Seabeck Bay WA, Foothills Retreat 1, Timber Frame Architect
Rand Soellner is a Timber Frame Architect
His skill is showcased in this interesting Washington State residence & family village just off the Hood Canal. It is not far from the Olympic Mountains. It is within the small town of Seabeck Bay. This is the setting for the Foothills Retreat that Rand Soellner Architect designed for a family on a 5 acre tract. As a timber frame architect, Soellner wanted to give this house a special appearance, befitting the natural beauty of the mountains and nearby water. Rand also wanted to have a touch of the Native American background in the design, hence the totem-like window treatment to the right of center. Also, as a nod to Washington State’s considerable reputation for large trees, Soellner utilized 36″ round log posts at the front entrance and 30″ diameter log girders with a 24″ diameter log truss over the front native rock steps to the front porch. This creates a drama of scale and a sense of permanence. For a timber frame architect, that is important.
(C)Copyright 2008-2010 Rand Soellner, All Rights Reserved Worldwide. Seabeck Bay Washington timber frame architect designed home off the Hood Canal
The massing of the home is similar to Rand Soellner’s Mountain Retreat Series homes. There are, however, certain distinctions. For one, the client required a design that would be 3,500 hsf (heated square feet) or less. Rand Soellner delivered a design of 3,493 hsf, complete with all of the rooms and features requested by the client.
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As you can see on the plan diagrams above, the 1st Floor is 2,327 HSF. The 2nd Floor is 1,166 HSF. The project can be customized to suit your requirements, but is a good starting point for a family looking for a mansion feel for far less square footage.
This timber frame architect normally produces large homes in the Mountain Retreat Series. Soellner enthusiastically undertook this commission, as it represented an opportunity to create a full-featured design in a smaller package. This is something Soellner believes will be of interest to other clients who may want the timber frame architect look for less construction cost with less square footage.
Cute little cottage designed by timber frame architect Rand Soellner as part of this family village group of homes and barns. (C)Copyright 2008-2010 Rand Soellner, All Rights Reserved Worldwide.
Although a true timber frame architect, Soellner often creates homes using conventional construction systems and materials at rock-bottom cost, then embellishes them with timber frame details and post and beam elements. This satisfies all clients with whom he has taken this approach to date. “I love being a timber frame architect and designing the real deal,” said Soellner, “but at the same time, many of my clients do not want the construction costs associated with a real timber frame package.” Soellner notes that not many people are aware that a true timber frame package can cost in the vicinity of approximately $61.50/gsf when you include the SIPs (Structural Insulated Panels). In a 2,500 tp 3,500 sf home, this can Add $120,000 to $180,000 to the cost of conventional construction, according to timber frame contractors with whom we have discussed this issue.
Compact cottage side elevation by timber frame architect Rand Soellner. (C)Copyright 2008-2010 Rand Soellner, All Rights Reserved Worldwide. This modest stand-alone cottage is over a 2-car garage. There are about 393 hsf (heated square feet) of living area + the attached interior stair tower, which independently accesses either the lower level 2-car garage or the upper level in-law suite. A landscaped courtyard connects this cottage with the main house.
No one is disputing the beauty of the timber frame home and Soellner is proud to design actual timber frames. His latest hybrid approach is dictated more by client’s requests to achieve the timber look without the price penalty. And Soellner delivers. He has become a master at using the lowest cost conventional systems, such as prefabricated, panelized stud walls delivered to the job site on a flatbed truck, then swiftly assembled. The posts and beams are installed later, along with other timber frame elements like timber frame roof trusses, which Soellner personally designs.
Soellner recently became licensed as an architect in Washington State, one of several where he is registered. The state is seismic and he felt that being licensed in an earthquake zone on the extreme west side of the USA would provide a more comprehensive reach to his national and global practice. As a leading timber frame architect, Soellner wants to continue techniques to further enhance his practice and give more bang to his client’s buck. At the same time, artistry is important to this timber frame architect; much of what he does creates an architectural feeling that attracts more clients to him.
Rand Soellner’s firm functioned as timber frame architects on this project, post and beam architects, interior design space planners, home architects and also assisted in obtaining prebid pricing working with local general contractors.
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