In the late 1980’s my clients bought an original 1927 hunting cabin and surrounding woods. By that time the hunting cabin had gained a couple of additions and a kitchen in the 1950’s. As the years passed my clients grew to love the woods and cabin with all of its quirks. They assembled a scrapbook of ideas and even purchased some items that they wanted to incorporate in the home when it grew up. After almost thirty years and numerous iterations, they hired Charles Dickey, a local architect to put their ideas on paper with a conceptual drawing. Then they enlisted Terry Herndon of UpStream Construction to make their dream a reality.   The goals of the addition and remodel were to integrate modern conveniences and energy efficiency with the existing character of the cabin, and to allow our clients to age in place. The addition has a continuous thermal envelope and is totally conditioned for energy efficiency.

The Kitchen is modeled after the cabin kitchen, even down to the 3/8 inset cabinet doors. Our clients did move away from the tradition 1950’s pine wood in favor of hickory. UpStream custom built the cabinets, the base cabinets are taller than usual and there is no wasted space. We used locally sourced hickory lumber, and all of the plywood is urea and formaldehyde free. The cabinets are built from solid hickory face frames, hickory plywood show panels’ and the interior carcass is prefinished maple plywood. The cabinet doors are hickory plywood with a 3/8 round over partial inset. Our clients love the partial inset, they feel that the doors don’t feel as thick and bulky. The bottom cabinets have pull outs for convenience.

    Locally harvested soapstone was the only logical choice for the countertops. The hand rubbed finish on both the cabinets and soapstone give a warm glow. A white farmhouse sink adds color to the blend of wood and soapstone. An island graces the center of the room, with an overhang for visitors to lounge while watching the meal preparations. To add another element of character, the island top is custom stainless steel with a sanded finish. All of the appliance are Thermador, a dishwasher with wooden panel door, a cooktop, oven, steam oven refrigerator with bottom freezer and custom wood panel doors.

A tile floor which looks like weathered wood provides durability and is harmonious with the wooded setting.