VERTICAL CONSTRUCTION

James calls this deck the “listening point.” You’d get there by walking about 300 to 400 yards through the woods to a south-facing bluff on a rock formation.  “I built this deck to sit down and be quiet and listen to the wind and birds,” he says.  Because he doesn’t appreciate obstructed views but wanted to contain any accidents, he strung metal cables between the corner posts.  The deck is 100 square feet, constructed of the same composite decking as the main porch.

“We’ve got the elk antlers up there, one of the most gorgeous things God ever created,” James says of the wall decoration above the dining table.  To build the shelving above the kitchen windows and cabinets, he went purchased scrap wood from a local saw mill.  He found old spikes like what you might find in the gold mines and coated each with iron oxide for a rustic finish.  He drove the spikes into the log walls to hold up the slab shelving.  A unique feature in the kitchen is the roll-away butcher block top island, which James built by adding the block top and locking caster wheels to a double set of standard cabinets.  “It gives us the opportunity to move things around and create extra space.”  The blue, red and green cabinets help to define the kitchen space from the great room.

The great room wall is finished with a russet coat, and you also get a good view of a money-saver in this shot.  “Those look like purlins,” James says, “but they’re bogus.”  Building codes prevented James from using Douglas fir log or timber purlins, so he went with an 18-inch thick plywood rafter.  Above the antique secretary’s desk (back center) is a 1906 map of the mining claims in Clear Creek County, Colorado, which Deborah gave to James as a gift.  The rug was another gift, from his sister who bought it while visiting Afghanistan to teach locals skills in midwifery.  Over the log coffee table is draped a Navajo weaving.  James visited Afghanistan himself in 1971, and a host of countries since.

Two old bent cane chairs face the prettiest view out of the Isle Royal Lode gold mine.  “I wanted a sunset view and that’s what this cabin is all about,” James says.  “We have a 170-degree view looking due west at the Continental Divide.”  The windows and French doors were custom made by Bergerson Cedar Wood Windows and Doors.  The decking is a composite lumber that would stand up to harsh and extreme environmental conditions.

 

To give the feeling of more space in the cabin’s only bathroom, the shower is enclosed in glass.  Builder Peter Schmidtmann of Vertical Construction tiled the sheet rock wall (out of view) and waterproofed the log walls, “So you can feel the whole space of the log.  The floor is slate tile laid on top of carbonized plastic sheeting that, when plugged into an outlet, warms the tiles.  The windows are trimmed in standard pine.

By Patricia on May 29, 2008
Oh, give me a home where the mountain lions roam, and the deer and the elk come to call!

Just beautiful. I'd move in in a flash.

Thank you so much.

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By CHARLES COOKE on May 29, 2008
HELLO,
WOULD IT BE POSSIBLE TO HAVE ALL OF THE WALLS PUT TOGETHER AND SHIPPED? THEN CAN THE REST OF THE CABIN, TALKING ABOUT THE ROOF BE ADDED. THEN FINISH THE INSIDE. IT'S A GREAT DESIGN.

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By Janie Luten on May 30, 2008
This is exactley the log home that my husband and I hope to build soon.

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By Rajesh Chaturvedi on May 30, 2008
Hi ,

Can I have the budgetary prices for this model and construction period with tentative shipping time to India.

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By Pilar Taniguchi on May 30, 2008
What is the price for a house like this?

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By Janie Luten on May 31, 2008
Please email me with the prices for this model. I really appreciate it.

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By John Rand on May 31, 2008
I'm about to move into my log cabin and have a problem with a bathtub next to full round eastern white pine. I was told that if I put glass in front of the logs (to stop shower water) there will be a mold problem. What was done for the shower in the 900 square foot cabin? Can I Verithane the logs? Please advise.
Thanks,
John Rand

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By Gloria Rickman on Jun 01, 2008
Hello:
I wouod think this home would be cost effective. What is hte estimated finished cost of this attractive design.
Thank you and Be Blessed,
Gloria

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By dsheldon2004@yahoo.com on Jun 03, 2008
do you sell plans to this cabin, is it built to code for cripple creek.
Thank You
dave

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By funkystupp@fairpoint.net on Jun 16, 2008
THIS IS PERFECT! Beautiful! I have been looking to build a "house" for my Dad so he can be with me on my 7 acres. I just might build one for him and one for me! If I contact Montana Timber will I be able to obtain this design? Since it looks like it maybe on an alaskan slab, where did you place your HVAC, H2o heater & H2o main shut offs? What are the dimensions and does the 900 include the loft? Have a blessed day! Tara

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By Floyd Blalhy on Jun 21, 2008
My neighbor has a small new getaway cabin, but the craftsmanship is not nearly as good. I can see that the chinking and details are superb. Could you please refer me to the builder? I would like to get a square footage price.
Floyd & Tara - Boulder