Yellowstone River Cabin

[imasayer]

OK, I am doing it. I am posting a project.

The project is on the Yellowstone River in Montana. The cabin is a first in a series of cabins and a lodge (pending funding). The project is intended to be a source of income for a couple who are soon to retire. (my parents) It is intended to cater to mainly to fishermen and tourist on their way to Yellowstone park. The budget is about $20, 000 and the cabin is being built by the owner with the help of a carpenter friend.

Design: The cabin is up on piers because it is in the flood plane of the river. It was either that or build up 24" of soil. For the money this seemed to make the most sense. The windows are oriented to the south to take advantage of solar gains, with overhangs to protect it from the hot summer sun. (Unfortunately, there is not much of a mass) The other cabins will be similar with minor variations.

Disclaimer: The model is a work in progress. I will update it when I get a chance. The model is missing windows, handrails, stair, and interior. So please forgive me.

[imasayer]

Perspective

[imasayer]

Elevation

[lavardera]

I like your little cabin so far - but that bed has got to go! Can you explain what is going on with the siding? I like the change in color, but can you tell me why it is where it is?

[imasayer]

Plan

[ewagner]

mmm.... I wonder about your choice of a flat roof in an area that gets quite a bit of snowfall. That's not to say I don't like it, though. I think the massing looks quite promising so far. I'm looking forward to more...

[imasayer]

Elevations

[imasayer]

Veiw from window opening.

[imasayer]

Framing

[imasayer]

From the river

[ewagner]

Love the framing pics...what a great site. How far do the concrete piers extend below grade in that particular location?

[imasayer]

I like your little cabin so far - but that bed has got to go! Can you explain what is going on with the siding? I like the change in color, but can you tell me why it is where it is?

You couldn't be more right about the bed. Stuck it in there for getting a feel for the space, forgot to take it out. The red siding is hardiboard and the other is smooth cedar. The client bought it really cheep from another project he had worked on and wanted to use it. I guess that it is where it is because I really liked the tactillity of the material as you move around to the entry. Also, weather and uv are really harsh in this area, and the overhangs would offer the most protection for the material. (low maintenence)

[imasayer]

Love the framing pics...what a great site. How far do the concrete piers extend below grade in that particular location?

Thanks. The piers sit 4' below grade and sit on concrete pads. One thing I forgot to talk about was placement on the site. After going round and round we talked the client out of putting them right on the river. I felt that it was more respectful of the river to place them back in the trees. I personally would hate to float the river and have them looking down on me. It worked out great because we have better views now than if we had placed them along the bank.

[SWANK-E]

are there finished pictures of this project or is it still ongoing?

[imasayer]

are there finished pictures of this project or is it still ongoing?

It is still in the works. I do have some more recent photos that I will try to get posted soon. Windows are in, siding is going on, and plumbing and electrical have been started. The client opted for fake wood grain siding in spite of my expressed desire for smooth. I am rather dissapointed with that decision. Also I think that he wants to do green instead of red, not to happy about that one either.

I have been a little disappointed with the response to this project. I would really like some more feedback on the design. We will be doing 2 more, so ideas to improve the design would be greatly appriciated. They will be very similar, but some small changes will give them their own distinct character. This being my first built project (My wife and I, she is also an architect (in training)) I know that the sharp eye of pushpullers would offer some honest feedback that will help me grow in my architecture. I know this is a very small project and maybe not the most interesting program, but you thoughts would be valuable to me. Thanks. Is the fact that the model is incomplete hurting me here?

[lavardera]

I have been a little disappointed with the response to this project. I would really like some more feedback on the design. We will be doing 2 more, so ideas to improve the design would be greatly appriciated.

We could begin rethinking it for you, but I think you have very simple program and pretty direct solution. Unless you offer more information about your decision process it is hard to offer criticism just based on what we see. But to give you more feedback, I'll just try to pick at it some more.

I wonder why you elected to raise the wall around the sloped roof slightly? Why create all of these vulnerable flashing conditions when a simple shed roof could be used?

As far as your sketchup use, I think you might want to turn off hidden lines so all the dashes on the circular elements would go away. And of course I think you should post a complete model when you get the windows and doors in. I don't know if you planned on detailing the interior but that would offer more insight on the design as well if you provided interior views.

The wood grain on your deck beams are going vertical. You should create a second version of the same texture which is rotated 90 deg so you can get the appearance to be correct.

[jake]

Well this is going to sound strange, but where will the fisherman clean there fish?

Being an ole' fisherman I would like to know where I can clean the fish and other really messy, smelly, outdoors things. It's not something I would want to do at the kitchen sink usually for sanitation reasons.

Perhaps you could add a small utility area on the end of the building for cleaning etc. That would create a breezeway or dogtrot type of area where you have thwe deck now and separate the icky stuff from the living area. I suppose it could be a budget buster, but I know some people that would complain about the lack of such an area. If it's going to be dual purpose then people who are just tourist are not going to like a kitchen that is also a fish house.

Too picky?

[cobberman]

I'll give it another once over, since this one was being constructed I didnt want to critique it so much because I felt it was a good overall design. As for fish cleaning, this is in grizzly country so you should probably locate this area away from the sleeping quarters.

[cobberman]

Will these cabins be year round facilities or only for the summer months. What are your ideas for a lodge should funding come through. Will its location be similar to the cabins or on firmer soil.

Depending on the winter winds, and the amount of snowfall in the area you might have a problem with drifts. If this is a winter place as well, for snowmobilers, it might require a dig out to get in. I would immagine that the tetons can get much deeper than 4 feet in drift prone areas.

At more inspection of the plan and elevations it appears that this isnt design for winter use. No furnace room or wood stove. If this is true, any reasons why it coulnt be?

Another Edit: Can we see a site plan, it's a little difficult to read the orientation from the pictures provided.

[imasayer]

We could begin rethinking it for you, but I think you have very simple program and pretty direct solution. Unless you offer more information about your decision process it is hard to offer criticism just based on what we see. But to give you more feedback, I'll just try to pick at it some more.

I wonder why you elected to raise the wall around the sloped roof slightly? Why create all of these vulnerable flashing conditions when a simple shed roof could be used?

As far as your sketchup use, I think you might want to turn off hidden lines so all the dashes on the circular elements would go away. And of course I think you should post a complete model when you get the windows and doors in. I don't know if you planned on detailing the interior but that would offer more insight on the design as well if you provided interior views.

The wood grain on your deck beams are going vertical. You should create a second version of the same texture which is rotated 90 deg so you can get the appearance to be correct.

Thanks lavardera, I appreciate you comments. I guess I am only hurting myself by posting an imcomplete model. As far as the roof goes, the small parapet is an effort in keeping the roof line as clean as possible. I am using it to ventilate out of the top of the front wall (under the parapet cap), as well as to conceal plumbing vents etc. I would have liked to insulate using 2 layers of rigid foam on top of the roof, and not have to ventilate the cavity at all, but this was more expensive. I will keep the skechup suggestions in mind as I continue to work on the model.

[imasayer]

Well this is going to sound strange, but where will the fisherman clean there fish?

Being an ole' fisherman I would like to know where I can clean the fish and other really messy, smelly, outdoors things. It's not something I would want to do at the kitchen sink usually for sanitation reasons.

Too picky?

Jake, we are going to provide an outdoor shower on the back for cleaning people, equipment, and fish. Most fly fishermen are catch and release in our area, so fish cleaning will be minimal I hope. But if they do choose to keep some, cleaning is usually done by the river.

[imasayer]

Will these cabins be year round facilities or only for the summer months. What are your ideas for a lodge should funding come through. Will its location be similar to the cabins or on firmer soil.

Depending on the winter winds, and the amount of snowfall in the area you might have a problem with drifts. If this is a winter place as well, for snowmobilers, it might require a dig out to get in. I would immagine that the tetons can get much deeper than 4 feet in drift prone areas.

At more inspection of the plan and elevations it appears that this isnt design for winter use. No furnace room or wood stove. If this is true, any reasons why it coulnt be?

We are a ways from the mountains so we are out of griz country. We are using a heat pump ptac unit similar to a hotel room. While they are not the best looking, they are very economical in initial investment and reasonably efficient. Also, there will be a small wood stove on the east side by the sliding door. We are planning the cabins to be used these in the colder months. I assume that winter use will be minimal, but fall fishing on the Yellowstone is fantastic. Also we hope that they will be popular for hunting season and for snowmobilers on their way to Yellowstone park.

The design of the lodge is mostly up in the air, but the program will include 3 guest rooms (1 ADA, each with their own baths), kitchen and dining facilities, restrooms, coffee bar, and a lounge area for use in the eves and on rainy days. We are going to try to kee it around 3000 sf. We believe that they will have an actual budget as well. Shooting for about $100/sf. Materials will include sand stone (client already has it) and cement board siding. I will make sure to post some information on the lodge BEFORE we start construction.

Site plan....don't really have one. This is a very informal design build project, and thing are being developed as we go. Not your typical architecture process. No bidding, no builder. It is a very intuitive and spontaneous process, which also explains why the docs and presentaiton are so lacking. At any rate the cabins front elevation faces south. Thus the large amount of windows and overhangs to hopefully take advantage of some solar gains in the colder seasons. We are lacking much of a solar mass, but I hope that it will at least help. If I get some time I'll make a diagramatic site plan.

[{erik}]

Thanks. The piers sit 4' below grade and sit on concrete pads. One thing I forgot to talk about was placement on the site. After going round and round we talked the client out of putting them right on the river. I felt that it was more respectful of the river to place them back in the trees. I personally would hate to float the river and have them looking down on me. It worked out great because we have better views now than if we had placed them along the bank.
Hey lots of credit for your sensitivity to site location. My family has property on the Bitteroot River in Montana. Our house is barely visible from the river however we do float all the time and other homes sit right on the river. They always seem oppressive.

Moving your house back from the river creates "framed" views of the land and river in front of the home. There is also a greater romance/meditative opportunity in the small walk across the field to and from the home.

[imasayer]

Hey lots of credit for your sensitivity to site location. My family has property on the Bitteroot River in Montana. Our house is barely visible from the river however we do float all the time and other homes sit right on the river. They always seem oppressive.

Moving your house back from the river creates "framed" views of the land and river in front of the home. There is also a greater romance/meditative opportunity in the small walk across the field to and from the home.

Thanks Erik. I am learning to pick my battles in this process and that is one I didn't want to lose. Are you from MT or does you family have a vactation home here?

[wegofaster]

beautyful site, considerate structure, well done!:)

[poliobomb]

i was almost hoping it was pre fab...

but i like the use of materials, and for that price its really nice

[flino]

if the market are seniors...I'd swing the door out(bath)...It's very tight there and.The most part of the accident are in baths(for seniors) ...if the door swin out would be better and easy to get in if somebody fall down.

[jcruiz]

I like the cabin design . The color palette between red and natural wood is very nice With respect to the flat roof that covers the deck, I think it could be hinged so could be rotated down in winter . So you get no problems with snow, and set aditional protection for main windows.

Cheers, Juan Carlos

[imasayer]

if the market are seniors...I'd swing the door out(bath)...It's very tight there and.The most part of the accident are in baths(for seniors) ...if the door swin out would be better and easy to get in if somebody fall down.

The primary market is not necessarily senoirs. We do plan one making on of the guest rooms in the lodge accessable for seniors/handicapped.

i was almost hoping it was pre fab...

Could easily have been a prefab building, but the logistics/cost of doing prefab in an area where there are no factories would not be feasable. Some of the design ideas were generated from my thesis project which was a prefab project. If this project doesn't produce an income however, the cabin could be unbolted and put on a truck. Watch for this building on E-bay!

[Brian T]

Great Little project and "Yowzer" what a great site. I can almost imagine haning out on the deck. I appreciate it's simplicity and clarity. This little jem almost screams pre-fab. It appears as if it could be built in its entirety off-site, trucked in, and placed on the pile foundation. My only criticism is of a practical nature, as I think the design is nicely executed. What's going to heppen to all that grass underneath the structure? Will it die and you'll be left with a large patch of mucky dirt? Or is is hardy enought to live in shady/dryer conditions? In addition any concerns about forest fires in your locale? Minor issues I know....

[imasayer]

It is coming along slowly but I thought I would share some progress photos.
Sadly, the red is gone. One of those battles I just couldn't win, but I guess the green isn't too bad.

[imasayer]

Interior

[imasayer]

South

[imasayer]

West

[imasayer]

Southeast

[imasayer]

North

[imasayer]

I just cannot wait to get the overhang over the porch and walkway, I think that will help with issues of scale. I really wish that we had done some small linear windows above the overhang, but we will on the next one. Actually there are several things that have been comprimised over the course of this little project, but I guess that I had better get used to that.

[jcruiz]

The cabin is looking great. Gray color combines perfectly with the natural wood
Cheers Juan Carlos

[gilesygiles]

The cabin is looking great. Gray color combines perfectly with the natural wood
Cheers Juan Carlos
I agree, red would have been too flashy in such an open site.
Nice compact design.

[jbender]

good job on a great little project... being in a small market (southern oregon) i also understand the informal nature of small jobs like this, and i know how nice it is to see them finally come together and turn into something. as greg has said, i might have liked to see a slightly cleaner shed roof form, but otherwise i agree wholeheartedly with your siting and efforts to pull away from the river. that way you get away from all of those brittle cottonwoods, too.. cheers!

[axie]

I too prefer the design without the red, thanks for the update, it's coming together nicely.

[shmoolikipod]

very nice design, simple yet proportional.

I wish I had a brief like that, but timber for building is too expensive down here,

I was wondering: How much does a cubic meter of building wood cost in the states? roughly of course. It is probably priced in cubic feet, right?

and for the Aussies: How much would it cost down under?

Here it should be around $900 for cubic meter, and 99% of the houses are made of concrete

PS the setting is BEAUTIFUL!!

[_C3]

Oh C'mon where's everybody?
I hate to see a thread ending like this, it's a nice project and it's been a while now, what happened?! Can't we see it completed?
PLEASE, Please imasayer keep us updated on this one, I now you're out there!

[wizum]

i actually missed this one... but very glad I caught it now :)...I like what has happened with this design and built project Josh...nice clean work...

And as _C3 mentioned.... any new photos? and what is going on with the other two designs? anything?

[coral]

Well, I guess I can answer for Josh.
The construction process has been slow going, but the first cabin is nearly finished. In fact, Josh was out laying flooring all day today. It will be rented out in just a couple of weeks, so we are rapidly coming up with the final details, such as a handrail and colors. Lighting's in, tile's almost done, cabinets are being made.
I'm not sure what the final construction cost is, I'll try to find out. We used as much salvaged material we could (wood siding leftover from a previous job, salvaged 2x's), all the windows were from the Pella warehouse, and Josh made the awning brackets himself.
I don't have any pictures on my computer more current than what is here. I'll ask Josh if he has anything more current.

[_C3]

Thank you coral, please excuse my directness in the previous post because I don't know if it could be felt but I was frustrated :o
Just like wizum, I was glad to catch such a project when looking around, it's always nice to see the proposal and then go through the building stages to finally see it realized but when it stops in the middle like that... -> frustration :(
So thank you again for replying and keeping us updated, I really thought nobody would care anymore, but I was wrong! Besides I thought the work would be finished by now, but I'm happy to learn that you're still working on it. That must be why it's taking so long, because you're doing the work yourself (I mean Josh) ;)
Anyway good luck on the finishings and I can't wait to see some more pictures.

[Pedro Barradas]

I missed this thread too.... :( Well.... awaiting for the final pics... :)

[danbush]

How did I miss this? It's a great design. One thing that I think might make it snap a bit is trying to underlay a grid on the plan to get things lining up a bit more. It also looks like the elevations changed from SU to drawings which corrected having the porch cut off in the middle of the window - erck!

I also wondered why the roof has a solid bottom instead of exposed framing?

The green/grey does look nice with the cedar.

Venturi and Scott Brown did several small houses up in the NE several years ago. The window composition on them was wonderful and the detailing of the trim was well thought out. I like how you've handled them here. It might be worthwhile looking these over as you think about the next ones...

[imasayer]

Hey guys,

I have not forgotten about this, progress has just been slow and I wanted to have something to show you. I have some more current pictures that I will post in the next couple of days. This project has been largely driven by budget. There are many things that I would have done differently if it were not for armature builders (my dad and uncle) and just having more money. All in all we are happy with our first built work.

Dan, exposed roof framing is more expensive. Our energy codes up here require a R40, and this was the cheapest way to do it. I too would have liked to have more exposed framing. If you meant the roof over the deck, then never mind, it is exposed. My dad was worried that he wouldn't like it, but we managed to talk him into it.

Recent pics will be coming in the next couple of days. Thank you all for your interest and comments.

[WilsonMetry]

imasayer,
I didn't miss this the first time around and glad I didn't!! And was glad to C3 brought it up again.

I really admire your dedication to get it done. Thought it was for a client but sounds like it is a family project.


I would be interested in finding out more how to rent it.....

How bout a GE location?

[imasayer]

imasayer,
I didn't miss this the first time around and glad I didn't!! And was glad to C3 brought it up again.

I really admire your dedication to get it done. Thought it was for a client but sounds like it is a family project.


I would be interested in finding out more how to rent it.....

How bout a GE location?

I didn't make it sound like a family project. Sorry about that. It is for my parents.

The KMZ is close, but not perfect. I could not get the address to come up. Sadly it is a low rez map.

[coral]

I would be interested in finding out more how to rent it.....

:D We are currently finishing up a brochure. I will have to post it on this thread.

[WilsonMetry]

cool, thanks

[jparchitectus]

Cool little project- I would personally rather see 1000's of these in New Orleans then what is being built

[_C3]

SOoooooo TRUE JP!

[Online]

Awesome!!!

I like it.

[emptyful]

I agree- nice job. One criticism, though: the tail on that beam. Why does it have the bevel cut on it, and why does it project beyond the main form? It seems out of place and unnecessary to me.

[HNK]

Woahhhhh, it 's a nice project, i like it so much by it's wood material and the environement all around. When it will be finished ?

[imasayer]

Pics as requested...

[imasayer]

and this one....

[imasayer]

more to come....

[wizum]

:wondering

your post #60 gives it away Josh...you are designing your own commune for the Elitist PPB2 Cult :D

its looking good by the way... I Like it "ALaught"

and one more thing... why the hell is there not more Votes for this thread? Bad PPB'ers, Bad...:no no no:

[imasayer]

Thanks wizum...here's more

[imasayer]

bla bla bla

[imasayer]

and thats it for tonight....cabin 2 begins

[wizum]

Josh,

I know this is still WIP but it would be cool to see some of the details of this project... for example, joints in columns roof, the underside of your porch roof, stuff like that... very interested to see how you managed things like that...

and also, since you are showing a second cabin being done now... what kind of conection will the cabins have? is there any kind of connection? master plan? and I take it you guys own this property? so you are getting a chance to be your own developer? of sorts anyhow? :)

[imasayer]

Josh,

I know this is still WIP but it would be cool to see some of the details of this project... for example, joints in columns roof, the underside of your porch roof, stuff like that... very interested to see how you managed things like that...

Sure, I will take more pics of the details as we get closer to being done. I hope it is the details that really make the cabins come together. Here is a shot that shows a little more detailing.

My parents own the property. So we are not really the developers, they are. The main connection that the cabins share is sewage collection. Not really. I guess I don't really know what you mean. I mean they obviously have have a visual connection, this image may also relay that a little. We wanted them to be close enough to have a community feel, but also offer privacy by placing the decks on the same side of each cabin, but you have to walk all the way around the cabin to enter. This kind of creates a entry sequence where you drive up to the back, pass by the deck of the other cabin, then around to the front where you can take in the view. I hope this is what you are looking for.

[primocordara]

:rock on: :cheers: this rocks!! neat and simple

[imasayer]

Ok, maybe one more pic for today. The spring run off is in full force. Quite a site to see. This is what the cabins are all about. This is visible from the cabins, and only a short walk down to the river.

[Online]

Wow, I love it.

Are your parents selling or is this just a vacation type home?

If they are selling I would love to find out some more info.

[imasayer]

Wow, I love it.

Are your parents selling or is this just a vacation type home?

If they are selling I would love to find out some more info.

They are rentals. Kind of a bed and breakfast sort of thing. We would be happy to rent you one.

Forgot about this pic. Starts to tell the story a little better.

[Online]

Where are they located in MT?

[WilsonMetry]

See the KZM file (Google Earth) in post 51 for location....

[Online]

See the KZM file (Google Earth) in post 51 for location....

Oh yeah I forgot about that.

I would love to see more area pics.

[wizum]

Yeah... what the hell Josh, your holding out on us :D

[jparchitectus]

What a site -

I think I would have wanted to align the coursing of horizontal wood boards. Are they not aligned to exaggerate the "different" materials?

[trogers]

What a site -

I think I would have wanted to align the coursing of horizontal wood boards. Are they not aligned to exaggerate the "different" materials?

looks to me like they are different sizes...

Looking good, IMA...love the progress postings...

[imasayer]

looks to me like they are different sizes...

Looking good, IMA...love the progress postings...

They are different sizes. I would have liked to line them up, but the cedar came off of a job my dad worked on and he got it really cheap so he wanted to use it. I originally wanted to make the whole cabin cedar, but he didn't have enough. I really don't mind the material change now that it there.

Thanks trogers.

[digdoi]

Congratulations ima! :clap:
Always good to see the projects posted getting done.

I noted you changed the openings in the second cabin. Any special reason for that?

[imasayer]

Congratulations ima! :clap:
Always good to see the projects posted getting done.

I noted you changed the openings in the second cabin. Any special reason for that?

Well there are two reasons. First, the windows are rejects from a local Pella window store. For this reason, it is impossible to make two (or more) cabins identical. We can get them at a great discount as opposed to purchasing new. Second, we do want the cabins to be different. We want them to have a similar language but have and individual character. The will most likely even be painted different colors. This also leaves opportunities to explore other details and materials, probably mostly on the interior.

[RebelBMH]

wish I would have check this forum sooner! I could use a week out near Yellowstone. Nice design. For anyone interested in Cabin design, "The Echo" is a Minimalist Cabin in Florida. It has a similar structure, but clashes with the enviornment -- very flexible floor plan though. Wonder if I have any pictures.

[franjayo]

Incredible ample site, nice cabins!
I'll be looking for them if I get to the area.

[_C3]

Coming out really good indeed!

[emow54]

How far did you have to run utilities for this project? How close is your nearest neighbor? I really admire what you've done. Good job!

[imasayer]

How far did you have to run utilities for this project? How close is your nearest neighbor? I really admire what you've done. Good job!

I am not sure how far they had to run the power. Probably 200 yards or so. The water comes from a well that is about 50 yards away. The septic system was the hard part. I cost more than a cabin to build. There are several holding tanks just a few yards in front of the cabins, then from there "waste materials" are pumped about 800 yards, under a creek, then up to a drain field that if farther away from the river. It was a lot of work and money, but it is worth it to protect the river.

There are neighbors to the north, and my parents house to the east.(about a five minute walk) This place is right off of a highway, which provides easy access to guests, but also feels surprisingly secluded.

[Online]

Is it open during the winter?

I would love to come see it.

[arv]

Congraltulations Ima , great job here .

[emow54]

From your pictures it looks like it is in the middle of no where. Wish I was there right now.

[jparchitectus]

From your pictures it looks like it is in the middle of no where. Wish I was there right now.

no where?

or there :D

[emow54]

no where?

or there :D

Either.

[imasayer]

Hey friends,

Anyone know where to find some cable hardware for some railings. If you want to do cable around the railings, the hardware from Home Depot just doesn't cut it.

If anyone has a suggestion for an alternative to the cable I am open to that too. It has to be cheap! It has to be readily available. The cable was an idea because we want it to be mostly transparent.

[ReD]

Hey friends,

Anyone know where to find some cable hardware for some railings. If you want to do cable around the railings, the hardware from Home Depot just doesn't cut it.

If anyone has a suggestion for an alternative to the cable I am open to that too. It has to be cheap! It has to be readily available. The cable was an idea because we want it to be mostly transparent.

http://www.ormiston-wire.co.uk/

I used this company for purpose design components on a product design of mine ~ excellent for my use (1.5mm diam cable) but you will need special advice on tension adjustments ~ Use stainless or non ferrous (Obviously)

UK export worldwide ~ wire is lightweight

[ReD]

Hey friends,

Anyone know where to find some cable hardware for some railings. If you want to do cable around the railings, the hardware from Home Depot just doesn't cut it.

If anyone has a suggestion for an alternative to the cable I am open to that too. It has to be cheap! It has to be readily available. The cable was an idea because we want it to be mostly transparent.

You could also use clear fishing line has great breaking strength (nearly transparent) with Ormiston fittings but you will probably need to have pinch collars done locally for you

Don't know about strength degrade lifespan I suspect they would get brittle over time

[david p]

Hey friends,

Anyone know where to find some cable hardware for some railings. If you want to do cable around the railings, the hardware from Home Depot just doesn't cut it.

If anyone has a suggestion for an alternative to the cable I am open to that too. It has to be cheap! It has to be readily available. The cable was an idea because we want it to be mostly transparent.

Cable Rail by Feeney

http://www.cablerail.com/index_2.html
:cheers:

[jbender]

i might suggest cable-rail, too... a little cheaper as they are a home-grown american co, but i also love jakob/inox line stuff... how about using lighter diameter galvanized rods with threaded ends, or even just chromed threaded rods...?

[imasayer]

i might suggest cable-rail, too... a little cheaper as they are a home-grown american co, but i also love jakob/inox line stuff... how about using lighter diameter galvanized rods with threaded ends, or even just chromed threaded rods...?

Guys, thanks for all your suggestions, but....

We made and executive decision last night. We have abandoned the cable idea. We don't have time(or money) to wait for parts, and without them the cables will not be a clean detail. We are going to do just (2) 3/4" horizontal bars.(the uprights are 2"x4" steel tube with a bracket that mounts to the face of the rim joist around the deck, I'll have pictures at some point) Much simpler, and less expensive. I think that I will be happy with the simplicity of this solution.

[lavardera]

Hey friends,

Anyone know where to find some cable hardware for some railings. If you want to do cable around the railings, the hardware from Home Depot just doesn't cut it.

If anyone has a suggestion for an alternative to the cable I am open to that too. It has to be cheap! It has to be readily available. The cable was an idea because we want it to be mostly transparent.


Sorry I'm so late for the show.

These guys claim to be less expensive - I've never priced the stuff:
http://www.stainlesscablesolutions.com/

other usual suspects:
http://www.cablerail.com/index_2.html
http://www.wagnercompanies.com/Cable_Railing.aspx

[imasayer]

Here is the cabin a few weeks ago. The photo quallity is not very good. I will try to follow up with some interiors some time soon. Maybe some detail shots as well. The hand rail has primer on it and are about to be painted when these were taken.

[imasayer]

One more....

[Pedro Barradas]

imasayer... The building looks nice.. however find the rails and the rustic wood trunks a bit "heavy" for the house.
I am however very interessed in the flat roof detail, how is it done, do you have any section scheme? or more detailed pictures of it.

regards...

[lavardera]

I think this turned out very nice. The decks look like they can't be very much over 18" above grade - I think that's the cut off for code requiring rails at all. But otherwise how did you get away with ignoring the 4" space rule, and the no horizontal ladder like rail rule?

[imasayer]

imasayer... The building looks nice.. however find the rails and the rustic wood trunks a bit "heavy" for the house.
I am however very interessed in the flat roof detail, how is it done, do you have any section scheme? or more detailed pictures of it.

regards...

The client (my parents) wanted more log than they were given. They wanted an element to tie back to their existing house in order to make it feel like it was part of the same development. They wanted more logs than this, but this was the compromise. I imagined that many of the details would be cleaner than this, but I we had to do the best we could with unskilled labor. I had to try to do details what were simple to build. The owner had the steel posts for the hand rail, that's what we used. Many parts of this project went like this.

The roof has a gentle slope 1/4"/foot that seems to drain the water pretty well. The roof material is corrugated steel. I would not have put such a gentle slope on an occupied space, with that particular

I think this turned out very nice. The decks look like they can't be very much over 18" above grade - I think that's the cut off for code requiring rails at all. But otherwise how did you get away with ignoring the 4" space rule, and the no horizontal ladder like rail rule?

Thank you. We did worry about that a little, but once you get outside of city limmits around here, you can get away with a lot. So basically we just hoped for the best. We had to have an inspection from the health department, but as I assumed, they would not pick up on such things. The decks are 30" above grade at the stair, and higher than that towards the back.

[jbender]

Thank you. We did worry about that a little, but once you get outside of city limmits around here, you can get away with a lot.

of building in the 'wild west'...:P

oregon is much stricter, west of the cascades anyway, with stuff like that, but it's still easy to get away with a lot of stuff in single-family construction.

this is an aside, but is montana anything like idaho in their enforcement of building codes? i.e. the architect is the de facto building official (outside of the boise city limits). therefore anything bearing the architect's stamp is considered to have been designed 'to code'. :wondering

oh, and by the way, the project looks great. nice to see how it has come along since the earliest posts. i can't say that i'm a big fan of the beige/sand/cream windows, but i understand they were from a builder's center and came along in the budget. might have been nice to see some nice dark bronze anodized along with the dark metal of the handrails to contrast with the wood tones of the rest of the cabin...

[Pedro Barradas]

[QUOTE=imasayer]The client (my parents) wanted more log than they were given. They wanted an element to tie back to their existing house in order to make it feel like it was part of the same development. They wanted more logs than this, but this was the compromise. I imagined that many of the details would be cleaner than this, but I we had to do the best we could with unskilled labor. I had to try to do details what were simple to build. The owner had the steel posts for the hand rail, that's what we used. Many parts of this project went like this. [QUOTE]

I understand... parental restrictions... :D

[imasayer]

of building in the 'wild west'...:P

oregon is much stricter, west of the cascades anyway, with stuff like that, but it's still easy to get away with a lot of stuff in single-family construction.

this is an aside, but is montana anything like idaho in their enforcement of building codes? i.e. the architect is the de facto building official (outside of the boise city limits). therefore anything bearing the architect's stamp is considered to have been designed 'to code'. :wondering

oh, and by the way, the project looks great. nice to see how it has come along since the earliest posts. i can't say that i'm a big fan of the beige/sand/cream windows, but i understand they were from a builder's center and came along in the budget. might have been nice to see some nice dark bronze anodized along with the dark metal of the handrails to contrast with the wood tones of the rest of the cabin...

Thanks for the kind words. I don't know about the code enforcement compared to Idaho, but when you are blurring the lines of commercial and residential like this, there isn't really an official to answer to.

I agree that darker windows would have been nicer, but you can see from the very first SU model, that the color scheme didn't really go my way.

[Nick Fox]

I'm not convinced that this is the best solution to this site and some of the finished seems at odds with each other. The poles holding up the roof on the verandah seem totally out of proportion and out of place. The interior shots during fit out do not give the impression a space I'd want to spend time in and I think that maybe you should have swing the cameras 180 degrees as it's the view that's important. When I first saw the distance shots I thought the buildings looked like they'd come out of a 1950's cowboy movie.

[imasayer]

I'm not convinced that this is the best solution to this site and some of the finished seems at odds with each other. The poles holding up the roof on the verandah seem totally out of proportion and out of place. The interior shots during fit out do not give the impression a space I'd want to spend time in and I think that maybe you should have swing the cameras 180 degrees as it's the view that's important. When I first saw the distance shots I thought the buildings looked like they'd come out of a 1950's cowboy movie.

Can you be more specific about materials? The logs are kind of a playful response to the typical log cabin you might see in Montana. They have gotten mixed reviews, but my parents wanted some log, which would tie the project back to their existing house. Could you give an example of a building in a "50's cowboy movie" that this reminds you of? The building was intended to tie back to some of the utilitarian agrarian structures in the area, so maybe that is appropriate.

This little building is by no means a modern masterpiece, and many of the details I wanted were more expensive and complicated to build, but I would be happy to hear what you would have done differently.

[Online]

It looks fantastic!!

I would love to see some shots with snow surrounding it and the river.

[mperna]

I hope to make it out to Yellowstrone this summer, is the operation up and running? I would love to rent one, and contribute to this thread as a user.

Congrats once again, Imasayer

[imasayer]

I hope to make it out to Yellowstrone this summer, is the operation up and running? I would love to rent one, and contribute to this thread as a user.

Congrats once again, Imasayer

It's up and running. We would love to rent one to you. I need to go back and get some good pics. The interior decor is not what I would have done, (it is more traditional/western) but it is cozy.

[tdmc]

nice project! the dimensions or the building (without deck) suggest it could be transportable - pre-fab...then add deck on site. Could be a way of reducing cost for future projects?

Is there a water tank? I couldn't see one - so this means you're connected to mains water? and the rain is just "wasted"? Could be a nice little addition - then add solar power or a little wind generator and become an eco-cabin???

the end result is is very like the original SU model. which came first the model the construction drawings or construction drawings with the model used to illustrate? I'm interested in how modelling is used in the design process in this regard.

Well done mate, a great project in a fantastic setting!

[imasayer]

nice project! the dimensions or the building (without deck) suggest it could be transportable - pre-fab...then add deck on site. Could be a way of reducing cost for future projects?

Is there a water tank? I couldn't see one - so this means you're connected to mains water? and the rain is just "wasted"? Could be a nice little addition - then add solar power or a little wind generator and become an eco-cabin???

the end result is is very like the original SU model. which came first the model the construction drawings or construction drawings with the model used to illustrate? I'm interested in how modelling is used in the design process in this regard.

Well done mate, a great project in a fantastic setting!

Thanks for your comments, I didn't see them until I came back to update.

The water comes from a well, there isn't a lot of need to collect rain water when the water table is at 20 feet or so.

My dad is doing research on wind power, I hope we can make that work. They are well insulated and take advantage of solar heating in the cooler months in spite of the fact that there isn't much of a solar mass. There are also a lot of operable windows to take advantage of cross-ventilation. It actually performs better than I expected.

The original SU model was a bit different, but the version you see here was used to place the windows we found that were close to the original sizes we wanted. So the model came first.

Here are some updated photos.

I know that the decor isn't going to be to your (or my) liking, just imagine some good furniture! My narrow angle lense on my point and shoot digital doesn't do much for the space.

Notice the black base in the pic, it is 4" C-channel steel. Took forever to get it right, but it looks pretty cool, each 10' section weighed about 60 lbs.

[imasayer]

The Kitchen

[imasayer]

The sink, there was supposed to be a large sliding door here, but we haven't got to it yet.

[imasayer]

Window detail. We had longer jamb extentions put on the windows, then finished the drywall up to them.

[imasayer]

Overhang supports. Spent several weekends fabbing these myself. Should have practiced my welding a bit more first.

[imasayer]

Railing detail.

[imasayer]

Corner detail. We used a J channel at all of the corners to get away from bulky corner boards. I would have preferred mitered corners, but impossible to do with fiber cement siding.

[imasayer]

Cabin 2 is complete now, but these are the most recent photos I have.

[imasayer]

Closer...

[imasayer]

View from the new cabin. (through windows covered in construction dust)

[imasayer]

Final thoughts:

I would have liked to use some more wood on the interiors to make it more "cabiny", but the budget didn't allow it at the time. We may come back and add some in the future. All in all I am pretty happy with my first built project, there are some things I would change; put the overhang structure in the wall for a cleaner look, lighten up the railings as some of you have mentioned, and spend a little more time thinking about interior finishes to name a few. I think we finished these cabins for around $25k, and I think that is an accomplishment in itself. We have gotten a really good response from people renting them. A few don't get it, but overall possitive. One lady said "It kind of looks like a chicken shed." Well, that was kind of the idea.

Thank you all for your comments, positive and negative. They will help to make the next project that much better. If anyone makes it out to Montana I would love to put you up in one of them! If you have any more comments or questions I would be happy to hear them.

[imasayer]

Opps, one more. The cantelever at the decks;

[wizum]

glad to see your finally finishing this thing Josh :)

[imasayer]

Thanks wiggum, your comments are most helpful!!:D

[emow54]

Opps, one more. The cantelever at the decks;

Again...I have to say I really like this project.:rock on: Is the cantelever over the deck flush with the handrail below? (Hard to see from that angle).

[WilsonMetry]

It s the kind of chicken shed I love to stay in. :D Good job Josh.

[imasayer]

Again...I have to say I really like this project.:rock on: Is the cantelever over the deck flush with the handrail below? (Hard to see from that angle).

Thank you. No it does not align, I would have liked it to, but I was concerned with the snow load on the overhang. When you have 30-40 lbs/sf that makes a big difference.

[emow54]

Thank you. No it does not align, I would have liked it to, but I was concerned with the snow load on the overhang. When you have 30-40 lbs/sf that makes a big difference.

What happens when it rains? Is there gutter system to protect the deck below?

[imasayer]

What happens when it rains? Is there gutter system to protect the deck below?

When it rains the deck gets wet, and water from the roof falls on a wet deck. Design flaw? Probably, time will tell. After the first year, there are no obvious problems with that issue.

[emow54]

When it rains the deck gets wet, and water from the roof falls on a wet deck. Design flaw? Probably, time will tell. After the first year, there are no obvious problems with that issue.

So I guess, when it isn't raining the dry deck stays dry.;)

[imasayer]

So I guess, when it isn't raining the dry deck stays dry.;)

Now you are catching on!:D