Unlike its rustic predecessors, this log house converses with its wooded site. The slender footprint spans 40 feet across an intermittent creek, and its grass roof subtly subverts the expansive lawns in this traditionalist suburban-style enclave. The narrow massing preserved many of the site’s walnut trees, and those cleared away were milled for hardwood flooring.
“When you have an unusual property, you try to take advantage of the view from every room of the house,” says architect John Senhauser. He set it up for one-floor living, with the public spaces and master suite arrayed along a glass wall and recessed terrace facing the woods. Cascading stairs rise to a study loft and guest rooms, and on up to a glass-enclosed perch, where exterior stairs lead to the roof.
“It’s so well-crafted,” said a judge, noting the column supports, the mortised corners on the Tidewater cypress exterior, and the refined finishes on recesses in the log wall.
Entrant/Architect: John Senhauser Architects, Cincinnati; Builder: Allen Builders & Remodelers, Cincinnati; Structural engineer: CCI Engineering, Cincinnati; Living space: 4,850 square feet; Site: 3.07 acres; Construction cost: Withheld; Photographer: Eric Williams, except where noted.
Product details
Bathroom fittings and fixtures: Dornbracht, www.dornbracht.com, Kohler, www.kohler.com; Cooktop: Wolf, www.wolfappliance.com; Dishwasher: Asko, www.askousa.com; Doors and windows: Marvin, www.marvin.com; Exterior siding: B-K Cypress, www.bkcypress.com; Grass roof: Roofscapes, www.roofmeadow.com; Hardware: Omnia, www.omniahardwaredepot.com; HVAC equipment: Bryant, www.bryant.com; Insulation: Johns Manville, www.jm.com; Kitchen fittings: Grohe, www.grohe.com; Kitchen fixtures: Franke, www.frankeksd.com; Lighting fixtures: Halo, www.haloltg.com; Oven: Gaggenau, www.gaggenau.com; Paints/stains/wall finishes: Porter Paints, www.ppgporterpaints.com; Refrigerator: Sub-Zero, www.subzero.com; Roofing: Sika Sarnafil, www.sikasarnafil.com
Craig thompson photography
Learn more about markets featured in this article: Cincinnati, OH.
