John Michael Hall Corp. won the Residential Construction category for
this home on the Sammamish Plateau.
John Michael Hall Corp.
The Main House at Tower Farm
Owner: Anonymous
Architect: Stan Chesshir Architects and Associates
John Michael Hall Corp. used natural materials, innovative project management and ongoing value engineering to create a private home in a natural setting in the midst of the urban Sammamish Plateau.
John Michael Hall began the process of gathering and processing Douglas fir timber used for the heavy timber frame of the main structure one year prior to the start of construction. The exterior beams and shingle siding are Alaskan yellow cedar, and clear red cedar was used for the exterior trim and interior ceilings. The heartwood pine flooring was milled from reclaimed submerged logs, resulting in a clear vertical grain finish that is not commercially available.
During construction, the company preserved the exposed timber finish while installing the mechanical and electrical systems by enclosing the structure in a weatherproof tent.
With changes in the economy, value engineering to find cost-effective alternatives without sacrificing the spirit and integrity of the residence was an increased priority. One noteworthy example: converting the original indoor swimming pool concept to an outdoor pool while maintaining structural, mechanical and electrical provisions so that the pool could be enclosed in the future.
The building's indoor climate is efficiently controlled by a radiant floor heating system and a forced-air ground source heat pump.
John Michael Hall completed the project two months ahead of schedule and on budget. The company earned an OSHA incident rating of 3.39, with one recordable injury in 59,903 hours worked.
The project team included: Group 4, civil engineer; Franklin Engineering, mechanical engineer; Walker Diloreto Younie, structural engineer; and Interface Engineering, electrical engineer. ABC members included: CLP Resources; Davis Door Service; Miller, Rieke, Whitsell & Co.; Modern Staple; Paragon International; Ralph’s Concrete Pumping; Salmon Bay Sand & Gravel Co.; White Cap Industries; and Evergreen Williams Scotsman.