2005 Building Excellence Award

While difficult to tell from the photos, the existing house was very challenging because it was a solid cedar (log) home with no wall or ceiling cavities to route electrical, plumbing or HVAC. Additionally, it was very dark inside.

Lighting was solved by routing cable lights through the large beams (we recessed them higher towards the ceiling). Skylights and garden windows were added. Heating was done via a hydronic radiant system embedded in the slate tile floor. Skylights and garden windows were added as well. The original aluminum windows were replaced with wood windows. Slate floor, custom-made alder cabinets, granite slab countertops, cable lighting and premium appliances were used.

Demolition and preparation work was done with extra care to preserve the cedar and materials were selected with an emphasis on complementing - not overpowering - the existing house. The layout was completely revised to better suit the needs of the owners. Plenty of lighting was added to illuminate the dark-colored surfaces. All details were kept simple, clean and functional to create a lasting kitchen.

The existing home presented a very challenging structure in which to create a large, modern, brightly-lit kitchen which also still respected the warmth and natural beauty of the cedar planks, posts and beams. The end result is a highly-functional kitchen which has every amenity and feels great to be in. The original structure has been accented, not lost or overpowered. The final result does not show how difficult it was to achieve. That's a good thing!