Envisioned as a ‘contemporary lodge,’ this Sun Valley, Idaho home has been created as a modern house rooted in the vernacular of the high desert mountain west. The notion of creating a contemporary log and river rock home posed interesting design and construction challenges for contractor Conrad Brothers, architect Mark Pynn, and designer Sally Dunning. Faced with the opportunity of combining clean/contemporary with rustic/log cabin styles, they skillfully combined elements of each while creating a unique composition celebrating both.
The general contractor Paul Conrad of Conrad Brothers eagerly took on the challenge of building this unique residence. A team of qualified contractors and craftsmen was added to his own skilled crew to achieve the spectacular results.
The idea of a contemporary log and river rock lodge opened up the possibilities of using some very unique materials. Extremely large granite boulders, brought in from a glaciated valley in Central Idaho, anchor the central mass of the house. The two chimneys are home to interior and exterior fireplaces, the cook stove in the kitchen and an outdoor pizza oven. Eight massive vertical western red cedar columns, identified and tracked in floating booms down the west coast of Vancouver Island, were taper turned on a lathe. Both the fireplaces and logs are disguised within the building from most exterior views to provide a beautiful natural surprise to the visitor as they enter the modern building and discover a museum of trees and a strong masonry presence.
Radiant heat architectural concrete floors with inset zinc control joints provide a clean base for the building. The log columns are set into wells in the floor to help enhance their presence and make them appear to ‘grow’ out of the floor.
Custom cabinetry, woodwork, flooring and doors were all built from vertical grain Douglas Fir. Finely crafted fir stairs lead to a bridge connecting two wings of the home and are detailed with a galvanized metal railing system. Wine rooms, vertical grain wood paneling and a custom red resin sink give this home a refined and elegant feel.
Conrad Brothers has been established in the Sun Valley area since 1997. During this time they have completed numerous projects all over the Wood River Valley. The principals and employees of Conrad Brothers are all long time residents of the area and active members of the community. Their experience in the construction industry is extensive: they bring a wealth of information and skill to every job. The focus of Conrad Brothers is custom homes, remodels and commercial construction. The principals bring big business techniques to the office of a small volume company.
The goal at Conrad Brothers is two fold: strive to provide superior service and quality while maintaining an inviting and personal atmosphere for their clients, employees and the trades they work with. The philosophy is to advocate a team approach to every project, this outstanding project being no exception.