karczewski
architects
timberframe projects
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grand river timber home
This home overlooks a 10 acre natural area on the banks of the Grand River. Designed to achieve Gold Leed Certification, the ecologically minded clients incorporated many earth-friendly features in planning of the home. These include a highly efficient thermal building envelope using structurally insulated roof and wall panels (SIPS) , a regionally harvested timberframe structure, a geothermal HVAC system, and 100% recycling of construction waste. Provisions were also made in the design for life-long access throughout the three levels of the home by planning accessible bathroom and kitchen areas and for a future elevator (See future elevator location in photo: 'View from Loft' in photo gallery at left) .
Timber Castle
Although this lake home was designed to resemble a medieval European castle, the architecture incorporates a surprising array of energy efficient features including SIPS wall and roof panels, a locally harvested white oak timberframe, and future photovoltaic solar collectors. Still under construction, the owner has imported reclaimed architectural elements from around the world to assure authenticity to the castle theme.
Lake Shore Timber Renovation
This dramatic renovation project was designed for a home builder and his wife on a wooded parcel along the shores of Lake Michigan. The design incorporates regionally harvested timber columns and beams that were carefully installed in place of the original interior bearing walls, beams and columns. The home was transformed from a typical 1980's home into a 'refined-rustic' country home featuring Eastern White Pine timbers, White Oak floors & woodwork, and contrasting stone fireplaces.