| Building Lakeside | Design by Location What's it take to build on a mountaintop? How about in the desert or at water's edge? Experts set the scene for perfect log home design, no matter what terrain you choose... by: Lakeside  Design: For most people building near a lake, priority number one is orienting the home—specifically, the windows—to capture the best possible views of the water. But there are a few design considerations you’ll have to keep in mind. For example, what’s the wind load on a large, heavily windowed wall? And how will it impact the structure? “Quality glazing and proper engineering will ensure wind-exposed walls are stable,” Dianne says. Double glazing insulates almost twice as well as single glazing. Adding a third or fourth layer of glazing adds even more energy efficiency. Some windows use glass only; others use a thin plastic film as an inner glazing layer. Quality glazed windows cost more up front, but they pay off in low maintenance and energy savings. Because lakeside property generally sees a lot of rain, Rand says to make sure the home is properly sealed, flashed and waterproofed. Mold and mildew can be tremendous concerns. Along with gutters and downspouts, a drainage system should divert collected rain a safe distance away from the home. Log Species: Designer Brian Delwiche of Wisconsin Log Homes in Green Bay recommends cedar and pine as good log choices for waterfront areas due to their resistance to decay, mold, mildew and dry rot. |
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