This project is located adjacent to the breathtaking Ochoco Forest, east of Prineville, in Central Oregon.  The house is located on a finger ridge to maximize views and minimize tree removal.  Only 1 tree was removed and the entire project will be landscaped to meet the Oregon Department of Forestry’s fire prevention recommendations for residential construction.

The home is being built by the homeowner, as a retirement project, and is anticipated to be completed in December, 2008.  The homeowner is experiencing the fulfillment of a life-long aspiration to build his dream home and feels that building with his own hands and collaborating with other talented craftsmen is very satisfying.

Specs:

• 3400 square feet of living space
• 1050 square feet loft space
• Forested acreage

Features:

• Timber frame great room
• Great room views of Mahogany Butte across the Mill Valley creek
• Warmboard Radiant Heated Subfloors
• SIPs used for entire home
• ICFs used in foundation/crawl space 
• Hardwood Floors

SIPs (structural insulated panels) will be used for the entire home and the foundation/crawl space is made from ICFs (insulated concrete forms). All ground level flooring is within the ICF to eliminate the typical rim joist heat loss area.  The house will be entirely lit with LED and/or CFL lamps.

The heating system will be a geothermal heat pump with a ground loop that will also provide domestic hot water.  Warmboard radiant subfloor will heat the home and ensure it is comfortably cozy for any season.  The finished floor coverings will be tile and solid hardwood.

The timber frame great room was designed by Noble Builders owner, Chris Errington and fabricated and erected by Chris and Jeff Rounds of Anchorbeam Construction.

Warmboard was selected to be installed in the home for 3 basic reasons: 1) the speed of thermal response, 2) the installation speed of subfloor/tubing layout in one step and 3) no limitations on floor covering options.

The homeowner promised his wife the warmest house she’s ever lived in and Warmboard will deliver that.  He found the one step tubing installation a real benefit stating, “No laying on my back stapling up tubings between floor joists or no pouring concrete in winter weather.  I could do all the work myself.”

Homeowner/Builder Quotes:

“Warmboard customer service was excellent.”

“Layout drawings were without flaw.”

“Tubing install was about as easy as it could get.”

“The custom routes required to complete the installation were easy with the templates provided.”