows which provide excellent insulation in the cooler months and a light breeze during the warmer seasons. Solid-core pine interior doors and premium exterior wood/glass doors were chosen for both insulation quality and high class look.

The concept behind this house design is one of low-maintenance combined with smart upgrade finishes throughout the interior for comfort and aesthetics. This home was also built for family as a temporary residence. We intended to live in this home for a year or two while building a larger adobe style home to accommodate our growing family. It was comfortable; warm in the winter and cool in the summer, with the sound of elk calling in the backyard just before sunset and deer stopping by to graze on the natural landscape throughout the day.