As work continues on our beautiful custom build in the hills of picturesque Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, we are able to take a step back and enjoy the natural beauty of the landscape and marvel at the ease that this large home fits into it. It’s as if Mother Nature had a hand in its design. There are breathtaking views from every angle, allowing you to take in the views from the lush wooded areas to the majestic Lake Coeur d’Alene. And with Coeur d’Alene’s ever-changing climate, each time you take in the view, it differs.
A short recap…
We are continuing to share a preview into the construction process of building this 5,800 square foot home that sits nestled in the pines on a little under six acres. The house features vaulted ceilings, a three-car garage, and spectacular views. We have made every attempt to use native materials whenever possible so that we can take advantage of the unspoiled landscape. Our high-quality materials optimize the strength and durability of the home, while never compromising beauty and comfort. Thus far, we have shared the process of clearing of the land, pouring the foundation, and assembling the walls.
With each step, this home seems to leap from the plan on paper to a magical home in the woods. As we move to the next step—raising the roof—we also show you the intricate precision needed to set a retaining wall with boulders, to take advantage of functionality while enhancing the beauty of the home.
Raising the roof
As we begin the process of setting the roof atop the towering walls, we can appreciate the views the new owners will have from every angle inside the home. Each step is choreographed with precision, so that careful attention is given to preserving the natural setting, while making the least amount of impact on the environment.
This beautiful home has a complex roof line, with ceiling heights ranging from ten feet to vaults that stretch from 14 to 19 feet. We are using antique and distressed timbers that were sourced from a barn that was over two hundred fifty years old. Laminated timbers reinforced with steel plates are also used in the loggia and the patio for strength, durability, and their ability to withstand the elements.
Because of the size of the home and the height of the roof, coupled with the intricacies of the design, we have to use caution to set each roof truss and timber carefully and accurately. The timbers and trusses can weigh as much as a ton and can be huge and hard to handle. To accommodate this, we have to use a heavy-duty crane with a five ton capacity and a one hundred foot reach. The operator is able to efficiently navigate the complex offsets and angles with the precision of a surgeon.
Once the trusses are in place, we can visualize how beautifully this majestic home fits into the landscape surrounding it. You can also understand the complexity of the design and the expertise that it took to create it.
Creating the retaining wall
In the meantime, we have been working on clearing the landscape around the home of debris, dirt, and boulders. We have excavated and leveled in order to pour a foundation that would support a home of this size. Once this was completed, we began on the retaining wall.
The wall is approximately one hundred feet long and ranges in height from one foot at the lowest end to over fifteen feet at the highest. Huge boulders are used to keep the soil from eroding, stabilize the property, and retain the natural slope of the land. In keeping with the size of the home and property, large boulders were chosen, some weighing as much as 3,000 pounds each. They measure as much as six feet in length and are several feet wide.
To move and set these boulders, we use an excavator with a rock claw. Each rock has to be strategically placed, so avoid shifting. We need the rock wall to look beautiful and natural while being functional, allowing safe entrance to the property and diminishing run-off.
Looking forward
There are still lots of things to come, and we will continue to share the next steps with you. We take such pride in building each and every custom home, and we love sharing our progress with you. Our success hinges on having happy customers, and for that reason we use only the highest quality products and employ the best people with the most experience and highest skill level.. With over thirty years of experience in building dream homes for customers in California and now Idaho, we continue to receive high praise for our outstanding customer service.
If you are ready to build your dream home, either in Southern California or Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, John David Custom Homes can help. Check out our online portfolio to see some of our past projects, or contact us with your ideas or questions. We want to make building your dream home an exciting and pleasant experience.
