Miller and the Calderheads started working on plans for a larger cabin, utilizing as much of the damaged foundation as possible as the starting point — and then expanded beyond it. The Calderheads wanted to keep the new house to about 1,000 square feet, including two bedrooms and two baths, on one level this time. The new cabin is basically an extension of the old one’s footprint, with an expanded area that includes a living/dining area and kitchen, with a north-facing deck wrapping around that side of the house. Miller explains, almost apologetically, that he agreed to design his first-ever shed roof structure because it was appropriate for the cabin. Actually, the cabin has two shed roofs, one over each part of the building, at angles to each other. There is also a small, covered porch at the entrance.
Firewise planning
Firewise considerations were part of the planning, including corrugated metal wainscoting on part of the house. “We were reluctant to use wood siding,” Bill said. Instead, they found a suitable fiber cement siding product that resembles wood cedar siding in color and texture. North Valley Lumber “had a load of the stuff they didn’t want,” Bill said, so Miller took it off their hands. “We didn’t know how it would look,” Bill said. “It turned out perfect.”
The challenge, Miller said, was “How do we make a fireproof exterior that doesn’t look like a concrete bunker? The lumberyard had someone else’s mistake that we loved.” Once again, Miller came up with the best site for the new structure. The home’s north-facing orientation allows it to “capture all the light on the high side” of the hill, and take full advantage of the views “without the concern of overheating in the summer,” Miller said. On hot days, the deck is a shady refuge. Ample windows provide panoramic views in any weather. As work progressed last year, Pat said, “we thought it would be nice to get in by November.” The family has a tradition of coming to the cabin after Thanksgiving with enough leftovers to live on for several days. The cabin was ready in time. “It’s a real rewarding experience working with Don [Miller],” Bill said. As the designer, Miller “knows how it will get built.” “Don is really good about recognizing what’s important to his clients,” Pat said. “My life experience came into play in how to make that effective,” Miller said. “I think we nailed it.” And refurnishing actually turned out to be a fun experience, the Calderheads agreed. “We got a second chance to imagine the place,” Pat said. Rising from the ashes may be a cliché, Miller said, but “that’s really what it was, in all ways.” H
FORESTRY SERVICES ; Tree Removal ; Chipping/Piling/ Burning
; Thinning ; DNR Cost Share Contractor
Licensed/Bonded/Insured
; Timber Felling ; Fire Hazard Mitigation
; Prescribed Burning Saul Labanauskas, Owner 509-449-0045 • BROTHERSFIRELLC@GMAIL.COM Lic #BROTHFL907D5
The living/dining/kitchen area was added to the cabin’s original footprint. PHOTO BY DON NELSON
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