Unique Partnership of Land & Design Gives Showcase to New School of Architecture
December 18, 2004 — Most homeowners dream of building a home with an award-winning and world-class architect. When you combine a nationally known home design company and an experienced home consultant into the mix, it would seem like an unrealistic home project for the average consumer.
This dream sounds even more unreal when one tries to build the home and at the same time, preserve the land that it is built on. How many times have we driven by a job site and commented, "Too bad they couldn't keep the trees, what a shame!"
Historically, only the wealthy have been able to put all theses pieces together—the landscape designer, architect and the custom builder. Thanks to the efforts of a partnership program, the concept is now in place in the St. Louis, Missouri region. Not only did it all come together, but it was done for an affordable price and can be duplicated in most markets across the country.
After seeing the architectural work of James Cutler, Lindal Cedar Homes of Seattle, WA partnered with Cutler/Anderson, the award-winning architectural firm, to create a series of homes available nationwide. Together they packaged a series of homes, designed to be affordable to a larger audience of consumers who want an architectural engineered house made of natural elements and set in natural surroundings. Even though James Cutler was one of the architects for Microsoft founder Bill Gates' home, Jim prides himself more as a dedicated proponent of making a social change with architecture as it fits into the environment.
Together Lindal and Cutler/Anderson developed a home that manifests itself in simple plans and formal compositions. These residences, mostly finished in wood inside and out, are in harmony with their forested sites. The homes do not rely on the manipulation of architectural space, but rather use the nature of materials to create a solid sense of place in a natural setting.
Once the design elements were set in place with the housing design firm and architect, two other elements were needed to complete the picture: the right custom home consultant who appreciated the concept, and the right piece of property. The circle was complete, when longtime Lindal Cedar Homes distributor and custom home consultant Ken Whipple, of Manitou Custom Homes, reviewed the designs and liked the environmental tie-in. Ken set the final element in motion and contacted the developers at Innsbrook Resort Community, near St, Louis, MO. Their location, with the right environment of wooded lots, was perfect, Cutler feels very strongly that homes must respect and protect nature. As part of the building process, he generally likes to be sure that the building crews disturb as little as possible around the area of the house, so that his design can showcase the outdoors. Once inside, his designs invite the outside world in. The land, the house and the interior all become one!
In order to ensure the integrity of this project, Cutler relied on Ken Whipple, the area Lindal Cedar Homes' representative, to provide him with digital photos, on site environmental measurements and other information about the landscape so that his firm could properly place the home.
The home, which is part of the Lindal Reflection Series, is "pattern-designed" so that cores and wings can be interchanged to efficiently provide a residence that meets the needs of the homebuyer. This allows for maximum flexibility in placing the building within the landscape. The 3459 sq ft home is located on 236-acre Lake Alpine, which is part of the Innsbrook community. Interior design of the home was done by Steve Patton of Frank Patton Interiors and the landscape architect Keith Thompson, Innsbrook Horticulturist.
The design, the concept and the environmental concerns have generated a lot of interest. Plans are now underway for similar homes in Maryland and Michigan.
About Designer/Architect James Cutler
James Cutler, based in the Pacific Northwest, is most widely known as the architect (in joint venture with Bohlin Cywinski Jackson) for the $50 million home for Microsoft founder Bill Gates. A recent book titled "James Cutler" features some of the architect's creative works including; The Wright guest house, The "Bridge House" which spans 42' across a small stream, giving the living areas excellent views on a constricted site and The Medina guest house, swimming pool and garage complex which are buried into a sloping waterfront site. The book, by Theresa Morrow, is available from Rockport Publications.
About Lindal Cedar Homes, Inc.
Based in Seattle, Lindal Cedar Homes has been in business for 60 years and is the largest designer and manufacturer of custom, post and beam cedar homes in the world. With Lindal's added value-engineered post and beam building system the company has capabilities to manufacture homes that meet a variety of budgets and architectural styles. Lindal offers over 3,000 popular plans, including Classic Lindal, Contemporary and Traditional designs. Lindal products are sold and serviced through an international dealer network.
About Manitou Custom Homes
Manitou Custom Homes has been one of Lindal Cedar Homes celebrated top independent distributors for 16 out of the last 17 years. Manitou is the recipient of numerous industry awards. They have offices located in: Kalamazoo, MI, St Joseph, MI, Highland, MI, Lees Summit, MO, and a sales outlet in Wright City, MO.
About Innsbrook
Innsbrook Resort Community is a certified Audubon Sanctuary. It sits on 6,000 acres with 85 lakes and 125 miles of private roads. Innsbrook Resort is located in Innsbrook, Missouri in Warren County, less than an hour's drive west of St. Louis off Interstate 70. Resort amenities & activities include: 18-Hole Golf Course, Mini Golf Course, Horse Stables, Tennis Courts, Basketball Courts, Sand Volleyball, Sand beaches, Swimming pool, Nature trails, Fishing/Live Bait, Fitness Center, Sauna & Hot Tub, Bike & Boat Rental, Sports Equipment Rental, Art Exhibits, Summer Breeze Camp Innsbrook, Performances/Concerts and Activities for Kids.
