From design concept to final construction, details matter, and attention to detail makes a home built to last. Michael Skindrud and Marilyn Essex understand this firsthand. In 2014, they collaborated with Anderson Shirley Architects and Kraft Custom Construction to create their dream retirement home, and ten years later it looks as good as new and perfectly suits their lifestyle.
The couple envisioned enjoying retirement life in Oregon and this dream began to take root when they purchased an ideal site overlooking the Rickreall Creek Valley and Coastal Range. They wanted a beautiful, well-constructed home to last the rest of their lives. In their search for the right project partners, they wanted to work with people who respected their vision and would address their needs and wants. Skindrud and Essex selected Anderson Shirley Architects to guide their vision and Kraft Custom Construction to make it a reality.
Collaborating with a team that listens and prioritizes the homeowner’s vision is the first step toward creating a home that is built to last. More than the site details and programming requirements, Skindrud and Essex appreciated how the team engaged in meaningful conversations. Anderson Shirley and Kraft developed an understanding of the couple’s life, business philosophy, lifestyle habits, and communication style. Digging into the details of their lives and their expectations for the final house helped guide the design and construction process.
“This place feels like a reflection of us and our priorities but with some really fun surprises,” describes Essex.
When creating a home to stand the test of time, principles of modern architecture provide a solid design foundation. Simple forms, universal design features and highly functional spaces drove the layout layered with Pacific Northwest touches and subtle traditional influences.
The single level 3,000-sq.ft. plan prioritized an open layout with clear views from the entry through the house to the landscape beyond. The angled roofline creates a soaring ceiling that frames the large living and dining area with floor-to-ceiling sliding doors that naturally expand the plan onto an extensive patio. The clean-lined modern design is softened with subtle curves, including a dropped ceiling over the corridor and detail on the fireplace wall. Short corridors adjacent to the living, dining, and kitchen areas lead to the primary suite on one side and the guest suite on the other. From large windows and sliding doors to skylights, every room is bathed with light. Furthermore, terraces, patios, and courtyards off of the interior spaces maintain a direct connection to the outdoors, prioritizing the views of the beautiful landscape.
Skindrud and Essex wanted the highly functional plan reinforced with thoughtful material selections. Wood, stone, and a palette of neutral colors complement the surrounding landscape. The focal fireplace wall features an Anigre wood detail above a surround of porcelain tile stained to look like brushed metal. The kitchen continues the wood application with figured Anigre veneered upper cabinets and straight Anigre veneer on the lower cabinets. A granite island and green and clear glass tile backsplash add the finishing touches. Sophisticated interplays of glass, wood, and tile create spa-like bathroom retreats.
“With each selection, the performance and longevity of the products were considered as important as the overall aesthetic,” says Ted Wileman, the Kraft superintendent for the project. “The Brazilian cherry hardwood floors are one example. It is a beautiful material with exceptional durability. We are also very specific with our paint specifications. We always use the manufacturer’s highest level to ensure a lasting finish.”
The couple completed the design with carefully curated art, objects, and furnishings. A simple and meaningful mindset guided the accessorizing throughout the home, such as the displays on the glass shelves of the custom-designed bookcase and an Iranian rug in the living room to infuse warmth and a hint of color.
The time and care taken at the beginning of the process to listen to Skindrud and Essex established a trusted partnership with Anderson Shirley and Kraft. Delivering a high-quality modern home relies on well-considered specifications and construction details. Together they were able to make decisions in the best interest of the project goals.
Selections carefully balanced high performance and function with the desired modern architecture. With longevity in mind, a high R-value metal roof was chosen for its superior insulation and energy efficiency. Durable metal and Hardy siding added on the southern exposed sides ensured resilience against harsh weather. In addition, the top-of-the-line aluminum-clad wood windows installed offer both thermal performance and aesthetic appeal. The team also integrated a geothermal HVAC system to provide efficient, sustainable heating and cooling.
Furthermore, the work of the experienced craftsman ensured high-quality construction, installation and meticulous finishing. Successfully constructing a modern home depends upon straight lines and clean material transitions. The precision of the minimalist aesthetic leaves little room for construction error. The tiniest flaw distracts from the desired visual.
“Long-term construction success takes more than high-quality materials and systems.” describes Wileman. “Craftsmanship matters. The experience and attention to detail of our team played an important role in building a home that truly stood (and continues to stand) the test of time.”
Essex credits the team and the entire process for the longevity of the home. “Our discussion throughout the process and the responsiveness to our feedback meant that we were making well-considered decisions and being thoughtful every step of the way. In the end, that has made all of the difference. Ten years later all you have to do is look around and see that the house looks like it is brand new. The materials have held up beautifully, and the design still fits our lives perfectly.”