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The James Residence – A Multi-Level Architectural Marvel in Huntsville, Utah
Overview
The James Residence is a 6,500-square-foot livable (9,000 total square feet) custom home located in Huntsville, Utah. Completed in the spring of 2024, this ambitious project was designed for Lavender and Oaks and built for the 2024 Northern Wasatch Parade of Homes. The construction spanned approximately seven months, featuring complex engineering solutions to accommodate a challenging lot with significant elevation changes. Key highlights include a unique bridge connecting the garage to the main house, multiple hidden rooms and passages, luxurious master suite amenities, and breathtaking views of Pineview Reservoir.
Project Goals
Adapt to Challenging Topography: Design a home that seamlessly integrates with a lot featuring a 50-foot drop from street level.
Structural Integrity: Ensure the home is securely anchored using helical piers to mitigate any potential hillside instability.
Innovative Design Features: Incorporate unique elements such as hidden doors, a bridge with a waterfall, and expansive indoor-outdoor living spaces.
Luxury and Functionality: Create a residence that offers high-end amenities while maintaining practical living spaces for the homeowners.
Showcase Craftsmanship: Build a Parade of Homes showcase that highlights exceptional design and construction quality.
Design and Implementation
Site and Structural Engineering:
Lot Challenges:
- The home is situated on a lot with a 50-foot elevation drop from the street to the basement level.
- Required the garage to sit 30 feet below street level, with the main floor level with the garage, and the basement another 10 feet down.
Helical Piers Foundation:
- Installed helical piers averaging 35 to 40 feet deep to anchor the home securely.
- Provides stability even if the hillside experiences erosion or movement.
Access and Entry:
Bridge Connection:
- A distinctive bridge connects the garage to the main house.
- Due to the adjusted elevation, the bridge incorporates a set of stairs.
- Underneath the bridge, a man-made waterfall flows in front of the front door, creating a serene entry experience.
Custom Front Door:
- Partnered with a St. George-based door company to feature a metal door with built-in pass-through windows.
Main Floor Features:
Grand Living Spaces:
- Living room boasts 12-foot ceilings, soaring up to 26 feet with a vaulted design.
- Expansive windows provided by one of the project’s investors offer panoramic views of Pineview Reservoir.
Indoor-Outdoor Dining:
- Dining room includes access to both indoor and outdoor dining areas.
- Accordion doors open to the main deck, enhancing the indoor-outdoor living experience.
Master Suite:
- Elegant design with a luxurious bathroom featuring a wet room that combines a soaking tub and a spacious shower accommodating up to four adults.
- Wet room includes a window overlooking the secluded backyard and lake views.
- Master closet contains a hidden staircase leading down to a private “she-cave” craft room adjacent to the gym.
Guest Suite and Office:
- Main floor includes a guest suite for visitors.
- Office space features a Murphy door—a hidden door within a bookcase—that leads to a private staircase descending to the basement.
Hidden Doors and Storage:
- Additional hidden doors are located near the front entrance, concealing closets and storage spaces to maintain a clean aesthetic.
Basement Features:
Bridge Connection:
- A distinctive bridge connects the garage to the main house.
- Due to the adjusted elevation, the bridge incorporates a set of stairs.
- Underneath the bridge, a man-made waterfall flows in front of the front door, creating a serene entry experience.
Recreational Spaces:
- Includes a gym, theater room, and entertainment area.
- A rec area with accordion doors opens to the main patio.
Bedrooms and Bathrooms:
- A bunk room with its own en-suite bathroom.
- Two additional bedrooms connected by a Jack and Jill bathroom.
- Custom-made countertops with integrated sinks in the Jack and Jill bathroom, crafted without seams.
Flooring and Comfort:
- Carpeted throughout to provide warmth due to the slab foundation and the home’s elevation.
Construction Highlights:
Mechanical Integration:
- Utilized 22-inch floor trusses between the basement and main floor to conceal mechanical, electrical, and fire suppression systems.
Adjustments During Build:
- Made real-time adjustments to window sizes for enhanced views.
- Collaborated with the engineer of record to accommodate design changes seamlessly.
Driveway Execution:
- Faced a challenge when the original concrete contractor left the project.
- A trio of contractors—a father, son, and uncle—came together to pour 105 yards of concrete over two pours, completing the driveway efficiently.
Parade of Homes Participation:
Timeline Management:
- Despite time constraints, the team ensured meticulous attention to detail to meet the Parade of Homes standards.
- Received positive feedback from judges, who indicated the home could have swept all categories had it been entered for judging.
Challenges and Solutions:
- Topographical Constraints:
- Challenge: Designing a multi-level home on a steeply sloped lot.
- Solution: Adjusted the original design to drop the house an additional 10 feet, reconfiguring the bridge to include stairs and integrating helical piers for stability.
- Construction Hurdles:
- Challenge: Original concrete contractor’s departure threatened project timelines.
- Solution: Secured a new team who collaborated effectively to complete the extensive concrete work required.
- Design Adjustments:
- Challenge: Need for modifications during construction, such as enlarging windows.
- Solution: Worked closely with the engineer to make structural adjustments without delaying progress.
Outcome
The James Residence stands as a testament to innovative design and engineering prowess. The home not only meets the aesthetic and functional desires of the client but also overcomes significant site challenges through creative solutions. Its successful completion within the projected timeline showcases the effective collaboration between Shadd Johnson Design, Lavender and Oaks, and the construction teams involved. The residence offers luxurious amenities, privacy through hidden spaces, and stunning views, all while ensuring structural integrity on a challenging lot.
Key Features Recap
- Total Square Footage: 6,500 livable; 9,000 total.
- Location: Huntsville, Utah; completed in spring 2024.
- Structural Engineering:
- Built on helical piers extending 35-40 feet into the ground.
- Multi-level design adapting to a 50-foot elevation change.
- Unique Access:
- Bridge with stairs connecting the garage to the main house.
- Man-made waterfall flowing under the bridge and in front of the entrance.
- Main Floor:
- 12-foot ceilings, vaulting to 26 feet in the living room.
- Office with a hidden Murphy door leading to private stairs.
- Master suite with secret stairs to a “she-cave” craft room and gym.
- Guest suite, dining room with indoor-outdoor access, and expansive deck.
- Basement:
- Gym, theater room, entertainment area, bunk room with en-suite.
- Two bedrooms with a custom Jack and Jill bathroom.
- Carpeted flooring for warmth.
- Hidden Features:
- Multiple hidden doors and passages for privacy and aesthetic appeal.
- Construction Highlights:
- Efficient handling of unforeseen challenges.
- High-quality materials and craftsmanship throughout.
Conclusion
The James Residence exemplifies Shadd Johnson Design’s commitment to overcoming complex challenges with innovative solutions. The home’s design harmoniously blends luxury, functionality, and structural integrity. Its array of unique features, from hidden rooms to expansive views, offers the homeowners an exceptional living experience. The project’s success, particularly in the context of the 2024 Northern Wasatch Parade of Homes, underscores the firm’s ability to deliver outstanding results under demanding conditions.
