Choosing a Contractor by Competitive Bidding

An important service that we perform as Architects is guiding our clients through the bidding or negotiation process. While it’s not the only way of selecting contractors, some of our clients prefer having a few qualified builders submit bids as a way of competing against each other to win contracts. Bidding can be a good method to select a contractor as long as the process is carried out in a way that is fair to everyone and with the understanding that price alone is not the only basis for selection.  During your initial meetings with an Architect, it is important to determine what approach you want to use to select a contractor.

For bidding to work as a valid selection process, several factors need to be considered:

1.      Bidding documents need to complete, detailed, and contain all the information required to develop an accurate price for the work to be performed. If the drawings and specifications do not contain enough information for the contractor to accurately price the work, they will almost certainly add to their bid to cover themselves from having to eat the costs of vague or poorly documented work items. Incomplete information in bid documents forces the contractor to make assumptions and leads to inaccurate bids, which almost always costs the homeowner more.  A common mistake people make is to try cutting project costs by negotiating a reduced fee from the Architect in exchange for a less developed design package, or in choosing an inexperienced designer or draftsman to prepare the plans. It is a worthwhile investment to spend a little more up front for quality drawings and specifications, with the payoff realized in lower overall project costs and reduced headaches. Creating quality bid documents is one of the many ways an Architect can add value to your home.

An architect's plans should be complete and detailed.

2.      Bidders should all be in the same “league”. Before choosing potential contractors and asking them to bid a project, it is a good idea to research the candidates and talk to their references. They should have a proven track record of successful completion of projects that are similar in scope to the one they are being asked to bid. A construction company with a few employees that uses a pickup truck for an office is going to have a lot less overhead than a bigger company that has an office with support staff, provides benefits for their workers, and is well insured. Figure out the level of service you want from a contractor, and choose your bidders accordingly.

3.      Limit the number of bidders to three at the most.  Any more than that and you will be spending time and money responding to lots of questions. It takes a lot of time for a contractor and his subcontractors to develop an accurate bid, and it’s time they often don’t get paid for. If there are too many competitors, some may opt out or not spend enough time creating their bids, and the results will be skewed.

4.      While contractors are preparing their bids, make sure any information that is communicated gets to all the bidding parties. It’s common to have a contractor call and ask for clarification, substitutions, or for information that is not in the documents. For bidding to be fair to all, written addenda or clarifications need to be sent to everyone and become a part of the bid documents. This can be time consuming, so clients should be willing to compensate Architects for the time it takes to make sure bidding is done properly. Well prepared drawings and specifications can help minimize time spent responding to inquiries during bidding.

A reputable contractor will build a quality home at a fair price.

One important thing to consider before deciding if you want to award a contract by competitive bidding is what the priorities are for your project. Bidding can be a way to get a project built for the lowest cost, but sometimes construction quality can suffer in this type of relationship. If creating a high quality home is your top priority, it may be better to select a reputable contractor early in the process, foster a good relationship with them, and then develop a project budget that everyone can agree on before signing a contract.  A good contractor knows who the best subcontractors and suppliers are, and unless one really stands above the rest, can secure the best quality at the best value by providing at least two bids from most of them.

Tom Russell, LEED AP and John Hendricks, Architect AIA, NCARB

There are many builders in the Northwest who build quality heavy timber construction. If you are interested in creating a mountain style home, we would enjoy the opportunity to work with you on the design, and can recommend some excellent Contractors.  Hendricks Architecture specializes in the design of timber mountain style homes and cabins.  While it is not the only type of architecture we design, most of the homes we’ve completed are in mountain resort areas throughout the West.  If you are interested in a mountain home, or you have any other inquiries, please contact us.

Hendricks Architecture, mountain architects in Sandpoint, Idaho.

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Stone Cladding Options

Stone has been used throughout history on buildings of many styles as a cladding material.  Until relatively recent times it was used for structural applications in foundations and wall construction. In modern construction, stone is used primarily as a cladding option to cover less attractive structural substrates. Stacked stone isn’t a good structural material.  It can support a lot of weight, but because it is difficult to reinforce with steel, it is notoriously bad at surviving earthquake events, and thus doesn’t meet the strict requirements that architects must meet in modern building codes.

Stone accents on a Grand Canyon ranger station help give the building a bold appearance.

Architects use stone on building exteriors to create a sense of permanence and solidity. Drawing from the historical precedent of stacked stone building foundations, stone veneer is often used around the base of a building to visually anchor it to the land. Stone is also commonly used on fireplaces, chimneys, column bases, planters, landscape elements and even as an interior wall finish.

Stone cladding (also called stone veneer) is available in many forms. Many historic and modern style buildings use cut stone slabs as a wall finish material. Similar to the slabs used for making counter-tops, this type of stone cladding is used to create a refined look with clean, straight lines. In the nature themed mountain style homes we design at Hendricks Architecture, stone veneer is used in a more rustic application. Stacked stone masonry fireplaces, foundations, column bases, and landscape features add an organic aesthetic and help buildings blend in with their surroundings.

Stacked stone foundation

The types of stacked stone masonry commonly used on mountain homes are available in three basic forms, all of which have advantages and disadvantages. Here is an overview of the three options:

Thick stone veneer is the traditional and time tested stacked stone application, and uses real stones that are cut or broken to be 4″ – 6″ thick. Applied over concrete, masonry, or wood substrates, thick stone veneer is the most realistic looking, but is also the most expensive. Because it is heavy, thick stone is costly to transport, handle, install and support. Substantial structure is required to support stone installations and keep them from moving or failing over time, and this accounts for a good portion of the cost. Thick stone masonry allows individual stones to be offset horizontally, creating a more natural look that adds rustic appeal. It is also the best material to use if a true dry stack look is desired.

Thick stone veneer on a bus stop.

Thin stone veneer also utilizes real stone, but minimizes the weight by cutting the individual stones to a thickness of ¾” to 1 ½”. A quality installation of thin stone veneer will resemble a thick stone installation (it’s the same basic material), but this type of stone doesn’t allow for the horizontal relief that can be achieved with thick stone, and thus shadows and perceived textures are not the same. Thin stone looks more refined and less organic. This type of stone has the highest material cost, but ends up being approximately 15% less expensive installed cost than thick veneer because of savings in structural costs, transportation, handling and installation labor.

Thin stone veneer piers on a home under construction.

Thin stone comes with specially made pieces that are “L” shaped to make corners appear as if full thickness veneer was used. We recommend using thin stone veneer on less visible applications and in locations where the cost to create the structure required for thick veneer is significant. Rooftop chimneys are a good place to use thin veneer, whereas a masonry fireplace that is right at eye level and already has the structure to support stone might be a better place for thicker stone.  Another option is to mix in 30% full  stone with 70% thin stone to achieve a more natural, textured application.

Full stone mixed in with thin stone to achieve more texture.

Another texture option is to place other masonry materials, such as bricks, into the mix.  This is an “Old World” application and is seen on many European structures, including in Tuscany, where stone and other materials were recycled from older buildings (even Roman ruins) or whatever was available.  Brick has also been mixed with stone, in a more refined way, in some homes of the Arts and Crafts movement.

Cultured stone is a manufactured product made of formed lightweight concrete that is stained or colored to look like stone. Depending on the brand, cultured stone can be in the form of individual stones or panels that are shaped to key together. Cultured stone is the lightest weight option, owing to the highly porous material from which it is made. Structural requirements to support it are minimal, but because it is so porous cultured stone absorbs and wicks water. It needs to be installed properly and placed over suitable substrates or it can lead to moisture problems and premature failure.

Cultured stone is the least expensive option, but is also the least convincing. Some brands look better than others, but no cultured stone I have seen looks or feels like real stone. Additionally, after several years cultured stone will begin to fade when exposed to sunlight.  Almost all manufacturers of cultured stone recommend that it not be installed below grade, and this can lead to installations that are awkward and unconvincing. Many applications of cultured stone leave the material hanging above the ground (and 6″ to 8″ above soil), giving the building the appearance of floating.

One of the problems with cultured stone - a cultured stone wall "floating" above a patio.

When any type of stone is used on foundations, window bays, or any application where the support structure is not an obvious part of the design (such as an arch or beam), it should engage with the ground. To be a valid architectural element, stone should appear to support the building instead of the building supporting the stone.

Natural stone is a beautiful material that can enhance the look and durability of most styles of architecture. As architects of mountain homes, we believe stone, and native stone in particular, is an important material to help a building harmonize with the landscape and appear to “grow from the land”.

Tom Russell, LEED AP and John Hendricks, AIA Architect

Hendricks Architecture specializes in the design of mountain style homes and cabins, often with a rugged, rustic appearance including the use of stone and timbers.  Most of the homes we’ve completed are in mountain resort areas throughout the West.  Visit our portfolio for examples of some of our recently completed custom projects.  If you are interested in a mountain home, or you have any other inquiries, please contact us.

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Fireplace Options

In the Mountain West, where we do most of our work, the majority of homes have some type of fireplace. Some statistics suggest that more than 75% of home buyers in these areas want a home with a fireplace. We specialize in mountain architecture and I can’t remember a home that didn’t have a fireplace of some type.  Having once spent several days without heat during a mid winter storm induced power outage, I can be counted among this majority. Fireplaces (or heating stoves) provide a focal point and gathering place that can be as aesthetic as it is functional.

Lake Quinault Lodge Masonry Fireplace

Fireplaces and heating stoves come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and styles. For those who want some type of fireplace in their home, there are a number of things to consider when making the choice of which is best for you. Factors such as desired function, type of application, space requirements, cost, and willingness to do the work required for burning wood should be considered.

If you are considering wood burning, check local regulations to make sure it is allowed. Some municipalities with air quality problems restrict or don’t allow wood burning, including many resort towns that are located in mountain valleys with winter temperature inversions.

Available options range from traditional open masonry fireplaces to modern high-efficiency airtight wood or gas stoves that are as artistic as they are functional. Following is a broad overview to present some of the choices.

The Lake McDonald Lodge masonry fireplace at Glacier National Park. The opening is about 6'-6" high.

Masonry Fireplaces – The most traditional (and most expensive), this is the choice for those seeking authenticity and a powerful presence. Masonry fireplaces have a high thermal mass, which works well to radiate heat when it is kept warm, but can have the opposite effect when it is cold. Open face fireplaces also lose most of the heat they produce up the chimney, and in some cases they draw warm air out of the room and send it up the chimney as well. A tight fitting damper  can help control heat loss when the fireplace is not in use.

Masonry fireplaces require the most space, and are often continuous from the foundation all the way to the top of the chimney.  A substantial foundation is required to support the weight of a masonry fireplace, so adding one to an existing home is often not practical.

One type of masonry fireplace, the Rumford style, is designed specifically for heating, and is the most energy efficient open face fireplace for space heating.

A Precast Masonry Rumford Style Fireplace with Custom Surround by Pacific Construction.

A fairly recent advance in masonry fireplace technology is the development of precast firebox and chimney components, which speeds up installation time and offers a UL listed system. Many of these are of the Rumford style.  If you aren’t going to burn wood, building a full masonry fireplace is probably not practical, though masonry fireplaces can and often are equipped with a gas supply for possible future conversion or for a gas log lighter.

Prefabricated Fireplaces – One alternative to the traditional masonry fireplace is to use a prefabricated firebox which can be used with a stone or brick veneer surround to resemble a true masonry fireplace. The construction required for these “insert fireplaces” is much less complicated (hence less expensive) than true masonry, and prefabricated units are more airtight and efficient. They can be equipped with fans that circulate air in a confined space around the firebox and blow it into the room (and in some cases throughout the house) to enhance heating. It is possible to in some cases to retrofit an existing fireplace with a new insert to upgrade its efficiency. Prefabricated fireboxes are available in both gas and wood burning versions, with some models able to do both.

Prefabricated Gas Fireplace with Custom Surround.

Wood or Gas Stoves – These are free standing appliances that are typically much more efficient at heating than any type of built-in fireplace. They require less space, less fuel, and come in a wide variety of styles from very traditional to ultra modern. It is possible to use wood or gas stoves as a primary heat source if they are well located and properly sized, but a wood stove would require a backup system for extended absences and for individual control of private spaces. Gas stoves are usually thermostatically controlled and have blowers on them to increase heating effectiveness. Wood stoves are especially effective if they are close to a large thermal mass such as a masonry wall or concrete slab. Some stoves are clad with slabs of soapstone or a similar material that stores and radiates heat over long periods of time.

Avalon Wood Stove

The decision to burn wood or gas is a personal one, unless you live somewhere where the air quality regulators have already made this decision. Gas is more convenient, doesn’t require storage space, is available just about everywhere, and is cleaner.  The cost of gas versus wood depends on the prevailing prices in your area and the efficiency of the device you are using.

Nothing beats the ambiance of a real wood fire, but this pleasure isn’t without its costs. Wood requires storage space, it’s messy, contributes to air pollution, and it requires work on the user’s part. Even if you buy wood and have someone stack it, someone needs to move it to the fireplace, start the fire, and keep it burning. If you are equipped and willing to cut your own wood, the cost is minimal but the effort is significant. As the saying goes, firewood heats twice – once when you burn it and once when you produce it.

Tom Russell, LEED AP and John Hendricks, AIA Architect

Hendricks Architecture, mountain architects located in Sandpoint, Idaho.  Visit our portfolio for examples of some of our recently completed custom projects.

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The Importance of an Interior Designer

One cannot stress the importance of an interior designer enough.  While architects will design a structure as a whole, various consultants may be brought into the process.  Architects need to have a broad knowledge of all aspects of the design and construction process to be effective as professionals, but it is virtually impossible for us to be experts in all that is involved in the complicated building enterprise.  We rely on consultants who are specialists in various disciplines to help us design buildings and to contribute in making them a reality.  One of these consultants is the interior designer.

Interior designers work with architects to create a cohesive whole.

We recommend involving interior designers in most of our projects.  While we often will draw up interior elevations, lighting plans, furniture plans, material specifications and schedules, we like to defer to interior designers for their expertise in refining interior spaces to the highest level of comfort and aesthetic quality. Typically we like to involve them in our initial meetings with the Owner.  In that way we are looking at the project as a team with a cohesive goal in mind, rather than designing the architecture and then trying to make the interior colors and spaces work.

An Interior Designer will help coordinate the Interiors with the Architect and Owner.

Interior designers specialize in choosing color schemes, as well as selecting furnishings, fixtures and finishes. Anyone who has ever attempted to do something as seemingly uncomplicated as selecting coordinated fixtures for a home, or choosing interior finishes that work well together knows that the sheer number of choices is overwhelming.

Researching and shopping for fixtures can be incredibly time consuming, and having someone come to you that knows how to select and source these products is a huge time saver.   I have seen homeowners attempt the task of decorating a large house, only to be overwhelmed and eventually taking over a year to furnish it incompletely.  Interior designers are not free, but they can complete the task in a much smaller amount of time, and can actually save owners on costs.  These cost savings may be in the form of cost discounts, more cost effective fixtures, and “time is money” savings.

Interior Designers can help make a home comfortably suit the homeowner's tastes.

While some homeowners can do a passable job of selecting furnishings and finishes, interior designers have the experience and knowledge to specify coordinating and tasteful products that will enhance any interior space. Finding what you want at a price that fits your budget isn’t always easy, but interior designers are experts at this.  They have a vast knowledge base of what products are available, where to get them, the level of quality, and what other products can be selected to compliment them.

The famous architect Frank Lloyd Wright was so worried that his clients would select inappropriate interior finishes and furnishings that he would often design the furniture, fabrics, light fixtures, and occasionally even the tableware for his client’s homes.  Mr. Wright was an extremist in this sense, but his intention was to see his designs achieve their greatest potential by being adorned with quality, tasteful fixtures and furnishings.  Most interior designers can help achieve this objective with less zealous design autonomy and more input from the client.

An Interior Designer may design the ceilings, cabinets, countertops, plumbing & lighting fixtures, floors, tile walls, towel bars and furnishings, as shown in this Master Bath.

For the projects we design, we recommend that clients consider Jane Scott of Jane Scott Design to help with the design of their interiors. Jane does a great job of designing many of the interiors of the mountain style homes we specialize in, and she has a way with people that makes them feel comfortable and confident in her abilities. We enjoy working with her and our clients appear to as well.

For more on Jane, see the January 2009 issue of Cowboys & Indians Magazine or the March 2008 issue of Spokane/ Couer d’ Alene Living Magazine.

Tom Russell, LEED AP and John Hendricks, AIA Architect

Hendricks Architecture, mountain architects located in Sandpoint, Idaho.

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Winter Construction in the Mountains

One of the primary challenges of winter construction in the mountains is timing and scheduling. If you are considering building a home in the mountains, or anywhere else in snow country, planning the start of your project to avoid outside work in the winter will save you money and construction time. That’s easy to say, but it is not uncommon for projects planned for spring starts to be delayed until late in the year because of such things as building department delays or funding challenges.

While it is not the ideal situation, building construction can still be done outside in the winter, even in areas with freezing temperatures and lots of snow. The best scenario for construction work to continue through the winter months is to have the roof on the building, the windows in, insulation done and enough interior work to keep crews busy through the coldest months.  For those not lucky enough to be in this situation, it is still possible to keep the project moving during the winter, but expect progress to be noticeably slower and costs to be higher.

A mountain home ready for some winter interior construction.

Timing construction projects to avoid working in (and sometimes on) the ground during winter is one of the most important scheduling issues. Foundation work is often not feasible in winter because of frozen ground, high groundwater levels, frost heaving, and the danger of concrete freezing before it is adequately cured. If you can’t get started early enough in the fall to get the foundation in and at least partially backfilled, it is advisable to wait until spring before breaking ground.

A building with a foundation completed before winter arrived.

Here are some things to consider that may help avoid having to do outside construction in the winter:

• Start design in the summer or early fall the year before you want to start building. Have a good idea of what you want before getting started, and submit for a building permit during the winter when the building department workload is light so you can have a permit in hand when the snow melts. Spring and early summer is the building department’s peak season, and often leads to sizable delays. Avoid the bottleneck and start early.
• If your project does get a late start, it may be more cost effective to get the foundation and floor framing done, and then seal and tarp everything for the winter. This will give you a good start in the spring, and the cost of construction loan interest early in the project may be less than the added cost of working through the winter.
• It may be less expensive to have more workers or pay overtime during the summer and fall to get the project enclosed than to be paying the extra costs for winter construction.

A home being built through the winter.

If it works out that your project will need to have framing or exterior envelope work done in the winter, it’s not the end of the world. Building professionals in snow country do it all the time, and some even claim to enjoy it. A few things to keep in mind if your project is being built in the winter:

• There will almost certainly be some days lost to weather. Bad weather is inevitable in the winter, and working outside is sometimes just not possible.
• Snow removal is an essential, and will most certainly cost you extra. Review your contract carefully and discuss it with your contractor so everyone is clear on responsibilities and expectations.
• Consider having the wall framing prefabricated. This is becoming more common and is a good alternative to framing outside in the winter.
• Workers and their tools are not as efficient when it’s cold, especially below freezing.
• Some materials require special storage and handling, or don’t work at all when it’s cold. Concrete products, paint, stucco, drywall mud and glues don’t like low temperatures.  Non-chloride chemical accelerators may be used to increase the rate of concrete strength gain, and insulated blankets and heaters can protect the concrete from freezing after it’s first poured.
• Masonry work requires tenting and heat if temperatures will be below freezing during or for a period after installation.
• Temporary heat will need to be provided for workers and to keep some materials warm
• Special care needs to be taken to store materials where they will stay dry and not be damaged or lost under snow.
• Installing materials that are wet or frozen can lead to shrinkage & moisture problems in the future.
• Roofing is difficult in the winter. If it looks like getting the finish roof on isn’t possible before the snow flies, it may make sense to dry in with a durable underlayment or ice and water shield that will last through the winter and keep things dry.
• If siding will be done in the winter, it is a good idea to have it prefinished so it is protected both on the ground and after it is installed.

A winter masonry tent.

One thing I have learned from many years of being in the architecture and home building business, including several winters building homes in the mountains, is that things might take longer than we think they will. If you are planning to build a home in snow country, start the process early and plan ahead to avoid starting construction late in the summer or fall. If things don’t go as planned and it is necessary for your project to continue through the winter, have realistic expectations and make sure to communicate with the contractor about what work is occurring, how it will be accomplished, and if it makes sense to do it in the winter. Most builders want to work through the winter, and tend to be stoic about the challenges it presents. There are definitely advantages to keeping the momentum of a project going, and often the best strategy is to keep working on aspects of the project that can be done efficiently in winter, and save the rest for spring.

Tom Russell, LEED AP and John Hendricks, Architect AIA, NCARB

Hendricks Architecture, mountain architects in Sandpoint, Idaho.

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Timber Frame vs. Timber Post and Beam Construction

Being an architect who designs heavy timber homes, I’ve found that there is a lot of confusion between timber frame vs. timber post and beam construction, even within the industry and among professionals. While there is some gray area in the distinction between them, there are real differences between these styles.

Before we delve into the differences, it should be noted that one characteristic of both timber frame and post and beam construction is the articulation of the skeleton of a building.  This is achieved by exposing timber or log components as an honest expression of the building frame, giving it a rugged, rustic appearance. When it is thoughtfully designed and carefully constructed, the beauty of timber construction becomes the primary visual element of a building, and additional ornamentation or decoration is unnecessary. Implicit in carefully crafted exposed timberwork is a respect for the material.  This has become a mainstay in true Mountain Style Architecture.

A Timber Frame Kitchen by Collin Beggs

Timber Framing

Timber Framing is a traditional form of wood construction that has origins in early furniture making, and can be traced back to early oriental architecture. Some timber frame buildings erected during medieval times in old Europe are still standing, a testament to the integrity and longevity of this building system.

Timber Frame Bracket

True timber frames rely on tight fitting joinery, the integrity of the materials, and critical geometry to create a self supporting structure.  Because mechanical fasteners were not readily available and had to be hand made until relatively modern times, timber frames were (and still are) held together using wood pegs or wedges. By driving pegs into slightly misaligned holes in mating frame elements, timber framers are able to draw parts together to create surprisingly stiff connections. The real beauty of timber frame joints is often what you don’t see – they tend to be intricate hidden surfaces designed to lock together inside the members.  The New England Barn Company has a great pictorial glossary on timber frame joints.  Timber pegs are usually critical structural links, and hence are made of robust wood species like oak, ash, or maple. Pegs are usually exposed and made prominent to emphasize their importance in the system.

Timber Frame homes can be fun!

Timber framing is a specialty craft that requires careful joinery, specialty tools, and skilled, patient carpenters. Some purist practitioners of timber framing use only hand tools out of respect for the craft tradition. Timber framing tends to be more expensive than timber post and beam construction, though some of the added cost is offset by the fact that a well designed timber frame doesn’t need to rely on shear walls or infill framing to achieve lateral stability.

A Timber Frame Den by Collin Beggs

If you interested in learning more about timber framing, Ted Benson has some excellent books on the subject.

In the Northwest, Timber Frames by Colin Beggs is a premier builder of timber frame homes.  Residing in Sandpoint, Idaho,  Collin is a humble young craftsman with extensive timber framing experience, and will be speaking at the Timber Framers Guild Conference in Saratoga Springs, New York this November.  His topic is “Rampant Evangelism to Expedite the Evolution of Timber Framers into Master Builders”.  Collin notes, “The biggest difference that I find between Timber Framing and conventional construction is the pure joy that the craftsman and client receive when taking part in the process.  Timber Frame raisings are an epic event that define the relationship between community and it’s built environment.”

Timber Frames By Collin Beggs

Post and Beam Construction

Many mountain style homes employ some elements of wood timber construction, either as the main structural system or as accents in the form of trusses, roof supports, brackets, braces, or corbels. Post and beam construction often resembles timber framing, with the important distinction that post and beam construction utilizes mechanical fasteners and often steel plate connectors to join adjacent members together. These connectors may be hidden or exposed in various ways. Wood post and beam frames are rarely used as the only structural system for a building, usually they require additional structural elements like shear panels and infill framing to create a stable structure.

Post and Beam Entrance by Hendricks Architecture

Like timber framing, post and beam construction also requires skilled carpenters to create tight, well crafted joints, but fabrication and assembly tends to be less time consuming and intricate. It often takes a trained eye to distinguish between a true timber frame and well done post and beam construction.  Cost and the desire for authenticity are important factors in deciding which system to use. Timber post and beam construction shares with timber framing an appreciation for the beauty of wood and careful connections, but nods in deference when it comes to purity of tradition and level of craft.

A modern timber post and beam home interior

For more photographs of mountain style homes featuring post and beam construction, see our architectural projects.

There are many builders in the Sandpoint area who build quality heavy timber construction. If you are interested in creating a mountain style timber home, we would enjoy the opportunity to work with you on the design, and can recommend some excellent Contractors.  Hendricks Architecture specializes in the design of timber mountain style homes and cabins.  While it is not the only type of architecture we design, most of the homes we’ve completed are in mountain resort areas throughout the West.  Most of our clients are looking for mountain style homes, often with a rugged, rustic appearance. If you are interested in a mountain home, or you have any other inquiries, please contact us.

Tom Russell, LEED AP and John Hendricks, Architect AIA, NCARB

Hendricks Architecture, mountain architects in Sandpoint, Idaho.

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Surviving Architecture School

Surviving architecture school can be a tough road, depending on how you look at it.  When I went to Texas Tech University in the late 80′s there were over 400 students in my freshman class.  Less than fifty of us graduated on schedule.  Most of the others dropped out, switched majors, or graduated later.  These numbers might be enough to scare anybody off, but the fact of the matter is if you stick with it, remain positive (and realistic), and have fun while working hard, you’re going to pass.

Before I go on, I’d like to note that, yes, I understand that the 80′s may be ancient history to some of you.  Computer classes were electives back then.  Men wore pink shirts and parachute pants, even in Texas.  Some even listened to and had hair like The Flock of Seagulls.  The fact of the matter is, the concepts in architecture school are still basically the same whether you’re using the drawing board or the computer.

Anyways, most of the drop off happens the first year.  The professors do this quickly so you’re not wasting your time. Some professors will give you those same scary statistics in the first few weeks of school.  Soon after, 10% of the students have disappeared.  The professors will work you hard enough that you may miss some parties and some sleep.  This will get rid of several more.

Everybody hears about the sleepless nights of an architecture student.  In many cases this is true.  There is a way to avoid it though – Don’t Procrastinate!  In my first year we had many small design projects, most averaging around three to four weeks in length.  I watched many students do absolutely nothing the first week or two, then work late nights the last week.  I learned pretty quickly that if I started much earlier my mind was much fresher, the designs were better thought out, and I slept peacefully that last week while many of the other students were working late or pulling all nighters.  Plus I always knew that I am one of those people that just needs sleep more than most.

I did stay up all night once, and this was unavoidable.  In my second year my professor gave us a short two week project.  It was a large viking museum.  We had two weeks for design, revisions, renderings and a model.  I worked on it every day for those two weeks.  I remember it was due on a Friday afternoon.  The Sunday night before I had my last eight hour night of sleep.  The next few nights I had six, four and two hours of sleep.  Thursday night I didn’t sleep at all, spending all night working in the architecture building with all of the other students.  The next morning many of us had a quiz in another class.  We all failed, and I fell asleep during the test.  Later that afternoon as I was finishing up my project, I was drawing a line on one of my renderings and fell asleep again.  I ended up drawing a big fat line across the whole rendering.

Architecture school really isn’t all that bad if you enjoy creating things.  The projects are typically more fun than many projects architects work on in the real world, and I’ve always enjoyed art classes.  One of my art professors told us that once you really understand shade and shadow, the whole world opens up, and you see things differently.  That always stuck with me, and I soon saw and understood how he was right.

The professors bring up all types of fun projects.  In one design class we each had to design a chair using only paper and string.  We all had to sit in our chairs during the critique.  Unfortunately for me, I was one of the last ones to present.  I sat there watching the others as my chair slowly sagged towards the floor.

During our last year we could choose any project we wanted for our thesis.  We spent the fall researching and writing a program.  In the spring we worked on the design.  I chose to design a clubhouse and resort facility for the Fresno Yacht Club at Millerton Lake.  I grew up as a member of the club (and hope to sail in next weekend’s High Sierra Regatta at Huntington Lake) and always sailed by a point on the lake where I imagined would be a great location for a clubhouse and restaurant.

Every professor had his or her quirks.  One seemed like he wore the same clothes every day.  Another must have had a full closet of ties and wore a new one every day.  One you weren’t sure if he was looking at you or not, always looking from the corner of his eye.  Another had a questionable gender.  The fact of the matter though, is they all had something to offer, they all had talent, and they all wanted to teach.  Learn from them.  Resist taking classes from the same professor twice.  I’ve come to realize that there’s no such thing as a person without quirks.  We’re all better off because Albert Einstein had quirks.

A Thesis Rendering of The Fresno Yacht Club

Be a sponge and absorb everything.  One of my professors was either a student or employee of Louis Kahn and would share stories about him.  Peter Eisenman, a very prominent  architect and a member of the famed New York Five (famed in the architecture world), came to give a lecture.  Our professors also taught us the works of all the great architects.  I fell in love with the imaginative architectural designs of Frank Gehry and Charles Moore.  That was before Gehry was into the curves and was, along with Eisenman, unfairly labeled as a deconstructivist.  Now, Frank Gehry’s sculptured geometries may have elevated him to being probably the most imaginative architect, if not the best architect of the last fifty years.

The Frank Gehry designed Bilbao Museum

One last thing I would recommend is to work for a contractor or framer before attending school or during the summers if you’re able.  I worked for a small contractor named Tom Leonard the summer before going to architecture school.  In 3 months we remodeled a business office, framed a house in Monterey, and a cabin in Big Creek, near Shaver Lake.  The house and cabin we did everything from digging the foundations with shovels to laying plywood sheathing on the roof.  In those three months I learned more that’s stayed with me than any of my years in school.  Not just in how buildings go together, but in the value of hard work and the understanding of life from a contractor’s perspective.  I learned the value of a well designed, complete set of plans, as well as the value of a good contractor.  Tom used to tell me things that still stick ,like, “When you go to architecture school, make sure you dimension the fireplace!”

Architecture is a rewarding field.  Very few things are more gratifying than making people’s dreams come true and seeing your work around town.  In most cases work you design will remain long after your gone.  In architecture school the camaraderie you have with your fellow students is much more pronounced than most, if not all majors.  And besides, how hard of work is it when all you’re doing is building models and drawing pictures?

Friends in charcoal

John Hendricks, Architect AIA

Hendricks Architecture specializes in residential design, most specifically in the design of mountain style homes and cabins.  We’re located in Sandpoint, Idaho.

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Energy Efficiency

At Hendricks Architecture, we specialize in the design of mountain style homes and cabins.  We try to make these as energy efficient as possible to save homeowners on long term heating and cooling costs.  We educate them on the practicalities, costs and benefits of energy efficiency throughout the design process.

According to Residential Design & Build Magazine, 2008′s most asked for feature in a house was energy efficiency.  Currently, Americans use approximately 25% of the world’s energy, and roughly 21% of this is consumed in our homes.  Whether we knew it or not, energy efficiency has always been at the forefront of the green and sustainable movements, and is an important part of the LEED process.  As architects, we are committed to doing our part to promote and implement energy efficiency in the homes we design.

There are numerous ways that energy efficiency measures can be incorporated into a new or existing home, and often these measures will also enhance the appearance, functionality, and resale value of a home. Some of the strategies are listed below.  This is not an exhaustive list but an overview of readily available measures that we can use to enhance the energy efficiency of your home. Many people think  adding energy saving measures to a home will initially cost more, and in many cases this is true. In some cases, just making the appropriate design decisions can save energy and not cost any more. It is important to measure additional first costs against long term savings in energy costs, and consider that no one is predicting cheaper energy costs in the future.

DESIGN AND EMBODIED ENERGY

Probably the most fundamental step in creating an energy saving home is to design it for space and functional efficiency. Minimizing non usable space (hallways are one example) and creating spaces that can serve more than one function like Guest/ Exercise or Laundry/ Mud rooms can reduce the overall building area that needs to be heated or cooled. Open plans tend to feel bigger than they are, and save space that would have to be taken up by walls, doors, etc. A good reference for these strategies is Sara Susanka’s “The Not So Big House”.

It is also worth considering the energy use that goes into everything used in the construction of a home. Materials require energy to manufacture, package, store, deliver, etc.  Almost every decision made during the design process has some impact on the energy use of your home.

SITING, ORIENTATION, & MASSING

A home should be located on its site to allow access to the sun, protection from prevailing winds, minimize site disturbance, and use natural elements to provide shading and shelter. Stacking a building’s spaces whenever possible reduces the footprint and the surface area through which heat can escape. Below grade spaces benefit from the relatively constant 50 degree temperature of the earth, reducing or eliminating cooling cost during the summer.

WINDOW DESIGN AND DAYLIGHTING

Windows serve several functions in a well designed home. Besides framing views and providing a connection with the outdoors, windows allow natural light to enter, provide free ventilation, insulate against heat loss, and help heat indoor spaces when exposed to direct sunlight. Windows are a crucial element in a home’s design and function, and should be carefully sized, located and detailed. Windows are the weak link in a buildings thermal envelope, so it is important to select quality windows with a low U value.

Use clerestory windows to help bring in light

Placing windows to provide ample daylighting will save on lighting costs and the number of fixtures needed. Locating windows to take advantage of solar exposure will reduce heating costs and HVAC equipment required. Direct sunlight does not make for good daylighting, primarily because of glare. The best daylighting utilizes reflected or indirect light from transom, clerestory, or north facing windows. Skylights and solar tubes can be used to provide daylight to interior rooms.

ROOFS, OVERHANGS, AND SHADING

A roof should be designed to shade windows that are exposed to direct sunlight in the summer months. Because the sun is lower in the sky in the winter, roof overhangs should be sized to allow direct sunlight to enter the windows during winter months, maximizing solar heat gain to offset heating costs. On building facades where overhangs are not able to provide shade (gables, etc.), pergolas, awnings, or other shading devices should be considered.  Devices that shade lower windows and act as a light shelf for upper windows are particularly effective.

Providing broad overhangs reduces summer heat gain, yet brings in the winter sun.

A house’s roofing material also affects energy consumption. Lighter colored or reflective roofing reduces heat gain, and a well ventilated or cold roof will help keep attic spaces cooler, reducing cooling costs.

INSULATION AND THERMAL MASS

It is well know that the better insulated a house is, the more energy sufficient it will be. Building codes dictate minimum insulation values for all new construction. Any insulation value beyond the minimum required will be money well spent, especially in roof/ attic spaces where most heat loss occurs. Several insulation products are available that can provide enhanced R-values and provide a tighter building envelope. It is worth considering spray applied foam insulation, blow in blanket, or rigid sheet insulation rather than conventional fiberglass batts.

Spray applied foam insulation.

SIPS panels are also an energy saving system that can be used in lieu of conventional stud framing. In stud/ cavity wall systems, thermal bridging occurs that allows heat to pass through studs that contact exterior materials. SIPS panels have a solid sheet of rigid insulation sandwiched between plywood sheets, and no thermal bridging occurs. They are commonly used on roofs and for wall systems in post and beam construction.

SIPS Panels

Thermal mass is the ability of a material to absorb and store heat that is radiated slowly. Materials like concrete, stone, brick, and water all have a high thermal mass. A well placed thermal mass will absorb solar radiation or heat from a fire, and radiate it slowly to keep a space warm overnight or for several days. Concrete or gypcrete floors can be heated by solar or gas fired hydronic systems to provide an even heat that feels warmer than heated air at the same temperature.

NATURAL VENTILATION

Operable windows, ceiling fans, and design that utilizes “stack effect” can all be used to passively cool a space, saving energy that would be required by A/C systems. Ceiling fans can be used in rooms with vaulted ceilings to circulate heated air that collects in the peak of the ceiling. Night venting (operating outside air ventilation systems overnight) can also be used to cool a space without using excess energy. Operable windows in bathrooms will also save energy by eliminating the need for exhaust fans when weather permits.

HVAC EQUIPMENT AND APPLIANCES

Heating and cooling equipment are available in a wide range of efficiencies and types. Choosing high efficiency equipment that is Energy Star certified, using insulated duct systems, programmable thermostats, and creating multiple zones for heating & cooling are simple energy saving strategies.

If you live in an area where gas is not available, heat pumps are much more efficient than electric resistance heating. Radiant heating systems with a high efficiency boiler are generally more comfortable and efficient than forced air systems, but are best used in homes that are regularly occupied and should be supplemented with ventilation systems. If a home is used only occasionally, radiant heat may not be the best choice from a cost standpoint, as it takes much longer to raise the temperature of a home to comfortable levels. If you are considering air conditioning with a radiant system, remember that you will be installing two systems since A/C requires a network of ducts to distribute cooled air.

Appliances (especially refrigerators, freezers, and ice makers) consume significant energy. Buying Energy Star appliances are a good way to increase the energy efficiency of your home at minimal extra cost.

We would love to talk to you about ways to increase the energy efficiency of your current home, or to help you design a new home that utilizes these energy saving strategies.

Tom Russell, LEED AP, Project Manager

Hendricks Architecture, mountain architects in Sandpoint, Idaho.

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Mountain Architecture

What is Mountain Architecture?  The mountain architecture vernacular consists of bold, natural and textured buildings and materials.  These buildings should functionally and aesthetically withstand rugged mountainous environments, as well as blend into the topography.

Mountain homes should take advantage of nature by bringing the outdoors in through ample amounts of glazing and natural materials, and by extending indoor living spaces to the outside (outdoor living rooms) with decks, terraces and other exterior areas.  A home exterior should look like it has grown out of the site rather than being lowered down from a helicopter.  It can take advantage of the surrounding trees, boulders and other landforms by incorporating them into the home and the outdoor living rooms, and designing around them.  Interiors should have a good range of natural materials and forms.  These are often more rustic than the typical home, and sometimes have an Old World appearance.  Designed tastefully, this will often give the home a Rustic Elegance.

Mountain architecture is generally massed to taper down into the site.  Multiple volumes conform to the existing terrain and are in scale with the existing landscape.  Large, symmetrical, obtrusive building forms are often avoided.  Some single story elements help keep a mountain home residential in scale.

Broad sheltering roofs appear to cascade down in steps or multi-level designs, and protect against winter snow, spring rain and summer sun.  Roofs generally have a 4:12 to 12:12 pitch.  Depending on the locality, there is little ornamentation.  For instance, the rugged, bold architecture of Big Sky and Whitefish in Montana, Telluride, Colorado and Jackson Hole, Wyoming may often have less ornamentation and detail than buildings in Vail, Colorado and Lake Tahoe.

Architects who design mountain architecture most often utilize natural materials and colors.  Roofs may consist of cedar shakes or slate,  sometimes with copper accents.  Siding is frequently cedar (boards or logs) and stone.  Recycled barn wood is sometimes used for a more rustic look.  If wood is to be stained it should let the natural grains show through.  The stone should be bigger at the base to give it an anchored and structural appearance.  Large mortar joints should be avoided in the mountain style.

In the mountains, columns, beams, rafters and other structural elements are bigger and bolder for protection against heavy snow loads.   These are typically douglas fir and/or reclaimed wood.  Windows are typically kept to a minimum on the front elevation, while opening up to broad views on the back or view elevations, which many times have daylight basements to take advantage of the steep slopes.  Windows typically have wood or metal clad (aluminum, copper or bronze) frames.  These frames can have an aged patina for an older appearance.  Garage doors are wood, many times in the carriage style.

Landscaping is also an important element in quality mountain architecture.  Home sites should be designed for maximum privacy, minimal visibility, minimized grading and disruption of natural drainage.  Sites are kept natural by containing water runoff, and enhancing the natural landforms and vegetation.  Smart design should keep retaining walls to a minimum, both to preserve a natural look as well as save on costs.  These retaining walls are most often natural stone.  Vegetation will help these walls blend into the site.

Other landscape elements include native hardscaping (patios, walkways), and minimal walls, fences and gates.  When these are incorporated they should look open and natural, and relate to the building.  A good architect or landscape architect should know of some good tricks here for the benefits of privacy and the homeowner’s personal tastes.  Driveways are often natural materials such as stone, but are more cost effective with concrete (colored, stamped, aggregate), pre-cast pavers, or asphalt.

Mountain style architecture has similar elements to other vernaculars.  These include Montana ranch, rustic western style, and historic logging and mining styles.   Craftsman/Arts & Crafts, Chalet, Prairie, Japanese and even Tuscan elements can be incorporated into the mountain style if done tastefully.

Mountain Architecture generally occurs in the mountains of the West, and in pockets of the Northeast and Southeast.  In the West, besides the previously mentioned Vail, Jackson Hole, Big Sky, Whitefish, Telluride and Lake Tahoe, other areas with mountain style homes include Sun Valley, Coeur d’Alene, Sandpoint and Priest Lake in Idaho, Aspen, Steamboat Springs, Durango and Crested Butte in Colorado, and Park City in Utah.   In Southwestern Canada, Whistler is by far the most popular mountain resort area, and will host the 2010 Winter Olympics.  Canmore in Alberta is popular with it’s close proximity to Banff, and was the site of the nordic events when Calgary hosted the 1988 Winter Olympics.

For further information, please also see or blog on Origins of Mountain Architecture in America.

Feel free to peruse more mountain architecture photos and renderings.  Hendricks Architecture specializes in the design of luxury mountain style homes and cabins.  While it is not the only type of work we design, most of the homes we’ve completed are in mountain resort areas throughout the West.  Most of our clients are looking for mountain style homes, often fairly rustic. If you are interested in having us design you a mountain home, or you have any other inquiries, please contact us.

John Hendricks, AIA Architect

Hendricks Architecture, mountain architects located in Sandpoint, Idaho.

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Clark Fork Career Day

When I was in high school I took a test that would tell me what I could be when I grew up.  When I finished it listed several engineers, a dentist, and a stuntman.  I thought the first two would be too boring, and didn’t think I’d earn enough to support my future lavish lifestyle.  So I decided to become a screen writer.  After failed attempts to make it into USC’s film school, I decided to be an architect, my next favorite choice.  I used to love looking at plans when I was a kid, and I did pretty well in art, drafting and math.

Fast forward twenty-five years.  Recently, I was asked to participate with several others in Clark Fork Junior/Senior High School’s Career Day.   Four speakers were placed in each classroom, and we were each given ten minutes to speak to three different classes.  My group consisted of  a cinematographer, a teacher, and a computer programmer.

I decided to go last since I brought way too much stuff and wanted to make sure I didn’t run into the others’ times.  The cinematographer, Eric Daarstad, is a very interesting guy.  He’s semi-retired now, but has filmed several documentaries and some movies.  He’s worked with such artists as John Wayne, Elvis Presley, Natalie Wood, and several others I recognized but left the kids with lost looks.  One girl asked if he worked with any young people.  The teacher asked, “Were you expecting Zac Efron?”  This brought swoons from the girls.

Melissa Mehwinney, the computer programmer also gave an interesting talk.  She was fresh out of college and the students were all excited that she was already earning twice as much as her sister, who was the teacher of the class.  Big sister was a great sport about it.   One of the students asked, “Yea, but how much can computer scientists really make?”  The computer scientist replied, “Have you ever heard of Bill Gates?”

The presenting teacher, Brenda Haase, kept everyone enthralled as that seemed to be the most popular occupation.

When it came my turn, I talked about the education you need to become an architect.  Then I explained the process I go through with every homeowner.  I sit and talk with them at my office or their home about their dream home, and we look at the site.  Then I take what we discussed and sketch solutions.  These sketches turn into computer drawings, then a set of detailed drawings, and eventually a home they can enjoy.  One interested student stayed after class and showed me his artwork, including some pretty cool dragons.

All in all, in was a great time.  I would definitely recommend it to anybody who is asked to participate in Career Day.  The students really make it a lot of fun, and you’re also able to meet some other interesting people in your community.

John Hendricks, AIA Architect

Hendricks Architecture

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John Hendricks, AIA Architect • Architecture, Planning, Construction Management
418 Pine St, Sandpoint, Idaho 83864 • T 208.265.4001 F 208-265-4009 • john@hendricksarch.com