Crystal Lake, IL Timber Frame Home

Archimage Architects designed this three bedroom home with study and exercise room and is organized around a dramatic three story stone fireplace. The continuous roof enclosing the first floor rooms allows for second floor rooms to be tucked in along the ridge line of the home. In addition to windows on the end walls of the second floor rooms, interior windows look through to dormers on the exterior wall.

The walls surrounding the second floor rooms are visible from the first floor spaces creating the effect of rooms in a tree house. The first floor level was designed to be even with the grade at the rear yard level beyond the pool deck area. A terraced slope provides privacy for the rear patio and offers a beautiful landscaped backdrop surrounding the pool. We removed trees from the lot for use on the home and the architects worked with us on the design of the frame and all of the connections. We installed a structural frame of heavy timber with infill walls and roof system of environmentally responsive SIPS (structural insulated panels).

Upon completion of the frame raising we have manufactured and installed flooring made from reclaimed hardwood. We also designed, manufactured and installed the staircase from ash with walnut joists for the split level landing, ¾ inch steel rods for risers with square nuts on the ends and balusters that hold a raw iron effect. Wilderness Woodworks has taken the architects drawings and fabricated all the cabinetry and specialty doors for the home.