SUNNYSIDE, IDAHO
A magnificent birch tree that once grew beside Trestle Creek—home to Lake Pend Oreille's kokanee salmon—inspired this design. Rather than meeting its fate in a slash pile, this majestic tree now anchors the home, supporting its heavy timbered roof.
At the heart of the residence stands my interpretation of an Appalachian settler's half-dovetail cabin, crafted from fragrant, hand-planed Port Orford cedar logs that infuse the space with their distinctive aroma. From this humble core, the home appears to have expanded organically over time, as if accommodating a growing family across generations.
Though each space maintains its unique character, the home flows seamlessly throughout. Crooked timbers in various local species, sourced on-site and nearby, celebrate each tree's natural beauty and distinctive form. Positioned alongside Lake Pend Oreille, the property offers the perfect setting for a float plane dock, connecting this thoughtful dwelling to the broader landscape, makes it an ideal location for a float plane.
