It all adds up to about 56' from the dirt... we thought about putting in a "mountain goat wanted" add on craigslist. Now the decks are framed where you can see the ledger boards, & all the windows are set. We are ready to begin siding any day.
House on a Hill
Rocky Butte... aptly named. If you are going to build it, do it up right. So if you have driven down 82nd in Portland, and looked to the east on the side of Rocky Butte, you may have seen a house being built, and been a bit concerned. Who is crazy enough to build a house on a 50 degree slope, w/ a foundation? Well, I thought it looked like a good challenge. So here you go. It does have killer views. I need to figure out how to get some good pictures that capture the panoramic spectacle as you look out over what seems like most of the west coast.
Mayfield Cabin
Now this cabin, on Mayfield Lake, somehow seems more "Cabinish" than Larry and Rita's, even though it has a garage for a basement. I guess really the purpose behind the cabin experience is more whatever brings a sense of relaxation. For this couple, water skiing is what brings the family together, and the ability to leave the boat at their favorite lake, and have a retreat ready for entertaining the family or friends. I think maybe letting the cars sleep outside in the cold is what helps Rita feel like they have escaped and found a refuge in the mountains. Both projects have been pleasing to be a part of. Whatever we can do to help families relax & stay close, that's what we are about. I think I might have to try out the whole "vacation" thing someday. -Eric
Why a blog?
Well, to put it simply, it works for us. With encouragement from all different avenues over the past several years to have a presence on the web, my oldest daughter has convinced me that this will be a relatively pain free experience. Alpine Design has been without any significant PR other than word of mouth, and I don't want to loose that closeness to our customers. I do desire to allow customers and prospective customers get to know us in a non-pretentious way. So, here is the beginnings of our web presence. As I have given thought to what this will all be about, I am realizing that there is much to write about, and I intend to share our company values, current projects, thoughts on new products and techniques in carpentry, hopefully some good pictures, and possibly a link to a video or two of our crew and what we do. Anyway, thanks for looking.
-Eric
Lunch Discussions with Rita
Rita (the homeowner) brought delicious lunches along with great company almost weekly to our crew as we worked at this remote job-site. One fine Friday lunchtime, as we were warming around the fire and finishing our chili-burgers, I was teasing her insistence on calling this beautiful Timber Frame a "cabin". She asked me if I knew what the difference was between a mountain cabin, and a 2,600sf timber-framed second home. I explained my supposition that anything that could house my family of 13 at the time fit my definition of house, not cabin. She politely corrected me, and proceeded to inform me that a cabin does not have a garage. I humbly acknowledged my error, thanked her for the great food and got back to work. Larry (Rita' s husband) laughed and let me know that he had warned me not to question her. This project has definitely been one of my personal favorite houses to build, for its simple clean lines and great clients. 
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