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The Witfields Home – A Unique Rambler with Walkout Basement in Lehi, 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

Overcome Site Constraints: Address the high water table and sewer line challenges to include basements in the development.
Aesthetic Continuity: Incorporate exterior design elements into the interior to create a cohesive look.
Functional Family Living: Create a spacious and practical layout that separates the master suite from other bedrooms for privacy.
Maximize Views and Natural Light: Utilize the walkout basement and deck to enhance outdoor living and bring in natural light.

Design and Implementation

Site Engineering:

  • Raising the Road:
    • The existing sewer line’s elevation required innovative solutions.
    • The development team raised the road by eight feet to achieve the necessary slope for sewer tie-in.
    • This adjustment allowed for basements despite the high water table, providing nine-foot basement ceilings with minimal excavation.

Exterior Design:

  • Rambler Style:
    • Single-story living with a spacious footprint.
    • Four-car garage providing ample storage and parking.
  • Walkout Basement:
    • The elevated site enables a full walkout basement at the back.
    • Main floor deck overlooks the backyard, enhancing outdoor living space.

Interior Design:

  • Main Floor Layout:
    • Bedrooms:
      • Master suite located on the left side for privacy.
      • Three additional bedrooms situated on the right side, away from the master suite.
    • Living Spaces:
      • Open-concept living room, dining room, and kitchen.
      • A distinctive brick wall separates the living room from the dining and kitchen areas, bringing exterior materials inside.
    • Amenities:
      • Laundry room conveniently located near the master suite.
      • Mudroom adjacent to the garage entrance for organization.
  • Basement Features:
    • Additional Living Spaces:
      • A large living room provides extra space for family activities.
      • A kitchenette enhances the basement’s functionality for entertaining or extended family stays.
    • Bedrooms and Bathrooms:
      • Three additional bathrooms accommodate the basement’s living spaces.

Materials and Finishes:

  • Flooring:
    • Engineered hardwood flooring installed throughout the main floor, offering durability and elegance.
    • Master bathroom features slate tile, adding a touch of luxury and contrast.
  • Interior Brick Wall:
    • Continuation of exterior brick inside the home creates a cohesive aesthetic.
    • Acts as a focal point and defines spaces within the open floor plan.

Challenges and Solutions:

  • High Water Table and Sewer Connection:
    • Challenge: The city believed basements were not feasible due to the high water table and the elevation of existing sewer lines.
    • Solution:
      • The design and development team collaborated to raise the road by eight feet, allowing proper sewer connections.
      • This engineering feat enabled the inclusion of nine-foot walkout basements in all homes within the cul-de-sac.
  • Design Continuity:
    • Challenge: Integrating exterior materials into the interior design to create a unified look.
    • Solution:
      • Brought the same brick used on the exterior into the interior as a separating wall.
      • This design choice provided visual continuity and a unique interior feature.

Outcome

The Witfields Home successfully combines practical family living with unique design elements, all while overcoming significant site challenges. The inclusion of a walkout basement adds valuable living space and enhances the home’s functionality. The strategic placement of bedrooms provides privacy for the master suite, and the open floor plan fosters family interaction. The use of consistent materials both inside and out creates a harmonious aesthetic. The project stands as a testament to innovative problem-solving and effective collaboration between Shadd Johnson Design and Staten Quality Construction.

Key Features Recap

  • Location: Lehi, Utah.
  • Developer/Builder: Staten Quality Construction.
  • Bedrooms and Bathrooms:
    • Four bedrooms on the main floor.
    • Two and a half bathrooms on the main floor.
    • Additional bathrooms in the basement (total of three).
  • Garage:
    • Four-car garage providing ample space for vehicles and storage.
  • Main Floor:
    • Open-concept living room, dining room, and kitchen.
    • Brick wall feature separating living spaces.
    • Master suite located on the left side with proximity to laundry, staircase, and mudroom.
    • Secondary bedrooms located on the right side for privacy.
  • Basement:
    • Walkout design with access to the backyard.
    • Additional living room and kitchenette for entertaining or extended family use.
    • Three extra bathrooms supporting the basement’s functionality.
  • Unique Features:
    • Raised road to accommodate basements despite high water table.
    • Integration of exterior brick into interior design.
    • Engineered hardwood flooring and slate tile in master bathroom.
  • Outdoor Living:
    • Main floor deck overlooking the backyard, accessible from the living areas.

Conclusion

The Witfields Home demonstrates how innovative design and engineering can overcome site limitations to deliver a functional and aesthetically pleasing residence. By raising the road and reconfiguring the site’s elevation, the team made it possible to include desirable features like walkout basements, adding significant value to the property. The thoughtful layout ensures privacy and convenience for the homeowners, while the unique interior elements like the brick wall provide character and continuity. The collaboration between Shadd Johnson Design and Staten Quality Construction resulted in a home that not only meets but exceeds expectations, offering a unique and comfortable living experience in Lehi, Utah.

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