SNAKE RIVER ADDITION & REMODEL
A traditional log home revamped into an up-to-date residence
Design Team: Kurt Dubbe, AIA; Nereida Ortiz, John Fabian
Contractor: JH Builders
Structural engineer: G&S
Civil engineer: Valley West Engineers
MEP: Energy 1
Lighting design: Helius
Landscape design: Agrostis
Interior design: WRJ
Our clients purchased an existing residence and guest house designed by DMA many years ago. They chose this property primarily for its spectacular view of the Snake River and the spacious 35 acres.
The project will transform the original traditional design into a more modern aesthetic. The exterior will feature larger contemporary windows and horizontal wood siding with minimal reveals. Significant spaces will be added to better meet the owners’ needs. The existing cedar shingle roof will be replaced with a new corrugated Cor-Ten® roof, which as a unique appearance and a naturally oxidizing finish, similar to our The Sunset Ranch project Utah.
A key request from our client is to open up the views, particularly to the south and west toward the Snake River and nearby mountains. This will necessitate significant modifications to the structure, including the installation of steel moment frames to create large, uninterrupted vistas. The large traditional trims will be replaced with minimal trims to complement the custom steel and glass windows imported Brombal, a manufacturer in Italy.
The existing three-car garage will be converted into three guest suites to accommodate the owners’ family. The upgraded residence will feature 8 bedrooms and 10 bathrooms. A new three-car garage will be located adjacent to the kitchen on the main level, with access from the east side. Additionally, there will be a traditional Irish pub in the basement level under the garage.
WRJ is developing the interior design, with materials, colors, fabrics, treatments, and furnishings reflecting a fresh, contemporary style that complements the new architecture. The team will also design a custom kitchen, with fabrication and installation provided by Officine Gullo from Italy. This kitchen will include various cooking ranges, ovens, refrigeration options, and an outdoor pizza oven. A wine cellar will house approximately 1,000 bottles, stored on custom racks fabricated by the metal fabricator Amuneal in Philadelphia.
The landscaping and site development, designed by Agrostis, is equally ambitious. It includes a pool, terraces, and extensive landscaping on both the south side of the house, where the pool will be located, and the north side, where the new motor court driveway will be situated.
This project presents an opportunity to modernize the architecture of a traditional home and create a residence of exceptional quality, ensuring comfort and satisfaction for our clients, their family, and their guests. We look forward to presenting images of the completed home and landscaping.