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Hand peeled "Pac Man" logs -- logs that have a v-shaped notch removed -- were used to finish the corners. Matching hand-peeled logs support the roof over the front deck.
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Nestled against the foothills of the Bitterroot Mountains, it's hard to believe that Donna and Eldon Hatch's home is just a few short miles and less than a ten minute drive from one of the busiest shopping districts in Missoula, Montana. Their home, which features two wings that extend at fifteen-degree angles from the main entryway, is a labor of love, determined savings, careful attention to detail, and perseverence, which included living in a camper on site for awhile. Toss in an outstanding builder and a good dose of do-it-yourself work, and you have a beautiful and unique home. The all-pine laminated logs were stacked in a relatively short amount of time by a three man crew, but the detail work was completed over a period of three or four years.
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The traditional look of round hand-peeled timbers and the more contemporary look and structural integrity of laminated beams were used to join the wings at the main entryway.
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"This baby was really a challenge to put together," says Mark Gerhardt, the builder. "It took some head scratching and real ingenuity to get the roof built and the ceiling covered. On the other hand Donna and Eldon left lots of room for creativity and were really open-minded to suggestions." Mark is referring to details like the PacMan logs he hand-crafted to finish the corners, the use of contrasting hand-peeled log posts to support the deck ceiling, the treatment of the great room ceiling, and the integration of modern laminated beam construction right alongside traditional log supports at the entryway.
From our perspective at Glu-Lam-Log, it was sort of fun to see this home come along. For a lot of reasons, we felt very involved in the project. For starters, Eldon was an acquaintance of company co-owner, Bob Smith. Then, we introduced Donna and Eldon to the builder they ultimately chose. Also, the home is only 35 miles from our plant -- we got to see it rise from concept to reality. Finally, the Hatches -- during the construction process and continuing to today -- have always been willing to allow us to bring visitors to check out their home and property. Our sincerest thanks go out to them for their helpfulness and hospitality.
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Select ponderosa pine paneling covers the scissor trusses and ladder-framing that were needed to build a roof on a home that turns fifteen degrees twice. Log railings, typically used on porches and stairways, covers joints and makes for an interesting contrast.
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