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Kami’s Cabin – A Hillside Retreat in Kamas, Utah

Overview

Kami’s Cabin is a custom-designed home situated on approximately 22 acres of hillside property in Kamas, Utah. Spanning around 3,700 square feet, the cabin offers panoramic 360-degree views of the surrounding landscape from every window. The project presented unique construction challenges, particularly in creating an accessible driveway up the hillside. The design emphasizes natural elements and features that enhance the rustic charm and functionality of the home, fulfilling the owner’s vision of a serene mountain retreat.

Project Goals

Maximize Panoramic Views: Design the home to take full advantage of the 360-degree views available from the hilltop location.
Overcome Site Challenges: Develop a practical solution for driveway access to the hillside property.
Incorporate Natural Elements: Use wood accents and a wood-burning stove to create a warm, rustic atmosphere.
Functional Layout: Provide ample living space with bedrooms and bathrooms to accommodate family and guests.

Design and Implementation

Site Development:

  • Driveway Construction:
    • Challenge: The steep hillside required the creation of a driveway with proper slope for safe and convenient access.
    • Solution: Conducted blasting operations to carve a path up the hillside, ensuring the driveway met all safety and slope requirements.

Exterior Features:

  • Hilltop Positioning:
    • The home is strategically placed on the hill in the middle of the property to maximize views.
    • Offers unobstructed vistas in all directions, enhancing the living experience.

Interior Features:

  • Main Floor:
    • Layout:
      • Features two bedrooms and two and a half bathrooms.
      • Designed for primary living with essential amenities on one level.
    • Living Room:
      • Wood Accent Wall:
        • Incorporates a wood accent wall with faux beams, adding rustic charm and visual interest.
      • Wood-Burning Stove:
        • Installed at the owner’s request to provide the ambiance and scent of burning wood.
        • Allows for practical uses such as boiling water on top.
      • HVAC System:
        • Equipped with a standard HVAC system for efficient heating and cooling.
  • Basement:
    • Walkout Design:
      • Due to the hillside location, the basement features a walkout design, providing easy access to the outdoors.
    • Layout:
      • Includes four bedrooms and three and a half bathrooms.
      • Offers additional living space for family members and guests.

Materials and Finishes:

  • Natural Elements:
    • Emphasis on wood materials to blend with the natural surroundings.
    • Faux beams and wood accents enhance the cabin aesthetic.

Views and Orientation:

  • Window Placement:
    • Windows are strategically placed in all rooms to capture the surrounding views.
    • Every bedroom, living area, and even the bathrooms offer sightlines to the outdoors.

Challenges and Solutions:

  • Driveway Construction:
    • Challenge: Creating a driveway with proper slope on a steep hillside.
    • Solution: Employed blasting techniques to remove rock and earth, carving a safe and accessible driveway to the home.
  • Maximizing Views:
    • Challenge: Ensuring that every room benefits from the property’s panoramic views.
    • Solution: Designed the floor plan with careful consideration of window placement and room orientation.
  • Incorporating Owner’s Requests:
    • Challenge: Integrating a wood-burning stove without a traditional fireplace.
    • Solution: Installed a standalone wood-burning stove in the living room, providing the desired functionality and ambiance.

Outcome

Kami’s Cabin successfully delivers a tranquil and picturesque retreat that aligns with the owner’s vision. The home seamlessly blends into the hillside environment while offering modern comforts and rustic charm. The challenges of building on a steep slope were effectively addressed, resulting in a functional and beautiful access route. The incorporation of natural materials and features like the wood-burning stove adds to the cabin’s authenticity and warmth.

Key Features Recap

  • Total Square Footage: Approximately 3,700 square feet.
  • Location: Situated on 22 acres of hillside property in Kamas, Utah.
  • Panoramic Views: 360-degree views from every window due to strategic placement on the hilltop.
  • Main Floor:
    • Two bedrooms and two and a half bathrooms.
    • Living room with wood accent wall and faux beams.
    • Wood-burning stove for ambiance and practical use.
  • Basement:
    • Walkout design for easy outdoor access.
    • Four bedrooms and three and a half bathrooms.
  • Driveway:
    • Constructed by blasting through the hillside to achieve proper slope and safety.
  • Materials:
    • Use of wood accents and natural materials to enhance rustic appeal.

Conclusion

Kami’s Cabin exemplifies a successful collaboration between the homeowner and Shadd Johnson Design, resulting in a mountain home that is both functional and harmonious with its natural surroundings. The project’s unique challenges were met with innovative solutions, particularly in site access and maximizing views. The cabin stands as a testament to thoughtful design and careful execution, providing a cherished retreat for the owner that capitalizes on the beauty of the Utah landscape.

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