The Golden Standard of Building Mastery

By USGBC MA Communications

Congratulations to Keith Construction for being awarded 2 GOLD Tommie awards for the Spicer/Roman Residence and the Timberframe Home in the Woods, for Excellence in Single Family Homes. We would also like to congratulate Keith construction President Ken Dahlen who has officially been designated as a Master Residential Builder in BC. There are only a few CHBA certified Master Builders in the province at this time.

About the Spicer Roman Residence

Rated “Built Green” platinum! This Prairie style modern home was built high into the grasslands and positioned to maximize the views of the Coldstream valley and Kalamalka Lake. Designed to bring in as much natural light as possible it also maximizes the views from all of the main rooms of the house…even the ensuite has a view. The 14 ft ceilings in the great room create an airy and open feel while the dropped tray along the perimeter helps draw the eye down. The large great room/kitchen area is made for entertaining!

The home offers softened Modern design with horizontal lines, plentiful windows and an open floor plan. It is very Fung Shui: fire (fireplace),earth (wood in the cabinets & floors), air (spaciousness, fans & cross ventilation) & water (blue glass & turquoise accents).  The hard angles of the rooms are softened with curved artwork and soft edge furniture.

The kitchen features high gloss cabinets with maple wood accents, glass backsplash and quartz countertops, made for easy cleaning. The upper cabinets have electronic touch “tap to open” technology.  There are multiple work spaces c/w bench seat in the kitchen area for enjoying the morning sun.  The extra large island with seating allows for visiting while enjoying the view. The kitchen boasts energy efficient appliances : induction cooktop, indoor electric grill, built-in steamer, rotisserie oven, and dishwasher drawers.  There is a combination of open and closed cabinets with many niches throughout home. Natural light was  the key to creating this space limiting the use of the LED lighting. There are 2 linear electric LED fireplaces with crystals that provide supplemental heat in the winter.

About the Timberframe Home in the Woods

A Craftsman oasis in the woods awaits.  Vaulted ceilings to a loft over the kitchen and plentiful windows open the home to vistas of the woods and  sky.  Wood timber framing, wood ceilings and floors, and the open plan create a warm and cozy atmosphere.  Downstairs you will find a fully equipped wet bar and games room.  Sip on your glass of wine on the timber framed covered deck while overlooking the stunning views.

Our client’s dream – this home has a “luxury ski chalet” feel with timberframing,  pine T&G ceilings and is tucked in the forest overlooking Vernon & both Kalamalka and Okanagan lakes.  This custom timberframe was designed with longevity  of character in mind and placed on the property with strategic removal of trees to preserve the natural setting, privacy, views,  sun exposure and shade.  It was designed to have a “public” side with a loft, great room & man cave in built in traditional timberframe, all focusing  on the view,  and a “private” (quiet) side with bedrooms up and down finished in modern decor.   The timber frame in &  out has structural rods presenting three decorative motifs: a maple leaf, music note & Roman numeral for the year the home was built.  The floor to ceiling wood burning rock fireplace with bookcases,  wraps around to the staircase adding to ambience of this chalet. LED lighting throughout enhances the timber-framing details. Upon entry into the large foyer with timber and pine ceilings , you will appreciate the view  of the lakes over the staircase. The short post glass rails on the loft allow for  expansive views and creates an “in the rafters” feel.

The dark wood cabinets contrast with the  light wood doors &  trim, solid wood interior doors,  hardwood flooring and timber framing. The home has easy maintenance with durable acacia hardwood, quartz countertops and heated ceramic tiles.

The layout allows for easy entertaining in one large room on the upper level and the large “man cave” area below with media, bar and games areas. This stunning home is perfect for single level living with the main rooms, laundry &  sports equipment area  in the mudroom adjacent to kitchen with access to garage.

Built Green Standards with: Energy Star appliances, LED lights, triple glazed windows with reflective coating, HRV, high efficient mechanical systems, and rough in for geothermal and solar. The home was built with 2×8 staggered stud walls with R32 wall  insulation, R50 in flat ceilings, and R40 in sloped ceilings. Sill gasket drywall & vapour barrier paint were used for a very air-tight  and comfortable indoor environment.  It comes complete with low maintenance metal roof, Hardie and rock exterior with timber detailing.