to each building... his or her own

Over the past few months we at Creative Constructions have been involved in 4 distinctly different building projects.  Each of them designed by our partner Rod Lambert and each addressing a family's unique housing needs.  As we approach completion on three of these projects and I have a few days off for the Thanksgiving holiday, I return to the keyboard to update you on my building life and consider the reasons for our work.

Among the needs we have helped to fulfill in recent months is an addition to house an endless pool.  This will allow a child with a debilitating physical disease to enjoy weightlessness and receive physical therapy that will hopefully legthen and add mobility to his life. 

Another family who had an elderly Great Aunt move in with them a couple years back came to us in desperate need of more private space in their small home.  They asked us to build them an attached mother in law unit for the Great Aunt.  For under $38K if possible.  They of course love the relative but have been longing for an evening alone in their living room- for a long time now.  In just a couple of weeks they will have it as much as they want.

The third client, a young couple without kids (yet), were looking to build their unique version of an environmentally friendly dream home.  This home, on 60 acres with dramatic nature views, was to use -as much as sensibly possible- local materials, passive solar design and energy efficiency throughout. They were planning for no fossil fuels to be burned in the home by including a masonry stove and complete PV system.  They also planned to physically work on the project themselves and have done an amazing job in the process!

Another goal in the design of the dream home was to create a large and open enough space that it would feel comfortable and inviting to any and all friends and family that may wish to come and stay a while.  I believe they have succeeded. 

And even though they are a few weeks out on being done, they are enjoying T-giving with the family there as I write.

Currently we are getting started on a "retirement home" for a couple who built a cabin on the same land and have been living there for nearly 30 years.  Their new home- small by modern american standards (913 sq ft) will have all they will need to be comfortable on one radiantly heat floor.  It includes beautiful views of the local hills and will be built on a budget significantly under $100k.  Stay tuned for additional installments on this project.  It is just getting started.

I wonder what interesting new building needs you might you have for us?

rob