| The
home is heated by a hydronic radiant heating system. Loops of
radiant heating tubes are encased in a thin gypsum and concrete
composite slab poured right on top of the subfloor.
When
the winter winds come howling out of the Canadian north, all
the floors in the house radiate gentle warmth. The great room
windows also contribute solar gain in the winter time, whereas
in the summer, the room is shaded enough from the sun by roof
overhangs and by trees in the morning and afternoon to keep
it from overheating.
Construction
on the project began in April 1999. After the site-work was
completed and the foundation poured, a six-man crew from North
Woods Joinery arrived with the frame and a crane.
Four
days later, with the hemlock frame erected and securely pegged
together with oak pegs, they turned the project over to Bruce.
Together
with his wife, two sons and another crew member, Bruce turned
the frame into a home throughout the course of the next year.
Bill and Marj actually moved into the house nine months later
in December, about three months before it was finally finished.
Fortunately,
client, contractor, designer, and timber framer all enjoyed
a fine working relationship, and it shows in the completed
house.
There's
not much that Bill and Marj would change about their house.
"The architect would kill us if we tried," Bill
says with a laugh.
For now,
the Hills are content as they look forward to many years spent
on Lake Champlain.
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